The effects engines offer the usual complement of high-quality, rich-sounding Lexicon reverbs (a total of 17 different types), say Harman, plus delays and effects, and dynamics processing algorithms from Lexicon's sister company dbx. Putting the 4-way I/O to good use, a range of 25 four-channel surround effects is also included, making the MX400 an affordable way to get into surround processing.
Like their predecessor the MX200, both MX400 models include Lexicon's convenient 'Hardware plug-in' technology. This allows you to connect the reverb to a Mac or PC via USB and control the MX400's reverbs and processing algorithms from an included software front-end control application, which runs as a VST- or AU-format plug-in within your sequencer or effects plug-in host program. The result is that you can easily control, automate and store reverb parameters in your preferred sequencer, like you can with software plug-ins, but because the processing is taking place in Lexicon's external hardware, your computer isn't loaded with the burden of generating the reverbs.
Nor does Lexicon's software control technology mean that it's hard to control the MX400 from its front panel. A world away from the user-unfriendly 'two-line LCD and parameter dial' interfaces of 1980s hardware, the MX400's front panel is easy to use in live environments, with its large, backlit LCD, independent level controls for its two stereo input pairs, a main Program selector and overall level knob, a separate control dial for accessing program parameters, and three further knobs for quick, easy parameter editing. So if you want to change something, there's no endless scrolling about in display menus - you just reach out and grab a control. Footswitch control is also possible, and cross-platform MX Librarian software is included.
Also getting its first UK airing at PLASA is Lexicon's Alpha Studio USB stereo recording interface. The third in Lexicon's current range of computer audio interfaces, the Alpha joins the Omega and Lambda as the 'little brother' of Lexicon's 'Greek letters' range of desktop interfaces. As befits the entry-level model, it comes with some software to get complete beginners started in the world of computer-based recording. Included in the Alpha bundle are Steinberg's cut-down sequencer Cubase LE for Windows XP and Mac OS X, and a high-quality Lexicon VST reverb plug-in, Pantheon, which offers six different classic Lexicon reverb algorithms and 35 presets.
Harman Pro - stand F43/G43.
(Lee Baldock)
