Reverb: What is the Lexicon sound?

[@audioallstar]

Even on my phone the PCM 70 just sounds killer. Absolute classic.

[@demofactory]

Listening through Beyerdynamic phones, I gotta say I like the older PCM70 best. The 96 was great, but the PCM70 sounded warmer and denser. The Digitech pedal was too "in your face" and bright for my liking. The guitar sounded like it sat in the mix better with the PCM70. Thanks for posting.

[@RU-HDD-4-HVN]

Beyerdynamic..... all the details and nothing gets by.

[@b.scottfarthingsworth]

yeah but on a pedalboard at a regular gig it would sound amazing, no? Nobody is using a $1000 rack unit with their pedals at local gigs ffs

[@histakes12]

My sentiments exactly.

[@zdenekkrapka5325]

Man!!! So tasty I'm still wiping my mouth. Your dry signal sound was richer and more beautiful than most of processed ones I heard. I guess quality of that CAE+ pre with VHT power can't be beaten. This great melodic guitar reminds me Hans Zimmer soundtrack for Days of Thunder with amazing Jeff Beck playing.

[@MrTommySullivan]

The studio I recorded my record at had a Neve console with the original Lexicon (beige box) reverb. It made everything sound so good. Many parts were coupled with a sweeping panning delay and just sounded otherworldly. Of those 3 reverbs, the pedal sounded 'fake' to me or 'hallow'. Both of the Lexicons were perfect. I think I preferred the 70.

[@graphene1487]

Thank you for demo_ing the DigiTech polara. Great pedal!

[@b.scottfarthingsworth]

I thought i needed one, now I know I do

[@davidyergensen4509]

This brings back some great, old memories! I remember watching RATT back in their club days. Warren played 2 black Marshall cabs, criss-crossed with 2 of Jake's Orange cabs, a Marshall head, 2 Lexicon PCM41s and he'd kick-in a OD-1 for leads. Man, what a great, live tone!

[@ABS_AD77]

I keep coming to this video. Thanks for a great video

[@aftabdaud9791]

Guitar tone is beautiful and melody line of solo is so melodic.... good work and good tone...love it...

[@gordongrey5884]

Michael your video is excellent. This is exactly what I want to hear when videos portray hardware/software devices. You let the sound of the units speak for themselves...especially the "nerdy" part. IMHO the best part of your presentation. I know what I like... or not. Very nicely done!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thank you for the kind words Gordon! :)

[@lisabethlawrence]

This is great! Love Lexicon Reverb and any video that has the millenium falcon pictured within the first minute has got my attention!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

HAHA! Thanks!

[@b.hornetiii.6771]

Fantastic playing 7:11, lots of feel and emotions in it ... Lexicon rules. :)

[@AmpAHolic-wn6mr]

Plenty of great sounding reverb units out there these days, but the PCM 70 has that ability to sit in the mix so well. Archaic by todays standards, but still reigns supreme in the Pro studio market.

[@marvinbrando5408]

Of course I feel like "sticking around and getting super nerdy." I probably watched this video a couple years ago. Watching it again. Great channel. One of the best.

[@davidyergensen4509]

Agreed, I keep coming back to reference this video quite a bit. It's so well done!

[@stefanhansen5882]

I came for the Lexicon sounds. However, your playing just after 7 minutes in was stunning. Thanks!

[@samclements8246]

I was open mouthed listening to that!

[@TheAaronJ16]

Your tone is amazing.

[@IntheDAW]

I love the grain from the 70 its very appealing to me.

[@stevemyers2092]

i like the 70 for that music - has a nice sound that blends in but stays on top

[@Koushikdbrp]

The 96 is just so clean and BIG.

[@jdpower79]

Love your videos...feels like I'm talking to my friends and learning about the gear that I wanted or even gear I own but in other formats. Keep up the great work! Cheers

[@fiddlefolk]

I love Lexicon reverb...I think the 96 is a killer verb and sounds brighter, very detailed and on certain things is better. In my experience, the PCM70 being old and with a low bit rate just sounds more musical with guitar to my ear. The higher notes don't get brittle or edgy. My PCM 70 version 2 is the bomb diggity .. I noticed the Egnater preamp in your rack. I used the IE4 for several years. Good stuff!

[@666THEMARK666]

@1:23 Thanks for the seizure 👍

[@BigHairyGuitars]

haha! Sorry. I don't know why that happened. Totally unintentional. Sorry.

[@69birdboy]

@@BigHairyGuitars think you should put a warning on

[@flashy5150]

I have a couple of the Digitech Hardwire pedals and I think they sound great and are portable and of course, they have the Lexicon chip in them.

[@samclements8246]

Those were a good line of pedals. I've never checked out their reverb ones, Ill have to now. :D

[@lookmanostrings]

With such lush huge reverbs, I wouldn't need delay. Very nice.

[@peterrezba995]

it goes back to beginning where Lexicon has the superior acoustic ambience reverb patents and the other great Eventide has the pitch shifting patents

[@BigHairyGuitars]

do they really!?! I didn't know these guys were holding patents on these things.

[@theirritatedirishman5440]

That Preamp Just Kills!

[@duanelr]

This is one of the best reverb comparisons. I like your plain and practical way of speaking without hype. I saw a Bricasti in your rack. Bricasti are ex Lexicon engineers? I'd love to hear a comparison to the 96. Thank you!

[@bharmata]

Thanks for all the great quality vids, love watching, great tones and cool comparisons!

[@samclements8246]

That TONE!!! Its like melting butter on sourdough toast!!

[@mikey38632]

0:48 Your selection surprised me, but by far was a pleasant surprise. That track from the Armageddon score was a super choice. Now I'll continue to the juice of the video...

[@bardicdad]

PCM 96 certainly sounds like a cut above the rest, but for most people's budget the Polara sounds like a really great option. I would also consider running IRs through a DAW or an IR loader pedal.

[@TheFibtastic]

Not my style of music but damn, dude, you're a very tasteful player.

[@arvidlowenstein4907]

The pedal rocks. In this context it's my favourite. :)

[@fiveways]

I always gravitate towards older reverb sounds. The pcm70 sounds perfect to me. But I'm not typically a huge fan of most modern reverbs. The Oto Bamm is an exception but it is designed to sound like an old or emt 250. I'd like to try the Chase Bliss one as well. But yeah, given the choice between like a bluesky or most older pcms or hell, even a spx90 or a quadraverb I'll take the pcm or the alesis or yamaha. Something with some character.

[@b.scottfarthingsworth]

Wow, I was just looking at buying the DigiTech Polara because of the Lexicon stuff, and some of the online user reviews were shooting it down. This is proof that so many people in forums talk out of their asses and have no clue about stuff in this arena of gear. The pedal, for a PEDAL... sounds fuckin HUGE!!!!! On a pedalboard at a plain ol' gig, it will make me very happy. GETTING IT.

[@pauldeatherage6112]

Thanks mike for all the videos you make, im tryn to find a reverb that sounds real. I just got a friedman be 100 deluxe thats awesome.

[@mattpicone1466]

Nice video! Trevor is now using an Axe-Fx for reverbs. I worked with him on converting his classic tones to this new world.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Are you liking the Axe reverbs?

[@mattpicone1466]

@@BigHairyGuitars They are incredible! I do work for Fractal, but I've been a gearhead for 40+ years!

[@youscreamiscream]

Axe verbs were ripped directly from eventide algorithms...

[@kennyh5083]

What is the Lexicon sound? Concerning reverb? Perfection!

[@RobertBakerGuitar]

Yet again an amazing video.

[@JC-11111]

Whoa. It's Robert Baker! 😎🎸

[@noworries12]

that must be like diving in an ocean of sound...sounds huge!

[@TheIronWord]

holy shit that pcm 70!

[@AlexisGitarre]

can you do a video comparing the 70, 96 and the "new" plugins?

[@SpinandThrowDiscGolf]

How do you get the Lexicon Concert Hall reverb on a TC Electronics Hall of Fame!!!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

I miss my MPX-1 - nothing like a Lexicon reverb. I prefer the 70 = Dense.

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

Very good. Clear and concise.

[@SpinandThrowDiscGolf]

Scorpions Love at First Sting, particularly Still Loving You has the most luscious reverb I have ever heard on record.

[@jode_steele]

Grrreat comparison video Michael. 🔊🎸👍

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks Jode! Thanks for watching!

[@HappyMixingStudio]

amazing tone

[@guypagniez7530]

gigantic larger than life god of thunder epic lighting shooting out of the sky otherworldly video.

[@bird718]

informative review, just a few more things to add to my wish list

[@jorgerisi8384]

Nice playing !

[@RickBrummell]

We used an old one on the road and proved itself every night. Roadworthy and fucking wicked! And yes, just press play man, we get it!

[@aLoudSi1ence]

The sound stage, and if nothing else the tail of 96.....love it. Can't afford though :(

[@gjc82071]

Grab a PCM 80 or 81. Much cheaper, but you still get that classic high-end Lexicon sound & the "tails". I love my 81. I have an Eventide H7600, but in some ways I prefer my 81. It has a lot of warmth & character.

[@GuitArmijo78]

I have the Lexicon MPX100. Is that a entry level rack unit, or is it the real deal..

[@pythonflying]

Great comparison video, you have some great gear.

[@evgenpriest2164]

Please sugest me lexicon pcm 91 96 How to connect this processors to amp guitar head. May be this processors connect thru fx loop or other variations?

[@papankunci]

The PADS sounds AMAZING!

[@cmath8577]

The polara hangs very well

[@whimpypatrol5503]

The DRY TONE's crunched up, compressed, high gain dumbleeque-ness clouds the reverb illustration. Imagine eating wonderful Indian food at the Taj Majal palace loaded with tumeric and 50 other spices and someone adds different salts to enlighten you about the taste of salt.

[@RoyChartier]

PCM70, no contest.

[@bobcatt2294]

How does the Strymon BigSky Reverb or the Eventide compare to these reverbs shown in this video? What I look for in an outboard effect processor is quality effects and MIDI in/out so that I may link the synth program change to an existing pre-set or one I custom created. If you can not save the effect or it does not have MIDI in/out I pass on it.

[@supportsquid]

What's the deal with the flashing at 1:25 and 1:43? If that's a stylistic choice you need to rethink it.

[@zahcinc149]

that guitar riff is fire

[@VideosVonDennis]

I wonder if you can help me out with a question that is plaguing recently. I am not a studio person but a guitarist who is recording in an apartment... in other words, I'm practicing and playing live on PC, which is a nice solution for apartments. I use my Steinberg UR22 interface and AmpliTube through Ableton Live. That's enough for me at home because I can't use amps or speakers. Now I do currently want to build a pedal board for this and yeah, simple, just put the effects between guitar and audio interface. But here comes my problem. Especially related to reverb pedals. What if I want to have the reverb after the VST and DAW, while still being able to listen and play live? How would this work, and is this possible without further latency? I don't even know how I would connect things or if I need additional hardware. I just can't get my head around this idea. Can you tell me how I could achieve something like this?

[@RU-HDD-4-HVN]

POLARA: The Polara had just a bit of plate sound at the reverb tail....... really they all sounded great. The naturalness to the Lexicon is quite lush, dense and swirly to the sides. Sweet to say the least...... Yes to the Lexicons, yes to the Polara, yes to your solo.

[@sega62s]

Real cool riff and well feeled...i am in the process of getting a new reverb since the TC HOF2 did not do it for me.I need versatility way more than the HOF2 which had no mix from dry to wet

[@VoyageOne1]

I like the PCM70 sound the best for delays

[@geoffreymerrifield5666]

Michael,Please consider a tutorial video for a Lexicon pcm92 (or pcm96). So hard to find people that understand it as you do. Help! Great guitar playing with minimal "this is such a tough note" face.

[@jeffnantais]

Great review. One thing I'd love to hear -is "what isn't the Lexicon sound" - for comparison. I have an MPX1, an MPX550 and the built-in Lexicons in my Soundcraft Digital 328 console. I can really hear the difference between those and my other babies - Eventide DSP4000 and Eclipse. In general, I prefer the Eventides, but they are definitely more otherworldly/effect vs. the Lexicon's more warm and deep. But I'd also like to hear what separates Lexicon from Bricasti, AMS, TC Electronics, and any other verbs.... and preferably with your demonstrative methods Michael!

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Hi Jeff, Yes! I'm working on that as we speak.

[@jacka55penguin]

Great demo. I just got the Headrush pedal board with the "Eleven rack" effects. It sounds pretty good for guitar. I mean for what it costs considering what you get in an all in one system. I love the Lexicon stuff and the Digitech pedals. Wish I could afford all of it.

[@MICKEYISLOWD]

Which is better the Lexicon or the T.C Gmajor?? I own the G major and it is the most transparent FX I have ever listened to also the Matrix system lets you go serial, parallel or anything in-between so in parallel you can completely separate delay and reverb so neither interfere with each other which is awesome. In serial it's just like a chain of stompers in any order you wish. I have only used a Lexicon once many yrs ago but I'm wondering which is the nicest sounding?

[@derekbaker3279]

I'd choose the 96 for piano, acoustic guitar, strings, vocals, and the final mix. The 70 seems best for drums & perhaps sax. For all other instruments, it would depend on how busy the mix is.

Great feeling and job 👍

[@fusionid]

Hi Michael have you compare them with the RC48 from NI? supposed to be a lexico 480.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

I haven't directly. I do have it. So I'll check it out this week.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

I must say the first verb, had no bad additive sounds after the note,

[@danieln2967]

Hey @Michael Nielsen what you think, Polara, Digitech RV-7 or Boss RV-6 for late 80s hard rock plate reverb (Whitesnake, Motley, GnR's AFD)? thanks!.

[@BigHairyGuitars]

I really like the sound of the Boss pedals. Can’t ever go wrong with boss

[@ray1ashwin]

96 sounds so smooth,70 sounds in your face,better suited for rock and metal I guess and the pedal sounds ok but rough n lacks depth compared to those two units.really loved your video.i was thinking of switching from pedal to rack unit after all quality matters than convenience to me personally.

[@oriomenoni7651]

VERY GOOD! It reminds me of Andy Latimer's sound.

[@johncecilia4517]

Do any of the Lexicon racks multi effects unit's reverbs sound at all like Pcm racks?

[@vincelupone]

Sounds awesome!

[@GabrielGAS1201]

i found the 96 to sound bigger and in a way more natural than the others, but there is some high end in there that sounded just a little harsh to me and made me lay more to the side of the 70 or maybe the polara in this particular thing.

[@wackenthaljef]

Thats a GOOD video..thank you !

[@tehheff]

Thanks for another great video. Any possibility of doing one for the jmp-1? would also love seeing a comparison between a rack power amp and running a pre into the fx return of a head.

[@maxtolo]

Great video. I have PCM 91. Where did you find this beautiful backing track? Thanks so much.

[@RWKirby-gk7mk]

Great Video Thanks

[@nespressoman]

Barry Manilow still loves his PCM70 on strings.

[@BenJ2827]

Great informative video -I need to get better studio FX and this is a help!

[@johndevine6687]

Pedal a surprise... my ear might be more used to hearing things like the pcm 70... so much for learned behaviors...

[@TerenceKearns]

It sound like if you did a seek with a high Q on a parametric EQ, you would quickly find existing resonance 70 and the pedal but not the 96. Would be worth a try maybe. The 96 seems a lot more natural "transparent?" and effortless.

[@Nightdare]

...needs more reverb 😋

[@RDYC]

I think of the "lexicon sound" not as a generic term, but as a very dense reverb with sparkling tails. It's a definite sound. It's very 90's when Whitney Houston was the voice of the day.

[@eddielloyd13]

you are just as good as clapton, great stuff.

[@LeonTodd]

Big moist guitars! How does the Bricasti go on guitars?

[@Zack_Yusof]

Great review! Love your monitor :)

[@BigHairyGuitars]

Thanks! I went to the store to get my wife a anniversary gift, but ended up coming home with a monitor for me :)

[@ewetoo]

The dry is really gainy with a sharp attack, not a great idea for a reference tone. Difference between the reverbs sounds to me a matter of EQ and stereo width, the 96 is definitely softening the tone as well as the most broad stereo picture, the 70 is a little less soft with a narrower band, and the polara was the least coloured with a band similar to the 70. When you had the three together there was a clear delay between them which is probably the modulation of the polara coming through. Pretty good depth for a pedal compared to a rack effect though.

[@lydspotting3108]

with headphones, pcm 96👌

[@batpigguitar]

great video michael. I know EVH had PCM's in his live rack, but do you think he used the 480L for the recordings? I have seen images of the 480L remote at 5150 .

[@nobodyatall998]

Have you tried the Hardwire Supernatural? I've been using on all of my leads lately and highly recommend it.

[@therealthomasbraam]

Love these vids!

[@EN4ORC3R]

PCM70 best for guitars. PCM96 best for vocals.

[@antigen4]

gosh - i REALLY have to say I certainly WOULD'NT be using a PCM70 or 96 for my REFERENCE boxes - if you want to hear the 'classic' 'Lexicon Sound' you really have to go to (ideally) a 224XL which you could rent or a 480L ...