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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 Christopher Franke uses Lexicon 480L

Christopher Franke

Keyboardist

Tangerine Dream

...
Verified via Christopherfranke

Included in list of recording equipment on Christopher Franke's website.

J

Joakim

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via CROWDSPACER STUDIO NYC

According to a list of equipment which is used in his studio, Crowdspacer, Joakim is also a user of Lexicon 480L reverb.

See how Manny Marroquin uses Lexicon 480L

Manny Marroquin

Audio Engineer

...
Verified via Sound On Sound

Marroquin also worked on singer Pink's first album, produced in 1997 by Babyface and the hip-hop team Presidential Campaign. The record, which spawned the minor hit 'Most Girls', was "Pink before she was Pink", he says, as the singer was developing both a persona and a performance style. In keeping with her own sharp edges, Marroquin used a combination of pro reverbs, including an AMS and Lexicon 480L and 224XL units, and the clangy spring reverb from a Fender guitar amp. "Hip-hop can tend to have very little reverb, and what there is is short," he says. "When I get kind of off-the-wall records, I like to play with spring reverbs. They're cool-sounding. You can make it short and tight with a gate and it adds tone and depth to the sound without washing it out. I also EQ the reverb return. I listen for the frequency where the reverb matches the input signal and tweak that. When you have one thing in a crowded mix you really want to bring out but adding EQ would make it sound too harsh, put it through a spring reverb. They're noisy, but thank God for gates."

See how Philippe Zdar uses Lexicon 480L

Philippe Zdar

Composer, Music Producer

Cassius

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can see Philippe Zdar showing the remote of the 480L

See how Anthony Rother uses Lexicon 480L

Anthony Rother

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

He talks about his outboard gear at 2:16 in his studio tech talk.

I also have a couple analogue effects of course. Like the Lexicon 480L, or a PCM 81

See how ben lukas boysen uses Lexicon 480L

ben lukas boysen

Music Producer

...
Verified via Headphone Commute

In the Headphone Commute feature "In the Studio with Ben Lukas Boysen," a photo shows Ben Lukas Boysen using the Lexicon 480L effects processor, highlighting its role in his studio setup.

See how Mary J. Blige uses Lexicon 480L

Mary J. Blige

Singer

Various Artists for Children's Promise

...
Verified

Prince Charles Alexander confirmed that Mary J. Blige used the Lexicon 480L on her album, stating, "We were renting gear as well. The Lexicon 480L was the main reverb unit we were using. For delays, we were using the PCM 42." This information is supported by the article "Key Tracks: Mary J. Blige’s My Life" on the Red Bull Music Academy website.

See how Mad Professor uses Lexicon 480L

Mad Professor

Music Producer

...
Verified via Tapeop

From the Mad Professor interview in Tape Op magazine by Geoff Stanfield:

“What reverbs and delays do you like to use?

Well, I’ve been stuck on the [Lexicon] 480L for the past 20 years, but I’ve got a load of others. I’ve got a few spring reverbs from Grampian. I like using the reverbs by ART and MXR. I’m always trying them, but the one I’ve stuck with is the Lexicon.”

See how Rick J. Jordan uses Lexicon 480L

Rick J. Jordan

Keyboardist, Composer

Scooter

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video at 3:31 we can see Lexicon 480 L

See how Steve Levine uses Lexicon 480L

Steve Levine

Composer, Music Producer

Culture Club

...
Verified via ProSoundNetwork.com

"In the past I used the Lexicon 224, 480 and to this day I still use the PCM 42. With Lexicon, you know the type of effect you are going to get and what the quality of the sound is," he said. "With the younger generation of musicians, they don't necessarily know the heritage of Lexicon, but when they hear something they like, they will ask you what they are hearing. That has been the case on more than one occasion when I've been using the Lexicon plug-in."

See how Jools Holland uses Lexicon 480L

Jools Holland

Keyboardist

The The

...
Verified via Muzines

Jools Holland's equipment list, from the January 1993 issue of Music Technology:

(Helicon Mountain studios)

Instruments: Casio FZ1 Keyboard Sampler Casio FZ10M Sampler Module w/80-disk sound library Casio VZ1 Synth Hohner Clavinet Korg CX3 Organ w/Leslie 145 Cabinet Yamaha C5 Grand Piano Yamaha DX7 Synth

Recording: Atari 1040ST w/Steinberg Pro24 and C-Lab Creator sequencing software Fisher CD Player Revox PR99 two-track Saturn 824 24-track (Dolby SR on arrangement) Soundtracs Quartz 48-channel in-line desk (96 inputs on mixdown) Casio DA1 DAT Recorder Casio DA2 DAT Recorder XRI XR300 SMPTE Synchroniser

Effects: Drawmer Gate Drawmer Dual Compressor/Limiter Eventide Harmonizer Lexicon 480L Reverb Lexicon PCM70 Multi-effects Processor Roland SDE2000 Digital Delay SA PPE 240 Teac Graphic Equaliser Yamaha REV7 Reverb Yamaha R1000 Reverb Yamaha SPX90 (x2) Multi-effects Processor

Microphones: Neumann U87, AKG, Shure, PZM

See how Kenji Kawai uses Lexicon 480L

Kenji Kawai

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified

Kenji Kawai uses two Lexicon 480L units, as confirmed by his official website.

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.

Lexicon PCM 42
Lexicon PCM 42 Effects Processors
6
Avid Pro Tools
Avid Pro Tools DAW Software
5
Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb
Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb Effects Processors
5
Roland JD-800
Roland JD-800 Synthesizers
4
Akai MPC60
Akai MPC60 Production & Groove
4
Roland D-550
Roland D-550 Synthesizers & Sound Modules
4
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
4
Yamaha SPX90
Yamaha SPX90 Effects Processors
3

Community setups

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