iCON Pro Audio Harrison 32Ci User manual

User manual
The 32Ci is a professional, high end device packed with features for the discerning engineer,
producer and musician.
The legendary Harrison 32C preamps from the world-famous mixing console of the same name
need no introduction - Michael Jackson's multi award winning 'Thriller' & ‘Bad’ albums, Paul
Simon's ground-breaking 'Graceland' and a slew of other hugely famous recordings by AC/DC,
Genesis, Janet Jackson, ELO and Led Zeppelin are testament to that.
In addition to world class, console grade 32C preamps, the 32Ci o󰀨ers an array of features
taken from and inspired by the original 32C console, including high grade low and high cut lters,
a 'bump' button (a common modication on the original 32C console), coupled with extremely
high AD/DA conversion rates, (125dB A-D/129dB D-A), two Neutrik ® Combo XLR Mic/Line In
Connectors, switchable monitoring options and multiple I/O options including ADAT.
Analog Mic Preamp with Audio Interface
A legend re-imagined

Important Safety Instructions
1. Read this manual thoroughly before using this unit.
2. Keep this manual for future reference.
3. Take notice of and comply with all warnings included in the user's manual or indicated on the
appliance.
4. Follow all instructions included in this manual.
5. Do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. Avoid having water or other liquids spilled on this
unit.
6. When cleaning the cabinet or other parts of this appliance, use only a dry or slightly damp soft
cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings or interfere with the proper ventilation of this unit. Install
in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
8. Do not use or store near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other heat-
producing appliances.
9. Do not interfere with the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug
has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third
grounding prong. These are designated for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or otherwise damaged by items placed on or
against them. Particular attention should be given to the plugs, receptacles, and the point where
the cord exits the appliance.
11. To avoid the risk of electrical shock, do not touch any exposed wiring while the unit is in
operation.
12. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
13. Unplug this unit and all connected electrical equipment during lightning storms or when left
unused for a long period of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the appliance has
been damaged in any way or fails to operate normally.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture

Introduction...............................................................................................4
What’s in the package? ............................................................................4
The 32C Preamps ...................................................................................5
Register your ICON Pro Audio product to your User Center ....................6
Features Pt. 1...........................................................................................7
Features Pt. 2...........................................................................................9
Top Panel ............................................................................................... 11
Rear Panel..............................................................................................13
Front Panel.............................................................................................16
Hardware Connections...........................................................................17
Di󰀨erent types of microphone connection method diagram ...................18
OTG Connection.....................................................................................19
Specications ........................................................................................21
Services..................................................................................................23
Contents

4
Introduction
What’s in the package?
●32Ci Mic Preamp and Audio Interface
●Quick Start Guide x 1
●USB 2.0 cable (Type C) x 1
●Power adapter (12V DC)
Firstly, congratulations on your purchase of the Harrison and ICON Pro Audio
32C Analog Mic Preamp with Audio Interface! In these pages, you'll nd a detailed
description of the features of the 32Ci Analog Mic Preamp with Audio Interface, as
well as a guided tour through its top, front and rear panels, step-by-step instructions
for their setup and use and a full list of specications.
As with most electronic devices, we strongly recommend you retain the original
packaging. In the unlikely event that the product is returned for servicing, the original
packaging (or reasonable equivalent) is required. With proper care and adequate air
circulation, your 32Ci Analog Mic Preamp with Audio Interface will operate awlessly
for many years to come.
We trust that this product will provide years of excellent service and in the unlikely
event that your product does not perform to the highest standard, every e󰀨ort will be
made to address the issue.

5
The 32C Preamps
Harrison 32C preamps are extremely well regarded for their warm and transparent
sound quality. They are known for delivering a clean and detailed signal with a low
noise oor, making them suitable for a wide range of recording applications. The
preamps feature high-quality transformers that help to impart a rich and musical
character to the sound, adding depth and warmth to recordings.
The 32C preamps have a wide frequency response and are capable of capturing
both the subtle nuances and the dynamic range of the source material.
They also have high headroom, which means they can handle high input levels
without distorting, making them ideal for recording loud sources such as drums or
electric guitars. Overall, the Harrison 32C preamps are considered to be high-quality
and versatile preamps that can help to elevate the quality of your recordings.
Visit the Harrison site to nd out more about the legendary 32C console;
https://harrisonconsoles.Com/history/
Legendary producer Bruce Swedien's Harrison 32C console.

6
Register your ICON Pro Audio product to
your User Center
1. Check the serial number of your device
Please go to http:// iconproaudio.com/registration or scan the QR code
below.

Input your device’s serial number and the other information on the screen. Click
“Submit”.

A message will pop up showing your device information such as model name
and its serial number. Click “Register this device to my account”. If you see any
other message, please contact our after-sales service team

2. Log in to your personal User Center for existing users or
sign up as a new user
Existing user: Please log into your personal User Center by inputting
your user name and password.

New user: Please click “Sign Up” and ll in all the information.

3. Download all useful materials
All your registered devices under your account will show on the page. Each
product will be listed along with all its available les such as drivers, rmware,
user manuals in di󰀨erent languages and bundled software etc. for download.

7
Features Pt. 1
The Harrison 32C console is one of the most famous, highly regarded recording
and mixing consoles of all time. It was used on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller”,
Paul Simon’s “Graceland” and other recordings by Janet Jackson, AC/DC, Led
Zeppelin, ELO, Genesis, Blondie and Supertramp to name just a few. The very
same, extremely high-grade preamps that existed within the 32C consoles
feature in the ‘32Ci Analog Mic Preamp with Audio Interface’, a co-branded
collaboration between iCON Pro Audio and Harrison – a signicant development
in the world of audio interfaces.
The 32Ci comes packed with features, geared towards the high end user.
With pre-amps of such distinction from the legendary Harrison 32C consoles,
you would expect equally super high-end Digital to Audio and Audio to Digital
convertors (DA/AD) – and that’s exactly what you get.
The 32Ci outperforms or matches similar, high end devices in its class with
129 dB Digital to Audio dynamic range and 120dB THD+N, (total harmonic
distortion + noise).The 32Ci also delivers excellent audio to digital conversion,
namely 125 dB dynamic range and -117 dB THD+N, . This provides the 32Ci
with an expansive, natural sound that e󰀨ortlessly challenges dedicated high-end
converters.
Two ‘headphones out’ sockets makes it easy for collaborators, when recording in
a session. No need for headphone ‘splitters’ when say, a guitarist and a vocalist
are working together or maybe an engineer and a vocalist – simply plug in and
your headphone monitoring is covered. Each can even have their own separate
headphone mix, (depending on your DAW software).
The 32Ci Analog Mic Preamp with Audio Interface also o󰀨ers the user optical I/O
with ADAT as well as two Neutrik ® Combo XLR Mic/Line In Connectors, which
combine an XLR connection and a 1/4" phone jack in one housing as well as two
separate 1/4” Line Inputs. Combined with four 1/4” outputs, the 32Ci gives you
plenty of scope to manage your I/O needs.
MIDI in/out ports allow you to connect MIDI devices directly via the 32Ci and the
USB C Instant Live Streaming connector port allows the user to directly connect
to internet streaming services. If you are a producer, engineer or artist who
broadcasts to the internet, you can do this with pristine audio quality via the 32Ci.

8
The 32Ci features a range of controls including low and high pass lters. The lters
are taken from the 32C console and are extremely high grade tools - extremely
useful in treating the signal at source, such as a cutting very low frequencies in
a vocal (for example, cutting at 80Hz), or signicantly reducing the shimmer of
cymbals, (with a cut at around 12-14KHz, for example).
The bump button engages a slight resonance at the cuto󰀨 frequency of the high-pass
lter (only). This helps retain some of the perceived bass energy, while still ltering
out unwanted frequencies below the cuto󰀨 frequency. The 'bump' button was not
included in the original design of the 32C console, but was a common modication,
thereafter.
There are two rotary knobs which control the monitoring of the two main inputs; the
user may blend the signal and select their ‘sweet spot’ between the direct signal
(i.e. the signal that is going in to the device) and the PC (the signal that is coming
out from the computer). Below this, the headphone volume knobs are conveniently
placed, for both headphone outputs.
A sturdy high grade monitor knob complete with responsive LED metering indicators
and pad, instrument, +48K phantom power and polarity change buttons for each 32C
preamp sit atop the device. Users will notice the expensive feel of the buttons and
knobs - all switchgear is manufactured to a very high specication.
Switchable monitoring allows the engineer or producer to quickly check mixes
on alternative speakers, allowing the user to switch between professional grade
monitors (+4) and domestic grade speakers (-10). This is easily achieved via
the 'Alternate' button. If secondary monitors are not tted, the 'Alternate' button
e󰀨ectively becomes a convenient 'Mute' button.
A super fast and reliable chip, ARM-M7/500MHz is used internally for extremely
stable signal processing - two instances of the chip are used, one for the USB
connection and one for mobile devices via the independent Type-C connector at the
rear.
The Harrison 32C workow is available at the mixing stage as well as the recording
stage with the included Harrison Vocal Intensity Processor and AVA Live plug ins, all
modelled from the same hardware technology as the 32C console. Please ensure
you download and install these excellent plug-ins at your rst available opportunity

9
Features Pt. 2
Main features include:
●Two high-resolution, smooth, console-grade analog mic preamps and lters (as
used by Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, Genesis, AC/DC on the original 32C
console)
●32C Mic/Instrument preamps complimented by individual gain control & phantom
power
●'Bump' control for retaining presence, while cutting low frequencies as featured on
later modications to the original 32C analog desk
●Pad switch for 20dB signal attenuation
●Eight channels ADAT optical
●24-Bit 192KHz 2 mic-In/2 inst-In + ADAT connectivity = 12 In x 12 Out capability
●4x4 analog I/O full duplex simultaneous recording and playback
●High end studio grade D-A providing a super high dynamic range of 129 dB
●High end studio grade A-D providing a super high dynamic range of 125 dB
●Supports Mac/PC connectivity simultaneously with Smart Devices
●Live sessions possible with audio signal processing via ProDriver virtual plug-in
rack
●Compatible with iOS and Android Digital I/O jack (Type C) & Analog I/O jack
(3.5mm stereo TRS) for direct connection with SmartPhones, tablets and other
devices
●Four analog outputs on 1/4” TRS jacks
●2x MIDI IN/OUT 5 pin DIN connectors
●Monitor volume control knob
●'Alternate' button for switching between di󰀨erent monitoring set ups

10
●Extremely well built and robust switch gear and surfaces
●Two headphone outputs with individual volume controls
●Flexible channel routing via the ProDriver software control panel
●ICON Pro Audio developed ultra low latency ProDriver™ driver included
●ICON Pro Audio's innovative and user friendly plug-in hosting rack software built-
in with ProDriver™(Windows and Mac)
●ARM-M7/500MHz processing power and technology for super fast and extremely
stable signal processing - two instances of the chip are used, one for the USB
connection and one for mobile devices via the independent Type-C connector at
the rear
●+4/-10 button for inputs 3+4
●Supports Direct Sound, WDM and ASIO2.0
●Loop Back function is possible with iCON I/O Pro for both Mac and Windows
platforms
●Class-compliant with MacOS 10.15 or above & Windows 10 or above
●+12 V DC power supply connector supplied for external power supply when using
with iOS
●Rugged, high quality construction
●Bundled plugins include: Harrison Vocal Intensity Processor and AVA Live
32C Bus
32C Vocal Intensity Processor
32C Channel

11
Top Panel
1. Inst. switch
Switches the "Mic/Instr" 1/2 input to the dedicated hi-z instrument input instead
of the XLR/Mic +48v input.
2. Polarity switch
Inverts the polarity of the channel’s signal. Generally, this function is used to x
phase cancellation problems.
3. +48V phantom power switch
Press to supply +48V phantom power to the associated XLR input. This
phantom power circuit is suitable for most condenser microphones.
4. Pad switch
This attenuates the signal by 20dB, before it reaches the mic preamp circuitry
inside the 32Ci.
5. Gain control
This potentiometer controls the gain of the input of the selected channel.
6. 'In' button
Selecting the 'In' button will engage both the High Pass Filter and Low Pass
Filter, which matches the operation of the original 1970's era Harrison 32C
console. If the button is disengaged then the lters (and bump) have no e󰀨ect
on the signal.

110
2
3
4
5
8
7
9
13
12
11
6

12
7. LP Button (Low Pass Filter)
A circuit that only passes signals below its cuto󰀨 frequency, selectable with the
LP knob, while attenuating all signals above it.
8. HP Button (High Pass Filter)
A circuit that only passes signals above its cuto󰀨 frequency, selectable with the
HP knob, while attenuating all signals below it.
9. 'Bump' Button
This engages a slight resonance at the cuto󰀨 frequency of the high-pass lter
(only). This helps retain some of the perceived bass energy, while still ltering
out unwanted frequencies below the cuto󰀨. The 'bump' button was not provided
on the original 32C analog console, but was a common modication, thereafter.
10. PC/Direct Knob
This knob blends the signal from the PC and the input to the 32Ci.
11. 11. Headphone volume controls
Connect one or two pairs of stereo headphones to the two 1/4 ” TRS jack
sockets and adjust the volume with these knobs. The headphone outputs should
be routed to analogue outputs 1/2 and 3/4 respectively (as stereo pairs).
12. Master knob
This knob controls the volume of the main output 1/2, unless the 'Alternate'
button is selected, in which case the knob will control outputs 3/4, (if no
monitoring is set up for outputs 3+4, the 'Alternate' button e󰀨ectively becomes
a 'Mute' button). The surrounding LED lights provide responsive Left + Right
channel metering, (in six segments indicated by the LEDs, (-20dB, -10dB, -6dB,
0dB, +6dB and +10dB). This metering shows the level for the 'monitor mix' being
sent to the speakers, i.e. it shows the combined level of the direct inputs and PC
playback.

Note: if you turn the mix knob all the way to 'direct' and speak into a mic (or
use instrument or line-in sources), the user can benet from the level meter for
setting the mic/instrument/line in input level.
13. Alternate button
Select this button to switch between two separate monitoring options via outputs
1/2 and output 3/4. The Main output level (1/2) is '+4', intended for 'pro level'
speakers. The 'Alt' output has an output level of '-10', which is better for a
consumer system and/or a speaker which have a limited trim range and are too
loud when fed a '+4' signal.

13
Rear Panel
1. Power supply connector
A +12V DC power supply adapter is required to power the 32Ci (supplied).

(Note: You can purchase replacement power adapters from ICON distributors/
dealers near you)
2. USB connector (Type C)
Connect it with the provided USB cable (Type C) to your Mac/PC/iOS device
camera kit’s USB connector. Your Mac/PC must have a USB2.0 connector in
order to run the full speed of the 32Ci.
3. Mobile Out (Digital - Type C & Analog - 3.5mm TRRS)
These ports allow you to connect your smart device and your Mac/PC
simultaneously, so you may process the audio signal with your Mac/PC before
delivering signal to the smart device for live streaming applications.
Digital - Type C jack for connecting directly to the digital jack of the smart device
(OTG adapter required)
Analog - TRRS stereo jack for connecting directly to smart device’s audio I/O
4. ADAT I/O
Connect your ADAT equipped device here via an optical cable with Toslink
convertors for up to 8 channels.
5. MIDI I/O connectors
MIDI input and output standard 5-pin DIN connectors.
6. Outputs
MAIN L/R - These are balanced analog outputs on 1/4″ balanced TRS
connectors at +4dBU line level. These outputs should normally
be connected toyour main monitors, (this connection is designed
for 'pro' level monitors).

ALTERNATE L/R - These outputs can be connected to a pair of alternate
monitors. The alternate monitoring option is triggered by
pressing the 'Alternate' button. If no alternate monitoring
is connected, the 'Alternate' button e󰀨ectively becomes a 'MUTE'
button for the MAIN L/R monitors, when it is pressed.
12
3
458
79
6

14
Note: The Main output level is '+4', intended for 'pro level' speakers. The
'Alternate' output has an output level of '-10', which is better for a consumer
system and/or speakers which have a limited trim range and/or are too loud
when fed a '+4' signal. If you only have one pair of speakers, you can use the
connection that makes the most sense for your setup and the alternate button
eectively becomes a mute switch.
7. Inputs 3+4
These are balanced analog inputs on standard 1/4″ balanced TRS connectors,
switchable between '+4' and '-10' (via the adjacent button). The '+4' setting is
preferable for a professional device (like the output of a high-end mic preamp),
while the '-10' setting is more suitable for a consumer device.

One of the expected uses of the line input 3+4 is for a keyboard synth or a drum
machine. In this scenario, the '-10' switch serves to provide more suitable gain
for say, a synth, allowing it to be better level-matched with the mic/instr inputs by
using the knobs on the front panel. See the real world example on page 15.
8. +4/-10 switch
This button allows you to select the input sensitivity between '-10' and '+4'
for line inputs 3+4, as described above. The switch a󰀨ects both inputs 3+4
simultaneously.
9. “Mic/Instr” Inputs 1/2
These are unbalanced instrument and balanced mic level inputs, connected to
the 32C pre-amp. These hybrid connectors will accept a standard 3-pin XLR plug
or a 1/4” TS connector. The inner 1/4" connector is ONLY for Hi-Z instrument-
level input, and the XLR is intended for microphones.

With the 'Instr' switch selected, the pre-amp will switch to the dedicated hi-z
instrument input instead of the XLR/Mic +48v input.

15
Note: Regarding line-level inputs, (i.e. sources from mixers, CD players and so on), the best
option is to use the dedicated balanced line-level input connectors at the rear of the device.
Alternatively, it is possible to use the balanced XLR inputs with the PAD engaged. A line-
level signal connected to the XLR will have slightly higher noise due to the mic preamp gain.
However, this does allow the user the benet of adjusting level control, polarity and lters.
However, on the whole, the 'instrument' 1/4" plug is not recommended for connection to a line-
level source.
A Brief Explanation of the Di󰀨erences Between 'Line in' and 'Instrument Inputs'
"Line in" and "instrument in" are two types of inputs found on audio interfaces, and they
di󰀨er in terms of the type of signal they can receive.
A line-in input is designed to receive a line-level signal, which is a signal that has been
pre-amplied and has a higher voltage than an instrument-level signal. Line-level signals
are typically used for sources such as mixers, CD players, or other audio playback
devices. The line-in input is usually a balanced input that accepts a TRS (Tip-Ring-Sleeve)
connector.
An instrument input, on the other hand, is designed to receive a lower level instrument-level
signal. This type of signal is generated by instruments such as guitars, basses, keyboards,
and other electronic instruments. Instrument-level signals are usually unbalanced, meaning
they have a single signal wire and a ground wire. The instrument-in input is usually an
unbalanced TS (Tip-Sleeve) connector.
In summary, the main difference between line-in and instrument-in inputs on an audio
interface is the type of signal they can accept. Line-in inputs are designed for line-level
signals, while instrument-in inputs are designed for instrument-level signals.
Using Inputs 3/4 and the -10/+4 switch
Real world Example:
Sean is using a drum machine on inputs 3+4. Sean can barely hear it, above the level of
the high-gain microphone inputs, because the drum machines output volume is relatively
low in comparison. Sean unplugs the drum machine safely, selects the -10 switch and
plugs the drum machine back in, (ensuring the Master knob & headphone volumes are
turned down rst to protect ear safety). The -10 switch tells 32Ci that it needs to give the
line inputs an extra 'boost' to help them compete with the high-gain mic and instrument
inputs. Sean can now make a better job of balancing the inputs 3+4 against inputs 1+2
with the 'Gain' knobs on the top panel.
Note: When the -10 (consumer-level) switch is engaged, the input signal is expected
to be unbalanced. With the switch in the +4 position, the input signal is expected to be
balanced.
This matches the expected behavior of consumer vs pro equipment.

16
Front Panel
1. Headphone output
This output jack accepts a standard 1/4″ stereo TRS headphone connector.
Headphone Output 1 is fed by DAW Mix 1/2 (the main output of the DAW).

Headphone Output 2 is fed by DAW Mix 3/4, which means you can e󰀨ectively
have two di󰀨erent DAW mixes and PC/Direct blends for each Headphone user,
(particularly useful if, for example, Headphone User 1 user is an engineer and
Headphone User 2 is a singer).




1

17
Hardware Connections
Connect the 32Ci Analog Mic Preamp with Audio Interface outputs to your amplier,
powered monitors or surround system. The default outputs are channels 1 and 2.
You may select an alternate monitoring set-up using Alternate stereo outs (3/4).
The main outputs (1/2) are +4 and are suitable for pro level speakers. The alternate
outputs (3/4) are -10 and are best suited to consumer speakers or speakers with a
limited trim range and/or are too loud to be fed the +4 signal.
If you are monitoring through headphones, connect your headphones to the device’s
headphone output. HP output 2 is fed by DAW output 3/4 only.
Connect your microphones, instruments or other line level analog sources to the
device's analog inputs. Ensure the +48V switch is turned OFF for microphones that
do not require Phantom power.
or
or
or
iPhone Android
Mac
Mac / PC
Mac
Mac / PC
Mac
Mac / PC
Connect your MIDI device to the MIDI I/O
Connect OTG devices via Mobile Out (Digital)
Connect to a Microphone or instrument

18
Dierent types of microphone connection
method diagram
Note: For dynamic microphone users, please make sure +48V phantom power
switch is “OFF” before you plug in your microphone, otherwise it may cause damage
to your microphone.
1/4” TR
Unbalanced
Dynamic
Microphone
(D2)
Condenser
Microphone
(Apollo)
XLR
Balanced
Or

19
OTG Connection
"OTG" connectivity is available via the 32Ci.
"OTG" stands for "On-The-Go". It refers to a feature available on many modern
smartphones and tablets. OTG allows these devices to act as “hosts”, enabling them
to connect and interact with various USB peripherals. The 32Ci’s ‘OTG’ capability
allows the user to broadcast on social media, taking advantage of the 32Ci’s superb
audio capabilities.
In order to use this feature, a special ‘OTG cable must be used – a standard
USB cable will not work. ‘OTG’ cables have an additional pin in the mobile phone
connector, which allows the device to act as a ‘host’.
1. Ensure that your smartphone or tablet supports OTG functionality. Most newer
Android devices support OTG, but it's always a good idea to verify this in the device
specications or manual.
2. Obtain an OTG cable - you will need an Apple Camera kit to connect.
3. Turn on the 32Ci. Connect the 32Ci via the USB C port.
4. Plug the other end of the OTG cable into your mobile or tablet’s charging or data
port. Your device should recognize the 32Ci automatically.
5. Launch your chosen streaming or recording application on the device.
6. Check to see if it is receiving audio from the device. You should be able to hear
the output of the 32Ci on your phone/device and/or see the signal of the output
(depending on the app you are using).
7. Start streaming – the audio output from the 32Ci will be reected in your
broadcast.
8.When you have completed your broadcast, safely eject the 32Ci. You can
usually nd an option to eject or safely remove USB ‘peripherals’ in the settings or
notication panel of your device.
Please note that the above steps may vary slightly depending on your mobile/tablet
or
1
2
or
iPhone Android

20
device's manufacturer, model, operating system version, and streaming application.
Additionally, not all mobile and tablet devices are guaranteed to work with OTG, as
some may require specic drivers or have compatibility limitations.
Please note that the Apple Camera kit device is required when using the OTG
connection.