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Average Price: $1,800
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$501+
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Description
The Lexicon PCM 42 is a classic effects processor that has been a staple in studios since its debut. Known for its proprietary delay algorithms, this unit delivers rich and warm echo effects that have been used by professional musicians and producers worldwide. Its intuitive interface allows for seamless integration into any studio setup, making it a versatile tool for both live performances and studio recordings.
This effects processor features a digital delay with modulation control, offering users the ability to create lush, evolving soundscapes. The PCM 42 is celebrated for its high-fidelity audio processing, which ensures pristine sound quality that enhances any musical production. Whether you're looking to add depth to vocals or texture to instruments, the PCM 42 provides the flexibility needed to elevate your sound.
A true testament to its enduring design, the Lexicon PCM 42 continues to be revered for its robust build and reliable performance. It remains a favorite among sound engineers and musicians alike, blending seamlessly with modern and vintage gear.
Key Features:
- Proprietary digital delay algorithms
- Modulation control for dynamic effects
- High-fidelity audio processing
- Suitable for live and studio use
- Intuitive interface for easy operation
- Renowned for robustness and reliability
Product specs
| Brand | Lexicon |
| Model | PCM 42 Digital Delay Processor |
| Finish | Blue |
| Year | 1980s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Delay |
FAQs
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What kind of delay does the Lexicon PCM 42 provide?
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The Lexicon PCM 42 offers a digital delay with a warm, analog-like sound, known for its rich and musical character, making it ideal for studio recording and live performance.
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How does the Lexicon PCM 42 differ from other delay processors?
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The PCM 42 is renowned for its modulation capabilities and the ability to create lush, tape-like delays, setting it apart from other digital delay units.
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Is the Lexicon PCM 42 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Lexicon PCM 42 is well-suited for live performances due to its robust design and intuitive control layout, allowing for easy adjustments in real-time.
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Can the Lexicon PCM 42 be used in a modern digital studio setup?
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The PCM 42 can be integrated into modern digital studio setups with appropriate analog-to-digital conversion, offering a unique delay character that complements digital environments.
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What are the main controls available on the Lexicon PCM 42?
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The Lexicon PCM 42 features controls for delay time, feedback, modulation depth, and modulation rate, allowing for detailed manipulation of the delay effect.
Videos
Urban Recording Company
Lexicon PCM 42 Classic Delay Overview by Little Fish Audio
Reviews
PROS
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Blends well with the source, enhancing audio quality
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Offers precision control over delay sounds
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Eliminates unwanted distortion common with some pedals
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Features fun options like modulation for creative soundscapes
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Historically used by renowned artists, indicating professional-grade performance
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Provides a distinctive experience compared to ordinary effects pedals
CONS
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High current prices often not justified by the performance
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Limiter trick, often hyped, can be overrated and unreliable
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Older units can deteriorate, affecting reliability and performance
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Better value alternatives available at similar or lower price points
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Market inflated by speculative reselling, driving up prices unnecessarily
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Lexicon PCM 42.
Comparisons
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Soundtoys Primal Tap is based on Lexicon Prime Time and not PCM 41, offering a different character. Primal Tap struggles with PCM 41's unique repeat function.
Source
Features and functionality
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PCM 41 is known for its gritty, dark sound, which some users seek to replicate with plugins featuring lofi and analog modes.
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Software and compatibility
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ValhallaDelay is praised for affordability but lacks the PCM 41's variable readout speed technology.
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Value and pricing
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Priced high now, PCM 41 was more accessible between 2017-2019, making it a rare find for collectors today.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings
Artist usage
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The heart of Linnell’s system is an Apple Macintosh IIci (1) running MOTU’s Performer sequencer and Mosaic notator (for horn arrangements), connected to an Opcode Studio Plus Two MIDI interface (2) and Timecode Machine sync box (3). A Cutting Edge hard disk (4) alongside Linnell’s Music Mart accordion (5) doubles as a pedestal for a Bundy bass clarinet (6) — which is not to ignore his prized Buescher bass sax (7). A Yamaha MJC8 (8) distributes MIDI to his E-mu Proteus FX (9) (“this is what I’m using live now”) and Vintage Keys (10), Roland R-8M percussion module (11) and U-220 (12), plus a Casio VZ-10M (13) bought in a closeout sale. “It’s the end of the legendary CZ line,” he laments. “It’s got some weird, cheap sounds you can’t get any other way.” An Akai S1000KB sampler (14) also serves as a master MIDI keyboard. When he’s in a picking mood, Linnell picks up a Gibson SG from the early ‘60s (15). A Boss TU-12H (16) helps keep it in tune.
The instruments, plus a Sennheiser 421 mike (17), feed a Tascam 688 eight-track cassette deck (18). “It has all these line inputs,” Linnell points out. “I can mix all my sequenced tracks and still have seven tape tracks for bass clarinet.” For effects, he uses a Urei 7110 compressor/limiter, Lexicon PCM42 delay (19). Yamaha SPX90II multieffect unit (20) and Korg DRV-1000 reverb (21). He mixes to a Sony TC-WR690 cassette deck (22) and Panasonic SV-3700 DAT (23), amplified by a Hafler PRO2400 (24) and Design Acoustics PS-10 speakers (25).
In a video titled "Analog Mixing & Jonathan Wilson's Home Studio" on the Produce Like A Pro YouTube channel, Jonathan Wilson discusses his use of the Lexicon PCM 42 effects processor in his studio setup.
"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."
In the video "White Denim Flash Bare AZZ Breakout" on the official White Denim YouTube channel, James Petralli mentions using the Lexicon PCM 42 at the 7:44 mark.
"My regular looping rig is a modified Lexicon PCM 42—the first one made of its kind. [Lexicon designer] Gary Hall modified it around 1981 to have approximately 20 seconds of sampling/delay time. The originals only had five seconds. I have another PCM 42 that was modded to feature a reverse-play switch."
Used for the keyboards on "Makes Me Wonder", as stated by mix engineer Mark Endert in this September 2007 Sound on Sound interview.
Keyboards: Urei 1176, Roland SDE3000, Lexicon PCM42
“The acoustic piano had a ton of 1176 compression on it and also some slap echo from an SDE3000. I definitely added timed delays from my PCM42s to the Juno 106 pads to keep them nice and full in the choruses. The great thing about the contour of the track is that there are moments when it’s big and then you get sucked down into moments that are tight and small. So when the keyboards change to distorted Rhodes and Wurlitzer in the bridge, they are much more dry than anything else. I don’t think I used plug–ins on the keyboards."
In this rack photo posted by Shanks on his Instagram profile, the two Lexicon PCM42 digital delay processors can be seen.
In this YouTube video you can see Ken Marshall using the Lexicon PCM42 mounted in his rack.
Album Usage
The Lexicon PCM 42 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 PCM 42, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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