Harrison Consoles MPC Spectral Compressor is a powerful dynamics processor derived from Harrison’s iconic enterprise-class MPC consoles, originally developed for demanding film and post-production work. This plugin offers unparalleled accuracy and precision when mastering mixes, providing 18 spectral bands of dynamic range control. Users can sculpt the sound of each band individually or utilize global controls to adjust the overall tone of their mix. The MPC Spectral Compressor excels at smoothing out harsh frequencies, boosting low-end, brightening highs, and achieving a professional, refined sound across various genres.
Pros:
• Precise control over 18 spectral bands for detailed sound shaping
• Intuitive interface with visual feedback via gain reduction graph
• Versatile application across various mixing and mastering scenarios
• Derived from professional-grade hardware used in film and post-production
Cons:
• Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with spectral compression techniques
With its intuitive interface, the plugin allows for easy manipulation of compression parameters across the frequency spectrum. The main display features a gain reduction graph, providing visual feedback on the compressor’s effect on the input signal. The plugin’s versatility shines through its ability to function as an effective de-esser, a flexible drum bus processor, or a subtle enhancer for vocals and instruments. Whether you’re working on music production, post-production, or mastering, the MPC Spectral Compressor offers the tools necessary to achieve high-quality results efficiently.
The MPC Spectral Compressor boasts an impressive array of features that cater to the needs of professional audio engineers and producers. At its core is the ability to apply compression across 18 spectral bands, allowing for incredibly precise control over the dynamics of specific frequency ranges. This level of detail is particularly useful when dealing with complex mixes or problematic frequencies that require targeted processing.
The plugin’s interface is dominated by a large gain reduction graph, which provides real-time visual feedback on the compressor’s effect across the frequency spectrum. This graph displays both the input signal and the amount of gain reduction applied, making it easy to identify and address specific areas of the mix that require attention.
One of the standout features is the Frequency Range selector, which allows users to focus the 18 compressor bands on specific areas of the frequency spectrum. Options include Full Range (16 Hz – 20 kHz), High (3 kHz – 20 kHz), High Mid (200 Hz – 18 kHz), Mid (180 Hz – 7 kHz), Low Mid (12 Hz – 8 kHz), and Low (15 Hz – 500 Hz). This flexibility enables users to concentrate their efforts on particular problem areas or to shape the overall tonal balance of a mix with precision.
The Depth sliders, located below the graph, control the maximum amount of gain reduction that can be applied to each set of three frequency bands. This granular control allows for subtle adjustments or more dramatic processing as needed. The global Threshold control sets the input signal level at which compression begins to take effect across all bands, with a range from -60 to 0 dB.
Additional controls include a Knee parameter, which affects how gradually the compression is applied as the signal approaches the threshold, and an output Trim for balancing levels post-compression. These features contribute to the plugin’s ability to achieve both transparent and more characterful compression, depending on the user’s needs.
The MPC Spectral Compressor also includes a sidechain EQ with seven shapes, allowing users to focus the compressor’s sensitivity on specific frequency ranges. This feature is particularly useful for de-essing vocals or taming specific resonances in instruments. The plugin also offers an external sidechain input, enabling users to trigger the compression based on the signal from another track, opening up creative possibilities for mix cohesion and rhythmic effects.
When compared to similar plugins, the Harrison Consoles MPC Spectral Compressor stands out for its heritage and precision. While multiband compressors like the Waves C6 or FabFilter Pro-MB offer similar frequency-specific compression, the MPC Spectral Compressor’s 18 bands provide a level of detail that surpasses many competitors. Its interface, while comprehensive, is more intuitive than some alternatives, striking a balance between functionality and usability.
The plugin’s sound quality is often described as clean and transparent, which is in line with its origins in high-end film and post-production work. This sets it apart from some vintage-inspired multiband compressors that intentionally color the sound. However, the MPC Spectral Compressor is capable of both subtle and more aggressive processing, making it versatile enough to compete with a wide range of dynamics processors.
Where the MPC Spectral Compressor particularly excels is in its ability to handle complex material with finesse. Its precision makes it especially suitable for mastering and post-production work, areas where some broader-stroke multiband compressors might fall short.
While the learning curve may be steep for those new to spectral compression, the visual feedback provided by the gain reduction graph helps users understand and fine-tune their processing decisions. The ability to focus on specific frequency ranges and the inclusion of advanced features like sidechain EQ and external sidechain input further extend the plugin’s versatility.
This plugin is best for:
• Mastering engineers seeking precise control over dynamics across the frequency spectrum
• Post-production professionals working on film and television audio
• Music producers looking to refine and polish complex mixes
• Sound designers requiring detailed spectral shaping capabilities
Harrison Consoles MPC Spectral Compressor is a sophisticated tool that brings professional-grade spectral compression to the digital domain. Its 18-band architecture provides unparalleled control over dynamics across the frequency spectrum, making it an invaluable asset for mastering, post-production, and detailed mix work. The plugin’s intuitive interface, coupled with its powerful feature set, allows users to achieve both subtle enhancements and dramatic tonal shaping with equal ease. MPC Spectral Compressor’s clean, transparent sound quality stays true to its hardware origins, making it particularly well-suited for high-end production work where maintaining audio fidelity is crucial. However, its flexibility also allows for more creative and aggressive processing when needed. For audio professionals seeking a powerful, precise, and versatile dynamics processor, the Harrison Consoles MPC Spectral Compressor represents a significant addition to their plugin arsenal, capable of elevating the quality of their mixes and masters to new heights.