Thanks for the review, Matt. On the whole, you emphasized the many positive features of the iCON Harrison 32Ci - the classic Harrison preamps and filters, the dual headphone outputs, the beefy gain structure and the unique design. Thanks again for all of that. As for the flaw that you discovered, we appreciate you pointing that out to us. We think the reason no one noticed this before is because the Bump button is used to return some low end presence after you've rolled off the unwanted lows. In practical terms, it's rare that anyone is going to sweep the frequency up to 1k or 2k where you need dial up the frequency to hear that feedback. It's more likely that the frequency of the High Pass filter will be set around 100hz to 200hz. That being said, it is a flaw, and our partners at Harrison are investigating the circuit to see if there is a way to eliminate this issue. Thanks again for the thorough review.
I’m an audio professional and that’s exactly what I was thinking. I can’t think of any scenario where I would high pass that high. in fact, when I heard that the issue was consistent with the Harrison channel strip, it gave me confidence in the product; that Harrison didn’t take shortcuts while claiming that it was the same technology/electronics.👍🏼👍🏼 Much respect for that, Harrison. Great review and great attention to detail @MatthewHaines
To me that issue with the filter is actually almost like a plus: it means there is an actual circuit in this device and not just off the shelf DSP filters that you could create with your stock EQs. But it truly is amazing that no one noticed that before 😂
Maybe it’s just your unit that has this issue ? Im seriously considering purchasing this unit and it’s between Audient iD24 and Harrison icon ? Decisions decisions.
The Apollo Twin (at least the Mk II) has a mix of hardware and software emulation on the preamps. So I don't know if it could even be compared with the 32Ci (I don't have an Apollo to test directly). The 32Ci is transformer-based which is theoretically a different sound than a FET design. These preamps sound transparent and excellent, but I can't compare directly with the Apollo.
Would it be possible to use outputs 3 & 4 for outboard gear while still monitoring through outs 1 & 2? Or is the alternate button a 'hard switch' which mutes the other outputs? Great video!
Thanks for your kind words! They asked me to return it, so I can't check to be certain. But I think the outputs are just for two different pairs of monitors. You can route things using the ADAT and the virtual mixer software though.
Surprisingly not that much info on this. So thanks for the info. Is it similar to the heritage i73 line? Just adding iconic pre amps to the interface. And unless you’re in love with the Harrison sound or the neve color with i73 would you say to stick with a traditional interface with a more neutral preamp?
Thanks for your comment. The reason to buy this is the unique EQ sound, and maybe if you prefer a transformer-based input on your preamp. Otherwise, there are cheaper interfaces if you want a quality-but-neutral sound.
@@MatthewHaines there infact is no transformer on this device, confirmed by the Sound on Sound review. This is a Harrison preamp without a transformer. Im sure it nice but the only colour is coming from the filters, the sound is otherwise neutral as per the SOS review again.
Not sure what you mean by card. The sound quality is very transparent unless you have the EQ engaged, and then it has a distinct character that you won't find elsewhere.
I have an SSL 12 which is great but it has no way of adding effects, comp or reverb etc, pre DAW. Maybe SSL will add VST slots to its software later. 🤔
Thanks for watching! I don't' have any latency specs on it, sorry. I checked the documentation and their website. I'd suggest contacting Icon directly and see if they have something for you.
I just got a response from Icon. It sounds like they don't plan on modifying it because feedback is, in their opinion, a natural result of a resonant filter. And that no one would use the highpass filter turned up that high anyway. 🤷♂️
It’s come down to the icon or the Audient iD24 ? I really like the icon and leaning towards purchasing it. Thanks for your review. By the way I haven’t found any other reviews so thank you.
I am glad you found it helpful! The ID 24 is cheaper than the icon but you don’t get the EQ and you also don’t get the additional line inputs. I haven’t had a chance to check out the ID24 myself though, so I can’t really compare.
In the end the tech’s who help me figure out how to get to the bottom of my issue’s with downloading the icon i/o pro software, I’m very grateful. I almost gave up on this because the unit is great on its own but now that I have this software it’s way more amazing. WOW so, many features and plug-ins wow, just wow thanks again. Matthew and thank you to the guys that icon. If anyone’s having doubts about buying this interface, don’t. It’s amazing
I just picked up one and love it, it runs a little warm nothing to bad, but I couldn’t get my unit to reproduce what your unit did. And On my unit my channel 3 & 4 are panned left and right, which can be corrected in the box. Very clean & Very versatile unit. I also can’t get the icon I/O software to load, but I use GarageBand and logic and it works perfect for both.
That's interesting that you couldn't replicate the feedback. Icon and Harrison *could* replicate it, so it's not isolated to my unit. But they're analog circuits, so I guess there's some variation. Yes, it's a great piece of gear! Thanks for your comment.
@@MatthewHaines also I couldn’t get the io pro software to install, I keep getting a message saying “ the icon loopback driver was not found on your system. Please install the driver then try again.” Not sure what im doing wrong? Thanks
I had the same problem. Turns out you have to have the unit plugged in and turned on when you install the software, otherwise the driver for it is not installed. The user guide isn't clear on that.
Technically speaking, would you be able to use their software to insert VSTs before hitting the DAW? Because that actually has its value, you don't 'always' want to record clean, some workflows benefit of that. That's the idea behind the apollo interfaces for example.
@@theestudioorion Sorry for the delay. I had to set aside some time to actually test this. I don't think it's possible. I don't see a way to route from the IO Pro software (Icon's) to Logic's inputs for example. Logic just sees the interface's input. I might have missed something but I'm thinking it's not possible.
Hello, any videos on portable sound recorders like zoom and others? what is your best rated portable audio recorder for sound, musicians and location sound recordings?
I haven't! But I think it might be time that I reached out to Zoom, Tascam et al and proposed that. I don't have any reviews so I can't make a knowledgeable recommendation to you.
I wouldn't dismiss that ADAT so quickly. you can pick up a Behringer ADAT x8 pre unit (midas preamps, the xenyx pres are trash, but the midas ones are actually really good) and you've got yourself anothe 8 channels to go for the keyboard rack or drumkit or whatever.
I was speaking more about the eq resonance issue with my title, but I suppose it could be interpreted both ways. I think the 32Ci is worth considering.
8:13 oh look you discovered analog filter oscillation? Yep thats a thing. Its not a problem but a normal working analog filter has oscillation its when the resonance reaches the point of feedback.
@@MatthewHaines EQ's shouldn't oscillate but filters will. They aren't the same thing. Many filters will feedback when they resonate. The filters used in the Harrison as well as MCI/Sony consoles modules have had this same quirk. Digital filters like plugins won't do this unless coded to feedback. But in a resonant analog filter the audio is being filtered on a feedback circuit and produces less phase shift and less ringing, but a side effect is the audio is circulating back into itself. So its just part of the nature of it. Just like a Feedforward compressors have more snap than feedback compressors. Its just part of the circuit and I understand how that can be annoying for sure. But its just the nature of it. Like all things in audio we learn to work with it or around it. Great video by the way I wasn't trying to be mean or anything.
Thanks for the review that screechy noise is a dealbreaker for me especially with artists sharing headphones. Enouth potential for errors without remembering to mute everything before twiddling the filters. I also find this product has a weird vapourware vibe in that icon provide such little detail in the manual or anywhere about the software features and how the plugins work for monitoring with reverb etc and latency. Even Harrison seem like they are fairly arms length from the product by the posts on the forum where they talk about the features based on the prototype they had a test of. Its all a bit undercooked in my view.
I understand what you're saying. I will say though that the 32Ci is a solid piece of gear. I was using it yesterday, and - feedback issue aside - it's very solid and functional.
Thanks do you know if you can add reverb vst to the aux channels in the software mixer for monitoring while recording? Also how do the pres compare to say an Audient or similar? The blurb from Harrison indicates nothing comes close at the price point.
@@endlessnameless4369 Yes you can add reverb without it being printed to your recorded track. The mic preamps sound very good. They're a transformer design, which is somewhat out of the ordinary. I can't really say how they compare to an Audient preamp because I don't have anything in-house to compare it to.
Good hardware, features, specs, designs and etc. great. But then how about its driver, especially for Windows? How about its driver software? Longevity of maintenance (update and upgrade of the driver, firmware etc), after sales tech support, service etc. How about their availability on the market? That are what many manufacturer often missed or unable to do. Something which RME does very well (many aspects of them) albeit some people may not prefer their products, and also the rather higher prices, and the often unavailability of their products on the market (with reasons like it's because the rarity of the chips they need on the market etc)..
How long a product will be supported is always an unknown, and hard to factor in when making buying decisions. The driver works fine on Windows as far as I know. Sadly, I can't predict the future. :)
No one can predict the future, indeed, but manufacturer can give asurrement, and can have reputation. That's why I said about RME Devices which manufacturer assures their devices would be supported for long years and have reputation to do so. That's what I mean. Other manufacturer doesn't some other less or more kind of does it (although perhaps not enough to rival said RME reputation), while this Icon-Harrison interface, really unknown.
@@volgalgzkaradagoglu No, I liked it! If you're looking for a neutral sound only, then there are cheaper ways to achieve that. But I would have been happy to continue using the 32Ci because it sounds good, is solid and looks nice too.
Allthough the card works fine when plugged in without installing any software an important part will be drivers and software to take full advantage of an audio interface. This card has some great features like IO Pro and the use of VSTs. On a windows machine it seems to work fine, but on Mac Studio and MacBook Pro (both M1) with either Ventura or Sonoma installed the software is not working properly. The driver fails to install, and if you are lucky to get it to work the IO software freezes up all the time. Now it would be great for content creators and live streamers if only the software worked on all systems. I have seen a lot of reviews online but something a lot of reviewers seems to miss is to test out and review drivers and software the comes with a soundcard. These are often a source of frustration when not working properly and it's not an uncommon problem with audio interfaces.
In my review I did test the software and driver on my system, which I discussed. It’s not practical for me to test it on all possible platforms and operating systems.
We have corrected the problems with the MacOS loopback driver. If your 32Ci is connected to your computer and powered on BEFORE you install the iO Pro software, it should download the loopback driver correctly.
Thanks for the review, Matt. On the whole, you emphasized the many positive features of the iCON Harrison 32Ci - the classic Harrison preamps and filters, the dual headphone outputs, the beefy gain structure and the unique design. Thanks again for all of that.
As for the flaw that you discovered, we appreciate you pointing that out to us. We think the reason no one noticed this before is because the Bump button is used to return some low end presence after you've rolled off the unwanted lows. In practical terms, it's rare that anyone is going to sweep the frequency up to 1k or 2k where you need dial up the frequency to hear that feedback. It's more likely that the frequency of the High Pass filter will be set around 100hz to 200hz. That being said, it is a flaw, and our partners at Harrison are investigating the circuit to see if there is a way to eliminate this issue. Thanks again for the thorough review.
Thanks! And as I said in the review, it's a very professional, well-thought-out device! :)
I’m an audio professional and that’s exactly what I was thinking. I can’t think of any scenario where I would high pass that high. in fact, when I heard that the issue was consistent with the Harrison channel strip, it gave me confidence in the product; that Harrison didn’t take shortcuts while claiming that it was the same technology/electronics.👍🏼👍🏼 Much respect for that, Harrison.
Great review and great attention to detail @MatthewHaines
To me that issue with the filter is actually almost like a plus: it means there is an actual circuit in this device and not just off the shelf DSP filters that you could create with your stock EQs. But it truly is amazing that no one noticed that before 😂
Yes, I love that it’s an analog circuit. Same reason I love my UA Volt 176 because of the analog limiter before it’s converted to digital.
Maybe it’s just your unit that has this issue ? Im seriously considering purchasing this unit and it’s between Audient iD24 and Harrison icon ? Decisions decisions.
I’ve been eyeing this interface for the past couple of months
@@grandtrunk7087 Over all, I recommend it!
For recording just vocals the converters on this can compete for examples with the one on an Apollo Twin?
The Apollo Twin (at least the Mk II) has a mix of hardware and software emulation on the preamps. So I don't know if it could even be compared with the 32Ci (I don't have an Apollo to test directly). The 32Ci is transformer-based which is theoretically a different sound than a FET design. These preamps sound transparent and excellent, but I can't compare directly with the Apollo.
@@MatthewHaines thanks!
I'll be able to answer that question after I get my 32ci next week & compare to the twin x on the weekend!
@@sowseed777music4 ok pls let me know about it!
@@sowseed777music4please make test icon with appolo.
You’re making great videos Matt. I’m a broadcast pro from the UK and I enjoy watching your content.
Thanks very much! I'm glad you're enjoying them.
Well there you go. You made history. You're name will be remembered for ions. ;-).
Thanks for the review.
That's quite the glorious praise, thank you! How did I make history?
@@MatthewHaines You found the bug and that made you feel special. I thought that was funny. 🙂 Nice delivery on the video. Makes it fun to watch.
@@MustacheVerra Heh. Thanks!
4:05 does it use any vast and at plugin with near zero latency?
It can use VST plugins, if that's what you meant. I returned the unit to Icon so I don't know how the latency is.
Would it be possible to use outputs 3 & 4 for outboard gear while still monitoring through outs 1 & 2? Or is the alternate button a 'hard switch' which mutes the other outputs? Great video!
Thanks for your kind words! They asked me to return it, so I can't check to be certain. But I think the outputs are just for two different pairs of monitors. You can route things using the ADAT and the virtual mixer software though.
Surprisingly not that much info on this. So thanks for the info. Is it similar to the heritage i73 line? Just adding iconic pre amps to the interface. And unless you’re in love with the Harrison sound or the neve color with i73 would you say to stick with a traditional interface with a more neutral preamp?
Thanks for your comment. The reason to buy this is the unique EQ sound, and maybe if you prefer a transformer-based input on your preamp. Otherwise, there are cheaper interfaces if you want a quality-but-neutral sound.
@@MatthewHaines there infact is no transformer on this device, confirmed by the Sound on Sound review. This is a Harrison preamp without a transformer. Im sure it nice but the only colour is coming from the filters, the sound is otherwise neutral as per the SOS review again.
@maskedavenger4109 This is where I got my information: iconproaudio.com.cn/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/32Ci-PD3V100-English.pdf
Hello. In terms of playback quality, which card can this audio interface be compared to?
Not sure what you mean by card. The sound quality is very transparent unless you have the EQ engaged, and then it has a distinct character that you won't find elsewhere.
Can this be used as a standard alone preamp?
I don't see why not. You've got the line outs for the monitors, and it has its own power supply.
@@MatthewHaines Dope and thank you for the reply. I'll give it a shoot.
I have an SSL 12 which is great but it has no way of adding effects, comp or reverb etc, pre DAW. Maybe SSL will add VST slots to its software later. 🤔
That would make for an impressive upgrade!
Great review! Thanks a lot 😊! Do have numbers for latency? Especially Round trip latency? Thanks Thorsten
Thanks for watching! I don't' have any latency specs on it, sorry. I checked the documentation and their website. I'd suggest contacting Icon directly and see if they have something for you.
Is it released ? For real? I did not know !
I think it's been out since spring of 2023. :)
please let us know when Harrison fixes this flaw that you have discovered.
I just got a response from Icon. It sounds like they don't plan on modifying it because feedback is, in their opinion, a natural result of a resonant filter. And that no one would use the highpass filter turned up that high anyway. 🤷♂️
@@MatthewHaines Let’s hope so I just ordered one.
Phase reverse is handy for mid-side recordings.
Oh good point! I forgot all about stereo miking applications. 👍
It’s come down to the icon or the Audient iD24 ? I really like the icon and leaning towards purchasing it. Thanks for your review. By the way I haven’t found any other reviews so thank you.
I am glad you found it helpful! The ID 24 is cheaper than the icon but you don’t get the EQ and you also don’t get the additional line inputs. I haven’t had a chance to check out the ID24 myself though, so I can’t really compare.
@@MatthewHaines yeah its definitely more attractive all around. Cheers
In the end the tech’s who help me figure out how to get to the bottom of my issue’s with downloading the icon i/o pro software, I’m very grateful. I almost gave up on this because the unit is great on its own but now that I have this software it’s way more amazing. WOW so, many features and plug-ins wow, just wow thanks again. Matthew and thank you to the guys that icon. If anyone’s having doubts about buying this interface, don’t. It’s amazing
@@withRUfUS I'm glad to hear you were able to get it sorted out! 👍
I just picked up one and love it, it runs a little warm nothing to bad, but I couldn’t get my unit to reproduce what your unit did. And On my unit my channel 3 & 4 are panned left and right, which can be corrected in the box. Very clean & Very versatile unit. I also can’t get the icon I/O software to load, but I use GarageBand and logic and it works perfect for both.
That's interesting that you couldn't replicate the feedback. Icon and Harrison *could* replicate it, so it's not isolated to my unit. But they're analog circuits, so I guess there's some variation. Yes, it's a great piece of gear! Thanks for your comment.
@@MatthewHaines also I couldn’t get the io pro software to install, I keep getting a message saying “ the icon loopback driver was not found on your system. Please install the driver then try again.” Not sure what im doing wrong? Thanks
I had the same problem. Turns out you have to have the unit plugged in and turned on when you install the software, otherwise the driver for it is not installed. The user guide isn't clear on that.
@@MatthewHaines I wonder if there is there a way to correct it ? I have all of the plugins but the “mixer”wont load because of the loopback driver ?
@@withRUfUS reinstall the software while the device is plugged in and turned on.
where are other reviews ? I don't see any ?
There are very few! Icon could do a better job with its social-media presence, for sure.
Its self oscillating right ?
I wouldn’t want to ruin the surprise!
Skipping the software part and connecting directly to the DAW is a big PLUS !
Yeah. While I appreciate the software they provided, I think I would use a DAW directly most of the time.
Technically speaking, would you be able to use their software to insert VSTs before hitting the DAW? Because that actually has its value, you don't 'always' want to record clean, some workflows benefit of that. That's the idea behind the apollo interfaces for example.
@@theestudioorion Sorry for the delay. I had to set aside some time to actually test this. I don't think it's possible. I don't see a way to route from the IO Pro software (Icon's) to Logic's inputs for example. Logic just sees the interface's input. I might have missed something but I'm thinking it's not possible.
Hello, any videos on portable sound recorders like zoom and others? what is your best rated portable audio recorder for sound, musicians and location sound recordings?
I haven't! But I think it might be time that I reached out to Zoom, Tascam et al and proposed that. I don't have any reviews so I can't make a knowledgeable recommendation to you.
Filters are so important when you know how to use them ...
That is very true.
I wouldn't dismiss that ADAT so quickly. you can pick up a Behringer ADAT x8 pre unit (midas preamps, the xenyx pres are trash, but the midas ones are actually really good) and you've got yourself anothe 8 channels to go for the keyboard rack or drumkit or whatever.
Yes, that's true. But it does require extra gear, so the unit is not inherently 10 or more tracks. Thanks for your comment.
How can everyone not miss it if it's not easily found for sale anywhere and (almost has) no promotion?
I was speaking more about the eq resonance issue with my title, but I suppose it could be interpreted both ways. I think the 32Ci is worth considering.
8:13 oh look you discovered analog filter oscillation? Yep thats a thing. Its not a problem but a normal working analog filter has oscillation its when the resonance reaches the point of feedback.
Of course it is. I even mention that when I talk about analog synths. But if your *EQ* is oscillating, that's usually considered a problem.
@@MatthewHaines EQ's shouldn't oscillate but filters will. They aren't the same thing. Many filters will feedback when they resonate. The filters used in the Harrison as well as MCI/Sony consoles modules have had this same quirk. Digital filters like plugins won't do this unless coded to feedback. But in a resonant analog filter the audio is being filtered on a feedback circuit and produces less phase shift and less ringing, but a side effect is the audio is circulating back into itself. So its just part of the nature of it. Just like a Feedforward compressors have more snap than feedback compressors. Its just part of the circuit and I understand how that can be annoying for sure. But its just the nature of it. Like all things in audio we learn to work with it or around it. Great video by the way I wasn't trying to be mean or anything.
@@joesalyersok, got it. I misinterpreted what you were saying. thanks for the clarification.
Thanks for the review that screechy noise is a dealbreaker for me especially with artists sharing headphones. Enouth potential for errors without remembering to mute everything before twiddling the filters. I also find this product has a weird vapourware vibe in that icon provide such little detail in the manual or anywhere about the software features and how the plugins work for monitoring with reverb etc and latency. Even Harrison seem like they are fairly arms length from the product by the posts on the forum where they talk about the features based on the prototype they had a test of. Its all a bit undercooked in my view.
I understand what you're saying. I will say though that the 32Ci is a solid piece of gear. I was using it yesterday, and - feedback issue aside - it's very solid and functional.
Thanks do you know if you can add reverb vst to the aux channels in the software mixer for monitoring while recording? Also how do the pres compare to say an Audient or similar? The blurb from Harrison indicates nothing comes close at the price point.
@@endlessnameless4369 Yes you can add reverb without it being printed to your recorded track. The mic preamps sound very good. They're a transformer design, which is somewhat out of the ordinary. I can't really say how they compare to an Audient preamp because I don't have anything in-house to compare it to.
you’re not supposed to twist interface knobs or push buttons while recording.
you set the levels and then leave them alone
Hah! Funny!
Good hardware, features, specs, designs and etc. great.
But then how about its driver, especially for Windows?
How about its driver software?
Longevity of maintenance (update and upgrade of the driver, firmware etc), after sales tech support, service etc.
How about their availability on the market?
That are what many manufacturer often missed or unable to do.
Something which RME does very well (many aspects of them) albeit some people may not prefer their products, and also the rather higher prices, and the often unavailability of their products on the market (with reasons like it's because the rarity of the chips they need on the market etc)..
How long a product will be supported is always an unknown, and hard to factor in when making buying decisions. The driver works fine on Windows as far as I know. Sadly, I can't predict the future. :)
No one can predict the future, indeed, but manufacturer can give asurrement, and can have reputation.
That's why I said about RME Devices which manufacturer assures their devices would be supported for long years and have reputation to do so. That's what I mean.
Other manufacturer doesn't some other less or more kind of does it (although perhaps not enough to rival said RME reputation), while this Icon-Harrison interface, really unknown.
Probably none of the other reviewers consider it a problem because they turn off the bump if they don't want resonance and self-oscillation.
Possibly.
Despite the fault, I will buy this. And probably use it with Harrison Mix Bus haha
I used it a few more times as well. Until Icon got mad at my review and asked for it back. 🤷♂️
@@MatthewHaines L0L! Is it bad then?
@@volgalgzkaradagoglu No, I liked it! If you're looking for a neutral sound only, then there are cheaper ways to achieve that. But I would have been happy to continue using the 32Ci because it sounds good, is solid and looks nice too.
Allthough the card works fine when plugged in without installing any software an important part will be drivers and software to take full advantage of an audio interface. This card has some great features like IO Pro and the use of VSTs. On a windows machine it seems to work fine, but on Mac Studio and MacBook Pro (both M1) with either Ventura or Sonoma installed the software is not working properly. The driver fails to install, and if you are lucky to get it to work the IO software freezes up all the time. Now it would be great for content creators and live streamers if only the software worked on all systems. I have seen a lot of reviews online but something a lot of reviewers seems to miss is to test out and review drivers and software the comes with a soundcard. These are often a source of frustration when not working properly and it's not an uncommon problem with audio interfaces.
In my review I did test the software and driver on my system, which I discussed. It’s not practical for me to test it on all possible platforms and operating systems.
install with hardware plugged in
We have corrected the problems with the MacOS loopback driver. If your 32Ci is connected to your computer and powered on BEFORE you install the iO Pro software, it should download the loopback driver correctly.
@@Iconproaudio I love this interface but I/o pro doesn't work right for me ,I was thinking it was like the UAD console software but guess not !
@@GDLong-mt4zeWhat are the problems you're experiencing?
So, the main takeaway of this video is that you are more "special" than hundreds of others? This is what you focused on the most.
Sorry you didn’t like it, but I appreciate you watching the video anyway.
noise is a deal breaker.........feels non professional if you tolerate that ....let them fix it
I have found it very usable, even with the feedback problem. It doesn’t excuse their error, but it doesn’t mean the product is a waste of time either.
Same cost of the Rodecaster Duo... so this product out of date BIG TIME. Dead on arrival.
It’s aimed at a completely different user. You’re comparing apples and oranges.
Different product, different target audience.