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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
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What makes the Lexicon 480L a sought-after effects processor?
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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.
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What types of effects can the Lexicon 480L produce?
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The Lexicon 480L provides a range of effects including reverb, twin delays, random effects, and ambience, making it versatile for various studio applications.
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Is the Lexicon 480L suitable for modern studio use?
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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.
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How does the Lexicon 480L interface with studio setups?
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The Lexicon 480L uses the LARC remote for control, allowing precise adjustments and integration into studio environments with ease.
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What is the primary use of the Lexicon 480L in music production?
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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.
Videos
Universal Audio
5-Minute UAD Tips: Lexicon 480L Digital Reverb & Effects
Reviews
PROS
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Unmatched lush and transparent reverb quality
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Dual engines provide extensive sound possibilities
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Deeper parameter set enhances adjustability
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Ability to expand with additional cards
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LARC controller improves usability over rackmount units
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Offers a wide range from subtle to ethereal effects
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Recognized as a studio standard for reverb and effects
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Version 4.1 includes additional effect banks and updates
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Maintains warmth in sound, crucial for serious recording
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Outperforms other units in creating "that BIG sound"
CONS
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Reliance on proprietary lexichip makes repairs difficult
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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
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The optimal crossover point for most 480L reverbs is 752 Hz, a crucial detail for achieving the classic Lexicon sound.
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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.
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Wild spaces presets like “Metallica” and “Brickwall” utilize effect decay optimization, contributing to their distinctive sound character.
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Use cases and applications
Comparisons
Software and compatibility
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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
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Included in list of recording equipment on Christopher Franke's website.
According to a list of equipment which is used in his studio, Crowdspacer, Joakim is also a user of Lexicon 480L reverb.
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."
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
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.
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.
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.”
"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."
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
Album Usage
The Lexicon 480L has been featured on the following albums:
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.
Community setups
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