Lexicon PCM 81 Digital Effects Processor and PCM 91 Reverberator

PCM 81

PCM 91

July 10, 1998 -- Lexicon, Inc., the world's foremost manufacturer of digital effects processors for both live performance and studio applications, introduces the PCM 81 Digital Effects Processor and the PCM 91 Digital Reverberator - the next generation of Lexicon's legendary PCM 80 & PCM 90 signal processors.

The PCM 81 Digital Effects Processor

The PCM 81 Digital Effects Processor includes everything that made the PCM 80 the top choice among studio effects processors plus more - more onboard effects, more onboard algorithms, more delay and full AES/EBU I/O. Each effect has an uncompromised stereo reverb with several voices of additional effects. A full complement of Pitch Shifters provides everything from automatic pitch correction to unique special effects. Lexicon has designed three-hundred (300) meticulously-crafted presets to provide practical and creative audio solutions. These effects include pitch, reverb, ambience, sophisticated modulators, 20 second delays and dynamic spatialization effects for 2-channel or surround sound applications.

The PCM 81's Pitch Shifters add a whole new dimension to an already formidable array of effects. They provide doubling, quadruple-tracking, chorus and pitch correction within a range of up to three octaves (up or down) in one cent increments. Extensive parameter control allows optimization of pitch shift quality including "Low Note" and splicing parameters.

The PCM 81's powerful hardware platform features two digital signal processors: Lexicon's proprietary Lexichip(TM), which runs the reverberation programs and a second DSP "math" engine to handle the other effects. With 24-bit internal processing, a true stereo signal path, balanced analog I/O, full AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital I/O and the ability to mix analog and digital inputs and outputs together, the PCM 81 offers an enormous and exciting range of effects possibilities. This includes the simultaneous output of both AES/EBU on the XLR connector and S/PDIF on the RCA connector.

A Dynamic Patching(TM) matrix enables signals derived from a wide variety of internal and external sources to control any aspect of an effect. Similar in concept to sound patching on a traditional analog modular synthesizer, Dynamic Patching instantly enables unparalleled levels of effects control and modification.

A straightforward user interface lets you select the amount of depth of control you want. At the top level, a front panel Adjust knob is linked directly to one or more parameters in each factory-tailored preset. This gives instant access to the fundamental features of the sound, allowing effects to be modified in real time, without ever entering the Edit mode. Additionally, a "Go" mode gives you access to as many as ten hand-picked parameters for any particular preset. A "Pro" Mode allows full access to an Edit Matrix of as many as a one-hundred (100) parameters.

The PCM 81's Delay effects can be driven by tempo information via MIDI, or the front panel TAP control or footswitch. The tempo can be subdivided and used to trigger time switches to actuate an effect.

A front panel PCM card slot permits the use of additional algorithm and program cards - allowing you to either store your own programs or add more from Lexicon's extensive library of FX cards. Adding Lexicon's Dual FX algorithm card and preset cards (Scott Martin Gershin Post FX & David Rosenthal Music FX) for the PCM 80 (which all work with the PCM 81) increases the number of algorithms to over 40 and the preset library to 750 programs.

The PCM 91 Digital Reverberator

The new PCM 91 Digital Reverberator offers Lexicon's highest quality reverbs in a compact, affordable package with a powerful interface allowing the convenience of easy access and abundant programming capabilities for the sound designer. All features of the critically acclaimed PCM 90 are included, plus onboard Dual Reverb algorithms and presets with dynamic spatialization effects for 2-channel or surround sound applications. Like the PCM 81, the PCM 91 also features the same full AES/EBU I/O and the ability to simultaneously output both AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital audio from their respective connectors.

The PCM 91 features four-hundred fifty (450) presets sounds which derive their heritage from Lexicon's top-of-the-line studio processors, the legendary 480L and Model 300. The PCM 91's unique dual-processor architecture features two of Lexicon's proprietary reverb DSP ICs, the Lexichip(TM), which allows unparalleled flexibility in reverberation quality and control. Banks and rows are labeled logically and clearly so sounds can be easily located while scrolling through the presets. To provide instant access to tailor a preset, Lexicon has placed the most useful parameters for each preset in a user-definable Soft Row. A unique Key Word search and sort function enables the preset to be accessed instantly. Additionally, the PCM 91's front panel PCM card slot allows storage of customized programs on memory cards.

For more information, visit their web site at www.lexicon.com.