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Description

Unlock new dimensions of creativity with the Lexicon Vortex, a dynamic entry in the world of effects processors. Designed for studio recording enthusiasts and live performers alike, this versatile unit breathes life into your soundscapes by transforming ordinary audio signals into extraordinary auditory experiences. The Vortex is equipped with unique morphing capabilities, allowing seamless transitions between effect settings, thus offering a fluid and expressive sound modulation that can be tailored to your sonic preferences.

The Lexicon Vortex is known for its intuitive user interface, making it accessible for both beginners and seasoned audio professionals. Its dual-function footswitches provide hands-free control, perfect for live performances where spontaneity is key. With a comprehensive set of presets and adjustable parameters, the Vortex invites you to explore a diverse array of textures and effects. Whether you're creating ambient soundscapes or adding complexity to your mixes, this effects processor offers a robust solution to elevate your audio projects.

Key Features:

  • Unique morphing capabilities for fluid sound transitions
  • Intuitive user interface for easy navigation
  • Dual-function footswitches for hands-free operation
  • Comprehensive set of presets and adjustable parameters
  • Suitable for both studio recordings and live performances

Product specs

Brand Lexicon
Model Vortex Audio Morphing Processor
Finish Black
Year 1990s
Categories Multi-Effect

FAQs

What kind of effects can the Lexicon Vortex produce?

The Lexicon Vortex is known for creating unique spatial effects like delays, flanging, and chorus. It excels at producing ambient and spacey sounds, making it a favorite for experimental audio processing.

How does the Lexicon Vortex's audio morphing feature work?

The audio morphing feature on the Lexicon Vortex allows you to seamlessly transition between different effects settings, offering dynamic sound manipulation that can evolve over time.

Is the Lexicon Vortex suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Lexicon Vortex is suitable for live performances. Its intuitive interface and robust audio morphing capabilities make it a versatile tool for dynamic sound effects on stage.

Does the Lexicon Vortex require any special connections or cables?

The Lexicon Vortex uses standard audio connections, compatible with typical studio and live sound setups. Ensure you have the appropriate cables for your specific configuration.

Can the Lexicon Vortex be integrated into a modern digital setup?

While the Lexicon Vortex is an older unit, it can still be integrated into a modern digital setup using standard audio interfaces and connections, providing classic effects with a unique character.

The Crow Hill Company

The Crow Hill Company

Lexicon VORTEX A Must Have Rare 90s Relic? - MM21

Video thumbnail for Lexicon VORTEX A Must Have Rare 90s Relic? - MM21 by The Crow Hill Company

Lexicon VORTEX A Must Have Rare 90s Relic? - MM21

The Crow Hill Company

The Crow Hill Company

Video thumbnail for Lexicon Vortex Demo by zibbybone

Lexicon Vortex Demo

zibbybone

zibbybone

Video thumbnail for The Lexicon Vortex as an Audio Effect for Live Looping by Andre LaFosse

The Lexicon Vortex as an Audio Effect for Live Looping

Andre LaFosse

Andre LaFosse

Video thumbnail for Lexicon Vortex Example by Resurrection Beat Machine

Lexicon Vortex Example

Resurrection Beat Machine

Resurrection Beat Machine

Video thumbnail for TEST SERIES Lexicon Vortex with Make Noise Mysteron Eurorack Sound Design by Outsider Sound Design

TEST SERIES Lexicon Vortex with Make Noise Mysteron Eurorack Sound Design

Outsider Sound Design

Outsider Sound Design

Video thumbnail for Lexicon Vortex Audio Morphing Processor proof of life video for reverb by cjr71244

Lexicon Vortex Audio Morphing Processor proof of life video for reverb

cjr71244

cjr71244

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Lexicon Vortex.

Features and functionality

  • The Lexicon Vortex requires a dual latch for scrolling presets, which also enables a bypass feature that some users may not need.

    Source
  • The Lexicon Vortex's modulation can sometimes be heard swirling in patches, making it less suitable for minimal or ambient work without purposeful noise usage.

    Source
  • The Vortex does not allow custom multi-effects or routing configurations, restricting users to predefined algorithms with adjustable parameters.

    Source
  • The morphing capability is a highlight, enabling gradual transitions between preset versions, which can produce a wide array of evolving effects.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Custom all-in-one footswitches can be considered for simplifying control of the Lexicon Vortex's functions, potentially utilizing custom pedal builders like Saturnworks.

    Source
  • Using a normally open dual footswitch with a TRS connector can effectively control the Lexicon Vortex, and DIY options are feasible due to its simple electronics.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • When integrated with a Line 6 HX FX, the Vortex can be controlled via the HX's expression in/out, allowing for versatile live performance setups.

    Source
  • The envelope follower input on one channel allows unique modulation effects, with users recommending a stereo input signal to take full advantage of this feature.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the Vortex too noisy due to modulation, which can be challenging in sparse mixes but may fit well in complex soundscapes.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Secondhand units often sell for around $200, but some users have managed to purchase them for $150, considering it a good deal for the capabilities offered.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Lexicon: Vortex effects processor | Tape Op Magazine | Longform candid interviews with music producers and audio engineers covering mixing, mastering, recording and music production.

tapeop.com

The Lexicon Vortex is a unique effects processor that shines with its innovative "audio morphing" capabilities, allowing musicians to create and morph between complex effects. It's a playground for the adventurous, offering a rich palette of sounds, from rhythmic enhancements to chaotic textures. While it encourages creativity, it's not for the faint-hearted; those averse to deep parameter tweaking might find it daunting. However, for those willing to dive in, it becomes an indispensable tool. Despite its cult status and discontinuation, it's still supported by Lexicon, making it a worthwhile hunt on second-hand markets.

positive

Lexicon Vortex

soundonsound.com

Lexicon Vortex, an innovative effects processor, shines with its unique morphing capability, transforming audio from one effect to another. Perfect for live performances, it offers real-time control via footswitches and pedals, yet lacks MIDI support, limiting studio flexibility. While it delivers warm, musical delays and choruses, the morphing execution feels clunky, demanding cumbersome footswitch operation. Despite its creative potential, the user experience is marred by a non-intuitive interface and a disappointing footswitch design. Ideal for gigging musicians who seek dynamic soundscapes without MIDI complexities, the Vortex has room for refinement in a studio setting.

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 6 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Daft Punk uses Lexicon Vortex

Daft Punk

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

A Lexicon Vortex is shown in this diagram of Daft Punk's late 90's live setup. Source: CODA Magazine.

See how Dimebag Darrell uses Lexicon Vortex

Dimebag Darrell

Guitarist

Pantera

...
Verified via guitarworld

In this interview of Dimebag Darrell from around the time that The Great Southern Trendkill came out, he is quoted as saying; “I also used one of those little Korg Pandora boxes for a weird, fluttering sound on a short passage in "10's" and a Lexicon Vortex for the shimmering, breathy tone on my theme-like lead in "The Underground in America."

See how Troy Van Leeuwen uses Lexicon Vortex

Troy Van Leeuwen

Guitarist, Bassist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via Seymour Duncan Blog

"Lexicon Vortex, which is the easiest tap delay to use. Analog delay sounds better, but I think that it’s better for me to tap out a tempo on that thing live. Onstage, I’m playing lapsteel guitar and keyboards, so I’ve got enough to do. I can’t lean down and change my echo setting."

See how Greg Edwards uses Lexicon Vortex

Greg Edwards

Guitarist, Bassist

A Perfect Circle

...
Verified via Photo

Back when Failure toured in the 1990s Greg's rack contained several different distortion and fuzz pedals. However, he used a Lexicon Vortex for more modulated weird sounding stuff that didn't involve his Dunlop tremolo. https://youtu.be/6LjZP_WPOS8 in this video you can hear Greg messing around with the Lexicon right before Stuck On You plays. The sound does come from him as you can see his foot trigger a button on his pedalboard right when the noises stop.

See how Robbie Chater uses Lexicon Vortex

Robbie Chater

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Avalanches

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Processors

Antares ATR1a Auto-Tune voice processor. Avalon VT747SP compressor/equaliser. Behringer Virtualizer multi-effects processor. Frostwave The Resonator filter, Funk A Duck envelope filter and Spacebeam. HHB Radius 20 equaliser. Lexicon Vortex multi-effects processor. Line 6 Bass Pod bass processor. Melos tape echo. RME ADI8 Pro A-D/D-A converter. Roland Space Echo. TC Helicon Voice Prism voice processor. TLA Fatman mic pre/compressor. Universal Audio 2-610 mic preamp.

See how Paul Hardcastle uses Lexicon Vortex

Paul Hardcastle

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via Soundonsound

Paul Hardcastle, a renowned keyboardist, composer, and music producer known for his work in electronic and jazz genres, has confirmed the use of the Lexicon Vortex, a signal processor known for its modulation and echo effects. In an interview with Soundonsound titled "Paul Hardcastle: King Of The Castle," he stated, "Another cheap box that is quite fun is the Lexicon Vortex, which produces some nice modulation and echo effects." This quote serves as direct evidence of Hardcastle's utilization of the Lexicon Vortex in his studio setup, highlighting its role in his sound design and production work.

See how Rob Playford (AKA Timecode) uses Lexicon Vortex

Rob Playford (AKA Timecode)

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Archive

According to this article on the making of Goldie's Timeless album from the June 1998 issue of Sound on Sound magazine, Playford's studio gear includes a Vortex effects unit.

See how Primitive World uses Lexicon Vortex

Primitive World

Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

Primitive World discusses using the Lexicon Vortex, a dynamic morphing delay unit from the early 2000s, in a feature for Attack Magazine by Adam Gilbert.

Album Usage

The Lexicon Vortex 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 Vortex, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
Roland SR-JV80-05 World Expansion Board
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1

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