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For many engineers, the Lexicon 480L is the pinnacle of digital reverbs and has never been bettered, not by Lexicon or any one else.
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The Lexicon 480L came along in 1988 and has remained in place at most studio around the world as it simply can not be replaced by a plugin according to those who own them, and love them.
The Lexicon 480L is engineered for the emerging all – digital production environment. Digital audio places strict requirements on every link in the signal chain, and the Lexicon 480L meets those requirements.
With its unique 18 bit linear A/D and D/A converters, the Lexicon 480L produces a dynamic range of 98 dB in the wet signal path. It is probably the only effects system available that doesn’t raise the noise floor of a digital master. And the PCM 1610/1630 compatible digital I/O interface lets you add true stereo ambience and effects without leaving the digital domain.
The Lexicon 480L doesn’t just sound better – sheer computational power allows it to perform multiple audio tasks at the same time. And what tasks! In the current glut of throwaway digital devices with ever-cheaper versions of the same sounds, the Lexicon 480L offers remarkable new effects and reverb sounds.
Its innovative reverb algorithms reflect a more accurate and natural model of the acoustic and psychoacoustic phenomena of reverb and ambience. Put the Lexicon 480L up against any other reverberator – you’ll be amazed at the difference.
Reverb is only part of the story. The Lexicon 480L produces astonishing effects you haven’t even begun to dream about yet. And its sampling programs offer a variety of useful and unique features.
The present software is powerful and comprehensive, a dramatic step forward in digital signal processing technology. Yet it hasn’t explored the limit of the Lexicon 480L’s architecture, which is itself configured for future hardware expansion.
If you are familiar with the venerable Lexicon 224XL, you’ll feel right at home with the LARC used to control the Lexicon 480L. However, there are enough differences in the way the two units operate that we strongly suggest that you read the manual as soon as possible.
In it, you’ll discover that the Lexicon 480L’s two high speed processors can operate in a variety of configurations. Samples can be processed with reverb or effects, all in the digital domain.
Two Lexicon 480Ls can be connected through their digital I/O ports for even wider creative horizons. The Lexicon 480L can even be connected to a 224XL and both units operated from a single LARC.
Lexicon 480L Remote Control (LARC)
Released: 1988
Quantization: 18 Bit
Sampling Frequency: 44.1/48kHz
Frequency Response: 20Hz-20kHz
Dynamic Range: 98dB
THD: <0.015%
Dimensions: 483mm x 133mm x 368mm
Weight: 10.89kg
Community Score
USERS
(3 Reviews)
By Simon Alexander
Probably like a lot of 480L owners now, I had to wait until one came up at a sensible price but make no mistake about it, it was well worth the wait! while you’re probably thinking, why bother, as plugins are getting so good at emulating the originals at a fraction of the price? I personally believe there is something missing by not having the original hardware in front of you and I’m sure as time goes on, these units will be snatched up by enthusiasts and studios.
The 480 is a legend ! I wanted one for years and have no regrets in buying a really nicely presented example. Its a flip of a coin as to which is better suited from the 480, a 224 or an RMX but Im certainly am glad I have two of those 3 giants in the Reverb world.
The quality of the actual algorithms is breath taking ! I have recently sent separate emails to two Studios that have the 480 and the RMX and asked them to compare both to their Bricasti M7’s… Their response was quite surprising with both the older Reverbs being preferred by clients and engineers.
The U/I on the 480 via the LARC, is very easy to use and the Machine itself is not just a reverb, but a box full of multiple effects that can be split into two separate effect machines and thus having the left input split with the right and affectively having two 480’s on each input, with separate stereo outputs.
Having never compared the Classic Cart on the 480 with a 224, I’m not going to say its the same, but I’ve heard its pretty close and has most of the 224’s presets. I have the 480 plugin and its a good reverb, but the 480 just sounds more organic and rich to me. One thing that users will find a little nuisance its the noise of the cooling fan, but its a small price to pay for such a unique piece of equipment.
By Steve Clark
The Lex 480 is a long lasting old love and will never break. Still in todays time there is no other effect like the 480L. It is smooth and gentle and better than any other reverb ever made. Sure it will be replaced more and more from modern Reverbs in Plug In quality, but all of them have the goal to reach the sound of the original one, the Lexicon 480L.
By Anonymous
It was extraordinary when it was released, and still today it provides incredible reverb for my mixes some 28 years later. Can plugins sound as good? Not as far as I am concerned, I will keep the 480L until it dies.
The Yamaha REV500 delivers extraordinary reverb depth and resolution for ambiance that can only be described as “alive”.
COPYRIGHT © 2014-2020 VINTAGE DIGITAL | ECOMMERCE WEBSITE BY RETAIL LABS
ALL IMAGES ARE THE COPYRIGHT OF VINTAGE DIGITAL AND CAN NOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION
COPYRIGHT © 2014-2020 VINTAGE DIGITAL | ECOMMERCE WEBSITE BY RETAIL LABS
ALL IMAGES ARE THE COPYRIGHT OF VINTAGE DIGITAL AND CAN NOT BE USED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION