Lexicon MX200 - anyone used this?

[MaineGuide]

Service pack 2?

Hey Lexicon guys, why require Service Pack 2? Most of the studio owners and recording geeks I know want nothing to do with it. Is there a workaround? I have XP Home and can't get the drivers for my MX200 to install, I'm assuming because I don't have SP2.

If you knew of any way to get the unit to work without having to install SP2, I'd be obliged. (Even the tech guys at Sweetwater cringed at the thought of it.)

 

[TGB]

WinXP SP2

Maine:

I'm looking into that. I know it has something to do with the way SP2 handles dll's -- but don't get me lying. Will find out for you, though.

TGB

 

[TGB]

MaineGuide

Check your private messages... I may be able to help you out.

TGB

 

[jeff0633]

For the Lex guys.

hi.

I am trying to decide between the MX200 and the TC M300. As you know, the M300 has a very good reputation. I want to know if the Lex can stand up to the M300. I know you have to be careful about what you say, but certainly you can say whether you think it stands up level with the M300.

The point is, I get the feeling that the USB thing will simply not be that useful for me, so I want to know how it is as a straight effects unit.

Latency would be the big issue for me where the USB thing is concerned. Sounds like you guys might not have taken the road to where it ultimately SHOULD GO (Hardware monitoring with zero latency) Shouldn't that be the ultimate goal? You said that the recording world has moved to the DAW, and I agree, so why not go all the way and make the unit capable of acting as a soundcard like Line 6 has done with the Pod XT? I can pop my usb cable into my Pod XT (version 2,0 USB), and record and monitor with zero latency. Isn't that what really MUST happen in the future? Since Daws are common now, companies like Lexicon should beheadede for the final goal of a daw user being able to use his hardware effects units with zero latency.

The thing that bothers me about this unit is that I will have to run cables back and forth from my soundcard, tying up inputs and outputs, only to still have latency (however low). Why not skip this step and get right to what Line 6 is doing with the Pod XT and USB.

One more bone to pick with Lexicon. I paid a lot of bucks a few years ago for the CORE 2 recording interface and was left in the dirt when XP came out. I have been angry with Lexicon for years over that. The reason I purchased it was the same reason I am talking about now. It had the PCI 100 effects card, (Zero cpu and latency), get it?

Sooner or later, some company (TC, Lex, Who?) will finally make an all in one product with harware effects, good converteres (like the Presonus firepod has), usb 2,0 OR FIREWIRE, About 4 GOOD mic preamps (again, like the Presonus firepod, or Focusrite mid level pres, like the Voicemaster pro, 4 out puts, Or make 4 and 8 in/out versions., with also a built in compressor like the Maudio Tampa has. I would easily pay a thousand bucks for a 4 in/out unit like this. It would be a dream come true. Tons of peaople would pay 1,400 for an 8 in/out version. You would have the entire package, good lexicon effects, no latency, compressor and everything with decent mid level preamps.

Lexicon, don't take yhese small steps. Line 6 has the right Idea, but they are doing it for amp modelling and not full-fledged recording with mic pres and everything.

Jeff

 

[turnitdown]

What's the big deal????

What's the big deal with the "Plug in" capabilities of the MX200???

Cubase 3 and Nuendo 3 (maybe others) have external effects routing that has built-in latency compensation, and looks/acts like a plugin/insert to the DAW app.

Works great....

What is different about the Lex??? (Other than it can be used w/ DAWs that don't have external effects routing??)

I also hate the idea that the Lex requires me to tie up ins/outs on my card... and add'l cabling.
When I FIRST heard about it, I thought it would be a "one cable" solution... (all data aver USB). I wold have bought it if it worked like that...

Just curious... maybe the Lex just sounds that good...

 

[TGB]

Hoping this helps...

hi.

I am trying to decide between the MX200 and the TC M300.... I know you have to be careful about what you say, but certainly you can say whether you think it stands up level with the M300.

You're correct in assuming that I would have to be very careful in doing any sort of direct comparisons... as a user and pro recording guy for a long, long time, I'm entitled to express my opins... but that entitlement evaporates when I have some vested interest in the outcome... but not that it changes my opin

All that having been said -- let me put it this way (without drawing the comparisons) -- most people who have heard the unit (including me) think it sounds as good or better than units costing 4 or more times as much (including some Lexicon pieces)... there is nearly always the comment that "you're selling this thing waaaaay too cheap!" The USB feature is value-added, and arguably, audio-over-USB plus the kind of processing power in this unit would be VERY difficult to achieve at this price point... consider the other devices that run specific plugs on an external hardware platform cost many times more. In terms of zero-latency monitoring / pres / inputs, etc, the Lex Omega Studio does that, with a VST plug for reverb -- at a very low price (and great quality -- I use it a lot, in spite of having a >$100k "home" studio).

We're not blind -- and are very creative in responding to the needs of the marketplace with good products -- there are a ton of talented people who work here (and at our competitor's, and at other manufacturers I've worked for)... keep in mind --we have to look at the total market, and not just what one (or 10 or even 100) people vociferously say that want and would pay $XXX for... it has to stand the test of time, and meet or exceed marketplace expectations, and hopefully, break new ground in terms of HOW we record, and what that looks like in the end.

The POD XT for example, is directed specifically at guitar players, while products like Omega Studio and M-Box and US-122 are targeted more towards songwriters and home enthusiasts (who might play a number of different instruments) -- and so try to meet their needs at a price point that that customer should be able to afford (and which makes some money -- because we all have to get paid to design and build new cool products).

Be patient -- nothing happens overnight. MX200 has at least created some discussion and dialogue in the marketplace about what place hardware has in a DAW world, and helps develop more platforms from us, and probably from competitors, if I had to guess. The user (YOU) benefits in the end.

Another place I want to be careful is the "Core Issue" -- I fully understood that percption BEFORE I took this job... but I understand that back-story that most people don't... it certainly wasn't "corporate arrogance" or anyone trying to screw anybody, it was a very unfortunate situation in the midst of some very difficult times for a very small group of very good people.... feel free to contact me offline if you want a bit more detail.

Alesis was having very similar problems with ADAT/Edit when I was there -- trying to support Win 3.11, 95, 98, ME, etc. all at the same time -- all very different platforms with their own "idosynchracies" -- and with a similar result -- they just had fewer customers who had spent a LOT less money....

Anyhow -- I'm glad you're thinking of MX200 -- I encourage you to listen to it for yourself. In any case, having a VST and AU control (and stand-alone software editor/librarian) is something no other product of this ilk at this price gives you... while it would be undoubtedly cool to have a single-cable solution, how much more would you be willing to pay for that?

Here's the bottom line -- we DO listen -- we ARE trying to "Make the World a Better Place" for recording -- and we hope you like the toys.

 

[jeff0633]

I appreciate your response. My reply came about because I sent my Zoom 1608 recorder back to American Musical supply because I simply wasn't happy with it's limitations, or the drum machine. I will have $800 dolars to spend to get myself recording on my computer. I have never in my life seen so many options that do one or two things well, and one or two things bad. I have read till my eyes are falling out trying to figure out what my best option is. I want two decent preamps, decent compression, Hardware moniotring and Hardware effects. Each company seems to do one or two things well, then seems to fall flat on their face in other departments. For instance, the Presonus Firbax has four class A pre, and the Firepod has 8 class A mid-level pres. that's great, but now I find that they have ni inserts for outboard compression and effects. You have to software monitor. Incredible. The Motu stuff has plenty of outs, but not good preamps. None seemt o have real hardware effects options. I just got done reading about the Focusrite Saffire. Interesting, but I get the feeling that the compression and effects are pluggs instead of hardware. God, my dream is to have a unit with four of the Presonus class A pres (or even just two), the Lex M200, and an RNC compressor all rolled into one with hardware monitoring and a couple headphone amps. I would fork my $800 over and maybe some more. What I want is not what just a hundred people would want, but many people who record. I want a decent mid'level pre, (firepod), with a decent mid-level Compressor (Tampa, RNC), and a stereo hardware effects unit (Lex MX200) with no latency and a couple headphone amps. Why is that so hard? I see that Focusrute may be trying to attain this with the Saphire thing, but they are not there yet. I could strangle the folks at Presonus. They make a Firpod with class A pres, then they don't give you any way to add outboard compression and effects, so their product is not an option for me, DAMN. Focusrite Twin track pro has two channels of pre and compression, and also has direct harware monitoring. Maybe I should get that along with the Lex MX200, but then I still need an interface to my computer. I could get a Tampa, which has a good pre and compressor, along with a MX200 which would set me back $600, and then a Maudio delta 66, but I hate to have to have a PCI unit with the converters in the computer. I just don't know what to do.

Jeff

You're correct in assuming that I would have to be very careful in doing any sort of direct comparisons... as a user and pro recording guy for a long, long time, I'm entitled to express my opins... but that entitlement evaporates when I have some vested interest in the outcome... but not that it changes my opin

All that having been said -- let me put it this way (without drawing the comparisons) -- most people who have heard the unit (including me) think it sounds as good or better than units costing 4 or more times as much (including some Lexicon pieces)... there is nearly always the comment that "you're selling this thing waaaaay too cheap!" The USB feature is value-added, and arguably, audio-over-USB plus the kind of processing power in this unit would be VERY difficult to achieve at this price point... consider the other devices that run specific plugs on an external hardware platform cost many times more. In terms of zero-latency monitoring / pres / inputs, etc, the Lex Omega Studio does that, with a VST plug for reverb -- at a very low price (and great quality -- I use it a lot, in spite of having a >$100k "home" studio).

We're not blind -- and are very creative in responding to the needs of the marketplace with good products -- there are a ton of talented people who work here (and at our competitor's, and at other manufacturers I've worked for)... keep in mind --we have to look at the total market, and not just what one (or 10 or even 100) people vociferously say that want and would pay $XXX for... it has to stand the test of time, and meet or exceed marketplace expectations, and hopefully, break new ground in terms of HOW we record, and what that looks like in the end.

The POD XT for example, is directed specifically at guitar players, while products like Omega Studio and M-Box and US-122 are targeted more towards songwriters and home enthusiasts (who might play a number of different instruments) -- and so try to meet their needs at a price point that that customer should be able to afford (and which makes some money -- because we all have to get paid to design and build new cool products).

Be patient -- nothing happens overnight. MX200 has at least created some discussion and dialogue in the marketplace about what place hardware has in a DAW world, and helps develop more platforms from us, and probably from competitors, if I had to guess. The user (YOU) benefits in the end.

Another place I want to be careful is the "Core Issue" -- I fully understood that percption BEFORE I took this job... but I understand that back-story that most people don't... it certainly wasn't "corporate arrogance" or anyone trying to screw anybody, it was a very unfortunate situation in the midst of some very difficult times for a very small group of very good people.... feel free to contact me offline if you want a bit more detail.

Alesis was having very similar problems with ADAT/Edit when I was there -- trying to support Win 3.11, 95, 98, ME, etc. all at the same time -- all very different platforms with their own "idosynchracies" -- and with a similar result -- they just had fewer customers who had spent a LOT less money....

Anyhow -- I'm glad you're thinking of MX200 -- I encourage you to listen to it for yourself. In any case, having a VST and AU control (and stand-alone software editor/librarian) is something no other product of this ilk at this price gives you... while it would be undoubtedly cool to have a single-cable solution, how much more would you be willing to pay for that?

Here's the bottom line -- we DO listen -- we ARE trying to "Make the World a Better Place" for recording -- and we hope you like the toys.

 

[diogo]

Jeff,

i sugest you take a long serious look at the Lexicon Omega and pass on the outboard reverb for now...i cant remember but i think the Omega has inserts on the mic pres so u can send the compression through there..

i just spent a week talking to TGB about it, and the tascam us122...lets just say TGB wasted a lot of his time helping me out and i now feel guilty for getting such an outstanding amount of help, and not being able to go with the unit...but, if i did go with that, i would sincerely know that im walking into the best usb 1.1 interface there is...just read the sound on sound review...thats the non revised unit and the review is like 2 years old...the new unit is revised, improved im sure.

i dunno how many tracks u wanna send at the same time, but this is capable of 4...the pres are supposed to be really clean, plus there's the inserts...it has the pantheon reverb that can keep u off the outboard reverb for a while..

i dunno..i was considering the MX200 myself, and the omega as well, but not being able to use the pantheon verb with Samplitude is kind of a knock off for me..but ill just use plug ins now, and SIR, whatever..i cant justify it yet and have to keep my feet on the ground...i prefer to see what something like the tascam us122 or the new alesis IO2 can do for me, cause i really dont need the extra tracks going in at the same time..and i can really use the 100 euros that i get, not going with the omega...when i do upgrade, its gonna be something like an edirol ua-101 or whatever..usb 2...lots of ins, and as usual..two pres i dont need..but what the heck.

i dont think u can go wrong with the Omega...i wish i could justify it myself...it has the inserts u need for compression (not on the line ins..just the XLR's), u have the decent reverb, and u got 4 tracks going in...

might be worth a serious look..cause i dont think the core 2 issues will ever repeat so..if thats the reason to avoid the Omega just go look at it and see if it fits

with all this said..why would u not be able to fit the pci for the delta 66 on your computer? i would say that that would be a great solution, especially dealing with noise..i considered a 66 for a loooong time, till i realized i wanna be able to record on my laptop...

 

[mixsit]

... I will have $800 dolars to spend to get myself recording on my computer. I have never in my life seen so many options that do one or two things well, and one or two things bad. I have read till my eyes are falling out trying to figure out what my best option is. I want two decent preamps, decent compression, Hardware moniotring and Hardware effects. Each company seems to do one or two things well, then seems to fall flat on their face in other departments...

It seems to me that as soon as you look to 'do it all' combo boxes one or two things come with the package. Severe restrictions as to feature-use options and/or flexibility, and/or quality issues. And, it only stands to reason that the more you stuff onto one chassis, the bigger the chance that one failed part will bring the whole to a standstill.
Notice how a lot of the best tools are separates that do one or a few things well.

But we should complain to have too many options to chose from?
Wayne

 

[jeff0633]

Jeff,


with all this said..why would u not be able to fit the pci for the delta 66 on your computer? i would say that that would be a great solution, especially dealing with noise..i considered a 66 for a loooong time, till i realized i wanna be able to record on my laptop...

Because the converters are on the PCI card, not the Breakout box. It doesn't have as good of converters as the 101 does either. I just got rid of my Zoom and I am sure it was already at about the same level of converters as the Delta 66. I want outboard converteres that are not on a PCI card, and I want better quality ones like are in the 1010, or the Firepod (I think they are the same). As for the Omega, I definitely have to have outboard effects. I have the Wavs pluggs and they were not even as good as the Zoom recorder reverb. To me, pluggs can'ttough a good hardware unit. I am thinking that I will get the Tampa for one good channel and a good compressor, the Lex MX200, or the TC m300., and then fork out some more and get the Delta 1010. If I could get those three units, and then later maybe a Meek 6Q for color, I would be set.

Jeff

 

[SonicAlbert]

I will have $800 dolars to spend to get myself recording on my computer. I have never in my life seen so many options that do one or two things well, and one or two things bad. I have read till my eyes are falling out trying to figure out what my best option is. I want two decent preamps, decent compression, Hardware moniotring and Hardware effects.

The best way is to put together the whole out of separate components, basically what mixsit was saying. that way you can match your needs to the gear in a much more exact manner than trying to find one di all box. Do-it-all boxes are aimed at appealing to the largest number of people possible, and as such include features that each person will probably never need, and also exclude features that each person may need. So the best is to figure out your needs and put together your own do-it-all box out of separate units.

$800 is very tight, maybe too tight for everything, but you can certainly get close. Preamps that are popluar around here are the DMP3's, but there are also others. The RNC compressor is an excellent two channel compressor for not much money. You can easily find very small mixers made by Behringer, Alesis or Yamaha which can be good for use as monitor mixers. And finally, many hardware fx boxes can be found used on eBay for low money. Your $800 budget fits this approach.

So again, avoid the do it all boxes and put together a system that does what you need from separate units.

 

[diogo]

Because the converters are on the PCI card, not the Breakout box. It doesn't have as good of converters as the 101 does either. I just got rid of my Zoom and I am sure it was already at about the same level of converters as the Delta 66. I want outboard converteres that are not on a PCI card, and I want better quality ones like are in the 1010, or the Firepod (I think they are the same). As for the Omega, I definitely have to have outboard effects. I have the Wavs pluggs and they were not even as good as the Zoom recorder reverb. To me, pluggs can'ttough a good hardware unit. I am thinking that I will get the Tampa for one good channel and a good compressor, the Lex MX200, or the TC m300., and then fork out some more and get the Delta 1010. If I could get those three units, and then later maybe a Meek 6Q for color, I would be set.

Jeff

Jeff,

your frustration is well observable, its all over i hear you believe me, my eyes are peeling off cause of the reading as well, and i change my mind about the gear every 2 days...anyway...about the maudio 66, you're probably right, but i would doubt that the converters are on the same level as your zoom siab..very much doubt actually. either way, i dont think neither of us can know for sure..ppl that use the 66 are happy with it. the 1010 is not a lot more money, even with the breakout box. i doubt you'dd have a hard time finding fx plug ins that are far better than the fx on your zoom..u just have to look around...SIR and some decent inpulses can do miracles, i also have this plug in, the TC native reverb, that, despite being very old, kills any of the reverbs on cool edit pro..and im sure its shit, i know i can do a lot better in terms of plug ins...just makin a point...if you're set on an outboard verb, fine, but there are many many options on the plug world, that could keep u floating till u could afford everything u really want (this is my real point)..

with all this said, get the MX200, its supposed to be better than the TC and only costs a few more bucks, plus its newer technology. thats what i would do. do need only one channel of pre?

in my unexperienced view, the tampa, although it probably is very good, is less cost effective and probably wont get you the performance of a DMP3 paired with a RNC...if u get a DMP3 for clean, and are not happy with it, hell its just 130 bucks..a tampa is 450 or something...

 

[TGB]

All-In-Wonders

The best way is to put together the whole out of separate components, basically what mixsit was saying. that way you can match your needs to the gear in a much more exact manner than trying to find one di all box. [snip] $800 is very tight, maybe too tight for everything, but you can certainly get close. [snip] So again, avoid the do it all boxes and put together a system that does what you need from separate units.

Agreed. Not to sound like an old curmudgeon, but when I started in this industry, you couldn't make a pro-quality recording for less than a couple of hundred thousand dollars -- even the cost of tape was a few thousand. Just in the last 15 years or so, technology has exploded, putting great recordings within reach of the masses (provided you know how to use the gear, of course). Even ADATs were 8-channels of digital audio for a couple thousand bucks... So understand, that asking for everything for less than a thousand is something like "Gimme a BMW for five grand." Riiiight. It may sound a little cynical, but for those of us who have been around for a while and seen (or been directly involved in) this major paradigm shift, we see such requests in that light... even though we're pretty close to that.

Understand that in any industry, the most successful companies are those that do one thing really well... If you go out to eat, you'd expect that a place that serves everything -- fish & chips, spaghetti, steak, chinese food -- isn't going to be nearly as good at any of them as the Italian joint that just serves spaghetti and meatballs. So it is with your gear: the companies that make the stuff that you really want charge alot for it because it's great, and they make the best, because that's what they do.

The company I work for has a distinct advantage in that we have many sister companies that are leading brands, and we can share technology (e.g. dbx preamps in the Omega) but not all brands are as fortunate or well-positioned.

All that having been said -- pick the stuff you want and need, that fits your budget, and put it together. You'll be glad you did.

My $0.02

TGB

 

[jeff0633]

Jeff,

your frustration is well observable, its all over i hear you believe me, my eyes are peeling off cause of the reading as well, and i change my mind about the gear every 2 days...anyway...
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I know what you mean. I do too. It's so hard these days to settle on something when there are so many routes you can take.


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about the maudio 66, you're probably right, but i would doubt that the converters are on the same level as your zoom siab..very much doubt actually. either way, i dont think neither of us can know for sure..
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Actually, the zoom recorders are a cheaper line. The 16 track I had was only &799.00 I am sure the Zoom converters wouldn't be any better than the Delta 44. The Delta 1010 has good converters, and I think that's what I will go for.

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ppl that use the 66 are happy with it. the 1010 is not a lot more money, even with the breakout box. i doubt you'dd have a hard time finding fx plug ins that are far better than the fx on your zoom..
___________________________________________________________

That's just the point. I have TONS of reverb pluggs, and even the most expensive ones don't match even the cheaper Hardware units. I have had all the pluggs that use impulses, and they are the best I have had, like "acoustic mirror, but they consume a lot of CPU, and can't be used in real time in a quality way. So, the Hardware unit is an absolute must for me. I have spent years trying the Plugs, and I have Just about all of them.

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u just have to look around...SIR and some decent inpulses can do miracles, i also have this plug in, the TC native reverb,
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I've Got that too. Again, nice, but no where near even a cheap Hardware unit.


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that, despite being very old, kills any of the reverbs on cool edit pro..and im sure its shit, i know i can do a lot better in terms of plug ins...just makin a point...if you're set on an outboard verb, fine, but there are many many options on the plug world, that could keep u floating till u could afford everything u really want (this is my real point)..
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They HAVE kept me floating for a while, but when I tried even my friends Behringer Virtualizer cheap reverb, it was TEN TIMES better than my Waves reverbs. The pluggs sound fake or something. He put his room reverb on and recorded some acoustic guitar for me, and the reverb made it sound like I was standing right in the room, so clear and real. I just don't hear this in any plugg. The impulse verbs come the closest.

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with all this said, get the MX200, its supposed to be better than the TC and only costs a few more bucks, plus its newer technology. thats what i would do. do need only one channel of pre?
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Well, the only thing I fear about the Lex is that it's new and there are no reviews of it. I have been burnt a couple times by Lexicon with the Core 2, and then with the MPX 100, which sounded god aweful to me and I sold it. I have read nothing but glowing reviews of the M300 by TC, and it also has the digital in and out. More prsets, and I still need to find out which has more tweakbility and other effects. I am sure the reverbs on both will be great, but which has the most other effects and tweakability is what will sell me. Tyhe USB thing with the Lex is a non issue with me. Really, it serves no other purpose than to use your mouse as opposed to turning knobs on the unit itself. It does not send audio over the USB, only controller info, which mean that it really does nothing very important. You still have to hook all the cables up to ins and outs. The only thing it does it let you control it from the computer screen. When it comes to mixes, people PREFER using KNOBS, yet lexicon wants to tell us that using the mouse to tweak reverbs is better than the front panel. I say, who cares. I can reach up and turn the knobs just fine without using the mouse. The USB addition isn't really helpful at all to me, in fact, I am not sure I would prefer to use it as a plugg. The hook ups have to be the same anyway, so I think it would be even easier to just turn to one of your saved programs on the unit, why mess with the pluggin and a mouse? What scares me is the Lexicon is hyping this feature when it really is no big deal, and that scares me into thinking that the unit lacks as a good effects unit, and that's why they are using this angle. They seem to be making this out to be more than what it is, which is simply another way to control it just like midi. Remember, I have been burnt by them in the past. I have never given Tc even one chance, yet the reviews of the M300 are great. I am elaning toward them because I think it may be time to see what they offer and to give them a chance at my business. Lexicon had two chances, and I forked out 500 bucks on the Core 2, and lost 400 of it and ended up with nothing. I could barely sell the Core 2 on Ebay for 90 bucks after XP came out. I felt like I had been bent over and slammed by lexicon. I swore then that I would never buy another Lexicon product, but I tried the MpX 100 and was blown away at how crappy it was. All this time, seeing people who purchased the M300 saying glowing things about it, and all other TC products. I still may give the Lex MX200 a shot, but I really need to find out if the converters are better than what's in the M300. I need to find out what model converter it is. I need to find out the tweakability and how good the modulation effects are compared to the M300. The way I see it, Lexicon ought to send me an MX200 to try out after the Nightmare I had with the Core 2 and losing 400 bucks. How about Lex guys? Send me one to try, and I will do a full review, and POST SAMPLES RIGHT HERE. If the unit is good, I will sell a few for you because I will post up samples of the reverbs and modulation effects for everyone to hear. I will post a fair review about the tweakability and everything. Then, If I like it, I will buy it.

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in my unexperienced view, the tampa, although it probably is very good, is less cost effective and probably wont get you the performance of a DMP3 paired with a RNC...if u get a DMP3 for clean, and are not happy with it, hell its just 130 bucks..a tampa is 450 or something...

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Hmm, I already have a dMP3, and I like it, but the Tampa is supposed to be a full step up. It's a class A unit and people are raving about the compressor on it. The Tampa is $399, and the follks that have purchased it seem real happy with it. I have also considered getting a Meek 6Q at the same price, since I have the DMP3 for clean, but the Meek isn't class A and has the same preamp in it as the cheap 3Q. That bothers me. No way could you get the pre that is in the Tampa in a cheap 150 dollar box, yet Meek throws a cheap pre that DOES come in a $150 box and adds an Iron switch and a transformer and tehen says it's worth the same amount as the Tampa. Something just bothers me about that. Right now I am leaning toward Tampa, M300, and the Delta 1010. That should give me nice class A pre, good compressor that everyone raves about, 8 ins and outs on the 1010 with good converters everyone seems to like. I think that would be a fine chain into Sonar. There are a couple things that might change once I find out some more info, like i may settle on the Lex MX200, and also the layla from Echo is only 50 bucks more and has a couple pres in it and a little better dynamic range, but what model of converters does it have? I need to find out. If the converters in the layla are as good as the ones in the 1010, then I may go that route. That chain above might easily turn into Meek 6Q (probably not as good as Tampa, but I already have DMP3 for clean and Meek would give me color) , Lex MX200, to Layla. Both should be good chains into Sonar, but I have to settle on something within the next few days. Off to do some more reading and research. Stay safe.

Jeff

 

[SonicAlbert]

Off to do some more reading and research.

Try to do some listening too.

If possible, make a trip to a music store that has the Meek and the Tampa, and the other gear you are considering as well. I've been known to drive for hours to check gear out in person. Nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to that.

You can tell within seconds of using gear whether or not it is good, or right for your voice/instrument/music. Reading and research is what you do to prepare for the music store, but the trip to the store is what you do before pulling out your wallet.

Without checking the gear out in person you are just guessing, no matter how much research you do on message boards or manufacturer web sites. I can't tell you how many times I've read raves about some piece of gear and then gone to the store to check it out and been appalled at how much I didn't like it.

Also, don't get too wrapped up in the whole "Class A" thing. There's Class A and then there's Class A. Just because one piece of gear is Class A doesn't mean it's as good as another piece of gear that's Class A.

But even if you are far from a store, it is totally worth the time it takes to make the drive and check the gear out in person. You can call around to various stores in advance and see if they have the gear out for you to try. Sometimes I would take a day and make a little "store tour", trying out gear at different places. It's the only way to really know what you are getting before buying.

 

[diogo]

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Hmm, I already have a dMP3, and I like it, but the Tampa is supposed to be a full step up. It's a class A unit and people are raving about the compressor on it. The Tampa is $399, and the follks that have purchased it seem real happy with it. I have also considered getting a Meek 6Q at the same price, since I have the DMP3 for clean, but the Meek isn't class A and has the same preamp in it as the cheap 3Q. That bothers me. Jeff

Jeff,

i read somewhere that class A is nothing but a mkt strategy, so watch out for that..it was a long article, i read it a while ago, and its just a circuit type, nothing more..there's class B as well, and hybrid classes or whatever, but its just a circuit i would say..

if you want colour, check this out very seriously, thats what im getting to pair up with my DMP3:

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=160643&page=1&pp=25

i dont think u'll be able to get some serious amp micing with it cause it has just enough gain, barely, but for vocals and acoustics, look out......

dont be fooled by its size, its a lot bigger than it looks, and its also a lot better than everyone thinks..

 

[diogo]

Also, don't get too wrapped up in the whole "Class A" thing. There's Class A and then there's Class A. Just because one piece of gear is Class A doesn't mean it's as good as another piece of gear that's Class A..

see...


sorry Albert, didnt see ur post there..

 

[aaronlyon]

Hi! I received my Lexicon MX-200 yesterday. It's very pretty right out of the box. The pots are very smooth, and all the front panel controls are solid feeling. The unit is a very compact 4.5" deep. And when you plug it in...OOH! Look at all the pretty lights!

I plugged the analog outs into my Mackie 1202 and pressed the handy Audition button, which triggers several internal samples (stick, snare, voice, guitar) so you can hear the effects immediately. Very cool. Then I connected the USB port to my Mac and the SPDIF I/O to my MOTU 828.

The included CD installs two files: a standalone editor and an AU plug-in in ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components. I moved this to /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components, because I want it available to any user. Lexicon should provide this option in the installer.

I started Digital Performer 4.5 and added MX200 as an insert effect. Presto! I got connected first time, and noted that changing settings on the hardware MX200 was reflected on screen, and changing settings on screen caused LEDs to light on the hardware, indicating changed settings.

After a little experimenting, I got audio going out over a bus assigned to SPDIF, and returning on an AUX channel via SPDIF. I found it important to get 100% wet settings from the MX200 to avoid horrible phase issues, regardless of my buffer settings in DP4.5. Clearly, I'll have to nudge recorded effects to manually compensate for delay, becuase DP4.5 won't handle this automatically.

In short, the reverbs sound SWEET! Nice plates and halls. Cool Tape Echo. Lots of other stuff to play with, but haven't had the time. Fabulous blinky lights! Total computer control! Only $200! SOLD!

-aaron

 

[jeff0633]

Hi. Please give us more info when get time to play with all the effects and to really judge the quality and tweakability as an effects unit. I want to know that the unit is a good effects unit and not just being hyped because of the USB thing, which I wouldn't use it for anyway because of latency and such. I just need a good effects unit. I can't wait for more info.

Thanks.

Jeff

Hi! I received my Lexicon MX-200 yesterday. It's very pretty right out of the box. The pots are very smooth, and all the front panel controls are solid feeling. The unit is a very compact 4.5" deep. And when you plug it in...OOH! Look at all the pretty lights!

I plugged the analog outs into my Mackie 1202 and pressed the handy Audition button, which triggers several internal samples (stick, snare, voice, guitar) so you can hear the effects immediately. Very cool. Then I connected the USB port to my Mac and the SPDIF I/O to my MOTU 828.

The included CD installs two files: a standalone editor and an AU plug-in in ~/Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components. I moved this to /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components, because I want it available to any user. Lexicon should provide this option in the installer.

I started Digital Performer 4.5 and added MX200 as an insert effect. Presto! I got connected first time, and noted that changing settings on the hardware MX200 was reflected on screen, and changing settings on screen caused LEDs to light on the hardware, indicating changed settings.

After a little experimenting, I got audio going out over a bus assigned to SPDIF, and returning on an AUX channel via SPDIF. I found it important to get 100% wet settings from the MX200 to avoid horrible phase issues, regardless of my buffer settings in DP4.5. Clearly, I'll have to nudge recorded effects to manually compensate for delay, becuase DP4.5 won't handle this automatically.

In short, the reverbs sound SWEET! Nice plates and halls. Cool Tape Echo. Lots of other stuff to play with, but haven't had the time. Fabulous blinky lights! Total computer control! Only $200! SOLD!

-aaron

 

[TGB]

...I moved this to /Library/Audio/Plug-Ins/Components, because I want it available to any user. Lexicon should provide this option in the installer.

I believe WinXP users can choose the location of the files during setup. I think our Mac Guy thought it was just easier to install it and let the user move the files. Thanks for pointing this out.

...I found it important to get 100% wet settings from the MX200 to avoid horrible phase issues..

The box comes in "Serial Effects Mode" which lets you instantly make use of the Audition function. To change to "Parallel Mode" (which makes most of the effects 100% wet -- I re-calibrated the programs to sound good either way) -- press and hold the STORE and AUDITION buttons together -- that takes you to the UTILITY mode. Press AUDITION to page to the "Fb" (Factory Bank) and turn the PROGRAM SELECT KNOB until the display changes from SE (Serial) to PA (Parallel). Press STORE to save the change and return to normal operation. Viola! All your factory programs are now set wet.... no having to change each one.

...In short, the reverbs sound SWEET! Nice plates and halls. Cool Tape Echo. Lots of other stuff to play with, but haven't had the time. Fabulous blinky lights! Total computer control! Only $200! SOLD!

Cool!!!

Enjoy!

TGB