Lexicon is a company that has been at the forefront of digital audio technology since the 1970s. The company is known for developing some of the most innovative and high-quality digital reverbs and effects processors, which have been used in studios and live sound applications around the world.
The history of Lexicon reverbs can be traced back to the release of the Lexicon 224 Digital Reverberator in 1978. This was the first digital reverb processor to use a microprocessor, and it quickly became a standard in professional studios. The Lexicon 224 used a proprietary algorithm called “the Lexicon sound”, which was known for its smooth decay and lush, dense reverb tails.
In the 1980s, Lexicon continued to innovate with the release of the PCM 60 and PCM 70 reverbs. These were the first reverb processors to offer fully programmable parameters, which allowed users to create their own custom reverb presets. The PCM 70 also introduced the concept of “dual-engine” processing, which allowed users to two different reverb algorithms for more complex and unique sounds.
The 1990s saw the release of the Lexicon 480L, which quickly became a studio standard and is still highly regarded today. The 480L was the first reverb to use Lexicon’s new “LARC” (Lexicon Alphanumeric Remote Control) system, which provided a more intuitive way to navigate the unit’s many parameters. The 480L also introduced a new reverb algorithm called “Random Space”, which was known for its spacious, non-linear reverb tails.
In the 2000s, Lexicon continued to innovate with the release of the PCM96 and PCM92 reverbs. These units offered a wide range of reverb algorithms, including emulations of classic Lexicon processors like the 224 and 480L. They also introduced new features like “surround” processing, which allowed users to create immersive 5.1 and 7.1 reverb effects.
Today, Lexicon continues to be a leader in the world of digital reverb and effects processing. The company’s reverbs are used by musicians, engineers, and producers in a wide range of applications, from professional studios to live sound and broadcast. The Lexicon sound is still highly regarded for its smooth, natural decay and dense, lush reverb tails, and the company’s reverbs continue to be a staple in the world of digital audio processing.