Lexicon 100 Question

[fibes]

I have a Lexicion 100 that I use for snare drum. I have not been at all satisfied with it. I'm not sure I can describe in words what I don't like, but I will try. There is either not enough "wet", or too much. I can't seem to get it right. I own an Allen and Heath mixer that has onboard reverb. I believe it is made by Digitech, and from what I have read, people don't seem to rate this brand very highly. Hoever, I am quite happy with this reverb. My question is am I doing something wrong with the Lexicon? I have it patched in to the mixer's send and returns. Any help is appreciated, Thanks.

 

[pundit]

How have you got your MPX-100 patched in?
It should be set to receive from 'post fade' auxillaries (FX send) and returned either via a stereo aux return or channel strip.
Set the mix balance to full 'wet'. If you have any dry signal present at all in the returned signal that will cause phase cancellations when mixed back with the direct dry snare signal through the desk. Any signal passing through a digital device will be delayed. It has to be first converted from analog to digital (A->D) then processed in the digital domain, and then converted back (D->A). This can cause the signal to be delayed up to several milliseconds in some cases. If any dry signal from your MPX100 is mixed back with your direct snare then it could make the snare sound really quite nasal and hollow. Regardless of what reverb setting you are using. This is not an uncommon problem. The reason I brought this up was because your mixers internal FX processor probably won't allow any dry signal to be passed through it... only wet!

Unless your going for a huge 80's drum sound, try something short and smooth, between say 500 to 800 milliseconds with no predelay. For more of an ambient sound, 300 to 500 milliseconds of dominant early reflections with no predelay and not much 'tail' will give a sense of 'liveness' to the sound. Basically look for either a smallish bright room or plate setting. Many of the longer Lexicon verbs have a kind of swirling richness in the tail which sounds fine on those big vocal ballads but not suitable for your situation. Remember less is often more. If you are conscience of the effect then you are probably using too much. The other thing to consider is that auditioning the snare solo with reverb is usually completely different than listening to it within the entire mix.

To be frank short good sounding verbs, small rooms etc. are often overlooked on budget priced reverbs.

Good luck