In addition to the superb sonic quality you expect from Lexicon, the Lexicon MPX1 gives you easy, top level control over even the most complex functions, and visual feedback to let you know exactly where you are and what features are available at all times.
Six primary effect types: Pitch, Chorus, EQ, Modulation, Delay and Reverb give you push button access to an arsenal of 57 effects. 200 presets make maximum use of these effects in combination – using as many as 4 stereo effects in addition to uncompromised stereo reverb.
The preset library is organized under database control to allow you to quickly find programs designed for specific sources such as Guitar, Vocals or Live Performance, or to find all of the programs using certain effects such as Pitch or EQ. Be sure to experiment with all 200 presets to get a feel for the full range of Lexicon MPX1 capabilities.
Visual feedback is available every step of the way when you’re using the Lexicon MPX1, with lighted buttons indicating the state of the unit and alerting you to extra features available from the front panel. A large numeric display shows program (and patch) numbers. A second alphanumeric display shows you program and parameter names and settings.
Like all Lexicon processors, the Lexicon MPX1 gives you as much depth of control as you’re ever likely to want, while keeping the details out of your way. Surface control of the Lexicon MPX1 is straight forward and intuitive, with the most useful parameters of every program available right in Program mode. In addition to this specially designed “soft row”, common functions and controls are brought right out to the front panel for instant access.
For example, Mix and Level controls, for the entire system, or for any individual effect, can be accessed at any time by pressing the front panel Mix button. The front panel Patch button, which gives you similar instant access to the Patching system, lights whenever a patched parameter is selected to remind you that you can jump right in and out of the patching system at will.
The Lexicon MPX1 gives you tap tempo control when you want it. You can assign tempo control to modulation rates, delay times or any effect parameter, ensuring that your effects are in tempo with your music. Tempos can be tapped in with the front panel Tap button (or an assigned controller) or “dialed-in”, in BPM (beats per minute) on the display.
The Lexicon MPX1 also lets you generate MIDI clock from your tempo, as well as receive MIDI tempo from an external sequencer or drum machine. Many presets have delay times assigned to Tap tempo. Try loading some of these. (Select source type: Tempo in the database to find all of them.)
When you load a tempo driven program, the front panel Tempo LED will flash at the current tempo to let you know the Tap button is active. Press Tap twice in rhythm to change tempo. An A/B glide function is also available from the front panel-and of course we’ve designed presets to show this function off to its fullest. Whenever the A or B LED is lit, press the A/B button to activate the glide.
When you want to create your own versions, you’ll find AlB available as an internal controller in Edit mode along with two LFOs, a MIDI arpeggiator, two ADRs, Envelopes, and more. Complete editing control is provided under the Edit button, where you can customize presets or make new ones from scratch, design your own soft row parameters, copy effects into new programs, and put effects in any sequence or routing configuration you want. Easy access to all of the parameters of any effect is just a button push away.
All of the front panel functions (Tap, A/B, Effect selection, etc.) can easily be connected to MIDI controllers, footswitches, or foot pedals, letting you set up all of the functions the way you want them.
Pro Tip: When the MPX 1 is left idle for any length of time, a “Sleep” mode is activated. In this mode, a set of messages is cycled across the display. When shipped, the Sleep mode is set to “English Promo” for display of MPX 1 features. You can change this mode to display features in other languages, Help messages which give you general information, or you can turn off the messages completely. To select the mode you want: press System. Use the knob to select Modes, then use the < and> buttons to select Sleep. Use the knob to select Off, Help or Promo in English, French, German, Italian or Spanish.
One Response
Great unit that you can still *probably* find for a sane price on your local classifieds. Keep in mind that the nearly 30 year old switch mode power supply found in these is not that great, you probably should consider getting a modern direct drop in replacement of it for about €50.
It obviously does the great Lexicon reverbs, but the digital delays and various chorus type algorithms also sound superb. The unit really wants to be run in stereo, so if you’re using a mono guitar rig or a simple mono wet/dry rig, you’ll need to be mindful of how effects are routed and setup to maintain mono compatibility.