Harrison 950mx Installation guide

analog console overview
v1.5 January 2014

950mx analog console overview v1.5 Page 2
Section Heading Page
-- Copyright Information 2
1.0 Introduction 3
2.0 Standard Configurations 4
3.0 Block Diagram 7
4.0 ono ic/Line odule 8
5.0 Stereo Line odule 9
6.0 Dual ix Bus aster odule 10
7.0 Control Room onitor odule 11
8.0 Dual Alternate Output odule 12
9.0 Rear Panel Connections 13
10.0 Specifications 14
11.0 Power Supply Specifications 15
12.0 Environmental Specifications 17
13.0 odule Jumper Settings 18
14.0 Harrison Contact Information 19
Table of Contents
Harrison Consoles Co yright Information 2013
No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, transmitted, stored on a retrieval system, or translated
into any language, in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of an authorized officer of
Harrison Consoles, 1024 Firestone Parkway, La Vergne, TN 37086.
Disclaimer
Harrison Consoles makes no representations or warranties whatsoever with respect to the content of this
document and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for any particular
purpose. We reserve the right to make alterations as technical progress may warrant at the discretion of
Harrison Consoles. Harrison Consoles has no obligation to notify any person or entity of any changes and/or
revisions to this publication. We reserve the right to change materials and specifications without notice.
Pro rietary Information
The information contained in this document is the property of Harrison Consoles. and is proprietary to and a
trade secret of Harrison Consoles. This document and the information contained herein and derived therefrom
are not to be disclosed to any person without the express written consent of an duly authorized officer of
Harrison Consoles.

1.0 Introduction
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The heart of analog - with a modern aesthetic - built with today’s music studio in mind
Analog Mi ing - The 950mx sports a history rich analog design incorporating the same high-end modular
design elements found across the spectrum of Harrison console models from eras past such as the 32
Series, R Series, S10, S12 and LPC. The 950mx provides a superior analog “mixing” platform designed
specifically to complement today’s high performance music studio where powerful DAW’s and high-end
specialized outboard gear are plentiful.
High Performance Design - The 950mx incorporates key high quality design criteria. Double sided
PCB’s, manual PCB layout techniques providing specific trace placement and robust ground plane design,
linear power distribution, gold Euro-card module connectors, gold plated switches, conductive plastic
potentiometers, 100% through-hole design (no surface mount components) and summing busses carried
via PCB’s (no ribbon cable summing busses) all combine to provide the highest performance possible in
analog console design.
Dual Stereo Mi Bus Design – The 950mx provides two distinctly different and independent mix bus
choices. Each channel can route to either or both of the stereo mix busses. The “RED” bus or ix Bus 1
(indicated by the red assignment switch on each channel and the red master fader in the master section)
provides a transformer balanced stereo output stage reminiscent of Harrison’s vintage console models (32
Series and early R Series). The “BLACK” bus or ix Bus 2 (indicated by the black bus assignment
switch on each channel and the black master fader in the master section) provides an electronically
balanced stereo output stage reminiscent of Harrison’s more recent analog console models (S10, S12 and
LPC).
Mono Mic/Line Channels – 4 ono ic/Line Channels are also included in each standard configuration
(custom configurations available upon request) offering a high performance Harrison mic preamplifier, 3
band variable EQ with variable HP and LP filters, with design characteristics found in the S10, S12 and
LPC consoles along with a switchable Line input and balanced insert point ready for your favorite
outboard preamp or other processing gear and a direct output for recording.
Stereo Channels – Unlike traditional analog music console designs the Harrison 950mx provides Stereo
Input Channels as standard equipment.
These precision designed stereo channels are ideally suited for use with today’s typical ‘stereo stem’ track
layout preference of DAW power users. An ample supply of stereo channels in each standard
configuration allows many more tracks to be more efficiently mixed using a smaller more cost effective
console footprint.
DAW Compatible Frame Design – The 950mx frame design is rugged and unique. It is specifically
designed to solve some of the more basic yet troubling ergonomic issues in today’s studio environment.
“Where do I put my keyboard and mouse or trackball?” and “Where do I put my computer monitor/s?” The
950mx solves those issues by providing a 2-tiered front bolster which is wide and deep enough to
comfortably locate your DAW keyboard and mouse/trackball (with sufficient cable access) along with a
generous ‘flat’ top ideal for locating DAW monitor/s and/or small speakers etc. depending on frame size.
Configurations – The 950mx is available in 3 standard configurations featuring 12 channels (4 ono, 8
Stereo), 16 channels (4 ono, 12 Stereo) and 24 Channels (4 ono, 20 Stereo) options. Custom
configurations are available upon request.
Summary – The 950mx is a true ‘blast-from-the-past’ but made for today’s top-end music studios. With its
premium analog circuit designs based on 35 years of expertise, specific ‘DAW friendly’ design criteria and
rugged modular construction, this console is built to last. By focusing on specific analog mixing
requirements of today’s music studio environment Harrison can offer a powerful, high-quality solution at
an affordable price.

2.0 Configurations
16 Channel Example (8 mono / 4 stereo) – 32.1”
12 Channel Example (8 mono / 4 stereo) – 26.4”
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2.0 Configurations
24 Channel Configuration (16 mono / 8 stereo) – 43.4”
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2.0 Configurations
24 Channel Configuration (16 mono / 8 stereo) – 43.4 Shown with optional floor standing frame.
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3.0 Block Diagram
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4.0 Mono Mic / Line Module
Insert Point - Line-level insertion point for an external device. The Insert is always driven and is
pre fader and tone controls. A separate post Fader and Tone controls, line level direct output is
provided on each ono ic / Line module.
Phantom Power - +48 volts DC for microphones that require phantom power.
Filters - Variable HP (24Hz-1.1kHz 12dB per octave), variable LP Filter (20kHz-700hz 12dB per
octave). The filters are not affected by the EQ IN switch.
EQ Controls - HIGH band (+-15dB variable 800Hz-14kHz), ID band (+-15dB variable 400Hz-
8kHz), LO band (+-15dB variable 40Hz-1.8kHz) the IN switch inserts the EQ into the signal path.
The EQ IN switch does not affect the HP and LP Filters.
Pan Control - Deviates the mono signal to the left and right mix busses. Unity gain at center, fully
panned to the left or right gives +3dB.
Input Select - Gain / Level knob controls the ic gain. When LINE is selected the line level input
is selected and feed to the channel at unity gain. When LINE is not selected the ic Preamplifier
input is selected and the gain is from 0dB (level down, 20dB PAD inserted) to 70dB (level up, 20dB
PAD not inserted). Polarity reverse is provided and affects either the ic or Line input.
Au iliary Sends - Aux level control for mono sends 1-2 and for stereo send Aux 3L and 4R.
Jumper options are available on the module for pre or post fader settings. The level control has a
range from mute to unity gain.
Channel ON - Enables the channel VCA. The LED switch is illuminated when the channel is ON.
SOLO - The solo signal is derived after the fader. Selecting SOLO assigns the channel to the solo
bus. To listen to the solo bus the SOLO switch must be selected on the Control Room onitor
module.
Mono Fader - The 100mm linear travel fader carrying DC control voltage is used to vary the main
signal level from mute to +12dB.
Stereo Mi Bus Routing - Stereo ix Bus routing switches 1 and 2 send post fader and pan
switches to either or both stereo mix busses provided. The “RED” bus (1) provides a transformer
balanced output stage while the “BLACK” bus (2) provides an electronically balanced output stage.
Input Meter - The four segment input meter is directly after the input section pre EQ and fader.
Direct Out - The direct out is line level signal that is post EQ, filters, and fader.
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5.0 Stereo Line Module
Insert Point - Line-level insertion point for an external device. The Insert is always driven and is
pre fader and tone controls.
Filters - HP Filter (100Hz - 12dB/Octave), LP Filter (10kHz - 12dB/Octave)
The filters are not affected by the TONE IN switch.
EQ Controls - HIGH (+ -15dB - 10kHz center), ID (+ - 15dB - 4kHz center), LOW (+ - 15dB -
100Hz center). The IN switch inserts the TONE controls into the signal path. The EQ IN switch
does not affect the HP and LP filters.
Balance Control - Deviates the stereo signal to the left and right mix busses. Unity gain at center,
fully positioned to the left or right gives +3dB.
Stereo Input Section - Level knob controls the stereo line input trim from + - 10dB. L > places the
left input to both the left and right sides of the stereo channel. < R places the right signal on both
the left and right sides of the stereo channel. LR together reverses the left and right inputs to the
stereo channel. ONO combines the left and right signals to both sides of the stereo signal.
Au iliary Sends - Aux level control for mono sends 1-2 and for stereo send Aux 3L and 4R.
Jumper options are available on the module for pre or post fader settings. The level control has a
range from mute to unity gain.
Channel ON - Enables the channel VCA. The LED switch is illuminated when the channel is ON.
SOLO - The solo signal is derived after the fader. Selecting SOLO assigns the channel to the solo
bus. To listen to the solo bus the SOLO switch must be selected on the Control Room onitor
module.
Stereo Fader - The 104mm linear travel fader carrying DC control voltage is used to vary the main
signal level from mute to +12dB.
Stereo Mi Bus Routing - Stereo ix Bus routing switches 1 and 2 send post fader and pan
switches to either or both stereo mix busses provided. The “RED” bus (1) provides a transformer
balanced output stage while the “BLACK” bus (2) provides an electronically balanced output stage.
Input Meter - The four segment input meter is directly after the input section pre EQ and fader and
is a sum of the left and right inputs.
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6.0 Mi Bus Master Module
Mi Bus Compressors
Two ix Bus compressor sections are provided one for each of the
stereo mix busses. Compressor controls include: Variable Release Time
(.1ms - 4s), Variable Threshold (-15dB - +15dB), ON switch which
places the compressor in and out of circuit and a gain reduction LED
meter. The compressor Ratio is set at 2:1 with an Attack Time of .1ms.
Oscillator / Talk Assignment
The Oscillator and/or the Talkback icrophone can be sent to the
console busses Aux 1-4 and the 2 ix Busses by selecting the
appropriate switch. When the switches are selected the Oscillator and/or
the Talkback ic will feed the selected busses upon activation.
Au iliary Master Level Controls
Aux master level controls for mono sends 1-2 and for stereo send Aux
3L and 4R. Jumper options are available on each input module for pre
or post fader settings. The level control knob has a range from mute to
unity gain.
Mi Bus Pointer Meters
Pointer VU meters for both the “RED” and “BLACK” ix Bus outputs are
located at the far right end of the console.
Mi Bus Output Faders
104mm faders for each of the stereo mix bus outputs. “RED” bus
(Stereo ix Bus 1) output provides a transformer balanced output stage
while the “BLACK” bus (Stereo ix Bus 2) output provides an
electronically balanced output stage.
Mi Bus Insert Point
Each of the two stereo mix bus outputs has a corresponding balanced
insert point that can be jumper selected as “always inserted” on either or
both stereo mix bus outputs. This insert point allows for an insertion of
external processing directly on either of the two mix bus outputs. No
front panel controls are provided for the mix bus insert points.
Common practice is to enable the jumper and “normal” the insert point
at a patch bay.
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7.0 Control Room Monitor Module
Oscillator
The tone Oscillator provides 100hz, 1kHz and 10kHz sine-waves by selecting the appropriate
switch. The oscillator level is +4dBu. A fixed -20dB PAD switch is provided. The Oscillator has a
separate XLR output on the console rear and also can be assigned to any of the console bus
outputs.
Monitor Sources
onitor source selection for the ain control room speakers and the Headphone output are
ix Bus 1, ix Bus 2, Aux 1-2 and for stereo send Aux 3L and 4R and an External input
provided via XLR connectors on the console rear.
Headphone Level Control
Controls the Headphone output level from mute to unity gain.
Main Speaker Controls
The ONITOR LEVEL knob controls the main speaker output level from mute to unity gain. It
also controls the level to the B monitor output via the ON B switch for use with a near-field or
secondary set of control room speakers. When an input channel has SOLO selected the yellow
LED lights on the Control Room onitor module indicating there is a solo active on the
console. ONO combines the left and right monitor sources and UTE mutes the ain
speakers and the Headphones.
Talkback Section
Talkback ic level knob controls the level of the condenser microphone provided. The TALK
switch enables talkback to the assigned outputs on the Dual ix Bus master module.
1/4” Headphone Jack
The headphone output shares the source, mono/stereo, mute, and solo settings of the ain
Speakers.
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8.0 Dual Alternate Output Module
Alternate Output B Source Selections
onitor source selection for the Alternate Output B output are ix Bus 1, ix Bus 2, Aux 1-4
and an External input provided via XLR connectors on the console rear.
Alternate Output B Controls
The Alternate Output B level knob controls the Alternate Output B output level from mute to
unity gain. ONO combines the left and right monitor sources and UTE mutes the Alternate
Output B output.
Alternate Output A Source Selections
onitor source selection for the Alternate Output A output are ix Bus 1, ix Bus 2, Aux 1-4
and an External input provided via XLR connectors on the console rear.
Alternate Output A Controls
The Alternate Output A level knob controls the Alternate Output A output level from mute to
unity gain. ONO combines the left and right monitor sources and UTE mutes the Alternate
Output A output.
Talkback Section
Allows direct talk back to either Alternate Output A or Alternate Output B outputs.
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9.0 Rear Panel Connections
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10.0 Specifications
AUDIO SPECIFICATIONS
The following specifications apply to Harrison 950mx consoles and are subject to change without notice. Harrison 950mx
consoles will be tested to meet only those specifications in effect at the time of final testing. These specifications represent
an overall system and not the individual components of a system. They represent the cumulative effect of all components.
Additionally, these specifications are stated over a wide range of operating conditions representative of actual use conditions
rather than a restrictive set of conditions likely to be seen only when conducting systems tests. Therefore, these
specifications represent the worse case in-use conditions rather than test conditions developed for competitive advantage.
Microphone Return:
Balanced Electronic active
inimum voltage gain 0dB (fader @ unity, -20dB pad)
aximum voltage gain 70dB (fader @ unity, no pad)
Nominal input level -16dB through -66dB
(fader @ unity, no pad, ref: 0.775 VR S, @ +4dB output)
aximum input level +30dB (fader @ unity, -20dB pad, ref: 0.775 VR S)
Expected source impedance 150 to 200 Ohms
Actual load impedance 1200 Ohms
Line Inputs:
Balanced Electronic active
aximum level +30dB (ref: 0.775 VR S)
Nominal input level +4dB, +6dB, +8dB (ref: 0.775 VR S)
Expected source impedance 1000 Ohms or less
Actual load impedance 10 kOhms
Line Outputs:
Balanced Electronic active
aximum level +24dB (ref: 0.775 VR S)
Nominal input level +4dB, +6dB, +8dB (ref: 0.775 VR S)
inimum load impedance 600 Ohms standard (300 Ohms at extra cost)
Actual source impedance 40 Ohms standard (20 Ohms at extra cost)
Logic Returns Pull to ground, nominally pulled up internally via a 10 kOhm resistor
Logic Feeds Open collector, will sink up to 50 V @300mA. Fully protected
Crosstalk Amplitude >80dB (Line In to ix Bus Out +24 Out @15K)
Frequency Response
icrophone input to ix Bus line output. Conditions are: input source impedance of 150 to 200 Ohms, output load
impedance of 600 Ohms, channel fader and ix Bus fader set for unity gain, effective measuring bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20
kHz. Gain shall not deviate from gain at 1kHz for any frequency from 20 Hz to 20 kHz more than +.2dB to -2dB.
Line input to line output. Conditions are: input source impedance of 600 Ohms, output load impedance of 600 Ohms,
channel fader and ix Bus fader set for unity gain, effective measuring bandwidth of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and overall gain of
unity. Gain shall not deviate from gain at 1 kHz for any frequency from 20 Hz to 20 kHz by more than +.2dB to -1.0dB.
Noise
icrophone in to ix Bus line out.
Conditions are: input source impedance of 150 to 200 Ohms, output load impedance of 600 Ohms, channel fader and ix
Bus fader set for unity gain, one input module is assigned to the ix Bus output, effective measuring bandwidth of 20 Hz to
20kHz, meter response unweighed to DIN 45 405 and DIN 45 500, meter ballistics true R S to DIN 45 402 and DIN 45 500,
overall gain is 70 dB at 1 kHz. The equivalent input noise shall not exceed -129dB (ref: 0.775 VR S). Keeping all the test
conditions the same with the exception that the overall gain is 38dB and the quantity of channels assigned to the output is
four, the noise measured at the output shall not exceed -70dB (ref: 0.775 VR S). Keeping all the test conditions the same
with the exception that no input channels are assigned to the output, the noise measured at the output shall not exceed -80
(ref: 0.775 VR S).
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11.0 Power Supply Specifications
The 950m includes the Harrison L-159 power supply and associated power cable. The included power
cable is 10 feet (3.05 meters) in length. Custom lengths are available for additional cost.
Input Specifications* minimum nominal ma imum
Input Voltages (AC) 100 VAC 87 VAC 100 VAC 110 VAC
120 VAC 104 VAC 120 VAC 132 VAC
220 VAC 191 VAC 220 VAC 242 VAC
240 VAC 209 VAC 240 VAC 264 VAC
Input Frequency 47Hz 63Hz
*Derate output current 10% for 50Hz operation. Input voltage tolerance for 230 VAC operation is +15%, -10%.
Output Specifications minimum nominal ma imum
Output Adjustment -5% +5%
Efficiency 55%
Ripple and Noise 5.0 mVpk-pk
Output Voltages +15 VDC
-15 VDC
+48VDC
13.00" 1.16"
6.12"
5.50"
15.32"
14.14"
2.08" 10.00"
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11.0 Power Supply Specifications
Setting PSU Input Voltage
The L-159 power supply can accept four different input voltages. The AC input jack uses a voltage selector
card to set the input voltage of the power supply. The selected input voltage must match the AC line voltage or
damage will occur to the power supply.
1. Locate the AC input on the rear of the L-159.
The AC input should be unplugged before any
adjustment is made.
2. Open cover door and slide fuse-pull lever to
left.
3. Remove the voltage selection card with needle-nose
pliers and select operating voltage by orienting voltage
selection card with the desired voltage on top left side.
4. Push card firmly into module slot.
5. Slide fuse-pull lever to right into normal position
and re-insert fuse into holders.
6. Use caution in selecting correct fuse value.
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12.0 Environmental Specifications
The environmental requirements for the Harrison 950mx are no more restrictive than for any other piece of
sensitive audio equipment. Please note the following requirements and recommendations:
Ambient Air Temperature Limits
inimum 58.2ﾺ F (14.6ﾺ C)
aximum 85ﾺ F (30ﾺ C)
Operation at the upper extremes of the temperature range is not recommended and may increase
the failure rate of component parts. We recommend the temperature range be maintained between
60ﾺ F (15ﾺ C) and 78ﾺ F (25ﾺ C).
Humidity
Humidity should be kept between 10-85% (non-condensing). To prevent condensation, the console
must not be
powered up for several hours after being moved from a cold environment to a heated area.
Atmosphere
Atmospheric contaminants in some areas can reduce the life of electrical contacts and components. Care
must be taken to keep contaminants from coming into contact with your console. Contaminants such as dust,
dirt, ashes, smoking materials, smoke, liquid, etc., may damage your console. Anything other than clean air of
proper temperature and humidity may shorten the life span of the components inside your console. The 950m
should not be placed in environments with either E I (Electromagnetic Interference) or E F (Electromagnetic
Fields) which may affect sensitive electronic audio equipment. This includes placement near power mains.
Power Supply Ambient Air Temperature Limits
inimum 58.2ﾺ F (14.6ﾺ C)
aximum 85ﾺ F (32ﾺ C)
The environment operating conditions for your Harrison power supplies are the same as for the console. Fresh
ambient air (not preheated air from other equipment) must always be available across the full bottom cover of
the supplies. If the power supply is mounted in an enclosed space forced air cooling is necessary to prevent
overheating.
950mx analog console overview v1.5 Page 17

13.0 Module Jumper Settings
ono ic/Line odule Jumper Settings
Function Settings
J2 Aux 1 Pre/Post Jump 1-2 for post-fader. Jump 2-3 for pre-
fader.
J3 Aux 2 Pre/Post Jump 1-2 for post-fader. Jump 2-3 for pre-
fader.
J4 Aux 3 Pre/Post Jump 1-2 for post-fader. Jump 2-3 for pre-
fader.
J5 Aux 4 Pre/Post Jump 1-2 for post-fader. Jump 2-3 for pre-
fader.
J6 Logic Options Jump 1-2 for Control Room mute on fader
open.
Jump 3-4 for Studio A mute on fader open.
Jump 5-6 for Studio B mute on fader open.
Stereo Line odule Jumper Settings
Function Settings
J2 Aux 1 Pre/Post Jump 1-2 for post-fader. Jump 2-3 for pre-
fader.
J3 Aux 2 Pre/Post Jump 1-2 for post-fader. Jump 2-3 for pre-
fader.
J4 Aux 3 Pre/Post Jump 1-2 for post-fader. Jump 2-3 for pre-
fader.
J5 Aux 4 Pre/Post Jump 1-2 for post-fader. Jump 2-3 for pre-
fader.
J6 Logic Options Jump 1-2 for Control Room mute on fader
open.
Jump 3-4 for Studio A mute on fader open.
Jump 5-6 for Studio B mute on fader open.
Program odule Jumper Settings
Function Settings
J2 PG 1L Insert Jump 1-2 to bypass insert. Jump 2-3 to
activate insert.
J3 PG 1R Insert Jump 1-2 to bypass insert. Jump 2-3 to
activate insert.
J4 PG 2L Insert Jump 1-2 to bypass insert. Jump 2-3 to
activate insert.
J5 PG 2R Insert Jump 1-2 to bypass insert. Jump 2-3 to
activate insert.
Control Room odule Jumper Settings
Function Settings
J2 ute on Talk Jump 1-2 to mute on talk (default).
950mx analog console overview v1.5 Page 18

14.0 Contacting Harrison
Harrison Consoles
1024 Firestone Parkway
La Vergne, TN 37086
615-641-7200 Phone
615-641-7224 Fax
Harrison Website
www.harrisonconsoles.com
Sales Contact
[e-mail]
Support Contact
[e-mail]
950mx analog console overview v1.5 Page 19