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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 Klaus Schulze uses Lexicon 480L

Klaus Schulze

Guitarist, Bassist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via KeyboardMag

"I still love my Roland SRV-2000 and 3030 and my TC Electronic M-One 19-inch reverbs, the Lexicon 480L with the LARC, and of course, most important, the Roland RSP-550s, of which I have a bunch. These are the main effects I use all the time for the more prominent instruments. They create the rooms and reverb positionings and, of course, the delay cascades for most of the sequencers."

See how Elton John uses Lexicon 480L

Elton John

Singer, Keyboardist

Eric Clapton & His All Star Band

...
Verified via Prosoundweb

The website above refers to an article that presents some of the equipement used by Elton John.

Second page, 2nd paragraph states that a Lexicon 480L is used on Elton's vocal.

“While there’s a little ‘verb and harmonizer on the backing girls, I use a Lexicon 480L on Elton’s vocals,” ....

See how Q-Tip uses Lexicon 480L

Q-Tip

Rapper, Music Producer

A Tribe Called Quest

...
Verified via YouTube

Part of Q-Tip home's studio. It can be seen in this excerpt from his 2016 CBS: This Morning interview at 0:06.

See how Mark King Level 42 uses Lexicon 480L

Mark King Level 42

Singer, Bassist

Level 42

...
Verified via Muzines

Having survived John's intrepid questioning we drove over to King's home studio, which is located a few miles out of Rye, in a house overlooking the site where in a grey and distant past the Isle Of Wight Festival took place. Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan once played there. Now there are only hills, grass and cows. And a studio which left John breathless for a moment. He gazed in astonishment at the 48-channel SSL E-series desk and the 15 or so Alembic and Status basses on the walls surrounding it. He skimmed the walls of outboard gear, including AMS, SPX90II, Lexicon PCM70, 480L and 224X, Urei's, decided that he felt more comfortable with the view outside, and silently settled into a chair, watching the snow fall on the grass.

See how Front 242 uses Lexicon 480L

Front 242

Music Producer

...
Verified via Herrebout

Per "Rock This Town" publication, special issue 1991:

In 1991, the setup was as follows: [Rock This Town special issue 1991]

Sound studio: Analog Synths: Roland System 100/100M/101 (+Roland Midi interface MPU-101);YAMAHA CS-40M (in the Take One video); Oberheim Matrix 1000; Digital Synths: Yamaha DX-7 (2); Ensonic VFX; Roland DDR30; Yamaha tg77; Korg Wavestation; Sequencer: Atari 1040 (Sequ. Cubase 2.0); Samplers: AkaiS9000 (2); AkaiS1000 (8Mg + Hard Drive Mfile 44); AkaiS1000PB (4Mg); Emulator II; akai 1100, e-mu Procussion, roland s-10 for live use @ the mixing desk; Effects: Lexicon 480L; Yamaha SPX90 II (2); Roland SRV-2000; Roland SDE-3000; Alesis Midiverb II; Alesis Quadraverb; ART DRX; spx 1000 (x2); Eventide h3000 se; Mixing: Table TAC Scorpion 32/16; Recorder TASCAM MS16 tracks; Recorder DAT Luxman; Speakers Yamaha NS 10M pro ATC SCM50; QUAD ampli (for NS-10M); Diverse: compressor/limiter, noise gate, parametric eq. Live: Backline: Akai S9000; Roland DDR30; Simons & Roland Pads; Emulator II; TASCAM238 8

Graphic Studio: Commodore Amiga 2500 (6Mg + Hard Drive 40Mg); Commodore Amiga 500; Digitizer SNAPSHOT; Camera Sony CCD V-200E; Laserprint NEC Silentwriter LC890; Monitor NEC Multisync 2A.

See how Ihsahn uses Lexicon 480L

Ihsahn

Singer, Guitarist

Emperor

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, you can just barely make out that the white object on top of the mixing desk is the remote for a lexicon 480L.

See how Scooter uses Lexicon 480L

Scooter

Music Producer

Dance United

...
Verified via Photo

In a screenshot from a chat with former member Rick J. Jordan, he confirms that Scooter used the Lexicon 480L in their music production.

See how Michael Cretu uses Lexicon 480L

Michael Cretu

Singer, Composer

Enigma

...
Verified via New Age Music Guide

A studio is nothing without equipment. In A.R.T. Studio the following top shelf music gear (and some personal favorites of Michael) were available:

Custom built AMEK Digital mixing console Audio Frame Workstation and Waveframe 1000 (old at the time, very important for the Enigma sound) Custom built studio controller by Quested Acoustics Protools system hardware Emagic Logic Audio Platinum software. Sample cell (Software sampler) Steinberg’s Halion External Midi modules and hardware: Lexicon 480 and 960 (reverb) Yamaha REV1, REV7 and REV9, Eventide Reverb Dynacord DRP20. MIDIMoog, PPG System, Korg M1, C-Lab Notator Takamine 6 and 12 String Guitars Tom Anderson Electric Guitars Otari DTR-900 Akai 900 Linn 9000 Prophet 2002 X-Pander EMS Vocoder DX-7 Roland MKS-80 «Super Jupiter», Roland V-Synth, Korg OASYS Korg Karma And, of course, a PC-based Studio Sampler. This is, after all, sample heavy music!

See how Jan Hammer uses Lexicon 480L

Jan Hammer

Keyboardist

The Mahavishnu Orchestra

...
Verified via Muzines

"The most beautiful addition to the studio recently was the Lexicon 480. I am experimenting with some esoteric MIDI-controlled effects, such as changing the reverb time from a keyboard's aftertouch or velocity parameters."

See how Alec Empire uses Lexicon 480L

Alec Empire

Music Producer

Atari Teenage Riot

...
Verified via EMusician

"We use an API 1608 desk, various compressors like the Universal Audio 1176s and the blue DBX 160 series. I still prefer my old Lexicon 480L to the digital plug-ins. The latest version of Pro Tools is great to have, because it is very easy to combine all the old gear with that. In ATR, we use the Roland TR-909 as the main drum machine; it’s part of the band’s sound, really. Then we still use the old Akais for ATR, like the S1100 or the S6000 or the MPC 2000XL. They are also part of the band’s identity in a way. Especially when you apply distortion. We also have a lot of modular synths, from the Metasonix Wretchmachine, the ARP 2600, Analogue Solutions Vostok, the Sherman Quad Filterbank and the Moog Voyager with all the external CV gate stuff. We find the Voyager better suited for ATR. My Minimoog just sounds too retro. I love the machine, as so many others (my Korg Trident, Roland Jupiter 8 etc...) but ATR has a certain sound that we stick to. I use all that other stuff more for the Alec Empire solo works. The Atari 1040ST is still the main sequencer for everything. Pro Tools is slaved to that."

See how Alanis Morissette uses Lexicon 480L

Alanis Morissette

Singer, Guitarist

ArtistsCAN

...
Verified via Mixonline

"For effects, Pearson uses a variety of multi-effects units to help create different sonic textures. 'I have a TC M5000 multi-effects unit, a Lexicon 480L reverb, a [Yamaha] SPX-990 multi-effects, a PCM 42 delay and an Eventide H3000 Harmonizer. On Alanis' CDs, she overdubs her voice a lot to create harmonies and textures, so I use a variety of delays and the harmonizer to create different textures between the verses and the chorus. But [I] keep it sounding natural to imply the effect that she uses on the CDs."

See how Martin Glover uses Lexicon 480L

Martin Glover

Bassist, Music Producer

Killing Joke

...
Verified via Muzines

With these words Youth heaves himself to his feet and suggests that he takes me for a quick tour of the building before he gets back to work. First he shows me the DDA studio in the basement, which sports a Tascam analogue 24-track, Lexicons 480L and PCM70, an Akai/Linn MPC60, and Genelec and NS10 monitors. A visiting M1 is subjected to his derision, much to the amusement of the programmer. Upstairs he shows me the 16-track studio, home to a Tascam MSR16 and a Soundtracs PC series desk, and the small editing suite with its Macintosh and Soundtools digital editing. Finally there's the demo room, with a Tascam M312B desk, Atari, S1000, Midiverb II, SPX50D, NS10s', and, surprisingly, a DX7II. The latter instrument is being played by Jaz Coleman, who's making a gothic-sounding godawful racket together with Geordie Walker on electric guitar.

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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Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb Effects Processors
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4
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4
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Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
4
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3

Community setups

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