Description
For many people – me included – there is only one brand of digital reverb. Lexicon has always made fine-sounding devices and their modern reverbs build on the experience gained with the legendary 224, 224XL & 480L which, along with EMT, were the best digital reverb units of the 80s and 90s
The MPX 550 is a true-stereo, 24-bit Lexicon reverb / effects unit with balanced inputs & outputs. It’s an updated version of the MPX 500, with more user memories, more effects algorithms and a new dynamics setup. It’s a big step up from the likes of the MPX 100 & MPX 110 with many more programs, a lot more flexibility and, most importantly, that high-end Lexicon reverb sound
“The MPX550 is joyously simple to use, and the fact that it is filled with so many good-sounding reverb algorithms means that you generally only need to tweak a couple of parameters to get exactly the sound you want”
“As a replacement for the already fine MPX500, the MPX550 has a lot going for it, not least its extremely good reverb algorithms and its friendly user interface“
The MPX 500 has 255 preset programs plus 64 user memories to store edited effects – a big increase on the 30 user slots on the MPX 500. The dedicated processor chip is powerful enough to run two programs simultaneously so the MPX 500 can be used as two separate effects units. These can be configured in various ways – split, cascade, dual mono, dual stereo, etc
The new compressor section is available in all programs and Dynamics is a dedicated compression program. Ratios can be set to 1:1, 2:2, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1 and 10:1 and threshold, attack time and release time are all adjustable
The MPX 550 has the usual Lexicon in-depth Midi implementation with programs selectable via Midi program changes, parameters patched for real-time control and Sysex dumps to save & restore effects settings. Tempo-based effects can be setup using Midi clock or via a front-panel Tap Tempo button
| MPX 550 Single Programs |
| 1 |
Plate |
| 2 |
Gate / Inverse |
| 3 |
Hall |
| 4 |
Chamber |
| 5 |
Ambience |
| 6 |
Rooms |
| 7 |
Tremelo |
| 8 |
Rotary |
| 9 |
Chorus |
| 10 |
Flange |
| 11 |
Detune |
| 12 |
Pitch |
| 13 |
Delay, Echo |
| MPX 550 Dual Programs |
| 14 |
Special Effects |
| 15 |
Flange-Delay |
| 16 |
Pitch-Delay |
| 17 |
Chorus-Delay |
| 18 |
Delay-Reverb |
| 19 |
Flange-Reverb |
| 20 |
Pitch-Reverb |
| 21 |
Chorus-Reverb |
| 22 |
Mono Split Delay |
| 23 |
Mono Split Reverb |
| 24 |
Dual Mono |
The MPX 550 shares lots of basic features with the previous 500 model. The display is large & easy to read with the current patch name, number and effect type prominently displayed. Four dedicated controllers on the front panel make for easy editing – parameters assigned to each are listed along the bottom of the display and editing is simply a matter of grabbing the relevant knob & tweaking away. Starting with an effect that’s close to what you want, it’s easy to edit & save versions of existing patches, and there are more user memories available to save your own patches
The unit is very quick to respond to control inputs and feels as though it has lots of processing power. Audio quality is as you’d expect from a Lexicon – smooth & effortless-sounding with a wide bandwidth. It’s super-easy to get to know and there’s no real need to read the manual unless you want to delve into some of the deeper aspects of the unit
The MPX 550 is a great all-rounder. It’s quick & easy to use, has proper balanced inputs & outputs on XLRs and jacks, offers true stereo / dual mono operation and delivers that Lexicon sound. It has more patches and more user memories than the previous model and pushes the mid-level Lexicons closer to the PCM 81 & 91 in terms of quality & sophistication
In excellent condition with minimal rack rash or case marks. Tested & working 100%. Photos show an MPX 550 sold previously
Balanced stereo inputs & outputs are provided on XLRs and jack sockets and the unit works at a nominal 0 dBm level. The unit uses 24-bit convertors with 56-bit internal processing and is clocked via an internal 44.1 or 48 KHz reference or the SP/DIF digital input. When Dry is selected the analogue input feeds the digital output so the unit can be used as an A-to-D convertor
The back panel footswitch jack socket can be used for bypass and tap tempo. Midi In & Out / Thru jacks are on the back panel along with SP/DIF digital inputs & outputs on phono sockets. LCD contrast can be changed via a rear-panel control - useful for units mounted in a rack
The 550 has a proper internal power supply which accepts 90-250 Volts AC. Standard IEC power input. UK, Euro or US power lead supplied on request
1U device suitable for mounting in a standard 19" rack. Standard IEC power input. UK, Euro or US power lead supplied on request
Product page
http://www.lexiconpro.com/en/products/mpx550
Owners Manual
http://rdn.harmanpro.com/product_documents/documents/1137_1340214190/MPX550_Manual_English_original.pdf
Sound on Sound Review
http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/jan03/articles/lexiconmpx550.asp
GearJunkies Review
http://www.gearjunkies.com/product_info.php?products_id=11145
In excellent condition with minimal rack rash or case marks. Tested & working 100%. Photos show an MPX 550 sold previously
