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Description

Step into the realm of legendary sound with the Lexicon 480L, an iconic effects processor that has set the gold standard in studio recording. Known for its distinctive reverb algorithms, the Lexicon 480L has been a staple in professional studios since its inception, offering a depth and realism that few can match. This effects processor is celebrated for its versatility and reliability, making it a favorite among audio engineers who demand high-quality sound.

The Lexicon 480L is renowned for its ability to create lush, immersive soundscapes while maintaining clarity and precision. With its advanced digital processing capabilities, it provides a wide range of effects options, from reverb and delay to modulation and pitch shifting. Its intuitive interface and robust build make it not only a powerful tool but also a durable one, ensuring it stands up to the rigors of constant use.

Whether you're crafting the perfect mix or enhancing live performances, the Lexicon 480L delivers unparalleled sonic quality. Its proprietary algorithms are designed to elevate your projects, offering a level of detail and warmth that has become synonymous with the Lexicon name. Experience the difference that precision engineering and innovative technology can make in your sound production endeavors.

Key Features:

  • Legendary reverb algorithms for professional-grade sound
  • Versatile effects including reverb, delay, modulation, and pitch shifting
  • Intuitive interface for ease of use
  • Robust construction for long-term reliability
  • Advanced digital processing capabilities
  • Widely used in professional studios and live performance settings

Product specs

Brand Lexicon
Model 480L Digital Effects System with LARC Remote
Finish Black / White Remote
Year 1980s
Categories Multi-Effect, Reverb

FAQs

What makes the Lexicon 480L a sought-after effects processor?

The Lexicon 480L is renowned for its high-quality digital reverb and effects, offering lush, spacious sounds that have been a staple in professional studios since its release in the 1980s.

What types of effects can the Lexicon 480L produce?

The Lexicon 480L provides a range of effects including reverb, twin delays, random effects, and ambience, making it versatile for various studio applications.

Is the Lexicon 480L suitable for modern studio use?

Yes, the Lexicon 480L remains relevant due to its classic reverb sounds and effects, often emulated in modern plugins but still valued for its original hardware quality.

How does the Lexicon 480L interface with studio setups?

The Lexicon 480L uses the LARC remote for control, allowing precise adjustments and integration into studio environments with ease.

What is the primary use of the Lexicon 480L in music production?

The Lexicon 480L is primarily used for adding depth and dimension to recordings through its high-quality reverb and effects, enhancing the overall sonic character of tracks.

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

5-Minute UAD Tips: Lexicon 480L Digital Reverb & Effects

Video thumbnail for 5-Minute UAD Tips: Lexicon 480L Digital Reverb & Effects by Universal Audio

5-Minute UAD Tips: Lexicon 480L Digital Reverb & Effects

Universal Audio

Universal Audio

Video thumbnail for Intro to the Lexicon 480L by Andy Seagle

Intro to the Lexicon 480L

Andy Seagle

Andy Seagle

Video thumbnail for Does DIGITAL hardware sound the same as a PLUGIN? Lexicon 480L Plugin vs Hardware by Thomas van Opstal

Does DIGITAL hardware sound the same as a PLUGIN? Lexicon 480L Plugin vs Hardware

Thomas van Opstal

Thomas van Opstal

Video thumbnail for Lexicon 480L by Retrosonic Pro Audio

Lexicon 480L

Retrosonic Pro Audio

Retrosonic Pro Audio

Reviews

PROS

  • Unmatched lush and transparent reverb quality

  • Dual engines provide extensive sound possibilities

  • Deeper parameter set enhances adjustability

  • Ability to expand with additional cards

  • LARC controller improves usability over rackmount units

  • Offers a wide range from subtle to ethereal effects

  • Recognized as a studio standard for reverb and effects

  • Version 4.1 includes additional effect banks and updates

  • Maintains warmth in sound, crucial for serious recording

  • Outperforms other units in creating "that BIG sound"

CONS

  • Reliance on proprietary lexichip makes repairs difficult

  • Steep learning curve due to complexity and features

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Lexicon 480L.

Features and functionality

  • The optimal crossover point for most 480L reverbs is 752 Hz, a crucial detail for achieving the classic Lexicon sound.

    Source
  • Hall algorithms are distinguished by having six delay taps, compared to two in room and plate algorithms, influencing the depth and texture of the reverb.

    Source
  • Wild spaces presets like “Metallica” and “Brickwall” utilize effect decay optimization, contributing to their distinctive sound character.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The A Plate preset works well on bass guitar DI for a vintage country track, creating a dry, tight slap effect that complements existing reverbs.

    Source
  • Adding a "stage" to any reverb is a technique learned through the Lexicon 480L manual, enhancing the dimensionality of the sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Relab interface offers more control than the original 480L, allowing users to manipulate presets with greater flexibility, unlike the UAD version.

    Source
  • Users who have experience with the hardware recommend the Relab 480L plugin over other versions for its enhanced capabilities.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The Relab version of the Lexicon 480L plugin offers a deeper feature set than the UAD version, appreciated by users familiar with the hardware.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Owners suggest never paying full price for the Lexicon 480L plugin, with deals sometimes available as low as $25 or in bundles like 2 for $50.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
theweekendwarrior

The best...no competition.

studio standard reverb, delay and misc effects unit with dual efx engines and larc controller box.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Aphex Twin uses Lexicon 480L

Aphex Twin

Music Producer

Universal Indicator

...
Verified via Photo

Also on the official album packaging of Syro (2014), the Lexicon 480L reverb is mentioned.

See how Hans Zimmer uses Lexicon 480L

Hans Zimmer

Composer, Music Producer

Hans Zimmer, Lisa Gerrard & Klaus Badelt

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Hans Zimmer uses two Lexicon 480Ls in his studio.

See how John Paul Jones uses Lexicon 480L

John Paul Jones

Bassist, Keyboardist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via YouTube

John Paul Jones uses the Lexicon 480L effects processor, as confirmed by a video from Soundgas on YouTube. The video features this equipment and notes its origin from Jones's studio, underscoring its use by the artist.

See how Dr. Dre uses Lexicon 480L

Dr. Dre

Rapper, Music Producer

World Class Wreckin' Cru

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "D12 Eminem in the studio with Dr Dre" by slimkaraz, Dr. Dre is shown using the Lexicon 480L controller in the studio, providing visual confirmation of his use of this gear.

See how Mike Shinoda uses Lexicon 480L

Mike Shinoda

Singer, Guitarist

Linkin Park

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 32:12 we can see Lexicon 480L

See how The Chemical Brothers uses Lexicon 480L

The Chemical Brothers

Music Producer

The Chemical Brothers

...
Verified via SmugMug

can be seen left of the Maschine in this image

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Lexicon 480L

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via Muzines

As listed in this 1990 interview on the Music Magazine Archive

See how Robin Guthrie uses Lexicon 480L

Robin Guthrie

Guitarist

Cocteau Twins

...
Verified via Robinguthrie

In the Equipment Notes on his official website, Robin Guthrie mentions the Lexicon 480L in the twelfth paragraph, third line, highlighting its role in his studio setup.

See how Ryan Adams uses Lexicon 480L

Ryan Adams

Singer, Guitarist

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals

...
Verified via Instagram

Adams posted this picture of a Lexicon 480L Reverb, when he was in the studio in September 2016, producing his upcoming record.

See how Deryck Whibley uses Lexicon 480L

Deryck Whibley

Singer, Guitarist

Sum 41

...
Verified via reverb.com

This Lexicon 480L Digital Effects Unit is owned by Deryck Whibley Of Sum 41

See how Adam Levine uses Lexicon 480L

Adam Levine

Guitarist, Singer

Maroon 5

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Used for the lead vocals on "Makes Me Wonder", as stated by mix engineer Mark Endert in this September 2007 Sound on Sound interview.

Lead vocal: Waves De–esser, Sony Oxford EQ, Tube–Tech CL1B, Lexicon PCM42, Lexicon 480L

“I love using digital de–essing on the lead vocals. On about every track I mix, the first plug–in insert is probably the Waves De–esser. From there I will do fine–tuning with the EQ. If there’s a narrow band that I want to eliminate or boost, I often use the Sony Oxford EQ immediately after the de–esser. In this case I boosted a little bit around 300Hz, made a small cut around 2500Hz and rolled off some extreme high end. I really like the Oxford EQ for pinpointing frequencies, but as far as sonic shaping is concerned, I prefer the outboard, like the SSL EQ, the GML, or my Neve 1073 modules. You are never going to pinpoint a perfect frequency on a three–band Neve EQ.

“After being treated with the De–Esser and the Oxford EQ, the lead vocals came to the SSL desk, on which I also used EQ, and inserted a compressor. In this case it was a Tube–Tech CL1B, set to a ratio of 5:1. For some reason I like 5:1 on vocals. I added delays on the lead vocals in the choruses — PCM42, eighth note or something like that — and there’s a reverb, most likely a 480L, set to a short reverb time.”

See how Mick Jagger uses Lexicon 480L

Mick Jagger

Singer

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Prosoundweb

On the website, a post by Keith Clark on 07/17 at 11:28 AM states that Mick Jagger used Lexicon 480L in a private studio.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Lexicon 480L, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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6
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Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
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Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb Effects Processors
5
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
4
Roland JD-800
Roland JD-800 Synthesizers
4
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
4
Akai MPC60
Akai MPC60 Production & Groove
4
Roland SDE-3000
Roland SDE-3000 Effects Processors
3

Community setups

Show yours
theweekendwarrior

theweekendwarrior

Gear IQ 552

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