I am currently using a LXP-1 and 5. I sometimes work out of a studio that has the 15, which is just a unit that has the combined algorithms of the 1 and 5.
I have used
the MPX-100 in a live setting before. I previewed one at a music store. Was not terribly impressed myself about using this unit for any serious production work.
Basically, all of these units algorithm heritage's come from the good old
PCM-70. What the difference is is that
the LXP-1 does not have as many reverb algorithm's as the 70. So you start off with a more limited number of different sounding verbs. Second, the 70 offered much more control over the sound than the 1.
With the 100, you are severly limited in what you can do to the sound. Basically, you have one edit knob, and it edits several different parameters at once. This has some very obvious limitations to it. Say you want a shorter decay, without affecting pre-delay. Can't be done on the 100.
Basically, the 1 and 5 just have better parameter control. I believe that the fact that the converters are only 16 bit give the unit a very old school flavor. Let's face it, the 480DL uses 16 bit converters and it is one of the most sought after verbs on the market. While the 100 has better converters, it is very limited in what induvidual parameter controls you have. That is the main difference.
The 1's and 5's can be had for right around $200 if you are lucky enough to find one. There is one hidden cost though with these unit's, you will need the MRC if you want quick access to the parameters. The units themselves can be edited, but there is no LCD display to see what you are doing. You also have to remember which function you are on. A MRC is going for around $200 also.
Hope this helps.
Good luck.
Ed Rei
Echo Star Studio
www.echostarstudio.com
