Table of Contents
Company Backgrounds
McDSP
Founded in 1998 by Colin McDowell, McDSP has become a leading developer of professional audio plugins. The company is based in Silicon Valley and is known for its innovative approach to digital signal processing. McDSP’s plugins are widely used in music production, post-production, and broadcast industries.
Harrison Consoles
Harrison Consoles has a rich history dating back to 1975 when Dave Harrison founded the company. Initially focused on analog mixing consoles, Harrison gained fame for their 32 Series console in the late 1970s. The company has since evolved to incorporate digital technologies while maintaining their commitment to high-quality analog sound. Harrison is based in Nashville, Tennessee.
Product Offerings
McDSP
McDSP’s product line consists entirely of software plugins, covering a wide range of audio processing needs:
1. Channel strips (e.g., 6050 Ultimate Channel Strip)
2. Equalizers (e.g., FilterBank)
3. Compressors (e.g., CompressorBank)
4. Limiters (e.g., ML4000)
5. Multi-band processors (e.g., ML8000)
6. Saturation and distortion (e.g., Analog Channel)
7. Reverb and delay (e.g., EC-300)
8. Specialty processors (e.g., Futzbox, NR800)
McDSP also offers bundles that combine multiple plugins at a discounted price.
Harrison Consoles
Harrison’s product line is more diverse, including both hardware and software:
1. Analog mixing consoles (e.g., 32C Series)
2. Digital mixing consoles (e.g., MPC5)
3. Digital audio workstations (Mixbus, Mixbus32C)
4. Hardware controllers (e.g., Xkeys)
5. Outboard gear (e.g., 32C Series EQ/Filter modules)
Harrison’s flagship product is the 32C Series console, which combines analog circuitry with digital control.
Sound Quality and Character
McDSP
McDSP plugins are known for their clean, transparent sound with the ability to add character when desired. Their emulations of classic hardware are highly regarded for their accuracy and attention to detail. McDSP’s approach often involves modeling specific pieces of hardware, but they also create original designs that push the boundaries of what’s possible with digital processing.
Key characteristics of McDSP plugins include:
1. Low CPU usage
2. Minimal latency
3. Precise control over parameters
4. Flexibility to achieve both subtle and extreme effects
Many users praise McDSP plugins for their ability to maintain clarity and definition even when pushed hard.
Harrison Consoles
Harrison is renowned for its warm, musical analog sound. Their consoles and outboard gear are prized for their ability to add depth, richness, and character to audio. The Harrison sound is often described as full-bodied and smooth, with a slight emphasis on the midrange that can help elements sit well in a mix.
Key characteristics of Harrison products include:
1. Rich harmonic content
2. Smooth high-end response
3. Punchy and defined low-end
4. Wide, open soundstage
Harrison’s digital products, including their Mixbus DAW, aim to capture the essence of their analog sound in the digital domain.
Workflow and User Interface
McDSP
McDSP plugins are designed with efficiency and ease of use in mind. Their user interfaces are generally clean and intuitive, with a focus on providing quick access to essential controls. Many McDSP plugins feature:
1. Resizable GUI windows
2. Multiple view options (e.g., simple vs. advanced modes)
3. Extensive metering and visualization options
4. Preset management systems
McDSP plugins integrate seamlessly into most major DAWs, allowing users to maintain their existing workflow while benefiting from McDSP’s processing capabilities.
Harrison Consoles
Harrison’s approach to workflow is heavily influenced by traditional console design. Their hardware products feature tactile controls and a layout that will be familiar to engineers with experience on large-format consoles. The Mixbus DAW aims to bring this console-style workflow to the digital domain, with a channel strip-based approach and intuitive routing options.
Key workflow features of Harrison products include:
1. Modular design allowing for customization
2. Integrated automation systems
3. Recall capabilities for settings
4. Ergonomic layout optimized for long mixing sessions
Harrison’s focus on maintaining a console-like workflow can be particularly appealing to engineers transitioning from analog to digital environments.
Flexibility and Customization
McDSP
McDSP plugins offer a high degree of flexibility, allowing users to tailor the sound to their specific needs. Many plugins feature:
1. Multiple algorithm options within a single plugin
2. Extensive modulation capabilities
3. Sidechain inputs for creative processing
4. The ability to create custom presets and share them with other users
This flexibility makes McDSP plugins suitable for a wide range of applications, from subtle enhancement to extreme sound design.
Harrison Consoles
Harrison products, particularly their consoles, offer a different kind of flexibility. The modular nature of their hardware allows for customization of the signal flow and processing options. In the digital realm, the Mixbus DAW provides:
1. Customizable channel strips
2. Flexible routing options
3. The ability to integrate with third-party plugins
4. Scripting capabilities for advanced users
While perhaps not as immediately tweakable as McDSP plugins, Harrison products offer a more holistic approach to customization, allowing users to tailor the entire mixing environment to their needs.
Compatibility and Integration
McDSP
McDSP plugins are available in all major plugin formats, including:
1. AAX (for Pro Tools)
2. VST3
3. AU (for Logic Pro and other macOS DAWs)
This wide compatibility ensures that McDSP plugins can be used in virtually any modern digital audio workstation. Additionally, McDSP offers both native and DSP versions of their plugins, with the latter designed for use with Pro Tools HDX systems.
Harrison Consoles
Harrison’s hardware products are designed to integrate with a variety of studio setups, offering both analog and digital I/O options. The Mixbus DAW is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it one of the few professional DAWs with native Linux support.
Mixbus can host VST, AU, and LV2 plugins, allowing users to incorporate third-party processors into their workflow. However, it’s worth noting that Mixbus has its own unique ecosystem, which may require some adjustment for users coming from other DAWs.
Price and Value
McDSP
McDSP plugins are generally priced in the mid to high range for professional audio software. Individual plugins typically range from $100 to $500, with bundles offering significant savings. McDSP also offers subscription plans, allowing users to access their entire plugin collection for a monthly or annual fee.
While the initial investment may be substantial, many users find McDSP plugins to offer excellent value due to their sound quality, low CPU usage, and frequent updates.
Harrison Consoles
Harrison’s pricing varies widely depending on the product:
1. Analog consoles can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars
2. Digital consoles are typically in the tens of thousands
3. The Mixbus DAW is very affordably priced, starting at under $100 for the basic version
Harrison’s hardware products represent a significant investment but are often seen as offering good value due to their build quality and longevity. The Mixbus DAW is widely regarded as offering exceptional value, providing many features of a high-end DAW at a fraction of the cost.
Target Markets and Use Cases
McDSP
McDSP plugins are used across a wide range of audio production scenarios, including:
1. Music production and mixing
2. Post-production for film and television
3. Broadcast audio
4. Live sound reinforcement
Their plugins are particularly popular in professional studios and among freelance mix engineers who appreciate the combination of sound quality and efficiency.
Harrison Consoles
Harrison products are typically found in:
1. High-end recording studios
2. Film and television post-production facilities
3. Broadcast environments
4. Educational institutions
The Mixbus DAW has broadened Harrison’s appeal, attracting home studio owners and independent musicians alongside their traditional professional user base.
Strengths and Weaknesses
McDSP
Strengths:
1. Excellent sound quality
2. Low CPU usage and latency
3. Wide compatibility
4. Regular updates and new feature additions
Weaknesses:
1. Higher price point compared to some competitors
2. Lack of hardware integration options
3. Some users find the GUI design less visually appealing than other plugin manufacturers
Harrison Consoles
Strengths:
1. Renowned analog sound quality
2. Robust build quality of hardware products
3. Console-style workflow in both hardware and software
4. Affordable pricing for Mixbus DAW
Weaknesses:
1. Limited plugin offerings compared to dedicated software companies
2. Steep learning curve for those unfamiliar with console-style workflows
3. Hardware products represent a significant investment
Conclusion
McDSP and Harrison Consoles represent two different approaches to audio production, each with its own strengths and appeal. McDSP offers a wide range of high-quality digital plugins that can enhance any DAW-based workflow, while Harrison provides a more integrated approach, particularly appealing to those who value analog sound and traditional console workflows.
For those primarily working in-the-box, McDSP’s plugins offer exceptional sound quality and efficiency. They’re particularly well-suited to professionals who need reliable, low-latency processing across a variety of applications.
Harrison’s offerings, on the other hand, are ideal for those who prefer a more holistic approach to audio production. Their hardware products are a natural fit for high-end studios, while the Mixbus DAW offers an affordable entry point to the Harrison ecosystem for smaller studios and independent producers.
Ultimately, the choice between McDSP and Harrison Consoles will depend on individual needs, workflow preferences, and budget considerations. Both companies have earned their respected positions in the industry by consistently delivering high-quality products that meet the needs of audio professionals.
FAQ
Can I use McDSP plugins in Harrison’s Mixbus DAW?
Yes, McDSP plugins can be used in Mixbus as long as they are in a compatible format (VST or AU). However, you’ll need to ensure you have the correct versions for your operating system.
Does Harrison offer any software plugins similar to McDSP’s offerings?
While Harrison does not offer a extensive range of standalone plugins like McDSP, their Mixbus DAW includes built-in processing inspired by their console designs. These built-in processors offer some similar functionality to dedicated plugins.
Are McDSP plugins suitable for live sound applications?
Yes, many McDSP plugins are designed with live sound in mind. They offer low latency and efficient CPU usage, making them suitable for real-time processing in live environments. Some plugins, like the Live Pack II, are specifically tailored for live sound applications.