Released in 2001, the Lexicon MPX 200 was a true stereo dual-channel effects processor that expanded upon the design of the earlier Lexicon MPX 100. The Lexicon MPX 200 combined 24-bit internal processing, 24-bit analogue-to-digital and digital-to-analogue conversion, S/PDIF digital connectivity and Lexicon’s proprietary LexiChip processing engine within a compact rackmount processor.
The Lexicon MPX200 contained 240 factory presets covering Lexicon reverb algorithms and a broad selection of delay, modulation and pitch-processing effects. Reverb choices included Ambience, Chamber, Gate, Hall, Plate and Room, alongside Chorus, Detune, Echo, Flange, Pitch, Rotary, Tremolo and delays of up to 5.5 seconds. Special effects programmes included Infinite Reverb, The Abyss, Jet Flange, Chorus Verb, Rotary Delay, LowRumble, Echoes: Beats, Stereo Stage, Dream Sequence and Infinite Delay.
Dual-channel processing allowed the Lexicon MPX 200 to operate two effects simultaneously. Dual programmes could combine Delay with Reverb, or combine either Delay or Reverb with Chorus, Flange or Pitch processing. Four routing configurations were provided: Cascade, Dual Mono, Dual Stereo and Mono Split. The Effects Level/Balance parameter controlled the relative contribution of the two effects within each combination, while independent processing could be applied to the two inputs where required.
A built-in digital compressor operated before the active effects within the processed signal path. The compressor was available with every preset, including dual-effect programmes, allowing the Lexicon MPX 200 to provide compression and as many as two effects simultaneously. It could be used for reducing changes in programme level or as a limiter to prevent the processed signal from exceeding a defined level. Compression could be enabled or disabled directly from the front panel and configured for either programme-specific or global operation.
The front-panel Adjust control of the Lexicon MPX 200 provided direct access to programme selection, routing and editable parameters. Depending on the selected programme, the Adjust control could alter several related parameters together. In Chamber and Room programmes, for example, it could modify decay, equalisation and early reflections simultaneously to change the perceived liveness of the simulated space. Up to four programme parameters and four compressor parameters were available for each programme, with dedicated LEDs identifying the parameter currently being displayed and adjusted.
Cue Program Mode allowed another programme to be selected without immediately interrupting the effect currently in use. The front-panel Effects and Routing LEDs continued to show the active programme, while the illuminated Load button indicated that another programme had been prepared. Pressing Load activated the cued programme, making the feature suitable for changing effects during recording, mixing or live performance.
Tap Tempo could synchronise delays and modulation rates with the music. Tempo could be established using the front-panel Tap button, an optional footswitch, audio input, MIDI Continuous Controller messages, MIDI Program Change messages or MIDI Clock. When audio input was used, the Lexicon MPX 200 could derive its tempo directly from the incoming material without requiring the operator to tap the beat manually.
MIDI Learn Mode in the Lexicon MPX 200 allowed external control of front-panel functions including Adjust, Bypass, Compressor, EQ, Effects Level/Balance, Mix and Tap. These controls could be assigned to MIDI Program Change or Continuous Controller messages. In a studio system, parameter movements could therefore be recorded into sequencing software and reproduced as part of an automated mix. MIDI facilities also included programme selection, MIDI bulk dumps and a software-selectable MIDI OUT/THRU connection.
The Lexicon MPX 200 provided simultaneous analogue and digital outputs, together with S/PDIF digital input and output. The digital output could be configured to carry either the processed signal or an unprocessed signal, allowing dry material to be recorded digitally while processed monitoring remained available from the analogue outputs. High-impedance inputs permitted instruments such as electric guitars to be connected directly, while the front panel included three-stage headroom indicators, four-stage compression indicators and a headphone output. An internal power supply eliminated the need for an external power adaptor.
Features
- True stereo dual-channel effects processing
- Lexicon LexiChip processing engine with 24-bit internal processing
- 240 factory presets and 64 user programme locations
- Ambience, Chamber, Gate, Hall, Plate and Room reverb algorithms
- Chorus, Delay, Detune, Echo, Flange, Pitch, Rotary and Tremolo effects
- Two simultaneous effects with Cascade, Dual Mono, Dual Stereo and Mono Split routing
- Digital compressor available with every factory preset
- Tap Tempo control from the front panel, footswitch, audio input or MIDI
- MIDI Learn, Program Change, bulk dump and parameter automation facilities
- Simultaneous analogue and S/PDIF digital outputs with an internal power supply