Lexicon PCM 92

Reverb unit basis, the PCM 92 also includes filter effects, modulation, and delay. So far no significant difference compared to his sister PCM 96 .. in fact algorithms two bikes are exactly the same. The differences are purely material: 1 RJ 45 for the PCM 92 (2 for PCM 96, the network functionality is greatly simplified on the 92), the non possibility to interface 92 to a DAW- digital (no FireWire / USB port), and the disappearance of the front card slot "Compact Flash" to save and take with you a simple way your most formidable programs (shame).

The connection is complete. For audio, there are two combo jack lets you use either XLR / TRS for starters, there are two outputs on XLR and Jack outputs. So much for the analog connections.
For digital connections two XLR AES / EBU. And that's all .. not with S / Pdif, no Toslink plug .. therefore remains the essential ..

Finally, three sheets "Din" to access the extensive MIDI and gigantic architecture.

UTILIZATION

The use is relatively simple as long as there is a minimum familiar with the concept Lexicon. Namely the plethora of available parameters that will correctly understand before pushing programming. Everything is not a simple access, far from it. Each parameter can significantly affect a given program. Here it is quite far from the concept of Tc Electronic M 3000 R 4000 for example.

As for the PCM 96, the 92 has the same routing system, which is perfectly consistent:

-1 "Stereo" the left and right input signals are routed to a single virtual machine.
-2 "Mono" mono signal divided into a stereo output signal
-3 "Cascade Stereo" the left and right signals are processed simultaneously by a virtual machine, and the resulting signal is fed to a second virtual machine to be treated again.
-4 "Cascade Mono" The left signal is routed to two consecutive virtual machines, and the right signal is routed to two consecutive virtual machines. The left and right signals
are treated separately.
-5 "Mono To Stereo" the left and right signals are processed separately by two different virtual machines, and the resulting signals are processed simultaneously by a third virtual machine. The final signal is in stereo.
-6 "Two Mono to Stereo" this configuration includes two virtual machines stereo. Each machine is assigned to one of the input channels. Two stereo output signals are mixed and the final signal is output in stereo.

And takes exactly the architecture of four VMs his eldest .. it also incorporates the principle of "Soft Row" of his predecessors, who for the record, is a way to "preselect" a small number of settings to finely modify the most important values ​​of a given program, at least those Lexicon to considered important. This is extremely convenient.

Lexicon forces, although the "Machine and System" (to configure the PCM 92 in the work environment) is logical and well organized section, there are too many features and capabilities, all accessible with a small number of orders to consider in a first time to operate the machine without the user in to fumble and discover by chance sometimes unsuspected things that will have some trouble finding later .. in other words, if you are not already fans of the brand, I would strongly advise you to read the instructions carefully before you venture too far.

SOUND QUALITY

Algorithms Lexicon reverbs are standard "Random Hall" "Concert Hall" "Chamber" and "Platform" which are added two other algorithms "Hall" and "Room".
In situ compared to the PCM 91 reverbs are a little thin without necessarily altering the tessitura of his legendary "Lexiconnien". Low frequencies are particularly in line and maintain a striking extent and rarely encountered in other manufacturers (except in Bricasti for me).
Numerous preset can substitute endless possible variations. And since we are talking about preset, it contains already enough work calmly, without even bothering to search far and without needing too correct to make them usable. Moreover, as in Tc Electronic is a real pleasure to see that this machine has been programmed by people more concerned with the final outcome of the possible impression on a bystander passing by ..

The halls are really beautiful and the rooms are extremely versatile. With the algorithm "Platform" we find this little flicker so recognizable and inimitable characteristic of old bikes Lexicon and make for some, even their interests. on the other hand, as the PCM 96, where I am still not fully convinced that it is listening to the closed, small and reflective reverbs, probably the most difficult to recreate simulations. Small spaces are a bit natural and do not have such a successful and fun thing obtained with the algorithm VSS 4 Tc Electronic (R 4000/6000). It is almost impossible to say anything to really get the atmosphere that is not noticeable, which is forgotten and becomes simply true. This being is absolutely true with all Lexicon ..

The effects of delays and lectures range from simple time left / right until holophonic "Random Delay" can dynamically filter each repetitions that can be regenerated completely random ways. On this point, once well controlled, this effect is able to convey a Eventide Eclipse (which is nevertheless one of the strong points) for a single vaguely interesting toy ..

Filter effects are multi-band scanning all kinds of bandwidth and resonance factors, amplifying the frequencies around the cutoff frequency, are of the highest order. There are literally able to transmute into another reverb. Lexicon can manipulate the audio for a long time and it means immediately. The effects obtained are quite amazing to be honest, but it remains that they are also a "tad" less comprehensive and decisive as a PCM 80/81 .. Moreover, as there was two years old, I'll put a small layer: Mr. Lexicon, to when a real modern version of PCM 80/81?
Phase effects have excellent amplitude and models without difficulty superb chorus and flanger.

OVERALL OPINION

If you are big fans of the Lexicon there is no doubt that you love this bike, and if you do not know this-its so recognizable, the PCM 92 is undoubtedly the most radical way to become. If like me you do not need to interface in an environment "Full ITB" the PCM 92 will be your perfect companion reverberation, offering exactly the same as its big sister algos PCM 96.

It is the perfect complement Tc Electronic and other Bricasti, offering a different color, a different approach to what a reverb. Perfect complementarity in some ways. But as above, if you are adept in many effects, automatic combinations intensity modulation, phase time, and filter changes and height .. able to play in the course of some Eventide, I would strongly advise you to keep your PCM80/81, and then maybe choose another model.