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Average Price: $1,348
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$100
$501+
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Description
Step into the realm of professional sound design with the Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb, a staple in studios since its introduction in the mid-1980s. Renowned for its rich, lush reverb tails, this effects processor has cemented its place in music history, becoming a favored tool for producers and engineers who demand sonic excellence. Its intuitive interface, coupled with powerful algorithms, offers a wide array of reverb types, from small room ambiances to expansive halls, making it versatile for any recording scenario.
The PCM-70 Reverb is celebrated for its ability to bring a detailed, three-dimensional quality to tracks, enhancing vocals, instruments, and even full mixes. With its proprietary Lexichip, this processor delivers unparalleled depth and clarity, allowing users to sculpt their sound with precision. Musicians and producers alike appreciate its reliability and the consistency it brings to their projects, whether in the studio or live performances.
Designed for easy operation, the Lexicon PCM-70 features a straightforward control layout, ensuring that even the most complex reverbs are accessible and adjustable. The unit's presets provide a solid foundation for quick setup, while its extensive editing capabilities allow for deep customization to suit any musical style.
Key Features:
- Renowned for its rich and lush reverb tails
- Proprietary Lexichip for superior sound quality
- Wide range of reverb types, from rooms to halls
- Intuitive interface for easy operation
- Extensive editing capabilities for sound customization
- Trusted by professional producers and engineers worldwide
Product specs
| Brand | Lexicon |
| Model | PCM 70 Digital Effects Processor |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1980s |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Multi-Effect |
FAQs
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What are the main reverb types available on the Lexicon PCM-70?
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The Lexicon PCM-70 offers a variety of reverb types, including Hall, Plate, Room, and Concert Hall, known for their rich and lush sound quality suitable for both studio and live applications.
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Is the Lexicon PCM-70 suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Lexicon PCM-70 is well-regarded for live performances due to its robust build and versatile reverb settings, providing high-quality effects that enhance live sound production.
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How does the Lexicon PCM-70 compare to newer reverb units?
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While newer units might offer more features, the Lexicon PCM-70 is celebrated for its classic digital reverb sound, which remains a favorite for its warmth and character in both studio and live settings.
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Can the Lexicon PCM-70 be integrated into a modern DAW setup?
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Yes, the Lexicon PCM-70 can be integrated into a modern DAW setup using appropriate analog-to-digital converters, allowing you to leverage its classic reverb sounds in digital productions.
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What is the user interface like on the Lexicon PCM-70?
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The Lexicon PCM-70 features a straightforward interface with a digital display and tactile controls, making it user-friendly for quick adjustments and parameter settings during sessions.
Videos
Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars
Reverb: What is the Lexicon sound?
Reviews
PROS
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Customizable patches allow for unique sound creation
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Includes revered presets like "Tiled Room" and "Long Hall"
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Superior sound quality, outperforms top software reverbs
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Can produce classic 80's sound with direct instrument input
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MIDI in/out/thru for versatile live and studio applications
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Offers mono to stereo conversion
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Repairable by specialists, ensuring longevity
CONS
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Older units may be prone to failure, hard to fix
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Does not include an FX loop
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Editing can be cumbersome compared to older models
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Sound may not blend well in mixes, very pronounced effect
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Considered overpriced by some users
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb.
Comparisons
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The PCM 70's delay quality is highly praised, often preferred over the Axe FX II's delay for its superior tone.
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The SPX 90 may be seen as redundant due to alternatives like the Magicstomp, which offers similar algorithms with easier programming.
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The Ensoniq DP4/DP4+ is considered the closest in sound to the Lexicon 224 due to algorithms reverse-engineered by an ex-Lexicon engineer.
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The Valhalla Vintage Reverb is often compared to Lexicon hardware but is seen as too precise in pitch shifting compared to the AMS 1580.
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The Lexicon PCM 70 is often preferred over plugins for its unique character, particularly when compared to ITB options like Altiverb and Valhalla.
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Features and functionality
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PCM 70 is optimized for stereo use, and using it in mono might not fully utilize its algorithmic potential.
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The Lexicon 224's preamps and transformer-coupled outputs significantly contribute to its unique, expansive sound profile.
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The PCM 70's sound is highly valued for its distinctiveness, especially in creating three-dimensional spaces that some users feel plugins can't replicate.
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Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
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Consider cheaper Lexicon models like the LXP-1 or MXP-1 for adequate delay and chorus effects without investing in a PCM 70.
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Setup and maintenance
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Electrolytic capacitors in older Lexicon units need replacing every 30 years, and parts might be difficult to source.
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User experience
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Owners note an intuitive interface on the Model 200 and Prime Time delay units, enhancing user interaction compared to software.
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Critic Reviews
4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings
41029
Still expensive, sound matches price point if you're into lexicon reverb.
A crisper sounding pcm60. Mono to stereo. No fx loop. MIDI in, out and thru. If you like the 60 you'll like the 70. Just a more modern flavor of the 60 with more of everything. Midi patch selection makes it great for live performance or FOH where you need different verbs every tune. Editing is less fun than the 60 but the screen is better. Very complex sound but as a result it doesn't tuck in a mix as well as the 60. You KNOW it's on an aux send. Kinda overpriced these days.
Preferred Settings + Usage:
Tiled room.
257
Artist usage
Add artist
"He also uses a Lexicon PCM-70 to store the circular delay sounds you hear in songs like "Shine On" and "Time." Because it has a multi-tap function, it can pretty accurately duplicate the kind of echo Dave used to get from his old Binson echo unit. A t.c. electronic 2290 is his primary delay -- it's what he uses for most things." - Phil Taylor, David Gilmour's guitar tech.
Premier Guitar mentions that Eddie had two of these in his live performance setup at Bridgestone Arena in 2012, and one of them served as a backup.
During the 1988 David Lee Roth and 1990 Whitesnake world tours, Vai used a PCM-70 in his offstage effects rack.
In the epic gear list included with the album artwork for Syro, a "Lexicon PCM70" is listed. It seems he'd finally outgrown the Alesis Quadraverb (maybe) by the time he got around to Syro.
Music Radar interviews Edge's guitar tech Dallas Schoo in this article, and details his touring rig for 2009's "360° Tour." It lists the PCM-70 among his effects.
In this archived article of an interview from the April 2000 issue of Guitar World, the PCM-70 is listed among Robert's effects. Sound on Sound also writes about The Cure using this effect.
According to this Guitar Player article, a Lexicon PCM-70 is used by Andy Summers, on the intro to 'Can't Stand Losing You.'
"Well, the other thing I use is the Lexicon PCM 70 reverb. I like Lexicon because it's a darker sounding reverb. I mean it has a sound, it seems to have a warm sound. I like a warm sound on the bass anyway, especially as far as effects are concerned. The Alembic bass is such a hi-fi sounding bass. It's very pumped up, very high. It's just a very powerful sound, you know, a lot of spikes, peaks on the bass. It's just the way they did the electronics. So coupling that with the nice soft sort of warm reverb really has a nice effect."
Album Usage
The Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb 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-70 Reverb, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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