There are 128 factory presets and 128 user presets. The front panel is simple and straight forward. There are standard Input and Output
controls, an On/Off switch, an "Overload" LED for headroom and an LCD display. Also on the front panel is a Page knob. This knob controls 16
display pages for algorithms, global setups, MIDI, etc. Five buttons control each page for parameter editing. Specific numerical changes are
made by an "Adjust" knob. Initially, I thought the Adjust knob was a bit slow and unresponsive. Later I found out that even though there are no
changes on the LCD, there are incremental changes made to the edited parameter. Hmmm.
At the heart of the LXP-15 are five algorithms: Delay/Reverb, Pitch/Delay, Gate, Plate and Chorus/Delay. The
algorithm parameters are grouped by functions onto five pages: Delay, Pitch, EQ, Reverb, Levels, and Modulation. This format allows you to
find the same parameters on the same page and display locations in each algorithm. Parameters which are not available in an algorithm are
assigned a blank space to maintain this consistent format.
MIDI enthusiasts will be pleased with Lexicon's "Dynamic MIDI". This provices the user with control of 27 variable parameters. To adjust a
parameter, simply route a controller to it. For
Yet the LXP-15 will not please all. There is no bypass button and no compare button. Yes, l have to admit, l miss them. The greatest
disappointment is the fact that you can not route separate algorithms together. For example there is no way to layer Chorus with Plate or Pitch
EQ with Gate. What Lexicon has done with the LXP-15 is to create algorithms with a primary effect and then include secondary supporting
effects. For example, the Chorus/Delay includes a reverb with limited editing capabilities. Conversely, the
example, you can patch a footswitch to create a bypass, to alternate between two parameters' values, or patch a foot pedal to control an LFO rate.
Parameters can be assigned to an internal, external or MIDI controller. Five rear-panel phone jacks permit remote control of the unit's functions.
So how are the sounds? Well, my initial reaction was "harsh and sharp." Lexicon representatives told me that they ship the unit with a 100%
Mix setting to accommodate large scale mixing consoles. After adjusting this parameter, the sound was much, much better. The reverbs are
absolutely lush and beautiful. The choruses are sweet and warm. l was most mesmerized by the Cascade patches. Lexicon took a modulating
pitch delay up an octave and topped it off with a feedback loop that fizzles the sound into delicate oblivion. Breathtaking!
Delay/Reverb has a very limited chorus effect. Needless to say, l found this frustrating! However the primary effects are nothing less than top
notch. The LXP-15 is not designed for the first time buyer. It's designed for the sophisticated user who is comfortable with some degree of
programming. You won't find distortion, exciter, noise gate, compression, resonator or reverse reverbs. And yes, there are some limitations to the
routing functions. However, if you are a discerning connoisseur of quality and not quantity, check out the LXP-15. You'll find that less is more.
I. Arlf Verner is waiting for a modular MIDI system with universal adapters. This would allow the user to MIDI together components such as toasters
and lawn mowers.
Lexicon LXP-15 Multz-Effects
Processor: $1,050.00
Lexicon LXP- 1 5
Digital Multi-Effects Processor
BY J. ARIF VERNER
There's an old proverb that states, "less is more." This adage easily applies to the Lexicon LXP-15 digital multieffects processor. Over the past 20
years, Lexicon has enjoyed an enviable reputation for high quality gear. The LXP-15 is no exception. This one-rack space unit is a culmination of
the process that started with Lexicon's LXP- 1 and LXP-5 half-space processors. What sets the LXP-15 apart from these earlier units is the inclu-
sion of front-panel editing capabilities.
Lexicon, Inc
100 Beaver St.
Waltham, MA 02154
(617) 891-6790