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Average Price: $975
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$501+
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Description
The Lexicon PCM-41 is a classic digital delay processor that has stood the test of time, offering musicians and studio engineers a versatile tool for crafting unique soundscapes. First introduced in the early 1980s, this effects processor has become a go-to piece of gear for its rich, warm delays and exceptional build quality. Renowned for its 12-bit digital delay line, the PCM-41 delivers a lush, musical delay that is as relevant today as it was when it first hit the scene.
Designed with intuitive controls, it allows users to effortlessly dial in precise delay settings, making it ideal for both live performances and studio sessions. With a delay range from 5 milliseconds to 2.56 seconds, the PCM-41 offers a wide spectrum of possibilities, from short slapback echoes to long, evolving soundscapes. Its modulation capabilities add even more depth, enabling the creation of chorused or flanged effects with ease.
The PCM-41 features a sturdy, rack-mountable design, perfect for both road and studio use. Its straightforward interface includes knobs for delay time, feedback, and modulation, allowing for instant tweaks on the fly. Whether you're enhancing a vocal track, adding texture to a guitar solo, or experimenting with new sonic realms, the Lexicon PCM-41 remains a vital tool for any sound engineer or musician.
Key Features:
- 12-bit digital delay line for rich, warm sound
- Delay range from 5 ms to 2.56 seconds
- Intuitive controls for easy operation
- Modulation capabilities for additional effects
- Rack-mountable design for durability and convenience
Product specs
| Brand | Lexicon |
| Model | PCM 41 Digital Delay Processor |
| Finish | Black / Blue |
| Year | 1980 - 1982 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Delay |
| Electronics | Analog, Digital, Solid State |
| Format | 19-inch Rackmount |
FAQs
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What kind of delay effects can I achieve with the Lexicon PCM-41?
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The Lexicon PCM-41 offers a range of delay effects, including short slapback echoes and longer, more ambient delays. Its analog and digital circuitry provides a warm, musical sound that's highly sought after for both studio and live applications.
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Is the Lexicon PCM-41 suitable for live performance use?
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Yes, the Lexicon PCM-41 is well-suited for live performances due to its robust 19-inch rackmount design and intuitive controls that allow for quick adjustments during a set.
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How does the Lexicon PCM-41 integrate with modern studio setups?
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The Lexicon PCM-41 can be easily integrated into modern studio setups via standard rackmount interfaces. It provides classic digital delay sounds that complement both analog and digital recording environments.
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What are the primary control features of the Lexicon PCM-41?
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The Lexicon PCM-41 features controls for delay time, feedback, and modulation, allowing precise shaping of delay effects. Its straightforward interface makes it easy to dial in the desired sound quickly.
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Can the Lexicon PCM-41 be used with both instruments and vocals?
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Yes, the Lexicon PCM-41 is versatile and can be used with both instruments and vocals, providing rich delay effects that enhance the overall sound in various musical contexts.
Videos
SynthMania
Testing PCM41 for Italo
Reviews
PROS
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Lexicon converters deliver crisp, balanced sound
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Rich, luscious chorus and almost perfect flange effects
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Superior analog delay warmth and smoothness
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Durable, built like a tank for live and studio use
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Easy to set exact delay times with minimal controls
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Complements other Lexicon gear aesthetically in a rack setup
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Retains quality of sound akin to more expensive models (PCM42)
CONS
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High market prices may not reflect the unit's value
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Older units may have deteriorated, reliability concerns
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Plugin emulations can achieve similar results for less
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Some features (hard limiter, phase flip) only in pricier models
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Lexicon PCM-41.
Comparisons
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Soundtoys Primal Tap is based on the Lexicon Prime Time, not PCM-41; it's noted for not replicating PCM-41's unique "bending" delay-line effects.
Source
Features and functionality
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PCM-41's variable readout speed technology is rarely emulated accurately in software, contributing to its distinctive sound.
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User experience
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Actual PCM-41 owners report its sound as gritty and dark, which some plugins struggle to replicate authentically.
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Software and compatibility
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Despite various plugins claiming to emulate the PCM-41, regular delay functions are easily replicated, but the unique wonky effects remain unmatched.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 2 Ratings
1264
Attractive.
This box from 1980 is nebbed out. It seems nice but it might punch you, or hit on your girlfriend. Setting exact delay times is a breeze using only 2 buttons and a knob. It has waveforms! Looks great in a rack next to other Lexicon gear.
41007
Still a top dog.
This guy and the TC electronic 2290 are the epitome of perfect standalone 1ru digital delay. Period.
26711
... and also, it is pretty.
41007
I have the cheaper lexicon multis, but when I need detailed delays this is still the standout. It has more character than a plugin too. Beats on the TC and Korg stomps...
Artist usage
Add artist
Trent Reznor can be seen using the Lexicon PCM-41 on a rack alongside a PCM-42 and Eventide harmonizers, as depicted in the provided image.
"I did the raygun sound with a Lexicon PCM41 digital delay," Stevens explains. "It's got a mix control, and I just completely cut off my guitar signal from it and got the modulation. Then I played a harmonic on high G and used the modulation section to sweep that. Also, I had to use a compressor, to keep the note constant so that it could feed the PCM41."
In a 1986 issue of Japanese Keyboard Magazine, there are multiple photographs of Tony Banks' rig from the Invisible Touch tour. Among these images is a picture showcasing Tony's rack synths and effects, where the Lexicon PCM-41 Digital Delay can be spotted.
cEvin Key says the band's sound is formed around the Lexicon PCM-41 Delay
He says it in this interview at 4:50
At the 4:52 mark in the video titled "Genesis 92 Rehearsal footage" by David Lightman, Mike Rutherford can be seen using a Lexicon PCM-41, as evidenced by the visual details captured during the pre-tour 1992 rehearsal session.
Warren described his live rig his Guitar World interview, April 1987: "The output of [Marshall 100-watt amplifier's] preamp section goes into a control board for the effects I’m using, which are a Lexicon PCM-41 delay, a PCM-42 delay, and the Yamaha SPX90."
In 1987 Ratt only seemed to have custom-made midi or relay switchers on stage instead of pedalboards. As you can see, Warren and Robbin had some similarities in their rigs, with PCM 41 being one of them.
In this photo it shows Dwayne Goettel in their studio with an Ensoniq ESQ-1, Ensoniq Mirage, E-Mu EMAX, Akai S900. There is an effects rack with a Lexicon PCM 41, a pair of Korg SDD-1000s. In the background is an Atari 1040ST running Steinberg Pro 24 sequencing software.
"His rack consisted of two Furman PQ-3 preamp parametric equalizers and a Lexicon PCM-41 delay unit that adds a lot of sustain and can also be used for a chorus effect."
Mentioned in the July 31, 1982 issue of Circus.
"The most exciting thing that's happened to me in a while is the invention of the Gillis Wireless Switcher. I was talking to (inventor) Greg Gillis. saying it would be great it there was a switching system the size of a deck of cards that you could attach to your guitar strap—something with a calculator keypad that would transmit to all the switches on your rack. That way you would never have to have any foot pedals on stage. A week later he called me up and said. 'Come and get it.' I hit the ceiling. It was a dream come true. He took a nebulous idea of mine and I saw it realized in a week! It looks like a badge on my guitar strap with an antenna coming out of it. I have eight switches in there and a master clear button. Among Ronnie's effects are a modified Moog string filter. a Moog Phaser. two Lexicon PCM 41's. a Dyna-Mite Limiter Gauge and a Vocoder.
"The Moog String Filter resulted from Moog taking an orchestra and analyzing the waves of the string section. They built this into separate filters. The idea was good. but they never completed the design. It was very noisy and didn't resonate properly. You couldn't control the range of the filter. I tore it apart. put in DBX cards to quiet it down. and used a blend pot on the ranges rather than on off switches. I'm now able to dial in a very sweet tone.
"I'll always continue to experiment with new things. But after all is said and done, the fail-safe I utilize is my talent as a guitar player. When all else fails. I plug directly into the amp and do what I do best, which is play the guitar. Everything else is embellishment."
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Lexicon PCM-41, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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