Lexicon I-Onix FW810S

Amateur sound engineer, I wished for a little time to buy a digital audio interface to catch sounds (static and dynamic microphones, guitars, basses, line inputs ...). When I saw that Lexicon was coming out this card with dbx dynamics processing in, I documented.
In addition to an audio interface as there is plethora, this card can be used as insert effects: 8 x Gate / Compressor / Limiter / EQ dbx in 1U!

So, in addition to the studio, I also used live (insert in the console) connected to a laptop for the treatment of dynamic slices that need it (kick, vocals, ...). I also use MIDI to control external effects.

Note, all analog audio connections allow the symmetrical or asymmetrical.

UTILIZATION

The packaging is neat, there is a firewire cable supplied from the power supply is internal.
Once the drivers installed (the latest ones are on the manufacturer's website) you turn the card and go.

I use it on PC with the usual ASIO applications and there is no problem. Everything relating to the handling that is familiar with a console or effects of dynamic treatment poses no concern.
The English manual is brief but again, only an expert will not need.

GETTING STARTED

In use, the interface sounds great, the preamps have an impressive dynamic range. Dynamic treatment to fulfill their task, only the interface is improved.

The console software is simple to learn, a tutorial video is online.
On the protection of presets that is not implemented (make a preset with a slice to another), it is still possible to edit the file. Mix which is a text file and use the copy / paste.

Regarding the latency, I turn around 10ms (my PC is old enough). on the other hand when using an insert is 0 and 8 inputs and 8 outputs can be used simultaneously without problems.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this card for the past 3 months with no trouble.

This is a great product, strong. there is nothing to say about the quality, some changes to the ergonomics of the console would be welcome (we do not know too much or the cursor on the rotary knobs) ...

It goes without saying that if this interface is right for you then do not hesitate, especially for the price.

Firewire interface with 8 inputs Jack / XLR
The phantom can be activated by input pair.
Preamps DBX (2 entries include a DI)
I / O Midi.
SPDIF input
Up to 96 kHz at 24 bits

Reverb, compressor, EQ and DSP

Used for microphones made by acoustic guitars, amps, guitars, synths and singing.


UTILIZATION

The drivers are stable but are not updated often. No updates yet.
The software works well.
I saved up to 6 channels 96 kHz/24 bit simultaneously without dropping out.


GETTING STARTED

Installation is done smoothly and easily.
No compatibility problems were encountered.

The manual is very slight, even too.
For example: it is mentioned nowhere in either the manual or on the site, 2 fuses to change if they fail.
Especially since the VAS is more of a silencer.



OVERALL OPINION

I use it for more than 6 months.

The preamps are of exceptional quality, very quiet, warm and dynamic.
DSP compressor has a very effective action, but does not compress the outlet, I do not use it.
The reverbs work only monitoring but it is very useful to catch votes.

I bought this card to replace a Presonus Firepod preamps which gave a result quite cold on the votes taken, and taken on synthetic guitars.

The gain in quality is impressive, and it's really nice.

The price / quality ratio is very correct.
It's a choice I would do, obviously.

8 Analog Inputs (combos T (R) S, 2-XLR accepting high impedance) + S / PDIF = 10 in.
Hand out 2 + 8 "send" analog + S / PDIF out + headphone out 14 =
on the other hand, no XLR output - saving space as it takes on 1U, but provide the cable or adapter TRS to XLR for live)

I use it in a rack with a multi effect same brand most often connected to S / PDIF, and an external preamp.



UTILIZATION

I use in home studio or live. In this last use (and Win XP) I had some problems routing the 8 outs to send.
These sometimes salvaged a bit of the signal from S / PDIF In, when the reverb is turned more integrated. The latest drivers win7 64 apparently eradicated the problem.

on the other hand no specific routing of one of the 8 analog inputs to the S / PDIF out: either the whole mix goes there (button "mix to S / PDIF" in the console software) or ... you're in for a A / D conversion and D / A if you go for example to the multi purpose.
The advantage of digital routing, it should still be flexible and not be able to do send / return without conversions is quite incomprehensible.
I sent a email to Lexicon asking them to add a button "send" additional tranche for the S / PDIF so. No news and no inclusion of this feature in the latest drivers. (They'll make me go for my next multi Eventide effects ... oh no, my banker told me that not?)

The recording of 10 tracks at the same time always passes without concern (many rehearsal tape)
For reading, vst out heavy, I've never been limited (16, 18, most probably, I know!)

Latency in my config and with buffers of 512 is 12ms 20ms input and output. (And it fits me!)

I'm on PC, mainly i5 laptop with 4GB of ram.
In this area, moreover, be careful! the number of models decreases with Firewire port, ditto for the express card (Adapter 1394) ...

GETTING STARTED

Installation is hassle-free, the party with Cubase LE4 online validation is a bit long / boring (there is videos on the Lexicon site if necessary).

The general configuration is easily done because the console software is clear and Cubase LE4 (provided, so) There's a project with the preset inputs / outputs already routed.

Once the config performed slice by slice (EQ and dynamic treatments equally simple) you can save. No backup slice by slice or de'EQ presets for example. In practice, the time to prepare a small set of configs for different situations and I shall not want. That

OVERALL OPINION

1 year spent with her.

The Firewire connection limits me a bit is mobile and Pc (less and less models offer the FW or ExpressCard to add the FW port via adapter).

The absence of a slice by slice to send the S / PDIF is an oversight damaging.

However, it "sounds" converters, most music seem to be in default of Prism. The onboard effects squarely held the road (in the Settings "decent"!), Dbx compressor emulation with soft knee is hell for singing live, the limiter very quiet (note: it is not a "brickwall" of ridges pass). The reverbs are a very successful "atmosphere" to these subtle funny lexiconesques hall.

Its use and the very concept of console interface + complete work wonders for those seeking versatility "studio - live" ('am going to continue with L'Oreal, where?)
The quality of manufacture (compared to the price of course) seems to me excellent.
99% of what you can listen on my space component is recorded / mixed via FW810S.

In a sentence as 100, even imperfect (even irritating to c't'histoire to send S / PDIF), its price / quality ratio is excellent and work with it is almost all the time pleasant and efficient!

For specifications, go to the Lexicon website.

DSP Preamp DBX Compressor / Gate / Limiter + 4-band parametric Equa 8 entries

Missing link ADAT order to extend the number of inputs.

My config:
I5 mu.P Intel 650 Dual Core 3.2 GHz / 4 threads.
4GB DDRII RAM
Gigabyte
Win XP Level

UTILIZATION

use, it is a treat, everything is very simple and very stable.

Mixer excellent, stable drivers for my part inaudible latency, especially quality preamps that sound very very good.

With this card you can record 8 analog inputs at the same time without problem 96kHz/24bits.

I use Cubase SX3.

GETTING STARTED

Easy installation, no incompatibilities.
Configuration of drivers could not be more simple.
When the manual to him is a bit light on the use of the mixing console, the links between the console and the outputs are not clear at first.

OVERALL OPINION

I use for less than 6 months but I have already recorded a demo with my rock band, I'll put the links here.

In comparison with a fastrack and a presonus or another, very little wind, very little latency, especially insist on the quality of its preamps.

The pros: The sound, use, quality, stability

The -: Lack of Link ADAT PLOC when off the map.

Value for money, hard to say, with I / O ADAT I said: very very good!

I would do this election if I did not ever record more than 8 tracks simultaneously.