Lexicon MPX-1 Multi-effects

THe presets are incredible -- with no tweaking at all, the unit is incredibly versatile, plenty of signature lexicon sounds. However, if you can wade through the manual and figure out how to edit patches, you're either a computer programmer, or you have way more time on your hands than I do. The R1 footcontroller is a must with this unit. So -- although you can get great sounds straight from the box, assuming the idea is to be able to easily tweak and fine tune your sounds, forget it. This will take considerable time before getting comfortable with this unit.

I'm using a Mesa Boogie Triaxis / Simul 290. Pendulum SPS-1 acoustic instrument preamp, PRS custom 22, Moonstone Deluxe Eclipse, Olson Acoustic, Guild Artist Award. It's quiet -- most of the effects are to die for.

Completely UNUSABLE on the gig. I tried a few times -- failed every time. Freezes quite often, every hour. Cheap feel, not at all roadworthy -- fragile even in a shock-mount rack. If you have a studio to keep it in, fine. Don't use this on a gig. You'll be playing dry.

Although the unit was bought new and immediately failed (on the very first gig), and although Lexicon had admitted that the problem was a batch of bad chips that had slipped through their fingers, THEY REFUSED to send a new unit, saying they would repair the defective one. Even though the music store stood behind me on this, they refused.

They were good about returning calls -- some of the techs were freindly nad helpful -- some were snotty, arrogant because i do not have a degree in electronics.

Eventually, they returned the unit. It still had similar problems. i now have a TC Electronic G-Force which I'm completely happy with, in all respects. Especially reliability. I had such respect for Lexicon, and wish I could use their gear because of the incredible sound quality -- but it fails every time, and was never properly repaired.

I play all styles -- I'm a pro, Berklee grad, MM., teach guitar at two respected universities, performed with many top flight acts, many theatre gigs, reknown symphony orchestras, rock, jazz, blah, blah, etc.,etc. I do admit, i'm a player, not so much into midi, programming, etc., but far too experienced for anyone to say any of this was my fault. If I had problems with the manual, with reliability, with service, with Lexicon's return policy -- you might, too.

Horrible. I have to pull out the manual everytime I want to add delay to a patch. the works I have ever used in 25+ years as a working musician. Just horrible. To my way of thinking, this could not be more confusing. And I've had 2 for over 5 years.

I will never buy another product from them.

I use the unit between my preamp (RealTube II) and power amp (Carvin Tube 100)

Over all I am happy with the sound.

I've used the rig for 5 years. It has never failed on me.

RTFM. It's all in there. that is the first response I got from them. It took me 6 months to finally contact them again, and this time I got something written in English (my native laguage).

Sounds great. I can just never figure out how to tweek it, so I usually use the presets.

Customer support: 2 times I've contacted them and once gotten the answer to my problem.

I would have been happier with something from Digitech, Roland, or any number of other manufacturers products I have used and don't need to spen an hour with a poorly written, poorly organised, and basically worthless manual.

Ok so you must be of scientific mind to understand the logic (and manual) behind the interface of this unit; but once you have transformed yourself to said 'robot', everyhting becomes clear (your children have become old and you STILL have a few quirks).

But all you need to do is play a little...then if you can get just THE GIST of what this machine can do (by trial/error), you will quickly realize you have purchased the most amazing effects processor!! (for the money, 'cause obviously the Lexicon PCM series is TOPS)

EVERYTHING this machine does is incredible...too bad it can't tweak the sounds for you. I sold mine only because the buyer gave me $750 and I know I can find one for much less pretty easily. It won't be long before my rig can sound sooo good again. For live use, studio use (unless you got a PCM), JUST TO RECORD YOUR DOG "DO NOT" SETTLE FOR LESS THAN THE MPX-1!!! (And I promise I don't work for them, I was truly sad when I saw it leave my apartment)

I suggest that for any electronic equipment you cherish, you... A) Not toss it across a concrete floor; B) Not plug it up between your power amp and speakers; C) Not let you dog/cat/roommate pee on it.

I had mine for 4 years. This machine will last forever in a rack with normal use.

Just call and they answer.

I cannot think of a better processor anywhere near its price range, especially in the used market (I baught mine new, put will find another used one shortly). I will try ti get the R1 foot-controller, but I know I'll have to change all the switches (the reason they discontinued the floorboard). Better for studio anyway unless you need the BEST reverbs live.

Bought this on ebay, took me about one day to listen to all factory presets, change parameteres to my liking, do the MIDI mapping for my Behringer FCB1010, etc. I am not a computer specialist, just able to read a manual while doing my thing. This thing is great, logical menus, etc. Some features in the manual, like the patches could have been explained a little better, with examples, which would have been a 10. Due to the manual its a 8.

I am using a marshall JMP-1 preamp, Furman power conditioner, Behringer Virtualizer Pro, the MPX1 with a Behringer FCB1010 Foot Controller. Guitar is a Fender Stratocaster.
Unit is extremely quite. Effects all sound great. Get all sounds I need, like Steve Lukather, David Gilmour, etc.

Just bought it, so can't tell.

Never dealt with them

I play all kinds of music, mainly classic rock. Play for 25 years. Would buy it again immediately if stolen.

This is my second review of this product and I believe that my previous rating for this category was at one. Now some time has passed and I would say that it is still difficult to use, though I am understanding how to edit and such. I have went back over key parts of the manual, but find that I am having better results by going head first into unit itself. I am actual drawing up a map on how to maneuver my way through the mpx-1 on engineering paper as opposed to the manual's guide. Basicly, for me anyway, it takes memorizing the layout and since I'm finishing my last symester in construction management my time is limited final projects (I'd rather play guitar when I have the time).

Its sound is wonderful, full, transparent, and big. I paid $395 used, but in excellent condition. For that price and along with its abilities, nothing can touch this thing. The factory presets are great and I just can't get enough of the Callwaiting and Telephone presets. The blues sounds that come out of my speakers w/those two settings are so sweet! And... I'm not even good at playing the blues, except when I have either of those two settings. I can just feel it (Me Mojo). I could keep going on about the presets, but I won't.

If it were stolen I would replace it, unless I tried and liked the new Boss GT-8. Then again I couldn't find one of those used yet, so the price would be more.

Built-in patches should suffice, but when you want to edit ...

You will definitely have to read the manual. Lexicon should really provide editing software (I think they have old, unmaintained software somewhere). You quickly realize this when you want to re-order routing, especially if you have stereo routing and want to change the effect from which the right channel connects to.

Great sound quality even in analog mode. I now only use the S/PDIF interfaces as an external effect in Cubase SX3. You must really listen to the patches in a mix instead of, say, a solo vocal track. For example, the "Chamber" patch seems to have too long a tail in a solo track but works great in a mix if you punch in the right amount and eq the return a little.

Back when emagic also made Logic for Windows, I used Logic Platinum 4.7 on Windows 98 and it had an awesome reverb - platinumverb - which I missed when I moved to Cubase. I can now get the same sound from the MPX1.

It is the only reverb I use now; no plug-ins. I would gig with this if I already didn't with a Yamaha SPX2000.

N/A; I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.

I play whatever style is required in my studio. So far, the MPX1 suits my needs.

If it were stolen or lost, I would definitely get another MPX1 or maybe even one of the PCM models.

It does have one flaw. I have a MOTU2408mkII and a MOTU308. When I switch sync sources in the 308, the MPX1 does not automatically re-sync; you have to press a button. A little annoyance but not a show-stopper.

This thing is monstrous and absurd. Though I have not read the manual in its entirety, I have read the high points and spent a great deal of time pushing buttons(While pushing the buttons on this thing I was trying to get a feel for parameters of the software programed in this thing). I feel like I'm trying to crack a code in some top-secret computer. No, I got it! Its like trying to look into one of those secret 3D pictures, where if you look into it just the right way you can see beyond the initial image. And who knows how long you'll have to stare into it either? Before you know it, your going cross-eye.

I should be playing the guitar, not the processor.

I have had other processors, none of which sounded rearly a good, but did program much easier.

Out of the box this thing rocks. Great sounds come from the factor presets, but I can't help but feel like there is so much more that it can do. The reverb, delays, echos, etc. are all top notch. Lots of head room and transparent sound. No noise, I cannot complain.

I haven't had it long enough to know.

I haven't called them yet, but if I don't figure this thing out soon I might have to.

I play hard rock, not so hard rock, blues, violin solos (I try at least), country twang, and jazz. This unit has gotcha covered. I really like the Call Waiting (blues), AeroFreezeAB (with & without some dist, Zappa's air sculpting solos), Broken Speakr w/ Dist. (Very Vai, Attitude Song), Bla Bla Bla, and Bla Bla Bla.

If anyone can help me with programing, please drop me a line.

Now, I keep seeing written reviews about how this sucks to program. Here's a hint! SPEND 15 MINUTES OF YOUR DAY TO READ THE MANUAL AND ACTUALLY LEARN HOW!! After you know what you're doing, it's easy and efficient to edit, change, and program your effects the way you want them. Also, the editing is very detailed so you can produce the exact delay, or whatever effect, you want, the way you want.

The effects are mint! You get amazing sounds from all types of effects. I use it with the R1, and it sounds fine!

Never had any major problems!

Now, let's see. I emailed customer support once with a quick question, and I must say that was the best customer support ever. They answered my question, and gave me detailed alternatives too. VERY HELPFUL!

Easy enough if you use the presets, but this is a engineers unit. It took me 3 days to engineer "My sound" for vocals and guitar through this unit. That said no-one has "my sound" If you want control; then, you have to understand everything.

Perfection

perfect

My presets where always wrong- I emailed to the company- they told me that I had software version 2. they emailed me the pdf file for those presets. they knew there business

get this if you like being a techy and inventing new stereo effect. Live and for recording----Perfect sound and powerful

First off, I?m a studio-based producer, not a guitarist. I mostly do sample-based music, from hiphop to Autechre-esque electronica. I?ve had this unit for over a year. At first, I was VERY confused by the operating system. It took me a while to figure everything out, and somtimes it still takes me a couple of random button presses to get where I want in a menu. I actually read some bits of the (good) manual, as opposed to the manuals of my Midiverb IV and boss VF-1. On the other hand the reverbs on these units sounds like a fart in a tin can compared to the lexicon. If you learn how to work this unit, it REALY pays of. I can now do pretty much anything I want with it, which is great. Arpeggiated pitch-shifter, under full midi control, through a modwheel-controlled filter, into stereo delay and reverb? No problem. Try that on your midiverb. That said, learning curve IS steep, and you have to be prepared to spend some time with it. It's actually pretty easy when you know how...

I gave this a ten, because I can honestly say I know of no other unit that comes close at this (secondhand) price. TC?s M-one would probably be the nearest competitor, but isn?t nearly as flexible. Same goes for Lexicon?s own MPX500/550. I have no experience with TC?s M2000/M3000.
Reverbs are obviously great; you?d have to pay a hell of a lot more to better this. Choruses are lush, Phasers go from smooth to piercing. But mainly, on this unit the total is greater than the sum of it?s parts. The way all effects can be combined, and midi-controlled if desired, is what makes it special. I do use ?plain vanilla? reverbs, delays and choruses, but the fun really starts when I get into creative sound design. For this sort of thing, the next step up would probably be TC?s Fireworx, which is slightly out of my budget at the moment. A step down, the Boss VF1, which I also own, does a lot of nice sound-design tricks, but is horrible for reverbs.

The MPX1 does not have a vocoder, amp modeller, compressor or distortion. I have other units that specialize in these things, so I don?t mind. (alright, there is an overdrive, and with a little work you can make a compressor, but it?s hardly worth mentioning). If you?re looking for these FX, get some seperate boxes and some analogue stuff. If you just want plain vanilla reverbs and choruses, it's only a little better than an MPX550. See the MPX-1 as a MULTI-FX; you can get it for just the reverbs, but total is greater than the sum of it?s parts.

Noise is NOT an issue if set up correctly which, IMHO, is a breeze.

Seems good, got it s/h, never had any problems, very decent construction throughout.

Never needed them.

A great unit, especially at the price it goes for now. It is however, a little complicated to operate. This doesn?t bother me much anymore, but it did when I first got it. I?m sure it could be simpler, but with a display this size, and this many options (a LOT of options!), it?s hard to see how.

Again, I'm no guitar player, I use it mainly as a flexible multi-fx, and it's my main reverb (also own an MPX100 which is nice and quick). The really wild stuff in my studio gets handled by analogue filters (sherman, akai, Macbeth), Boss VF1, Line 6 echopro, and stomp boxes. I patch everything into everything and resample stuff a lot.

Lost or stolen: I'd get it again, or if the insurance company really comes through maybe get a TC Fireworx. And an MPX on the side.

Anything you wish it had?
Bigger display. Knobs. More crazy stuff like the fireworx.

Anything else you'd like to share?
Yes: get it ONLY if you're prepared to put in a little work. It's great value as a main reverb unit, but even better as a Multi-FX unit.