Lexicon PCM 80

This is not a classic ie able to block the effects to choose cascade or parallel multi-effect.
Do not look for algos flanger, chorus or phaser ready when programming. The Algo are both very generic and fixed (based on 1 + 4 rgb or delay lines 6 + or - or looped modulated):
=> Allowing tremendous opportunities
=> But you have to know to make the best
(See previous reviews for more details.)
I add to this that the main differences with the PCM81 does not lie solely in terms of connectivity:
- Digital SPDIF RCA (against AES XLR)
- Analog to Jack sym. (Against XLR) except qq latest PCM80 who XLR
But also:
- The Pitch FX are optional (included in the PCM81)
- Less presets (200 against 300)
- I think it has less RAM (but it is expandable via SIMMs) => max time approx 1.2 seconds (depending on algorithm)
One common option for PCM80 and 81 Dual FX card which gives more configuation algo different (but no new effects) as well as more flexible routing options (but rather complex). Routing options that we also find that the map Pitch FX.
Note that the pitch or Dual FX card load into memory the launch of the machine. Once done, you can not bp, remove the card and put a PCMCIA memory card for use prg. But it is to do each ignition of the machine ...

UTILIZATION

Both the PCM80 is great thought to adapt to user needs: eg parameters tempos and mix dry / wet are stored in both overall and each prg => allows you to use machine classic mode send / return or insert to unmute sound engineers; or in an effects loop for guitarists.
The parameters are organized in a matrix, which is often convenient, but the buttons are not necessarily placed by judiciously. And especially some "boxes" of the matrix actually contain several parameters. So very ergonomics improved, although well thought out.
2 GB and Pro modes can be adapted to the context (pure programming or studio mixing => Pro or Live Operations => GB)
Must spend time on the machine with the doc on his knees to really enjoy the machine (base presets are varied and clearly show the potential of the machine, while being used in a real context).
In addition, we can not freely choose an algorithm: the principle is to start from a preset we like and modify it (but the algorithm will base the selected preset). There are no blank preset from scratch for example.

SOUND QUALITY

This machine can do some pretty unique things for little one takes the trouble to return it.
For reverb, the (good) Today plug do better. They are quite "off" (or "dark" as some would say) but are largely exploited for the live or extra. But it is not the purpose of the machine.
For effects, not easy to get quickly a predefined result. Not necessarily impressive at first, given the enormous progress made and opportunities in the last 20 years in terms of DSP and plug-ins.
However, you can do / hear amazing things ranging from subtle (placement in space, depth and dynamic) to delusions not necessarily always good usable (say for good BIG delusions, it will then take a tour at Eventide). It can be a bit 80/90 years but ... I use it mostly on guitars (electric sound clear or electro-acoustic) on synths and snares (gates).
Given its current price, it can be a formidable weapon in a gig guitarist (even without an amp, clear sound, you can make huge stuff). I also considered more as a tool for sound design (to use right composition or as part of its intrinsic) rather than as a simple reverb / delay / chorus / flanger to add mix.
Only Eventide and TC can take the comparison (with a different sound identity).

OVERALL OPINION

Lexicon each module has its own identity (I also have a LXP5, which is well below the PCM, yet I draw other things equally interesting). The PCM80 (and 81) is obviously one. But it is the only module that has as many lines as much time with possibility of setting (including MIDI). Few machines or plug do that.
This is not a machine for the "ready-to-mix" beginners (although the presets are good). Delivery in the context of the 90s, it is exceptional to nbx points. It remains today a very good machine that I do not use generic and systematic manner, but in very specific context.
Positives:
- Huge opportunities through patch (= macro) to change one or more parameters via different controller (front wheel, pedals, MIDI notes and controllers)
- MIDI Implementation ultra complete (including the notes of a keyboard, CC, etc. ..)
- Ability to define its own parameters Go
- Thoughtful super global configurations (with 10 configuration memories)
- Sync to tempo via MIDI Prg Change + Management => STAN controllable from your DAW / favorite
Radius disappointments:
- No I / O word clock (which would allow its use in a digital environment 96k)
- Prg few users (50) but also extensible PCMCIA card (and there is such huge banks 9 50 prg)
- Forced from a preset with the desired algorithm to create a patch with the same algorithm
- Time basis a little short but extensible (1MB and 4MB SIMM)
- Pitch FX card optional

What are the effects, or types of effects available?
reverbs, chorus, delay, flanger etc. ..

UTILIZATION

We can not quite speak simple to use when it comes to a lexicon. but the freedoms they are settings that finally we found it. While learning is necessary, the output parameters are not specific enough to go around in circles for hours. For me it is simpler than some Eventide!

SOUND QUALITY

The effects are somewhat effective. There is full range of effects that a multi-effect processor must possess. The reverberations are bringing excellent grain lexicon. Other effects are not far behind. Even just listening to the presets you really feel back very far so the quality is there!
The filters raisonnants + reverbs are magical! For fun try dénomée memory "in March bars". The reverb ship called "slope down". The preset called "concerthall2" bug!

OVERALL OPINION

I use this pcm 80 for 5 years. Since I have tried many other multi-effects (mainly eventide and tc) and nothing for me to do the 80 cfm is the multi-effect that absolutely must have in the studio and on stage!

That says it all, I have nothing to add.

UTILIZATION

The logical configuration is not definitive and too complicated to understand. Even if it has changed dramatically the way I work, my transition from soft to hard it went without any particular problems. I would say that it has opened new perspectives such freedom of action are great.

SOUND QUALITY

The effects are of efficiencies and depth absolutely sublime! I have not heard it with any plugin. The reverberations although few are beautiful, dense and enveloping. Other effects are just as beautiful! one wonders how they did it to design a multi-effects as creative and especially of this quality! After a year of use I always come back no.

OVERALL OPINION

I use this pcm 80 for 1 year. Before that I used only the soft and I did not see much use of hardware, including the effects. Now I am satisfied that the hard remains a class of its own and not necessarily restricted to an elite.
To paraphrase Sarah (previous opinion) and I am sure she will forgive me, me also he can not do without this fabulous palace of mirages!

Compared PMK 70, the overhaul is complete, both orders, the display, even as the design of algorithms. The PCM 80 includes a bar graph rather basic but adequate, double as Stereo, jumped by 6 dB to -24 dB 0. The display as it has two line of twenty characters MATRICS points each. It's much more comfortable than the PCM 70 ..
You can get in and out in numrique the PCM 80 via a pair of RCA, SPDIF-standard, I always wonder why Lexicon has not opt ​​for the AES, much more reliable. This gap will be filled on the PCM 81. This pos Lexicon allows you to mix a source numrique with an analog source. Speaking of dernires, they jack in symtrique, and above all they are two, both 80 PCM Stereo Fully which the diffrence in the PCM 70. The outputs are of the same ilk in symtrie active, so no transformer. L I also wonder why Lexicon has not opt ​​for the XLR connectors, and much more professional .. lockable. The PCM 81 still fill the gap ..
It automatically DTECT the number of inputs and outputs connected to the outside world and acts consquence, as, for example, between using the two with a single output will in mono. A single inverter, located between the input jacks, allows attnuer signal 20 dB. The asymtrisation signals, if singing does not pose a problem.

The PCM 80 mule programs that made the success of the 70 (Tiled Room, Wave Concert, Concert Hall, Vox Plate, Chamber Ritch, Ritch Plate, Locker Room, etc..), But it is far from the 43 programs effects of previous version, the PCM 80 possde 200 prslections thanks Designed ten new algorithms, the first five (Concert Hall, Plate, Chamber, Inverse and Infinite ) bnficiant four basic effects, for example, a detune rverb, and five others, Glide / Hall, Chorus + Reverb, M-Band + Beverb, Res1/Plate and res2 / Plate, which has six basic voice effects from overlap or follow the main effect, patches, either SERIES or by parallle, which offers many opportunities to do carrment not mean they are unlimited. These five algorithms are in fact multi-effect combinations ..

UTILIZATION

ACCs are user number to three, as the PCM 90/91, two machines since trs diffrent ACCS rverbrations 100%. The PCM 80 adapts to the needs and knowledge of its user, it can be, for those who do not remain only try each prselections (which would be a shame), which is the first dj level of use, a move deuxime level, more complex than prcdant and more INTERESTED. For even if the presets are still absolutely fantastic to be able to fully exploit it is necessary to customize and edit them so.

The troisime level is much more complex about him, can he used to act directly in the heart of the algorithms and the many internal patches (as in Eventide), which Confre machine flexibility use still quite rare .. a can be scary, but yet there is nothing really complicated in these manipulations on algorithms which indeed have names that lean, contradiction, image abstraction, simply a little time to get the maximum reach of this machine.

Lexicon Jam littralement the rack trs many possibilities, including the LFO prsence who benefitted from a waveform as varied as the sine, cosine, the square of sawtooth, pulse and triangle. Effects can also vary in level thanks a gnrateur envelope with as they should attack and relchement SETTING THE indpendamment 0 10 seconds. The list of possibilities is too long delay here in the dtails. Yet there is nothing really complex operation of this machine. We must give him time ..

SOUND QUALITY

The trs rverbes are good, but what is the most spectacular and really seizing this machine is the diversity and especially the effectiveness of other effects Submitted in it, including the Doppler even in Eventide is not as beautiful is to say .. Another highlight of the PMK 80, the Audio Morphing, which passes gradually from such a small room simulation stro an impressive simulation of sources in space perptuelles motion to pass anything to the auditor before the listener latralement, and out of a tunnel, a basement, by combining cohrente and settings of intensity modulations of time / phase, various filtering and Varis and altration height!

The auto panning and other tremolos are just as spectacular, the splendid chorus, and the effects of rsonance are always a power rarely gals today ..

OVERALL OPINION

A multi-effect still in the race despite his 16 years of so sound, and feel the effects several levels have remarkably Labors t! 3 years ago we sold our 81 PCM wrongly believing that it overlapped with our other machines effects, and a few months ago we bought the PCM 80, and it is clear that it remains a unique machine, countless opportunities to use and finally not so complex, even if the effects are rich in parameter.
The cot of this abundance of positive paramtres ditables is the total flexibility of the device. There always comes a laborer for an effect need prcis. However the cot ngatif is the difficulty sometimes feel the algorithm, and know how to act in a goal paramtre Determines. So, with the PCM 80, we may tend to fall back on the same, the easiest to understand, which is under-exploit the machine (as with the PCM 70).
Fortunately for the Premire uses the concept of advelopp Lexicon Soft Row, as in a CSTA PCM90/91 that provides fast ten Settings, which provides a way to go immediately essential. allows a tter of bte so to speak before a vertiginous plunge into the bowels of algorithms ..

Notice of a musician:

Beautiful! This device is essentially dvolu my keyboard, and replace my small small MPX 1 that does not compare, it is now and dj about to replace and most DEFINITIONS delight of my husband, my old Zoom 9010 that it is true, the PCM 80 cot, looks more like a Chinese head rchauffe-plat/casse that a multi-effect REALLY functional.
As my husband is a unique machine. Also I just bought the card Dual Fx, which enriched the PCM 80 algorithms from 25 made of two effect blocks Stereo, rverbration one of five, and one of five multi-effects also. With the added 250 presets all over gniaux and useful than others. Actually there are plenty that a good harmonizer, but no matter because even on the PCM 81 I did not use these effects.

As for using it is much simpler than one MPX despite possibility later in life. It is also simpler than our 70 PCM that I love for her, but I'm not far from the dtest in handling, I understand nothing! If you've read my opinion on the MPX 1 .. remember? I'm blonde! and I'm running out of "Cogitum".

As the PCM 91 I can even Defines me my own template and add shipping and paramtres Prior to that I chose and assign modulation sources to Midi and internal. In short, I amuse myself as a little crazy! Well we must say that even when I navigate in familiar territory, otherwise I would not fire me, because the use of a push Lexicon PCM wonder when even a healthy dose of patience. Having said that, in addition to the functions explained by my husband and FOR to approach the PCM 80 more comfortable, the manual contains all dj dtails important, including each algorithm corresponding diagrams, and descriptions of all programs, a wealth of information Whereas a swallow!
But it ncessaire ttonner under penalty of Russia and never get what you want. I became a real pro charts so the documentation is well done, thank you Mr. Lexicon!

Finally, you can not do without this fabulous palace of illusions that contributes so much life to my compositions, because as for the PCM 91 arrived this point of freedom of programming, the PCM 80 is more than gnrateur effect, has become a musical instrument from Entire!

Sarah, a girl who adoooooore read the manuals!