Lexicon PCM96 A Reverb Masterclass? - Audio Media

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Plug Me Into Lexicon! Lexicon is very serious about DAW integration of the PCM96 – an attempt that most high-end hardware and synth manufacturers have been rather unsuccessful in achieving. Lexicon’s ‘Hardware Plug-In’ feature is a Mac-only application supporting Audio Units and VST formats on most major DAW applications, also under RTAS using an included FXpansion wrapper on the installer disc. Now a reverb unit with such a legacy behind it that is sporting FireWire-400 for streaming audio to and from your DAW has me very nervous. Following the instructions in the 'Read Me' file, I downloaded the latest version of the Lexicon Pro software (1.3.0 as of this review) and installed it on the Quad-Core Mac Pro running my studio. After a restart I launched Digital Performer 6.01 “I have become very accustomed to the certain quality and flavour that Lexicon is known for. That flavour is very much alive and lurking in the heart of the PCM96.” Side By Side AM 26|02|2008 14:45 Side 1 sound engineering RM8 TUBE MODULES and opened a recent mix session. I created an aux track and pulled down my plug-in list only to see the Lexicon name – strange and exciting at the same time. After selecting ‘Lexicon Halls’ in anticipation it crashed my entire DAW. ”Well I guess they are still working the bugs out”, I optimistically say to myself. Since MOTU’s Digital Performer is often the last kid on the block to be tested and approved by a plug-in manufacturer I went ahead and tried it in Bias’ Peak Pro and it too crashed. Now I am sad... but still hopeful. After checking the ‘Read Me’ file again I found an overlooked ‘Update Your PCM96 Firmware’ paragraph, and followed the instructions to update the unit (a 20-minute procedure – time for a coffee). So I launched Digital Performer and tried the same thing. I got a progress SIDE-BY-SIDE FRONT TO BACK Lexicon | PCM 96 wheel, and the PCM96 switched to displaying ‘Application Lockout’ – Yeah! Up comes the Lexicon PCM96 plug-in window (also a very sexy interface). Here (without reading the manual), I could easily navigate and load any of 1,200 presets and tweak all parameters (more than you could possibly imagine) with a slider laden interface not unlike the classic LARC remote control for the 480L – only much nicer. Working this way via Firewire (on my Quad-Core 3GHz Mac) the latency was almost non-existent... Rock on Lexicon! Another major pat on the back for Lexicon is the ability to use the plug-in in ‘Control and Audio’ or ‘Control Only’ mode (any other manufacturers reading, please take note of this ability). This remote control can also be performed over the Ethernet connection for better stability and longer cable runs. Regardless of your connection, the ability to remotely control and edit the PCM96 from your DAW is a huge benefit and will tempt any engineer. You Had Me At ‘Hall’ Both as a plug-in in my DAW and connected via AES/EBU, the detail and quality of the reverb was amazing – not just regular amazing (“that was an amazing movie we just saw”), but actually AMAZING. Having armed myself with Lexicon reverb units for longer than I would care to divulge, I have become very accustomed to the certain quality and flavour that Lexicon is known for. That flavour is very much alive and lurking in the heart of the PCM96. Though there certainly have been varying levels of quality within the product line over the years, we really need to be focusing any comparisons on the professional line of classic Lexicon reverb units. Studio standards like the 300, 480L, and the upper PCM series are the units to aspire to here. I am very familiar with the 480L sound, but without one sitting next to the PCM96, suggesting that we are sounding as good or better is not easy to say. The 480L has long been the stuff of dreams and has been used on countless gorgeous records and films. Just starting with the 96’s basic Hall I am hearing a sound very reminiscent of some experiences on a Hollywood soundstage film mix – I sense the 480L is coming to life here but I am trying not to be persuaded by the dark side of the honeymoon force. Saying that the PCM96 is performing 480L tricks in a product review is risky business. However a timely forum contribution of some comparison audio files between 480L and PCM96 Halls got a unanimous vote for the PCM96 as the 'best and most classic sounding'. I feel that we may be seeing a few 480Ls in the classifieds soon. - CM1A, EM1A, PM1A & RM8 now shipping... LYDKRAFT www.tube-tech.com Reflections For starters, the PCM96 can be divided in to up to four virtual machines, each of which can run its own algorithm. Even though the PCM96 can only use up to two physical inputs and outputs at a time, this lets you route signals through a variety of algorithm and signal flow combinations. However, the software plug-in lets the PCM96 use up to four inputs and outputs when connected via FireWire – as such those configurations are only accessible in the software plug-in. Choices include: Single Mono In Stereo Out, Single Stereo, Dual Mono, Cascade Stereo, Cascade Mono, Cascade Mono to Stereo, and Combined Stereo Mono In. This may sound a bit complex but the applications of this design are rather brilliant. > 32 AUDIO MEDIA OCTOBER 2008
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Lexicon PCM96 A Reverb Masterclass? - Audio Media

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