Lexicon

The PCM 81 takes where the PCM 80 left off, and adds AES/EBU Digital I/O, includes algorithms and presets from the Pitch FX and Vocal Fix Cards, and adds 24-bit converters for even higher quality audio. The PCM 81 maintains Lexicon's highest standards for sonic clarity, and its extraordinary processing power yields the finest effects available in its price class, plus outstanding reverberation.

The Interface Considerable effort went into providing you with processors that are as comfortable to operate as they are a joy to hear. At the top operating level, you simply load the desired program: we have assigned an immediately-useful parameter to the Adjust knob. For example, if you load the preset 4-Voice Concert Hall, the Adjust knob controls the reverb decay time.

The next level was designed for professionals who want to further customize programs, but do not have the time to wade through the myriad of controls which we offer. In this mode, as many as ten of the most logical parameters in a given effect are easily accessible for customization.

For the sound designer, there is a further mode which allows access to the full editing matrix in the PCM 80. This mode features a user-assignable soft row, where you can store your own favorite parameters, as well as the full editing matrix. It is in this mode that the user can access the extensive modulation capabilities of the PCM 80.

Dynamic Patching When we introduced the PCM 70, one of its many exciting new features was our invention of Dynamic MIDI®, which ushered in a whole new approach to controlling effects. With the PCM 81 and PCM 91, we've taken that concept to a whole new level – to give you unprecedented control over your effects. From modulating sounds, to altering the attack and decay characteristics of the sound, to producing unusual and ethereal spaces, Dynamic Patching gives these processors a truly unique set of capabilities.

Dynamic Patching makes it possible to go way beyond simple modulation effects. In the PCM 81, for example, you can create modulation sweeps which move in time with the music, or wildly changing effects with a life of their own. You have the power to make your effects come alive as a vital part of your work.

The Dynamic Patching matrix maps data from any of 143 possible control sources to any effect parameter. These sources include 126 different MIDI controllers, and external sources such as footswitches and footpedals. Internal controllers include Tempo (both internal Tap and external MIDI clock), LFOs (Sine, Cosine, Square, Triangle, Pulse, Sawtooth), Time Switches, Latch, AR Generator, and Left & Right Envelope Followers. Up to ten patches can be created per effect.

The PCM 81 is particularly suited to make use of Dynamic Patching, thanks to the way we allow you to control effects parameters. In a conventional patch scaling configuration, you have a Maximum and Minimum value, and you can modulate between them. In the Dynamic Patching matrix, you can set up to eight points (see diagram), allowing very complex and mind-altering modulation paths.

Tempo Control In recent Lexicon processors, we have implemented powerful tap-tempo control over delay lines. The PCM 81 and PCM 81 offer not only a tap tempo control, but also offer several rhythmic variations on the tap. In the PCM 81 and PCM 91, the tempo can also be 'dialed-in' – you can set the tempo in beats-per-minute. Both units allow you to generate MIDI clock from your tap, as well as receive MIDI tempo from an external sequencer or drum machine. One other unique feature unique to the PCM 81 and PCM 91 is the ability to have the tempo control LFO speeds and Time Switch controls. Thus all of your modulations can be synchronized with your music. Furthermore, you can set independent rhythmic values per parameter within the same program. Tempos can be read as both Rhythmic value and Absolute Time value. For long-delay aficionados, the PCM 81's maximum delay time is 21 seconds.

Dynamic Spatialization Another radical new concept in the PCM 81 and PCM 91 is their dynamic spatialization effects. Two independent spatial processors allow you to place effects virtually anywhere between your loudspeakers – or even beyond them. Most significantly, they allow you to locate the effects dynamically, thus creating different spaces that change along with the music. For example, when playing sustained chords through Steered Rear, the PCM 81 automatically steers the reverb around you (into full rear in surround sound) when the input audio decays past the threshold. PC Card Slot

The PCM 81 and PCM 91 carry on Lexicon's tradition of products that will stand the test of time. Both units include an industry-standard PC Card (formerly PCMCIA) slot. RAM cards can be used to store your own programs, while Lexicon is issuing a continuing series of effects cards which include new algorithms and capabilities. There is also a series of cards featuring unique programs from the industry's top sound designers, including effects aimed specifically at film sound, music recording, live and broadcast applications. We're confident that the PCM 81 and PCM 91 will remain a part of your effects rack for a very long time.

The MPX 200 features a front panel Adjust knob that can be used for selecting, editing, and cuing programs. Effects and Routing LEDs indicate which effects are selected, and for dual-effects programs, which routing is selected. An Edit Parameter Display indicates which parameter is selected for editing. In many cases, the Adjust knob controls several effect parameters at once to provide simple control of related parameters. For example, in many Chamber and Room programs, Adjust controls the "liveness" of space by changing decay, EQ, and early reflections simultaneously. The MPX 200’s Cue Program Mode is accessed via the Adjust knob. Effects and Routing LEDs indicate which program is currently running, while the Load button remains lit to indicate that another program is ready for loading. Push the load button to activate the cued program.

Dual Programs Dual programs combine either a Delay or a Reverb algorithm with a Flange, Pitch, or Chorus algorithm, or with each other. The Effects Lvl/Bal parameter controls the relative balance of each effect within the combination. The dual programs use four routing configurations: Cascade, Dual Mono, Dual Stereo, and Mono Split.

Tap Tempo Tap Tempo allows the user to match delay times and modulation rates with those of the music. Whenever the tempo feature is active in a program, the green Tap LED flashes. To lock the delay or effect to the tempo, just press the Tap button twice in time with the music. Tap can also be set from any MIDI device using Continuous Controllers or program change for manual Tap or MIDI Clock for automatic synchronization. Audio input can be used to set the tempo of delay and modulation times – a necessity for live performances.

MIDI Learn Like the MPX 100, the MPX 200 features a Learn Mode in which it can "learn" Program Change and Continuous Controller messages. This allows for remote control of front panel parameters, including Adjust, Bypass, Compressor, EQ, Lvl/Bal, Mix, and Tap. Musicians need never touch the front panel during a live performance. In the studio, controls can be automated with MIDI and recorded into any sequencing software for complete automation of MPX 200 effects.

The MPX 1 is the processor that fulfills the promise implied by the term, "multi-effects." Multiple Processor FX technology combined with an interactive front panel, creates a new set of standards for others to follow... no less than you’d expect from Lexicon.

What To Expect

No compromise stereo reverb in combination with as many as 4 additional stereo effects A "goof-proof" system for quickly fine-tuning any program, without having to enter an in-depth editing mode Visual feedback to tell you exactly where you are and what features are available; on-board Help guides you all the way 56 Pitch, Chorus, EQ, Modulation, Delay and world-class Reverb effects Complete flexibility of routing and effect order in every program 200 preset programs designed for a wide variety of audio sources and applications — with database sorting to let you find exactly what you want Layered features; options are there when you need them, and out of the way when you don’t Dynamic control of all effects parameters with pushbutton access to the patch system Extensive MIDI implementation Comprehensive audio connectivity Uncompromised Effects The MPX 1 employs two separate DSP processors: our proprietary Lexichip, dedicated to delivering world-class stereo reverb and ambience algorithms, and a separate, fast-math DSP processor to create the other effects. This means that uncompromised Lexicon stereo reverberation and ambience effects are available all the time, whether you’re running them alone, or in combination with any stereo pitch, chorus, EQ, delay or modulation effect. Many "multi-effect" processors can’t match even this basic requirement. The MPX 1 not only meets this standard expectation, but has processing power left over to run still more effects.

Instant Access The six effect types in the MPX 1 are accessible at all times via dedicated, back-lit buttons on the front panel. Each effect "block" is totally independent, with its own mix, level and bypass controls. The audio path through each effect is in stereo. An arsenal of exciting effects for each block (56 in total) is only a button push away, allowing you to easily select a new effect for any program.

Goof-Proof Program Fine-Tuning The MPX 1 comes loaded with 200 carefully crafted presets that really show off the the MPX 1’s versatility. Fine-tuning any preset to match it to your music or sound track is quick and easy with pushbutton access to a "soft row" designed to hold the most useful parameter combinations for each individual program. When you want to completely restructure a program, or create a new one from scratch, an Edit mode lets you dive as deeply as you want into an extensive pool of effect and program parameters.

On-Board Help A multi-level Help system built into the MPX 1 provides guidance through any front panel operation. At any time, simply press and hold any button to display a message explaining the function of the button without executing any action. This feature lets you look around and figure out most functions without ever having to open the user’s manual. In addition to press and hold Help, the MPX 1 has an optional Sleep mode help function which you can turn on for automatic display of useful messages when the system is idle.

Interactive Front Panel The MPX 1 front panel speaks for itself —with dedicated indicators and displays to let you know where you are and what features are available at all times:

Effect Select buttons light to show which effects are active in the current program

A Tempo LED flashes at the current tempo in any program that utilizes tempo- controlled delay times or modulation rates. A Tap button lets you change tempo on-the-fly

When the A/B LED lights, the A/B button lets you morph between effect or parameter variations.

A numeric display makes program and patch numbers highly visible

An alphanumeric display shows program, parameter and routing values

Dedicated Mix and Patch buttons give you instant access to mix and level settings of any or all effects, and the MPX 1 patch system. The Patch button lights whenever a patched parameter is displayed; simply press it to access the patch directly

Bypass lets you toggle master bypass

The Options button lights whenever additional functions and features are available.

Having many programs on-board is great, but with a library this large, how do you quickly find what you need? In the MPX 1, a built-in DataBase function makes it easy to find the right program for the moment. This database is completely user-definable, so you can reorganize all 250 programs any way you want. The MPX 1 DataBase Sort, Search and Show options include:

Sort by name

Sort by number

Search for source type (acoustic, drums, guitar, keyboard, live PA, sound FX, tempo and vocal)

Search for effect type (pitch, chorus, EQ, modulation, delay, ambient, chamber, gate, hall, inverse, plate and dual)

Search for source & effect (any combination of source or effect can be selected)

Show members of MIDI maps (Three 128-program maps are available)

Show members of program chains (10-program chains are available)

Last 10 programs loaded

Options When You Need Them The MPX 1 gives you as much control as you’re ever likely to want, while keeping the details out of your way until you need them. The Options feature is a good example of this. An Options button lights whenever there are additional features associated with the current display. Press Options to access the optional features. For example, when programs are displayed, press Options to access the DataBase Sort, Search and Show functions.

Additional options include:

Time Options: All MPX 1 delay parameters have an option which allows any delay time to be displayed in milliseconds, as echoes per beat, or in feet or meters

Rate Options: All MPX 1 rate parameters have an option which allows rate to be displayed in Hertz (Hz) or cycles per beat

Feedback Options: Feedback parameters have an option which allows any combination of effect blocks to be inserted inside delay or echo feedback loops

Patch Options: These options allow you to automatically "learn" MIDI control sources and create different control curves

Patching System The ability to dynamically control effect parameters is an essential aspect of creating great sounding, useful programs. Aside from the rate and envelope controls built into certain effects, the MPX 1 patch system provides more than 150 controllers that can be assigned to any effect parameter (up to 5 per program). These controllers include: LFO (2), ADR (2), Envelope Follower (2), Arpeggiator, Random Generator, A/B Glide, Tempo and Sample and Hold Generator.

Comprehensive MIDI Implementation In addition to the requisite bulk data dump and load functions, the MPX 1 provides an extensive set of MIDI control and processing features. In addition to global MIDI control for both individual and master bypass, mix and level, the MPX 1 gives you MIDI control of A/B and Tap, as well as all effect parameters. Tempo parameters synchronize to incoming MIDI clock, or the MPX 1 can transmit its own MIDI clock based on front panel Tap tempo. All MPX 1 internal control sources (audio levels, LFO’s, ADR’s, S/H, pedal, etc.) can be transmitted as MIDI Continuous Controller messages. A built-in arpeggiator "plays" MIDI sound generators and produces synchronized audio effects. In addition to separate OUT and THRU connectors, the MPX 1 supports remote power with a 7-pin DIN connector.

Audio Connections The MPX 1 is ready to plug and play in any situation: in a stage rig for guitar or keyboard, in a PA rack, in the studio or plugged into a digital workstation.

Operating levels from -10dB to +4dB

Analog I/O has balanced XLR and TRS 1/4" connectors

S/PDIF digital I/O

Great Expectations The MPX 1 is designed to exceed your expectations. With a well-balanced mix of high- quality audio effects, interactive control and intuitive operation, it has the sound, the flexibility and the feature depth to take you as far as you want to go quickly and creatively. The menus shown below give you a hint of what’s in store for you behind the front panel..