The Best Lex? Lexicon MPX G2
Вставка
- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- MPX-1 video - • Lexicon MPX-1 - Top of...
♫ Become a Patron - / leontodd
♫ My music - ragdollrock.ba...
♫ Sweetwater Affiliate - imp.i114863.ne...
Gear I use to make my videos
⪢ Interface - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ Monitors - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ Vocal Mic - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ Headphones - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ Picks - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ Strings - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ PRS Custom 24 - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ Izotope RX - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ Fabfilter - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ BOSS SD-1 - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ Synergy SYN2 - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ Eventide H9 - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ Midi Controller - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ Rack Mixer - imp.i114863.ne...
⪢ I use footswitch toppers from thehomemusicia.... Enter the code "Leon2022" to get 20% off your order there.
The links above are affiliate links. Should you click the link and purchase an item I earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
I am a Fractal Audio beta tester. Pronounced bee-tah.
Feeling social?
⪢ Follow me on Instagram- / leon_ragdoll
⪢ Join my Discord - / discord | Invite Code - knnMWCsPrS
⪢ My Cab IR's (Free)
tinyurl.com/36...
At times gear highlighted on this channel will be provided by the manufacturer, purchased at a discount or be made available to me on loan. In these cases you will see the "contains paid promotion" icon.
What's in your rack?
Several Racks with several Alesis Quadraverbs and several TC electronic G Major 2's. MPX-1 Roland DEP-5. An ADA MP-1 and Synergy rack preamp. Both Bogner Modules. I'll get the Synergy Power Amp in the near future. I have an RJM RG-16 Rack Switcher with a 1998 Bogner Ecstasy and a 2017 Bogner 20th Anniversary that I have the preamp sections in Loops of the RJM RG-16. Sometimes I'll swap in My Uberschall head for one of the other Bogner Ecstasies. Also Have a Splawn 100 watt Competition Head with 6550's and pedals from Strymon Free the Tone Eventide Xotic Vertex and Jam Pedals with some of the them switching in loops of the RG-16. or after the rack before the power sections of selected amps. Also a Mesa Graphic EQ Pedal in a Loop after the Preamps. it all feeds in 2 Bogner V30 loaded 4x12's with Consecutive Serial Numbers so there's no tone discrepances in tone between cabinets. Running Two Notes Software and Hardware for IR's into a Presonus 1824C Interface and using the Presonus DAW. Oh I almost forgot it's all switched with a RJM GT-16 Midi Controller.
I know there's more gear but currently having a few drinks and enjoying tones!!
Roland GP100, Samson SM10, Roland SDE2000, Yamaha SPX990, Carver PM120 Power amp.
I'm glad you asked! My rack is sporting an MPX G2 and a Juice Goose.
On the floor I have an MPX R-1 and an Ibanez Weeping Demon (cuz, you know, less is more).
I was just (30 minutes ago) in my acoustic space revisiting some of the patches I haven't explored for more than 5 years and spent a majority of my time on patch 263- G2 Blue.
I use only 4 patches when gigging but have been wanting to change things up a little.
Thanks for the video, it is inspiring.
Whoa......you gotta buy me a drink first!!! 🤣j/k ADA MP-1, MP-2, MP-1 Classic, Digitech 2120, Digitech GFX Twin Tube, Digitech GSP1101, ART DST Rules Breaker, Rocktron Prophesy, Rocktron Piranha, Marshall 9004, Carvin TS-100 power amp, TubeWorks Mosvalve power amp, TubeWorks Tube Driver preamp.
Great machine. Had mine since 1999, was the first piece of gear that I opened up, when I got the ROM upgrade for it. Some years ago I had the internal psu swapped as it caught fire in the middle of a big rack build😬
I have used it both in 4CM and as stand alone. I actually got it to have a travel light setup to bring to rehearsal in a shared rehearsal space when I went in to the clean channel of two valvestate combos in stand alone mode.
Guitar on the back, 2U rack in one hand and a bag with the MPX-R1 over the shoulder. Then I could travel by bus.
I have been using the MPX G2 in 4 cable mode with Mesa Boogie Mark III since early 90s. Still using this fantastic combo today.
In my home studio I have this setup connected to Fryette PS-100 before a set of 4x10" Fender Bassman speaker cab. Gives good control over volume.
How would hook this up to an AxeFXIII? Like to run it through my RJM Effects Gizmo, then into a loop on the AxeFX. It's the input(s) that has me confused. My other old rack stuff is simply breakout TS/TS to one TRS into Gizmo Send/Returns
Like I said earlier I have two of them. One is used in my studio rig for reverbs only. My live rig has the other one running four cable with a CAA3+SE and a Fryette LX2 Power amp. In my book it’s the most complete solution for me live. The noise gate with the front sensing is perfect..makes the system totally silent. I have the R1 for control of the system.
Some says it’s to slow switching presets.. it’s true if you don’t set the reverb to global mode. I mostly only use one reverb setting and adjust to taste after the room I’m in. That way the preset changes are much faster and barely noticeable. Not a problem when playing with the band. I often only do IA switching inside a preset. I have the A/B switch set to boost level for solos and to make delays more wet. I like more delays when I play solo. I have a video on my channel demonstrating the unit too:) ua-cam.com/video/JjTaTVTXtsY/v-deo.html
I didn't know that about global reverb, that's such a sensible feature though!
Wow!!!! You did it!!! I've been hoping you would get your hands on this to Demo
I think this is the best non Fractal rack effects processor I have ever heard you play. I really enjoyed just listening to you. That transformation when you dialed back the mix and adjusted the time was amazing. Gorgeous tones. I cannot believe the distortion is soooo good! I remember lusting after this around the time Dweezil Zappa released "Automatic" album. Goddamnit I am gettin old!
Yeah the preamps in this really surprised me. If Fractal stuff didn't exist I'd happily gig this with a Synergy Syn2/SYN5050 and have everything I ever need.
Thank you so much Leon for this incredible demo. I have learned a lot of thing regarding my own MPX1 which is very similar. Cheers from Canada !
Great review, thanks!
I wasn't aware the G2 had more processing power than the MPX1, so I will definetly be on the lookout to upgrade my MPX1 to a G2 :D
I've had my G2 for over 20 years and I treasure it even though it has been supplanted by my Helix. It introduced me to the 4 cable method and to option paralysis, and to flexibility and tonal creativity. Thanks for reminding me just why I love that thing so much.
Yeah it's the pinnacle of a particular era of guitar gear IMO
That is why i own 4 units of them in mint condition
@@LeonTodd I've got 3 and love them all! There is some quirks but that is with all classic gear IMO. Check out Italio's presets and try running this paired with something else like a Korg SDD or Ecliplse. I ran mine with my Triaxis for years and it was KILLER!
I got my MPX-1 last year and I'm still learning.
Leon, to my ear this is the most beautiful guitar processor ever heard, i ve got every axe, and kemper helix, boss ...... and now i have only the mpx g2 and many lexicon pcm, mpx1,as well as The great Eventide harmonizer, thank's for your Video
The Lex stuff is voiced so sweetly for guitar!
I don't think it's possible to find a better Multi-FX, even if it was still available new at retail price
The 'verbs alone are heavenly, the drive section easily matches any SS stompbox, chorus, delays, comps, all top notch
The only 'drawback' is it's limited processing power compared to modern units, but it's easy to work around that (Unless you MUST use everything this unit has simultaneously, but,... really?)
It has really good LFO and envelope controllers..It has a test tone that you could control with the Random LFO..Also on Comb filter 2 in the Chorus section you can use an LFO to sweep through the filters...Really Awesome Demo..You did this unit justice
...so, you finally got one? 🤩
I got this unit somewhere like 10 years back
This thing is a friggin aircraft carrier, walking around, you continue to find places you never knew (you needed)
Being an old, but very advanced FX unit, its processing power is limited and really can't be used for real time program changes without a big audio delay in switching
I got around this by using it solely in Continuous Controller mode, switching FX in and out and using the A/B function to change certain parameters
Sonically, this thing is way beyond the 'average consumer' level, no it's "modeling" (if there is any to speak of) doesn't hold up,
but any other FX, whether drive, time or modulation are terrific, it blows any Boss FX or the Intellifex out of the water
The FX routing is amazing, whereas my Boss GX-700 allowed linear routing placement, that didn't allow for parallel/serial routing
Not to mention you can screw around in these routings with crossover, envelope an volume FX
If this one dies, I'll certainly be looking for a new one
(unless you know an affordable FX processor with the same quality and options 😄. I know from experience, my GSP1101 didn't manage to replace it)
There is no guitar processor like the G2 and will not too in the future. I have 3 units from G2 and i will buy it again ,again , ....
Fantastic Rack Tone! Could I ask you whether you think the Lexicon MPX G2 is superior to the TC Electronic G-Force in terms of quality of reverbs and delay? Thank you Leon!
I prefer the Lex verbs, bot you should be able to get great results out of either.
@@LeonTodd Thank you!
I have both MPX-1 and G2, other than the preamp, the main difference is the G2 has a more powerful fx DSP (both have the same Lexichip for reverb).
The difference is that MPX-1 fx dsp is limited in resources so you can't use pitch and delay or pitch and chorus together, the G2 dsp is different and is even clocked higher so you can run more fx but you can also run any combination as long as the dsp power is not maxed.
What the G2 lost are some controllers.
Btw, the Aerosol, Orbits and Centrifuge algos (those alone are worth owning an MPX!) come from the Vortex, but without the morph ability.
Good times🙃
How do you compare the delays?
Hi Leon thank you for video, I've a question: latency ? I sold a MPX1 for a big latency for changing patch it is not usable for live! MPX1 too slow in patch change, the problem solved with this model G2?
Apparently there's a workaround the switching lag, a few people have outlined in the comments here.
Thanks for the vids Leon. My g2 has an error message on start up. Ever have any issues? Do you know who works on these and ADA mp1?Thanks again man!
Oh no! I have no idea unfortunately. Might have to ask around some of the rack gear Facebook groups
What does the error say?
And they work fine with a MP1. The leveling can be a little tricky, but that’s so with any preamp.
You need to check error code and then it’s a study of service manual. If you’re not into electronics then there’s small chance of repairing it by yourself.
@Blondie's Pink Noize I haven't turned it on in a while so I forgot exactly what the error is. I've got some research to do. Thanks for the help!
@@theophany1770 no problem. And good luck🤞🏻
Yes sir, love the Trower tone
I have an MPX G2 and love it.
The effect section is really good, one of the best I came across.
There are some strange downsides to it though:
- Stereo delays tend to become mono after the first few initial repeats.
- I found the analog drive section useless. I don't know if my MPX G2 may have a fault, but it sounds dull, lifeless, and artificial. I could not get it to sound near to acceptable. Your samples seem to sound better though.
I think it's about time you changed the battery
@@Nightdare Stupid!
@@greg4272
Sorry?
Now I can understand you not being enamored by the drive section, personally I only (hardly) use it to boost/color my preamps
but the delay going mono may have to do with the bios battery wearing out
My G2 went on the fritz and was solved by simply replacing the battery
These units ARE 20+ years old
@@Nightdare Hi,
I said stupid, because this idea, that the delays would go mono due to a failing battery is clearly stupid.
No digital circuit works like that.
The battery is only powering a small memory chip which stores your settings. If it's voltage goes down, the user settings will be lost. Has nothing to do with the delay function.
It is also stupid, because when powered up by the mains, the operation relies on the mains power, not the battery.
Sorry.
Leon, your VO signal needs a bit of de-essing love.
Thanks for all you do, brother. Much love!
On it!
I've got two and the R1 controller. Originally one was used for bass but then another for guitar. I currently run a Rocktron 300 comp into it, and with a Triaxis in the loop into a Marshall 20/20. A nice 4u solution but not light. The only thing that compares currently is the TC G System.
I've also had the power supply overheat but luckily they are self contained units available from third party suppliers for pocket money.
I normally have a patch set up for regularly used effects like a pedal board with other song specific patches. Despite the upgrade in processing power, i still keep hitting the processing limit which is why i use an outboard comp. Also have an option to use an Line 6 M5 for extra outboard effects if needed.
*YO.. THAT UNIT ROCKS. AND AHHH WHO DID THE MIX ON YOUR INTRO MUSIC?*
Thanks.
Intro is a section from the Ragdoll song "Playing God". Mixed by Troy Nababan.
Hello- thanks for this great video. I just bought a G2 and R1 at a great price on my local classifeds. However I've been experiencing an unbelievably loud and annoying hiss (sounds like the old TV white noise/ static noise), and it seems to get worse with the toe switch engaged. Any thoughts/ ideas? Thanks
Have you tried to activate the noise gate?
@@MystifieR666 thanks for your reply. I’m still learning the system so I don’t know the answer. I’ve noticed it occurs when I’m on some patches that have the reverb and/or delay on. When I inactivate those via the foot switches, the noise goes away. Also, I’ve noticed that it’s when I use the presets that are not correct for the present setup- I run the unit through my amp’s FX loop which means I should use presets 1-99; if I use any of the others (100 and beyond) is where the problem occurs. But I will try figure out about the noise gate. Thanks
When I bought my G2, I was experimenting with the analog section too.
I could not get a decent tone out of it, no meter how I tried.
Now you proved this to me, cause I hear the same weird tonal characteristic in your video too.
These are just those tones, that I can't get to love for some reason.
The FX section is fantastic, but I think the analog preamp section is crap.
That tone at 10:50!!! 😳🙌🙋♂️🤘 Ratt’n’Roll all the way! 🤘
I have an MPX1 in my rack and I love it! Paid 10$ for it and wouldn’t sell it. Use it all the time for verbs and FX on stuff that are less prominent in the mix but still sounds better than most plugins out there (in my opinion of course) and no need to deal with DSP or processing power… send out 17-18 and merci bonsoir 👍🙌
Best 10 bucks ever spent!
I spent like 15x that money for mine. :P
That’s a hell of a deal. Wish I was into this stuff when people were trying to give it away.
I actaully used one of these as a bass preamp for a long, surprisingly good when you tweak it just right
I need to try that!
@@LeonTodd I bought one because of a bassist called Steve lawson used one. If you keep the drive low and compensate the volume is quite usable
Owned that in the 90’s. Sounded like a great idea butt in the end it blows.
This unit is effects only - no preamp/amp model right?
I wondered how the effects alone fare as compared to Digitech GSP1101.
There's some analog distortions and EQ in the front end that can be used as preamps
@@LeonTodd Distortions was analog?
Interesting.
👍👍 I’ve got two of them with the foot controller.
You have/have used quite a bit of PCM stuff, how would you compare Reverbs, delays and Modulations?
The FC is so hard to find!
@@LeonTodd I know.. it’s perfectly integrated with the MPX-G2 and has relays for channel switching on amps
@@KanlydNorge Lex had it all figured out!
@@blondiespinknoize4627 in many ways the MPX-G2 better. It’s a real multi fx unit. The PCM stuff mostly do one or two effects at the time. The reverb in the MPX is really good. There are things it can’t really do like the Circular Delays patch..
Per Lexicon MPX has always been the budget friendly line. Within this line, not compared to other products, depends on your taste if you prefer the earlier processor sounds and ui or newer G2. I don't really have the need for a MPX (sadly) with current PCM 81s and 3 expansion cards fulfilling almost any fx role.
The PCM81 is one of my favourite effects processors ever, absolute beast!
@@LeonTodd 100%
You sir are the king of rack effects and preamps. Love it my friend. Very cool. 🤘♥️🤘
That Yellow strat is just epic sounding. I see it's been a go-to guitar for you lately. Very cool man. 🤘♥️
Leon. Is there an older rack effects that has a good harmonizer? I was thinking one of Digitechs rack effects had a good one. Eventide racks are too expensive. 🤣
You know these things so good I had to ask sir.
Hope you and yours are well my friend. 💗🤘💗
Yeah Digitech is probably the cheapest way to get in there
@@LeonTodd THANKS brother. 🤘♥️🤘
Strat + funk licks = AWWWW YEAH
The front end eq/pre amp on these are interesting. It doesn’t work like an amp eq; more like a DJ eq where you can cut a band until you can’t hear it. You can also get distortion by only pushing that band. It’s in the manual lol
I remember this was in my lineup of units back when I was able to put some money into a rack processor. I ended up getting a TC Electronic GForce. Mainly because I wanted intelligent pitch shifting. You were getting some nice preamp gain and distortion out of this. The GForce was a bit lacking in that area.
I should do a G-Force/MPX side by side vid!
@@LeonTodd
Yeah that would be cool. I really enjoyed the MPX G2 Demo because I never really got a chance to really use one.
So I'm assuming you're running line out and not through an amp in this video?
Just sold my G2 a couple months ago, it was my third one through the years... it is somehow a great machine but what disappointed me is that while some things are pretty good (IE obviously reverbs and delays) but if you want to use it as intended, as an all-in-one processor you just combine with a preamp or head, it has some real flaws:
-not enough fx slots and/or processing power, especially compared to newer machines.
-quite long preset loading time
-some fx (modulations) are in between just OK to ugh. chorus is disappointing, flangers and phasers are meh. (to my taste of course)
-especially if you don't have the R1 controller, finding the right CCs to control the right parameters, finding the balance between FX and bypass levels, trying to get spillover on reverbs and delays... is an absolute PITA. And I am far from being a rack rookie lol
So IMO it have to be used in addition of a bigger rig, or only if you have very simple needs. I switched to a boss GT pro and while it is less transparent and the reverb/delays are not as awesome, I have to admit it does an overall better job :)
I love the dichotomy of "This things is a PITA, but I have had three of them" :)
@@Dejoblue hahaha you're right :P there are units like the G2 you like as much as you hate, for both good reasons... It wouldn't be surprising if I buy another one in a few years >
Agree with your assessment. I just sold mine for the same reasons. It’s very dated and an extremely frustrating unit to program. There are many better options out there.
Program change can be speeded up by having the same effects in each patch, and turning off what you don't need. Long loading time correspond to loading different effect blocks.
I use it with a Voodoo Labs Ground control in PG/CC mode (4/8) and programming CC's is a breeze
set a CC to a button on the pedal, go to the midimapping in the Lex, assign CC number to the effect/function, done
And using it in CC mode gives me no problems with lag, I just punch out the FX or use the A/B function to change whatevver parameter I want in a patch
Yes, it lacks power to load every FX possible, but I can't think of a practical situation in where I need everything at the same time
is it a good option for a working guitar player today?
Something like a fractal FM3 or line 6 HX stomp would do way more than this and be way easier to use
@@LeonTodd thank you Leon. Greetings from Chile!!
I had one ayears ago with the R1 MIDI pedal. The FX were amazing to my taste. The only thing that bothered me is the lag when changed presets. That was really annoying.
My rig wasback then: Lexicon G2 with the R1 pedal, Tech21 PSA1 preamp ,Kitty Hawk stereo tube poweramp, Rocktron RX-20 (2 channel exciter/noise gate). The cab was a Laboga 4x12" Pro with V30s I think. The sound was very-very good. :-)
There are ways to work around that. Example running the reverb in global mode makes everything much faster. Almost no lag then when switching presets.
@@KanlydNorge , I did not know this back then but it's a precious info for the future. :-)
hef there buddy i was wondering if you could help me with tone matching some strokes i have an axe fx 2 xl
i've done a few tone match tutorials for the Axe-Fx III that should apply to the II as well
Hey Leon, please do a review of the old Rocktron Voodu Valve preamp.. thanks!
Yeah that's high on the list of cool old rack stuff to find!
Hey dude I wanna see the pedal board.
Just sold mine. It’s a frustrating unit to program. Lots of hidden menus and the manual isn’t clear on a lot of things. Also really difficult to configure preset switching on your preamp with the R1. Soundwise it’s ok. Pretty basic and vanilla reverb and delay sounds, decent chorus. Ultimately this box is dated and shows it’s age. Replaced it with an Axe Fx IIXL which I use strictly for fx and it destroys the G2.
Also the Digitech GSP1101 with Control 2 floorboard is basically a much improved and user friendly version of the G2.
I have both G2 and 1101
the 1101 is easier to use, has USB and you can load your own IRs, but that's about it
Soundwise it doesn't sound better, while having less FX and less options
@@Nightdare in my opinion it does sound better. Better preamp, much better pitch shifting, and the tape delay is better than the G2’s. Choruses and detune are just as good. The reverb sounds great in both. The G2 has more edit parameters but very cumbersome to program.
i had this unit,it has the best pre effects ,like dist ,phaser,screamer...but..sometimes i thought i had to call NASA to solve some issues ,like midi mapping ,or even change the route of the effects ...g force always did that better,and sounded better to pich and delays. still miss the analong feel of the pre effects though...
😂
@LeonTodd There is only one thing that goes better with my morning coffee than iced oatmeal cookies. What could that be?......................
:D
They really didn't have to do more than add more simultaneous effects support and some fancy extra presets to mpx1 if I'm being completely fair. But let me be even more fair and admit that mpx1 ended up as pcm60 in parallel at the end of the chain. For one stop rack unit of older days this would do well. It's just that it's an odd in-betweener in function, technology and timing. For someone who wants a little bit everything without commiting into anything all the way.
It's odd from a company that does some things extremely well, to put out a unit that fits specifity tag very well, but spend resources and time on "additional" features. Of course at this point it was a different company already, in ownership and goals. But like imagine the resources and time put into preamp and other stuff going only into more versatile effects and bringing back more classic lexicon presets (to a thing that mpx1 should've been from the get go).
For people who want just the thing that mpx1 should've been, it's too expensive and has too much unnecessary stuff. For people who want a full one stop preamp/effects unit, there's so much better units available now.
Yeah it's got a lot of extra fun stuff
I can't one anywhere.
I want one
Top lexicon ❤️
Awesome review! Really liked this one but I sold to a guy I know… 🤣 haha
No way! :p
I guess ... I'm missing something Seems to be a lot of Mud from the unit.... Dunno . . . thinking the Digitech S200 is WAY better ..Saying this due to there both old units you should be able to pickup cheap
i really like the Digitech 2120 and TSR units, great processors.
@@LeonTodd I use the ART SGX2000 Express . . . on my guitar.. But I have a Digitech S200 in my SWR base rig...Works wells. Really like your videos here on U-Tube !
The old Lexicon stuff wasn't bad. We had a couple of the LXP1 boxes in a studio I did some work in years ago. Not a 480XL but ... good value.
I have a possible suggestion for your "olde worlde" rack gear reviews.
I was a sound engineer in a previous life for about 20 years. I did foldback for a gig in Sydney in the early 90s with a Croation band who's name I can't remember or pronounce but I was told at the time that it translated to "Dirty Theatre". Might be these guys:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prljavo_kazali%C5%A1te
Anyway, the guitarist had a Gallien Krueger guitar preamp. It was a single full rack. No MIDI or anything. Two channels IIRC. And the lead tones he was getting sounded amazing. Might have been a 2000CPL? Thought your mate who constantly sends you old rack gear might even have one lying around.
I'd be interested to hear if it sounds as good as I remember.
Rock on, mate.
Ah yeah those GK units are meant to be awesome, I'm trying to hunt one down!