Understanding the Back Panel Connections

Before recording your first track, it helps to understand how everything connects. The back panel is where the core of your studio wiring happens.

Inputs 1 & 2 — Mic / Line / Instrument Recording

Inputs 1 and 2 use XLR-to-¼” combo jacks with Harrison 32C preamps.

These preamps deliver:

• Warm musical tone

• Smooth transient response

• Excellent detail for vocals and instruments

They are ideal for:

• Vocal microphones

• Acoustic instruments

• Guitar and bass through DI

• Any source needing a microphone preamp

The Line Input Switch allows you to toggle between:

• +4 dBu – professional studio gear

• -10 dBV – consumer level equipment

This ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices.

Inputs 3 & 4 — Line-Level Sources

Inputs 3 and 4 are ¼” TRS line inputs.

These are perfect for connecting:

• Synthesizers

• Drum machines

• External processors

• Any line-level audio source

If you produce electronic music or work with hardware instruments, these inputs give you quick access to your gear.

Main Outputs & Alternate Outputs

Your Main Outputs use balanced ¼” TRS connectors to connect your primary studio monitors.

The interface also includes Alternate Outputs, which allow you to connect a second pair of monitors.

This makes A/B monitor comparison easy, helping you check how your mix translates between speakers.

MIDI Connectivity

The interface includes full-size 5-pin MIDI In and Out ports.

This allows seamless integration with:

• MIDI controllers

• Hardware synthesizers

• Drum machines

• External MIDI devices

For producers who combine software and hardware instruments, this keeps everything synchronized.

ADAT Expansion

The ADAT optical input and output allow the system to expand with up to eight additional inputs.

This is especially useful when recording:

• Drum kits with multiple microphones

• Bands or ensembles

• Larger recording sessions

With ADAT expansion, the 32Ci can grow with your studio.

USB-C Connection

The USB-C port connects the interface directly to your computer.

This connection provides:

• High-speed data transfer

• Low-latency performance

• Reliable audio streaming

Once connected, your DAW recognizes the interface as your main recording device.

OTG (On-The-Go) Port

The OTG port allows the interface to connect directly to mobile devices.

This makes it possible to capture high-quality recordings on the go, turning a mobile device into a portable recording setup.

Power Connection

The interface is powered using the included power adapter via the barrel power port.

This ensures stable power for:

• Preamps

• converters

• monitoring circuitry

Step-by-Step Setup

Getting started with the 32Ci is simple. Follow this order:

1. Connect the power adapter

2. Plug the USB-C cable into your computer

3. Connect your studio monitors to the main outputs

4. Plug in your microphone or instrument

Once connected, the interface is ready for recording.

Top Panel Controls Explained

The top panel is where recording control happens. Each knob and button helps you shape and monitor your sound.

Gain Control and Signal Indicators

Each preamp includes a dedicated gain knob.

Next to the gain control are signal indicator LEDs that show your recording level.

• Green – healthy signal

• Yellow – approaching peak

• Red – clipping

If you see red, simply reduce the gain to prevent distortion.

Phantom Power (48V)

The 48V button enables phantom power.

This is required for condenser microphones.

Important note:

If you are using a ribbon microphone, phantom power should remain off to avoid damaging the microphone.

Instrument Mode

The Instrument button adjusts impedance to allow direct connection of guitars and basses.

This means you can plug your instrument straight into the interface without needing an external DI box.

Phase Inversion

The Phase Inversion button flips the polarity of the signal.

This is especially useful when recording with multiple microphones, such as:

• top and bottom snare microphones

• multi-mic guitar cabinets

It helps prevent phase cancellation that can weaken your sound.

PAD Control

If a signal is too loud, the PAD button reduces input gain by 20 dB.

This helps prevent clipping when recording loud sources such as:

• drum microphones

• high-output instruments

• hot line signals

The Harrison 32C Filters: Musical Tone Shaping

One of the standout features of the 32Ci is its Harrison 32C filter section, inspired by the legendary Harrison 32C mixing console.

These filters allow you to shape your tone before it reaches your DAW.

High-Pass Filter (HPF)

The High-Pass Filter removes unwanted low-frequency rumble.

This helps clean up recordings by removing:

• room rumble

• handling noise

• low-end buildup

Low-Pass Filter (LPF)

The Low-Pass Filter removes harsh high frequencies.

This can smooth out:

• overly bright sources

• harsh digital edges

• unwanted high-frequency noise

The “Bump” Feature

The Bump button adds subtle low-end warmth just before the cutoff frequency.

This creates a musical boost that enhances bass response while still controlling low-frequency clutter.

Together, these filters give you precise tonal control directly from the interface.

Direct Monitoring and Zero-Latency Workflow

Latency can interrupt creative flow. The 32Ci solves this with direct monitoring controls.

The PC Direct Mix knob controls how you hear your audio.

You can choose between three monitoring styles:

Fully Right – Direct Monitoring

• Hear your input directly

• Zero latency

Middle Position – Blend

• Mix of input signal and computer playback

• Ideal for overdubbing

Fully Left – Computer Playback

• Hear only the audio from your DAW

This flexible monitoring control helps artists and engineers work comfortably during recording sessions.

Dual Headphone Outputs

The interface includes two independent headphone outputs, each with its own volume control.

This is perfect for collaboration sessions, allowing:

• the engineer to monitor one mix

• the performer to monitor another listening level

Everyone hears what they need without compromise.

Master Volume and Monitor Switching

The Master Volume knob controls the overall level of your studio monitors.

The Alternate Monitor button allows you to quickly switch between two speaker sets.

This makes A/B mix comparisons fast and easy, helping you evaluate how your mix translates across different speakers.

Expanding the Interface with IO Pro Software

The 32Ci includes access to IO Pro software, a powerful virtual mixer and plug-in host.

With IO Pro you can:

• Route audio between multiple sources

• Run third-party VST and AU plugins in real time

• Save preferred plugin chains as presets

This allows you to build custom signal chains and recall them quickly for future sessions.

To install IO Pro:

1. Visit the iCON Pro Audio website

2. Go to the Download section

3. Install the latest version

Windows users should follow the prompts to install the ASIO driver during setup.

Practical Takeaways

Here are the key things to remember when using the Harrison 32Ci:

• Inputs 1–2 include Harrison 32C preamps for microphones and instruments

• Inputs 3–4 support line-level gear like synths and drum machines

• Direct monitoring allows zero-latency recording

• HPF, LPF, and Bump filters shape tone before it reaches your DAW

• Dual headphone outputs support collaborative recording

• ADAT expansion allows up to eight additional inputs

• IO Pro software enables routing and real-time plugin processing

Together, these tools create a workflow that is simple, flexible, and deeply musical.

Final Thoughts

A good interface should disappear once the music begins.

The Harrison 32Ci is designed exactly that way—clean signal path, musical filters, flexible monitoring, and intuitive controls that let creators focus on performance instead of troubleshooting.

Whether you’re recording vocals, producing electronic tracks, or capturing a full band, the 32Ci offers a powerful balance of classic console tone and modern studio convenience.

Plug in. Dial the gain. Shape the sound.
And let the music speak.