#MIXBUS DEMO FOR MAC OS X#

The result was a computer DAW where the focus was on replicating both the workflow and sound of Harrison’s mixers in a convenient and cost–effective software format.

#MIXBUS DEMO FOR MAC OS X#

Version 1, which was available for Mac OS X only, was very much designed around Harrison’s expertise in the construction of large–format, high–end mixing consoles, many of which are found in top film and television production suites. Priced at $79 and first reviewed in the May 2010 issue of SOS, Harrison Mixbus is a proprietary extension of the open–source Ardour project, and offers another low–cost yet well–featured alternative to the obvious market leaders. The grass has to look unbelievably green on the other side for people to consider switching to a different DAW. Equally, once a user has invested both time and money in a particular DAW/sequencer product, the prospect of jumping ship to a competing product can be a daunting one. There are a small number of products that, for reasons of history, are perhaps considered the ‘professional’ choices. This is also a product category that has considerable inertia.

It used to be the case that getting access to a top–flight DAW/sequencer meant paying top dollar, but in more recent years, we have seen the appearance of several low–cost options that are equally well-featured, such as Reaper and Tracktion.

If anyone can provide a logical explanation for the way computer–based recording software is priced, I’m all ears. Harrison’s Mixbus offers large–format console sound at a budget price, and the addition of MIDI and third–party plug–in support broaden its appeal considerably. The Mixer window in Mixbus 3 sees Harrison's large-format console design recreated in software.

Mixbus demo