Lexicon LXP-5

This is an article culled from archive material, circa 1997.

The LXP-5 is sister-unit to the LXP-1, and complements it nicely. The LXP-5 is much more sophisticated, and provides two algorithms, one of which features a reverb, pitch-shift and three independent delays (two with programmable feedback). (I never use the other algorithm, so I can't remember what it does.) The unit's architecture allows it to emulate chorusing, flanging and the like which are generally preset in other effects units. In addition, the delay routing (including one delay before the pitch-shift and one which straddles it) allows some beautifully rich and wild effects.

The MIDI control architecture is very respectable; up to four modulation sources (including an internal LFO) can be routed to any parameters. In addition, the LXP-5 can be put into a "direct access" mode which routes MIDI controllers to the program parameters directly; this is a total pain in the backside and should be disabled. There is yet another MIDI control/modulation mechanism whose subtleties escape me, but which has not yet got in my way.

The LXP-5 can be programmed from the front panel, but the process is extremely cryptic and not recommended. In fact, random spinning of the front-panel knobs is likely to do something unfortunate like activate the memory protect, and is therefore best avoided.

I would recommend the LXP-5 without hesitation, except for reliability problems associated with the front-panel knobs. For some reason, deterioration of the knob encoders upsets the unit deeply, causing programs to be lost, patch changes and patches to be ignored, parameters to change unexpectedly, and so on. My unit became seriously ill about a year ago, and went for an expensive course of treatment (this being the UK). Now it's mostly fine, but needs the input knob hitting on occasion before it will work. This is a great shame, since it's a lovely unit when it works. If you can find a reliable unit, and have some means of programming it (or are happy with the presets), then it's well worth having.