Description
For many people Lexicon is the definitive brand of digital reverb. Along with EMT, Lexicon dominated the market in the 1980s, with a range of devices from the PCM70 and Lexicon 200 to high-end units like the legendary 480L
Lexicon subsequently developed their own proprietary digital reverb processor, the Lexichip, which allowed them to build cheaper, more compact effects processors such as the LXP range
The LXP-5 was launched along with the reverb-only LXP-1 and the MRC Midi Remote Controller. The MRC included patches to edit all programs in the two units, but this is more easily done now using midi controllers in a DAW. The LXP-5 speaks fluent Midi and will dump & receive patches via Sysex. It’s not designed for easy front-panel editing but, with sixteen variants of each preset, it’s easy to get close to the sound you want by stepping through the versions
The LXP-5 is not just a reverb processor but combines reverb and effects programs. It has a wide variety of programs (see listing below). It has full Midi implementation which allows control of virtually all parameters. Lexicon dubs this “Dynamic Midi”
The basic building blocks of effects presets are two algorithms, Pitch / Delay and Delay / Reverb. Everything within those two building blocks is editable, via the front panel or an external controller. It has 64 presets plus 128 User registers for saving edited presets
The front panel is very sparse with signal & overload LEDs, Input / Mix / Output controls, (Mix varies the blend of effect and dry signal), a Peset / User switch, Select knob and Adjust knob. Finally there is a Learn button with LED to show the status of that control. To quote from the manual:
“The easiest way to start creating your own sounds is by editing one of the 64 LXP-5 preset programs. Use Function & Select to choose a preset you’d like to change. Put the LXP-5 into Edit mode by holding the Learn button…”
When you fire up the LXP-5, and feed signal into it, it’s very obviously a Lexicon. The sound is lush & polished without any hint of the metallic sound of some Japanese devices. One pitch change preset with feedback reminded me very much of the Eventide Harmonizer H910, one of my favourite effects, with a similar depth and character. I’ll admit to being impressed
“The LXP-1 specializes in ambiance and atmospheres (in other words, reverbs), the LXP-5 is a master of the strange worlds of modulated echoes, pitch shifting and totally crazy combinations of Chorus/Reverb (very very good!)”
Lexicon LXP-5 preset types
| 1 | Pitch |
| 2 | Delay |
| 3 | Chorus |
| 4 | Multi |
| 5 | Edit A |
| 6 | Edit B |
| 7 | Edit C |
