Renowned French studio 'Condorcet' resurrected, featuring a versatile space and Harrison 32Classic console at its core
Studio Condorcet Reborn with Harrison 32Classic Analogue Console
In Toulouse, France, Studio Condorcet has undergone a significant transformation, welcoming a new Harrison 32Classic analogue console into its heart. This console, renowned for its warm, rich tone, is a microphone preamp module that upholds the legacy of Harrison Audio's processing sound [2][3][4][5].
The 32Classic, with its premium Jensen JT-MB-CPCA transformer-coupled microphone preamp, offers up to 70dB of clean gain, ensuring a three-dimensional, full-bodied soundstage that producers and engineers cherish [2][3][4][5].
Unique Features of the Harrison 32Classic
The 32Classic's transformer-coupled preamp is a key element in its signature warm and rich sonic character. Its high clean gain allows for very clean amplification even at high gain levels. Moreover, the classic Harrison tone is a testament to the console's heritage in the professional audio industry [2][5].
Olivier Cussac's Choice
Olivier Cussac, the proprietor of Studio Condorcet, was drawn to the 32Classic due to the pedigree of studios and engineers who have used the 32C. His considerations for the console included build quality, power consumption, and audio quality. He was particularly impressed with the filters, layout, and build quality after visiting the manufacturing facility [6].
The 32Classic's LPF is considered a creative tool by Cussac, enhancing music in a magical way. The instrument input in the center section of the console allows for patching a mic or a keyboard on the fly, offering flexibility in the recording process.
Studio Condorcet's Transformation
The transformation of Studio Condorcet extends beyond the console. A high-ceilinged room is being converted into a 430-square-foot tracking space for up to 15 musicians. The large mix room, acoustically designed to double as a recording space, provides an ideal setting for the 32Classic.
The 32Classic's features, such as the D-sub patching at the rear, angled down to prevent stress from the weight of cables, and the deep arm rest and custom sidecar on the right-hand end, provide additional space for equipment, making it a versatile addition to the studio [7].
The 32Classic in Action
The drum sounds recorded through the 32Classic's mic preamps have a punch and density that are highly appreciated. The pan pots on the console have a very steady and precise behavior across the stereo image, ensuring accurate placement of sounds.
The 0 dB lock button on each channel of the 32Classic bypasses the fader and sets the level to exactly 0 dB, offering a level of precision in the mixing process. The 32Classic's beefier sound compared to the vintage console in the comparison highlights its modern clarity and gain staging [1].
In conclusion, the Harrison 32Classic is a popular choice in contemporary and classic recording studios due to its combination of vintage transformer warmth with modern clarity and gain staging [2][5]. Its addition to Studio Condorcet marks a significant step forward in the studio's journey to provide top-quality recording services.
References: [1] Harrison Audio [2] Sound on Sound [3] Audiofanzine [4] ProSoundWeb [5] MusicTech [6] Mix Online [7] Audio Media International
- The Harrison 32Classic console, with its premium Jensen JT-MB-CPCA transformer-coupled microphone preamp, has been installed at Studio Condorcet in Toulouse, France.
- The 32Classic offers up to 70dB of clean gain, providing a three-dimensional, full-bodied soundstage cherished by producers and engineers.
- The transformer-coupled preamp in the 32Classic is a key element in its warm and rich sonic character, much admired in professional audio circles.
- Olivier Cussac, the studio owner, was attracted to the 32Classic due to its pedigree, build quality, power consumption, audio quality, and innovative features.
- The LPF (Low Pass Filter) in the 32Classic is considered a creative tool by Cussac, as it enhances music in a magical way.
- The studio is currently undergoing a transformation, with a high-ceilinged room being converted into a 430-square-foot tracking space for up to 15 musicians.
- The large mix room, acoustically designed to double as a recording space, provides an ideal setting for the 32Classic, with features such as D-sub patching and deep arm rests offering additional space for equipment.
- The drum sounds recorded through the 32Classic's mic preamps have a punch and density appreciated by musicians, while the pan pots and 0 dB lock button on each channel offer a level of precision in the mixing process.
