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demozic « A singular or irreplaceable Machine »
Published on 06/02/14 at 03:10
Audience:
Beginners
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
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