Lexicon MX400 - Any opinions/experience

Z · Post by Z » Mon Jan 07, 2008 11:37 pm

I'm looking to get rid of my noisy old digifx from the late 80s early 90s (QVerb+, SE-50, etc) and get one or two dual stereo fx processors. The MX400 looks like it fits my needs, but would like to get some feedback (no pun inteneded) from any users of this or similar units.

Thanks,
Z

Post by **nathanscribe** » Fri Jan 11, 2008 6:36 pm

I use an MX200, which is OK, but it's easier to edit over the computer than on the panel as the parameter knobs are assigned to various things as you change patch. The computer editor shows you what these parameters are, the panel doesn't. That annoys me. It sounds nice enough though, and can be semi-used as a plug-in (control over USB but no audio sent through). You get s/pdif too, but the 200 expects to be a client unit (not sure about the 400) and won't source word clock. You can still send digital audio, but have to return analogue. Another annoyance.

After having a couple of multi-fx racks for a while, I'm veering away from them for delay, chorus, flange, phase, all that stuff, and getting separate boxes for all that - much more immediate. I do fancy a good rack reverb though, something editable and classy.

Z · Post by Z » Fri Jan 11, 2008 7:01 pm

Thanks for the info. I went ahead and made a "Best Offer" on a unit on eBay the other day and should be receiving it soon. I don't use computers in the studio. From what I've read, it sounds like it will be a nice addition to my rig.

Post by **Solderman** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:28 pm

bumped. I just bought an MX300 myself last week intending to mostly just use the reverbs and some delays, and although I have not tried the plugin capability, the reverbs through SPDIF sound really good to me, almost too slick at times. I say that comparing it to previously owned MPX1 and Reflex models. Actually my only complaint so far is the backlight is extremely bright. It kinda stands out too much in the rack.
I was just wondering if Z had an opinion on his received MX400 unit.

Also, I keep hearing the high-end Lexicon boxes, like the PCM90, are named as such because they supposedly have an extra bit of "sheen" to them. I've never used one, and I want to understand what this means exactly. Would they sound more natural or just more polished?

Post by **nathanscribe** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:33 pm

Solderman, what do you think to the MPX1?

Post by **Solderman** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 10:42 pm

In comparison to the MX series, quality of effect modules both possess is about the same to me. Of course the MPX1 has more parallel processing potential and certain algorithms like filters and such.
But I'm selling the MPX1 for two reasons:
One is that I cannot use 48khz over SPDIF with the MPX1. If the master uses 48khz when the lexicon powers up, it absolutely freaks out. Not to mention, even in 44.1, when it initially starts up, about half the time it produces horribly loud digital noise trying to sync up for a moment. It also temporarily loses sync when some of my audio apps switch to record mode.
The second reason has alot to do with the first: I can't get hassle-free use of SPDIF. Therefore, when using the analog ins and outs, the input clips too easily and the output is too noisy. Both of these problems are resolved by SPDIF(because the MOTU 828 is doing all the AD/DA conversion), albeit with the consequences mentioned.

The MX300 has none of these problems with SPDIF, and the reverbs sound just as good if not better. Sure I'll miss certain MPX1 presets like "No Traction", where pitch shift is modulated by volume, but most of the multi-processing presets are just gimmicky anyway, and can be recreated in the computer with plugins like Ohmboyz if really necessary. Other things the MX300 doesn't really excel at, like phasers and filters, I'd prefer to use other analog devices for as well, although modulation/CV for these would be necessary. I wanted the outboard mostly for immediacy while auditioning and some extra inspiration while playing/composing.

Post by **nathanscribe** » Wed Feb 13, 2008 11:04 pm

Interesting, as I was thinking of 'upgrading' to the MPX1 rather than keep my MX200. I have a Presonus Firepod (pre-FP10) and can't use the SPDIF as the Firepod expects clock fed to it, while the MX can't provide it. Do you think the glitching is a general problem or just with your unit, or is some kind of setup issue that can be resolved? And in terms of 48/41, I haven't checked the spec on it, but do you mean that the MPX1 does not take 48?

The MX200 sounds good, but I wish I'd gone for something higher spec'd... beginning to think the same about the firepod in some ways...

Z · Post by Z » Wed Feb 13, 2008 11:11 pm

[quote="Solderman"]
I was just wondering if Z had an opinion on his received MX400 unit.
quote]

I did receive my MX400 a few weeks ago, but I have not had time to put it in my rig yet. Funny, I was actually thinking about hooking it up yesterday. Busy with kids and stuff...

Post by **Solderman** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 1:22 am

First, I have to mention I bought my MPX1 in 1999, so if there's been some newer version, I was just not aware of it.

nathanscribe wrote:I have a Presonus Firepod (pre-FP10) and can't use the SPDIF as the Firepod expects clock fed to it, while the MX can't provide it.

To the best of my knowledge, my MPX1 is slave-only just like the MX series, although admittedly I didn't go much further than trying to slave my MOTU 828mk2 from its SPDIF out and fiddle with various sync settings under the System button.

nathanscribe wrote:Do you think the glitching is a general problem or just with your unit, or is some kind of setup issue that can be resolved?

All I can tell you is when I power up the MX300, I don't get these initialize noises the MPX1 produces. When I record with audio apps, the MX300 follows the MOTU and is silent for about 1 second before recording commences. The MPX1 makes a repeating clicking sound and loses sync for about 3-5 seconds before finding the SPDIF clock again.

nathanscribe wrote:I haven't checked the spec on it, but do you mean that the MPX1 does not take 48?

Again, I only know about my MPX1, but it operates only at 44.1 for SPDIF.

nathanscribe wrote:The MX200 sounds good, but I wish I'd gone for something higher spec'd...

Due to build quality, sound quality or both?

Post by **nathanscribe** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 11:01 am

Thanks for the info.

Solderman wrote:Due to build quality, sound quality or both?

Both. The MX200 feels a bit 'loose', and I was hoping the MPX1 would cater less for the stuff like flange/phase/etc as I want something mostly for nice reverbs (got a microverb for all-round trashiness and pedals for anlogueness). If I had the cash, I'd splash out on a PCM.

What I'd like to do is have the option of using an fx rack either over spdif or audio. I don't always want to use the computer, so I have the fx audio patched into the desk; and when I do use the computer, I want to be able to use digital routing to and from the effects if I need it, depending on workflow. It's a pain having to go into the MX via the FP10's spdif, but having to tie up two audio channels getting a stereo return, and the associated track shenanigans.

Post by **Solderman** » Thu Feb 14, 2008 5:56 pm

The MX300 reverbs sounded pretty good to me, better than the vst plugins made by Waves and the one included with Samplitude. I guess the best digital reverb is going to be convolution/impulses, but that isn't real-time.
So what exactly makes the PCM models sound better? Is it more realism, or just more lush sounding? How do they compare to the T.C. Electronics high-end products?