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Average Price: $1,240

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$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

What are the main reverb types available on the Lexicon PCM-70?

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.

Is the Lexicon PCM-70 suitable for live performances?

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.

How does the Lexicon PCM-70 compare to newer reverb units?

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.

Can the Lexicon PCM-70 be integrated into a modern DAW setup?

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.

What is the user interface like on the Lexicon PCM-70?

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.

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Reverb: What is the Lexicon sound?

Video thumbnail for Reverb: What is the Lexicon sound? by Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Reverb: What is the Lexicon sound?

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Video thumbnail for Demo :: Lexicon PCM70 Reverbs on SH101 (Aphex Riff) by SOLON Music

Demo :: Lexicon PCM70 Reverbs on SH101 (Aphex Riff)

SOLON Music

SOLON Music

Video thumbnail for A Lexicon PCM70 in a Pedal!?! Yes. by Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

A Lexicon PCM70 in a Pedal!?! Yes.

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Michael Nielsen - Big Hairy Guitars

Video thumbnail for Lexicon PCM70 vs 480L by Espen Kraft

Lexicon PCM70 vs 480L

Espen Kraft

Espen Kraft

Video thumbnail for Lexicon PCM70. by Retrosonic Pro Audio

Lexicon PCM70.

Retrosonic Pro Audio

Retrosonic Pro Audio

Video thumbnail for Lexicon PCM70 by Leon Todd

Lexicon PCM70

Leon Todd

Leon Todd

Video thumbnail for Demo :: Lexicon PCM70 on TR8 + Reface CS (Aphex Ageispolis Riff) by SOLON Music

Demo :: Lexicon PCM70 on TR8 + Reface CS (Aphex Ageispolis Riff)

SOLON Music

SOLON Music

Video thumbnail for How to use outboard reverb in Pro Tools | Lexicon PCM 70 / Yamaha SPX 90 by Seawell Studios

How to use outboard reverb in Pro Tools | Lexicon PCM 70 / Yamaha SPX 90

Seawell Studios

Seawell Studios

Video thumbnail for Cheap vs Expensive Reverb : Lexicon PCM70 vs Korg DRV1000 by Clifton Wright

Cheap vs Expensive Reverb : Lexicon PCM70 vs Korg DRV1000

Clifton Wright

Clifton Wright

Reviews

PROS

  • Customizable patches allow for unique sound creation

  • Includes revered presets like "Tiled Room" and "Long Hall"

  • Superior sound quality, outperforms top software reverbs

  • Can produce classic 80's sound with direct instrument input

  • MIDI in/out/thru for versatile live and studio applications

  • Offers mono to stereo conversion

  • Repairable by specialists, ensuring longevity

CONS

  • Older units may be prone to failure, hard to fix

  • Does not include an FX loop

  • Editing can be cumbersome compared to older models

  • Sound may not blend well in mixes, very pronounced effect

  • 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

  • The PCM 70's delay quality is highly praised, often preferred over the Axe FX II's delay for its superior tone.

    Source
  • The SPX 90 may be seen as redundant due to alternatives like the Magicstomp, which offers similar algorithms with easier programming.

    Source
  • The Ensoniq DP4/DP4+ is considered the closest in sound to the Lexicon 224 due to algorithms reverse-engineered by an ex-Lexicon engineer.

    Source
  • The Valhalla Vintage Reverb is often compared to Lexicon hardware but is seen as too precise in pitch shifting compared to the AMS 1580.

    Source
  • The Lexicon PCM 70 is often preferred over plugins for its unique character, particularly when compared to ITB options like Altiverb and Valhalla.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • PCM 70 is optimized for stereo use, and using it in mono might not fully utilize its algorithmic potential.

    Source
  • The Lexicon 224's preamps and transformer-coupled outputs significantly contribute to its unique, expansive sound profile.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • PCM 70 is favored for metal solos, but its nuances may be lost in heavy gain contexts.

    Source
  • For hardware reverb under $2k, consider pairing a used PCM 70 with various plugins to maximize both hardware uniqueness and software flexibility.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Consider cheaper Lexicon models like the LXP-1 or MXP-1 for adequate delay and chorus effects without investing in a PCM 70.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Electrolytic capacitors in older Lexicon units need replacing every 30 years, and parts might be difficult to source.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners note an intuitive interface on the Model 200 and Prime Time delay units, enhancing user interaction compared to software.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • It's suggested to use the PCM 70 with firmware version 2.0 for optimal performance and feature set.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Lexicon PCM70 (HSR Feb 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Lexicon PCM-70 is a versatile effects processor offering more than just reverb, with capabilities including flanging, chorus, and a unique resonant chord program. Its MIDI compatibility allows dynamic control over effects, making it a valuable tool for electronic music studios. The unit lacks a reverse reverb preset, which some might miss, but its comprehensive handbook and user-friendly interface ensure easy operation. While the price may place it above budget options, its innovative features and flexibility justify the investment for serious musicians needing diverse effects.

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 10 Ratings

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jimmarchi1

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.

atonalmeasure

Dark

Dark, massive 224 style reverbs.. loved it.. but a bit too limited for my small studio..

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Dieter Bohlen uses Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb

Dieter Bohlen

Guitarist, Composer

Modern Talking

...
Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo, Dieter Bohlen's FX rack appears to feature a Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb unit at the top.

See how Robert Rich uses Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb

Robert Rich

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Robertrich

The list of Robert Rich studio equipment: see "outboard"...

See how Paul Hardcastle uses Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb

Paul Hardcastle

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Muzines

A second rack is filled with effects units. These are topped by a record deck ("my biggest effects unit"), below which are two Korg SRV3000s, a Yamaha Rev 7, an SPX90, Lexicon PCM70 ("I really love that, especially for vocals), BSS compressor, Digitech Smartshift, and Drawmer gates. Not a huge selection "but I use the Synclavier for effects. Its voice structure is a little like that [pointing to the D110] in that it has partials; if I want a delay I can take a sound, set different delays for each parts — put some attack on, say, the third delay, make it so that the original sound comes in last, and fade in each delay like a backwards echo. Sometimes it does sound a bit too clean though."

See how Dave Amato uses Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb

Dave Amato

Singer, Guitarist

REO Speedwagon

...
Verified via Premierguitar

According to Dave Amato, he uses a Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb "that I just love," (15:05).

See how Steve Roach uses Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb

Steve Roach

Music Producer

...
Verified via reverb.com

Steve Roach provided Reverb with the below list of synthesizers and hardware—his "portable rig"—that was used during his premiere performance in NYC at Church Of The Heavenly Rest on June 4th, 2022.

See how quickly, quickly uses Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb

quickly, quickly

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Instagram

In an Instagram post by the user qqitemstorage, quickly, quickly confirms the use of the Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb, referring to it as "THE gated reverb / fx box."

See how Eric Persing uses Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb

Eric Persing

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Oldschooldaw

Spectrasonics Studio List The equipment list for the Spectrasonics studio reads like a gear-head's dream. Favourites amongst Eric's sizeable synthesizer collection include the Access Virus, the Prophet VS, his collection of Waldorf synthesizers, and a 1976 Yamaha CS80. "It's my favourite axe to play, because of the awesome polyphonic aftertouch and that sensuous ribbon," explains Eric.

For effects processing Eric is a fan of the Roland SRV330 reverb, an item that "gets missed by most people, mainly because it doesn't say Lexicon on the front panel." For distortion tricks Eric often uses a rare Boss GL100 guitar preamp: "It's basically the history of Boss pedals in one rack space."

Mixing, until recently, was done on some "very odd, custom-made analogue mixers made by a guy named Mo West," reveals Eric. He recently purchased a Roland VM 7000-series mixer, however, taking him one step closer to an all-digital setup.

SAMPLERS • Roland S760 and S770 • Kurzweill K2000 • Bitheadz Unity DS1 (running on an Apple Macintosh G4)

SYNTHESIZERS/DRUM BOXES • Access Virus • Clavia Nord Lead • Doepfer modular synth • Emu modular synth • Moog Minimoog (modified by Studio Electronics) • Oberheim SEMs • Polyfusion modular synth • Roland JP8000 prototypes & production units • Roland JP8080 • Roland JD800/990 • Roland Jupiter 8 • Roland JV1080 and 2080 • Roland MKS50 Alpha Juno • Roland MKS80 Super Jupiter • Roland System 700 and 100m modular synths • Roland MC303 • Roland MC505 • Roland TB303 • Roland TR808 • Roland TR909 • Korg EX8000 • Korg M1R • Korg Mono/Poly • Sequential Circuits Prophet VS • Waldorf Wave, Microwave, Microwave XT • Yamaha CS80

SOFTWARE • Alchemy • Arboretum HyperEngine • Arboretum Hyperprism plug-in pack • Arboretum Ionizer • Arboretum Raygun noise-reduction plug-in • Antares Infinity • BIAS Peak audio editor • BIAS SFX machine effects • Emagic Logic Audio Platinum • Emagic Sound Diver synth editor/librarian • Fireball • GRM Tools plug-in pack • Metasynth • Opcode Vinyl, Vocode & Filter plug-ins • Propellerheadz Rebirth soft synth • Prosoniq SonicWorx Artist effects • Steinberg Magneto tape-saturation emulator • Steinberg ReCycle sample editor • Thonk soft synth • RAIFF • Region Munger • Transfer Station • Samplifier sample transfer software • Saturator • Sound Morph • Sound Hack audio editor • Unisyn synth editor • Waveboy Voder

SIGNAL PROCESSORS • AMS RMX reverb • API 5502 equaliser • Boss GL100 guitar driver • Boss SE70 multi-effects • Dimension beam controller • Euphonics mixing console • Eventide DSP4000 & H3500 harmonizers • GML stereo parametric EQ • Innovonics compressors • Langevin passive equalisers • Lexicon PCM70/80/480 reverbs • MXR Distortion Plus • Quest custom mixers • Roland Dimension D & C processors • Roland RSP550 multi-effects • Roland RSS10 3-dimensional effects • Roland SDE330 delay • Roland SDX330 chorus • Roland SRV330 reverb • Roland SVC330 vocoder • TC Electronics Fireworx multi-effects • Summit tube mic preamps

See how Robin Beanland uses Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb

Robin Beanland

Composer

...
Verified via Twitter

Tweet from Robin Beanland in which he says he has a Lexicon PCM 70.

See how Jools Holland uses Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb

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 Euge Valovirta uses Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb

Euge Valovirta

Guitarist, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "STUDIO TOUR 2025 | GUITARS, AMPS, CABINETS & GEAR IN GENERAL," Euge Valovirta, a guitarist and music producer, showcases his studio setup, where the Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb is visibly featured at the 8:00 minute mark, confirming its use in his equipment collection.

See how Wally Badarou uses Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb

Wally Badarou

Keyboardist, Music Producer

Level 42

...
Verified via Dynamedion

"Tone modules consisted of Sequential Circuits Prophet 5, Oberheim OB8, Yamaha TX-816s, Korg DVP-1, and Synclavier’s own FM modules. Lexicon PCM-70 was the only reverb unit used throughout the album."

See how Donato Dozzy uses Lexicon PCM-70 Reverb

Donato Dozzy

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via XLR8R

From the XLR8R Studio Essentials article:

On Donato’s side, he added a Korg VC-10 vocoder and a Lexicon PCM 70 Digital Reverb from 1985.

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.

Yamaha SPX90
Yamaha SPX90 Effects Processors
7
Drawmer DS201
Drawmer DS201 Effects Processors
7
Lexicon PCM 80
Lexicon PCM 80 Effects Processors
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Roland SDE-3000
Roland SDE-3000 Effects Processors
6
Roland SH-101
Roland SH-101 Synthesizers
5
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor
Yamaha NS10 Studio Monitor Active & Passive Monitors
5
Lexicon 480L
Lexicon 480L Effects Processors
5
BSS Audio DPR-402
BSS Audio DPR-402 Effects Processors
4
E-mu SP-1200
E-mu SP-1200 Production & Groove
4

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