Lexicon Alpha - Review

[@NagornyakPavel]

the system does not recognize the hardware, tried everything on the other computer is the same. In Device Manager marked "unknown" what should i do ?

[@dantepereyra]

how i can record stereo? because i'm only record on Mono , and i dont know how record in stereo, i'm from argentina so, i dont have a good english

[@julianferguson9212]

Very informative, i find this video to be much better than the most popular unboxing channels despite the terrible quality of the video, you explained it very well and it wasnt boring.

[@marchram1964]

Thanks for this. I have two sound cards that just stopped working. One US-122L which has white noise on both channels and the last one is a UR 22 Steinberg which just stopped after using it once. I turned 52 yesterday and decided to check out some easy solution to finish some vocals and productions. I found the Lexicon Alpha interesting enough to buy one as a present to myself.-After buying it from amazon I noticed that there was no phantom power,( Its shown with a Phantom mic and XR cable). Your video gave me the answer and fix. It should be here soon!

What did you do to have the Lexicon Alpha 100% active? Thanks in advance, I have WIN7 as OS, looking forward for a soon reply, I've left the another question and situation on my other comment, cheers man!

[@LordPodlington]

It's possible, but it means either using a mic on one of them or a DI so it can be put into the XLR.

[@RedFez]

You are correct - this only has two input channels, even though there are four physical input sockets. Basically, you either use the stereo jack input son the rear OR the mono jack input and the XLR input.

[@RedFez]

It depends on what's causing the hiss. I've found I get less noise using this than when I used a mixer connected to the onboard sound so it may work. Recording in 24bit, which this will do, also gives you a better signal to noise ratio.

[@ShahbazSiddiqui]

can we use for song recording?? plzz help thank u

[@sotymooky6133]

yes, you can. i bought it yesterday, so i'm searching for some clues. :D

[@RedFez]

Not without a source of phantom power. I use a little box from Millenium to provide phantom power (which I've also reviewed). Some condenser mics will run on battery as well as phantom power so they would work without the need for extra equipment. Obviously, a dynamic mic will work straight out of the box.

[@RedFez]

It can record two mono channels or one stereo one. The two mono channels are basically the left and right elements of the stereo channel BUT it's only that way for recording. On playback, you can pan them how you want.

[@RedFez]

Have you set the channels in the software as Mono and selected the left input channel for one and right for the other?

[@lightninrick2000]

Hi I'm just getting started with digital stuff, and would like to use the Lex, or some other device with Avid GTR solo as a live effects device. Wondering if you have any thoughts on that.

[@RedFez]

Yes because that how it gets the two input channels - by splitting the stereo left and right into two mono channels. Most, if not all low end usb soundcards work like this. You can set the monitoring to mono which will put the one input back into both speakers.

[@neilcash8040]

I just picked up one of these - going to crack it open tonight. This review is really good - thanks!

[@thenewbeatmakervideo]

A great review. You explained the product in easy to understand 'laymens' terms, but without talking down to the viewer, which I think is the perfect way to review items such as audio interfaces. I have now placed an order for the Lexicon Alpha (as well as a phantom power source) and have subscribed to your channel too! Best regards, The New Beat Maker

[@RedFez]

@MrTnscproductions HDMI cable from the video card? I don't think there is anyway of routing the Alpha through your video card. You should have separate speakers anyway and some decent ones at that. You can test the Alpha by plugging some headphones in - that will at least tell you that the Alpha is working ok and you have an output signal.

[@johnnyweep59]

recently purchased this unit so still getting to grips with it,but i cant find the Pantheon Reverb Plug-in anywhere on the cubase LE5 DAW ??????

[@AbuHassanMedia]

Can i use this with microkorg xl?

[@enopainter]

i wanted to do some home recording and you absolutely convinced me to buy this product mate ... thanks a lot ... great video :)

[@4thstreetfresh2death]

So you just plug the headphones into the monitor out & u will hear the instrumentals whiles recording vocals?

[@MOOKIEMUZIC]

Hey. I didnt finish watching your video, so I apologize for any inconvinience. How would I connect a mixer to this? A condenser mic>mixer with phantom power>xlr from mixer to interface, and then how would I connect the interface to my computer? Thanks..

[@LK_EBM]

Can you use the instrument and mic at the same time? Recording to separate tracks? Thanks!

[@KatieJSlater]

What sort of cables do I need to connect my mic to the Lexicon alpha and a phantom power supply to my Lexicon? I'm new to this stuff and don't understand everything yet.

[@flanxx1]

when using the instrument line in im not getting cubase to pick up any sounds, do i need a mic plugged in as well in order to pick it up?

[@blueeyedfolk]

I just bought this, but I can't figure out how to open the reverb. I looked in the device menu in the VST sub menu's and also in other areas but couldn't find it.

[@awielorens]

hello there.. great review! my only concern is that what particular microphone that is compatible for this kit? i also want a bit of echo effect when you record is it possible for this? im not quite familiar with the features of recording here. I am only familiar with audacity

[@cgoggin655]

I am thinking of purchasing this for my step son. I have no idea what I am doing so please help. Is there any benefit to using this in conjunction with a Behringer Xenyx 802 Premium 8-Input 2-Bus Mixer with Xenyx Mic Preamps and British EQs? I bought that already but would take it back if there is no benefit. . I like the benefit of the software coming with this so that I do not have to look for something like fruity loops as well. any advice is appreciated.

[@RedFez]

It all depends on how you want to record the keyboard. To use midi, yes you will need a separate midi interface (or get the Lambda or Omega instead as these have midi interfaces built in). If you just want to record audio form the keyboard (assuming it can produce its own audio) then you can just use the left and right jack inputs.

[@TheDoobiesnatcher]

great review nice to see gear that doesn't cost a shed load as well

[@RedFez]

This is because you either have only one channel set to record OR they are both set to the same input. Open up the main settings in the side bar for the channel you want to record on. Look for the input settings - set one channel to Left - Stereo In and the other to Right - Stereo In. Make sure you click the red record circle on both chanels. That should sort it

[@yvesdurietz]

how do i connect the lexicon interface to the external phantom power??? thanks

[@Fr33kwithwings]

does this come with a built in (phantom) power supply for a (condenser) microphone? this could or could not cost me an extra 25$, or should i skip this entirely, and get an XLR and phantom supply? (for my c-1 behringer condenser mic)

[@harrysmithy3098]

I have a alto ZMX122 mixer but its dose not have audio interface so I got told to buy this to record my vocals is that right and i got a good bit of gear

[@TheNobleBard]

Okay, so I ordered a NADYS Power supply. So if I'm going to use it to power my Mic, I wold plug my mic into the Lexicon, then run another cord from the lexicon to the power supply and then I'm set right?

[@RedFez]

I'm using the ASIO driver that came with the lexicon. What do you mean by your recordings don't sound good? Are they distorted? Too quiet? Muffled?

[@Mr84telemuze]

Terrific review! Thanks! I have same Cubase 4/lexicon alpha sound card I used for Berklee guitar input onto MP3 files imported from B/lee class. Want 2 utilize Cubase forum for a deejay project. Simply importing CD/MP3's from my windows music player/music audio files to serve as 2-3 hr continual loop of music for a personalized dance night. All imports on 1 audio track 2 be able to 'cut/paste' to tighten up the continual loop like done yrs ago on cassette. Any tips? I know its do-able. Cheers!

[@falrit]

Can i play my guitar through this with amp sims and hear it as im playing it or can you only listen after youve recorded it? and is there a noticeable delay between playing a note and hearing it through your speakers? please respond, i may be buying this in a few days.

[@KyleTheManager]

does it come with the cables for this lexicon alpha product? im buying a condenser microphone with the standard cable, stand, shockmount, pop filter, and everything needed. All i need is an audio interface just like this one. it requires 47 phantom power or something like that so i dont know if it will work. any help would be great.

[@Slaughterhauzen]

great review...but would it have killed you to have turned on more lighting than what I can only imagine is a dull lamp two rooms away?

[@RedFez]

Manly and Loving It Believe it or not, that is with the light on! Rubbish camera I'm afraid!

[@Slaughterhauzen]

PGTMan two questions: can you plug your guitar into an effects pedal, like a big muff or whatever, then from the pedal into the lexicon? or do you have to add distortion or other effects in the software? also, could you use this setup, a mic into the lexicon, then into your computer, to record podcasts? it'd be just like recording a guitar or anything else, right?

[@Slaughterhauzen]

PGTMan Thanks for the responses. I appreciate the help.

[@idiotidiotian]

Would i need phantom power if i'm using a dynamic mic? i have a shure sm 58, i'm not sure if i would need phantom power or not

[@tommc49]

this is a good piece of hardware at this price. One thing of note I have discovered: since this is USB powered, the signal from the front input for guitar is a fairly low level which means you have to keep the guitar volume cranked and even then the signal is rather weak. The easy fix is to use one of your guitar pedals like a booster or overdrive in front of the Alpha to boost the signal giving you more flexibility in the level.

[@mickreiter2908]

can you record using this and a guitar alone, or are there other things you need?(other than guitar amps, chords, headphones, ect.) I mean different pieces of recording equipment.

[@MrTnscproductions]

quick question.... when i turn up the output level on my alpha it zaps?? I have my pc linked to a hdtv with a hd cable. Im not to sure where i should be plugging in the speakers for monitoring the sound. Tv? Computer? The soundcard?

[@suddhachittabtl]

I'm having some latency problems with Amplitube and GuitarRig when using my computer's built in soundcard. Would using this solve the problem?

[@TheNightRomer]

I open up the Cubase software, click project then 4 stereo then 8 mono track recorder. I click the little monitor speaker on track one to hear myself and can through both headphones. But, the levels still only show the left side on the indicators.When recording it only logs my recording on the stereo tracks and not the mono one's. What am i doing wrong or not doing rather ?

[@hintonus]

This may sound silly, but are the component cables necessary?

[@TheNightRomer]

I've tried to do what your saying but I'm finding it hard to follow your instructions. Please please please would there be anychance you can do a short tutorial on how to set up the settings within Cubase cause this is literally driving me nuts an I'm unable to do all my recording :(

[@RedFez]

@falrit If you use software mode for your monitoring then, yes, you can record using amp sims and hear the sound through the amp sim as you are playing. There is a short delay but I have managed to get the latency down very low on this so that the delay is virtually unnoticeable. That is what has impressed me about this over the MBox - it will cope with very low latency without crashing - at least it does on my system!

[@durgatroid]

Hi, Great review, I'd like to know if i can record my Mini Disc MP3 player through the Alpha, i have some home recordings i'd like to put to cd. As well as using the unit like you are

[@myXmusicXaddiction]

I have to ask, what ASIO driver are you using? I have the same interface but for some reason my recordings never sound very good no matter what I do, even when recording direct. HELP D:

[@Timmysheehy]

Have you installed it into cubase properly? Like have you checked your device setup in cubase, if you haven't selected this, that could be why you're finding it hard

[@KamosLab]

I want to connect studio monitors to my laptop, how do I do it? Do I need an Audio Interface? Thanks

[@alicjaweydmann3173]

Yes, you can do it with every interface, in software like cubase etc.

[@officially_s]

Hey does it work with Ubuntu or Fedora(linux OS)...Also does it work with softwares other than Cubase as mentioned??

[@RedFez]

@cilaboom Yes - if you check on the manufacturers website it shows that this works with USB 1.1

[@millerdeathjr]

This might be a stupid question but what brand of external Phantom power supply do you recommend? I use a CAD GXL2200 Condenser mic.

[@RedFez]

If your microphone has an xlr connector or a 1/4" jack plug, it should work just fine. As I said in the review, if your mic needs phantom power then you'll some extra equipment to make it work (see my review of the Millenium phantom power supply). You can add the echo in software and the Cubase software that comes with this has the effect you need.

[@TheNightRomer]

Any reason why I'm not getting both left an right to function. I can get them both on my headphones but when viewing the levels on screen its only highlighting the left indicator out of the 2 for L and R and when i bounce the track it's only playing the left too :( ???

[@stevebanana223]

So for my band, can i run all the instruments to my Behringer mixer and then plug the main output of the mixer into the intrument port?

[@carverparrish]

i seen one in a pawn shoip for about $40 bucks should i get it i have cubase 4

[@4thstreetfresh2death]

I Wanna know if I can use it & record vocals while @ the same time hearing an instrumental like in a normal studio

[@moviebod]

Great video. I am still in the early days of experimenting, but it does now work with Windows 10 64 bit. I haven't worked out how to stop it making itself the default sound card everytime I switch it on, but why else would I switch it on if I didn't want that, I guess?

[@reycamacho4612]

it works in windows 10?

[@schwame]

Thanks for the video. Why is it a bad thing if the xlr doesn't have phantom power?

[@RedFez]

Hi. Phantom power is used to power condenser mics - the type that work better for home or studio recording. Without the phantom power you either cant use the mic, need to use batteries (not all condenser mics take batteries) or use a separate phantom power supply (which is what I do) .

[@schwame]

@@RedFez thank you!

[@yusufat1]

How much is the noise floor? (when no mic or any other inputs connected, and you just recording the silence) My laptop soundcard has a high noise floor (about -60 dB), and I am looking for a USB audio interface which has noise floor lower than -60 dB.

[@TheManolis1984]

Can you record a backing track while you are listening/playing to it?

[@RedFez]

Absolutely. All modern soundcards should offer full duplex capability

[@RedFez]

@TheNobleBard you plug your Mic into the NADYS and then run another chord from the NADYS to the Lexicon

[@redrumimg1]

Do you need the phantom power with this device?

[@jeffr0xicity]

Thanks for a thorough review. I have been looking at this, mainly because my Presonus Audiobox doesn't have level line inputs which I need to connect my 16 channel mixer to the PC and this does boast that feature. One thing I will say about the Audiobox though is that it is USB powered, yet DOES have a phantom power switch. How you used the line level inputs yet?

[@kjazzw]

I've just bought this based on the review you gave, but I'm having problems installing, I'm not sure if it's just me or if you have, too? But I keep getting told to type in the 'elicenser' number that's provided with the product? People are telling me it's the serial number, but I know it's not.. any chance you can help me out on where to find it? Would really help! Thanks!

[@RedFez]

@ooProduction I believe it's 48 audio tracks and 64 midi tracks, though finding the info is difficult!

[@MrTnscproductions]

@PGTMan sorry mate, think you have misunderstood me. Ive got my alpha plugged into my computer via usb.I have my computer linked to my tv with an hdmi cable... so the sound is coming out of my tvs speakers instead of the speakers ive plugged into the alpha. If i plug headphones into the alpha it works fine for a little while then starts making a zapping noise... im gonna mess about with the set up today and see what i can do

[@Shekcious]

I played acoustic guitar since 21th november last year, and recently i've been thinking about buying a electric and then taking this one (lexicon alpha) to record the instrumentals and singing... :) I'll buy a guitar in about 10 days, and after a couple of months i'll start making my little home studio, and this will be the first part of it :) ONE QUESTION: CAN I RECORD VOCALS ON LEXICON AND THEN MERGE IT WITH THE INSTRUMENTAL I ALREADY DOWNLOADED FROM THE INTERNET? THANKS :)

[@flv2358]

How does the license work? Does one have to buy a new one to obtain the Cubase license, or it would work on a used one too?

[@DamselDeeBillaoac]

Will sound coming from Line 1 show up in Sony vegas? ... Can I plug in a usb mic condenser in Line 1? will that work?

[@GraceCA101]

What cord did you use to hook up Your Phantom Power to the Lexicon so you can get a condenser mic to work?

[@RedFez]

Just a standard XLR cable

[@musical_samurbar]

Can this interface be used for FL-studio??

[@DeAngeloDixon]

Hello, okkay so is this mono, like it doesn't just record into the left channel or right, you can hear vocals in both left and right?

[@NothingForeverMusic]

What difference does not having Phantom Power make?

[@tatianaugarte7682]

can you list the DAW that work with this interfaz

[@kaiying74]

Hi there, quick question if it's ok. Can the guitar effects be applied in realtime? i.e. can you muck around with the effects and play along with the rest of the song to see how it feels? Or do you need to record the guitar track and apply effects to that once it's down? Thanks for the video.

[@RedFez]

Thanks! At some point, I'll be posting the full length, final version of the track. I'm still working on it!

[@camelCased]

One friend told me he had latency issues on his Lexicon Alpha, his guitar input was coming in with a noticeable latency if using the native Lexicon ASIO drivers. But it was a surprise to see that ASIO4ALL drivers worked much better than the native ones. That might mean, Lexicon native ASIO drivers are not good, if they cannot provide better latency than emulated ASIO4ALL.

[@NagraBeats]

can i connect studio monitors to this?

[@andrewcarter2302]

what is your phantom power adapter called, how much is it and is it an XLR input and output. thanks for the great video, really helpful

[@TheDoobiesnatcher]

so does this mean you need a phantom power adapted to use and XLR microphone through it?

[@RedFez]

No. You only need phantom power to use a mic that requires it. These are usually condenser type mics. Dynamic mics can plug into the XLR slot and work no problem

[@TheDoobiesnatcher]

ah thanks for that I have an old XLR mic and a USB condenser mic. How is it listening to your self through the head phones? I'm interested in paying close attention to the vocal performance and hearing yourself back through headphones it very useful.

[@RedFez]

I hate wearing headphones to sing or play but it's a necessary evil when recording. I usually listen through only one can and use my other ear to pick up the ambience.

[@TheDoobiesnatcher]

yeah you do need to when recording just to make sure the levels are OK

[@noahmcdx1]

Wait I'm a little confused with this phantom power concept. I have a Sennheiser e 835 performance mic. If I plug my mic into this thing, am I going to need something else for it to work?

[@RedFez]

@MrTnscproductions Hi - I think that's what I meant. You are using HDMI to transmit the audio. This means you are using the audio output on your graphics card (or onboard graphics card) and probably means you are using that driver to output sound rathe rthen the Alpha's ASIO driver. You can',t as far as I know, route the Alpha's output through the HDMI port so you must use separate speakers for it to work properly. Hope that makes sense?

[@Y4Uable]

will it work with a electronic drums?

[@xMCxVSxARBITERx]

Can it record sound to the computer through the USB? (That is the only thing I need to know...)

[@SharkRecordFilms]

I use a Synthesizer and I want this so I can make tracks using the synth only. I would record one track with bass, another track with drums, another track with strings, another track with leads ETC. Then put them all together using "cubase" to make an actual song. Could I do all that with the Lexicon Alpha?

[@cogicrules23]

Can't seem to connect it with Logic Pro X. It recognizes it, however I can't get any sound from the mic

[@chrisduffy527]

Is the cubase software compatible with windows 8?

[@Princejasir]

can you please tell me how to install cubase 5 i cannot find the number the serial number!! it ask for.

[@GoldenProductions2019]

hey man great video and great job reviewing the lexicon alpha audio interface keep up the great work

[@TheAtship]

can I record guitar and voice on mic in same time with this soundcard?

[@RedFez]

Yes

[@hemsley1493]

can i use it with Ableton Live? and can i install it without the driver disc?

[@RedFez]

No reason why not (in both cases!)

[@FrankoZappa]

Can I use this as my primary PC Sound Card? Because my integrated sound card stopped working

[@FrankoZappa]

Sorry, I just finished watching the video and noticed you say that it can be set in windows 7 as the primary sound card! Thanks anyway!

[@SuperMarc187]

does it have a 48v phantom power for condenser microphone ?

[@mikeperaltamusic]

It does not, but I'm looking at a few cheap phantom power supplies on amazon right now.

[@SuperMarc187]

ohh .. okay thanks :D

[@WhaHappinProduction1]

Here my issue. i have an MXL 990 hooked up to a lexicon alpha to a usb port. and i cant get any sound or anything at all. Help please

[@kubik554]

U need Phantom Power. This card - no Phantom power