I used to put a +12 pitch shifter in the reverb-delay feedback loop, with a very short delay time, feeding back into the long decay reverb. Instant Shimmer.
IIRC, MPX-1 was the last Lexicon model using the famous Lexichip. PCB layout was different between units but it is definitely a great reverb, also for percussion, keyboard, vocals. The short reverbs is were the quality really comes through. The modulation FX in these units using a dedicated DSP chip rivals what modern CPU can manage to process. They really sound good too. Not selling mine 😂
Thank You Leon. . . I asked for this Demo and you came through in spades. Seeing you add FX and configure this unit was worth it's weight in gold. Already started building new patches and adding MIDI assignments. First Class Bro . . . . \m/ \m/
Thank you for this video! I've had one since the mid-2000s and couldn't make heads or tails of the manual. All I know is people on the internet said it's hard to program, but you broke it down in a way that made my mere mortal brain understand. Thanks a million!
Great video, Leon. Only one bad thing-- I've had an MPX G2 for many years and retired it when I got my Helix LT. Now you've compelled me to drag it back out and set it up again. I'd forgotten how great the verbs and delays are. Down the rabbit hole. Thanks. I think.
I've got a G2 and dug it out a couple of days ago. Sometimes it doesn't start up correctly, have to turn off and try again. One time it said e43. I assume error code. Trying to figure out how it does channel switching with my triple rec too. The manual is a monster. Thanks man, keep rockin'
@@LeonTodd Either directly into the parallelloop of my Laney LH50R with a stereo to mono cable or temporarily this bulky setup (until I get a small cab sim) for stereo: Guitar -> pedals -> Laney LH50R -> Torpedo Captor -> Cab Laney parallel fx loop send -> Blackstar HT5 MKII loop return -> emulated line out (as a cab sim) -> Lexicon MPX1 -> Stereo monitors So in essence I only use the Blackstar as a cab/power amp sim for the monitors. Will test the Torpedo Captor as the cab sim later and pull its line out to the Lexicon and then to monitors to take the Blackstar out.
Mike Landau used this as his only delay/reverb FX for years. Still one of the best rack FX you can get for the money. Try the detune after delay, very nice.
I've had my MPX-1 for 21 years. The number of times its crashed???? -------> twice in those 21 years. Rock solid box and still a good buy at the prices its going for nowadays.
Played with this unit a bit more. Absolutely love putting a chorus (or rotary cab if you want less modulation) in the feedback loop of the delay. The chip limitations get in the way in the weirdest ways. Like if you take a default preset like large hall (it's just eq and reverb and the reverb has its own chip), you can't use dual delay. It's a bit mysterious to me how other effects in the feedback loop choke repeats. I came to the conclusion that it might depend on how you setup the routing in parallel and the effects order when you're trying to add like a chorus in the feedback loop. Sometimes ended up with basically no repeats when I tried to do that and took a while to fix it. At first I was also tweaking with the volume too low at night so didn't hear all the repeats, but then managed to "hack" the preset somehow and suddenly got a ton of repeats, pretty much every feedback setting started to produce more loud repeats, be it + or -. Didn't figure out what I did, mostly tried to just hammer in the same delay parameters and suddenly it was very different. Also 50% damping in echo seems to be equal to "kill all echo". Sometimes a very mysterious unit. The feedback loop with the Patch system seems to be extremely powerful in making low resource effects into something more complex, something like a consolation for lacking the more complex algorithms of PCM. Just need to wrap the head around what you can do with it. Seems like even a patch controlled can even be a tool. Definitely looking forward to more videos about what you can come up with this unit, I've already spent probably more than 10 hours in a couple of days playing and tweaking with it.
ah good to see you finally having a crack at one of these. i really liked mine, specially the reverbs, but everything is super nice and warm. if i had to describe it in one word, i'd say it's "sophisticated". the cpu limitation is a bit of a drag, but it's not really that kind of "kitchen sink" processor. i used mine purely for processing ambient loops and it was great for adding an extra layer of icing on top. i also forgot that it has some of the algorithms from the lexicon vortex (aerosol, centrifuge and orbits etc), so it was nice to hear those again! it would have been nice to hear the hall with a really long decay. try the TC D2 next, so i can continue to re-live my rack days vicariously through you (it's also awesome).
@@LeonTodd cool! definitely worth a spin. it excels at modulated phase reversed delays like the 2290, does great multitap stuff and nice choruses too. dunno if you're aware of the lexicon vortex....very interesting machine for extreme fx and sound design. i had one very early on in my rack days and probably didn't really know how to get the most out of it. very weird bit of kit. i can understand why it kinda failed, i don't think people knew what to do with it!
@@LeonTodd Aerosol (w/both Resonances disabled) is my go-to for creating modulated delays. It has a very short base delay time (as short as you can get really), so when you place it in the feedback loop (100% wet), it doesn't mess with any tap tempo values much at all that you have programmed into your delays (not so with algorithms like 'Chorus,' which easily add 25/30ms, if not more). I particularly like messing with the PW controls, when they get up to 60-70%, it really takes on that vintage "warpy" sound (kind of like a Boss CE-1). I also like to use Aerosol for straight chorusing sometimes too, though since the inherent pre-delay is SO short, you will always get combs (not necessarily "bad" ones--they sound a lot like old analog chorus pedals--but you cannot dial them out).
for live guitar there’s settings u need to change ,,, On mpx1:Press System and make the following adjustments.• Set Pgm Bypass to Bypass.• Set Audio Bypass Level to -3dB.(These settings will ensure that audio will be smooth and uninterrupted duringprogram changes.)• Set Bypass Mode to Bypass. (You will hear dry guitar when bypass is on.)• Set Mix Mode to Program so that each program will load with its ownindependent master wet/dry mix value. (The master mix value for eachpreset is initially set to work with the MPX 1 in a series effect loop.
Totally underrated effects box with some very nice presets. The reverb is not as good as the one in the pcm line but in combination with the other effects it works. I use the MPX1 regularly even though i also have a pcm80, 300L and some Eventides. It's build like a tank. I don't think i would ever sell mine.
I bought one because of this video and I have no regrets. Kind of a complicated thing to learn and I’m still not proficient with it but the sounds are all there and for me, that’s what matters most. Thanks for the great breakdown Leon.
@@LeonTodd Hi Todd , not sure how to connect ? As I thought it had to be a balanced connection? Can I ask how you wired this into a rack set up as unbalanced ? Thanks
On hell yeah! I've been waiting for this one. That was awesome! I've mostly been using mine for reverb but the delays you quickly dialed in sounded great. I need to spend some time messing with the delay settings. Great video man!
Still have mine, turned it back on after years and it still beats the hell out of most of the reverb plug ins I use in mixes. In a guitar rack it really shines, paired with a mixer is where you get the best quality (but that goes for all rack FX units). IIRC you CAN do Reverb, Delay AND chorus in a single patch, it depends on the type of algorithms you use for mod and delay, but I think I made it (those basically my stock FX for clean sounds). They are dirt cheap nowdays, and I've been thinking about getting a second one so I can have one in my studio rack, and the other in the guitar rack, but then I'd have to get a second Eclipse too...and those aren't that cheap... Great work, keep em coming, loving these rack FX testing videos.
Well, I definitely look forward to an MPX-G2 review (hopefully with the version 1.10 EPROM chip installed), in the near future. Also, as Italo stated below, check out how to insert effects into the delay feedback path for completeness' sake.
Finally!!! You did great representation of the unit!! You must have some help or really understand Lexicon's programming, you showed me features I didn't even know where available!!
LT. I'm a day late to the meeting... You've rekindled my interest in rack gear, and I'm on the hunt. Great channel, playing, content, and attitude. Cheers 🍻
It is possible, but the OD block is mono, so you have to take that into consideration. Works great for single delays & 2-tap stuff (just not dual independent delay lines), and you can still get nice stereo imaging & modulation, depending on how you set up the blocks. I think I got a nice sound with this once using the OD inside an Echo (D) or Echo (S) feedback loop (which has the low-pass filters included in the feedback path).
@@LeonTodd I actually don't have a problem with that but I have more money than time right now and shipping would be a pain. I'm self employed and very busy, and I actually have a pile of gear I want to sell but I'm too busy to deal with it. Remember my name and we'll keep it on the back burner
Great video! I just sold this with the FC and I also just sold a G-System. Stopped using them years ago when I got the Axe-Fx II. Not that it matters so much, this did come out before the G-System. 🤘🏻😎🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶🤘🏻
@@LeonTodd I used 4 cable method with their Signature 284 rack recording amp. It was a killer set up but I absolutely hated programming it! I knew if I turned it on I would’ve kept it so off it went. Now I’m kicking myself for not doing vids on all the vintage gear I got rid of! 🦶🏻🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
I remember them being around 1500€ or so when I was in my 20's (that was around 2002 *lol*). I allways wanted one back then, but it was way too pricey for me at the time. Now I just ordered a used one in great condition for 200€ and I'm really excited about it, in particular after your great review!
*Leon, honestly, how is it programming MIDI on that unit?? I have had a few folk slam that unit, about its MIDI programming being trash, tell me what's up rom your view and experience with that box?*
Leon have you ever compared this to a MidiVerb 3 ?? I have run the Midiverb since the 80-s with many different head amps and have always been blown away. But wow this sounds incredible if you have used both would you say this is better then the Midiverb 3 ?? I use my AxeFX 2 XL plus for everything these days but my headamps are getting lonely so maybe I should buy one of these.
IIRC Dweezil Zappa used this or the MPX-1/G2 on the Automatic album. The big draw for me at the time was the dedicated foot controller. Alas all I could afford was a Digitech RP 20 :*(
Thanks for the demo and I also saw you’re demo for the Intellifex which was great as well. I used to have an Intellifex and have been thinking about getting one again and also looking at this unit as well. You mentioned at the end of the video that a pairing of both together would be pretty awesome. I agree. But could you elaborate on that thought on how you would use them together? I don’t think this unit does pot-pan delay which I loved using in the Intellifex. Also kudos and extra style points for the Kings X reference. 👌🏻😎✌🏻❤️🎸🤘🏻
Hey Leon! Good one! I still have my MPX-1, bought it new in '95. my understanding from the good folks at Lexicon at the time, is that this is the unit that replaced the LXP-15, and LXP-15II. (I still have that too). It is pretty much as you describe it, a multi-effects unit to dial in quick and easy usable effects combinations for guitars and keyboards. It's easy to get carried away with it though, so I've used it conservatively in my racks. It does a great reproduction of the Flange effects from the 480 Larc, without having to spend $10,000.00 to get it! Plus, you get the Lexicon character with the delays available in it, and do I need to say anything about the reverb? From time to time, I use external pedals to control different parameters in effects combinations which is useful in live and recording situations. You should try it out sometime.
@@LeonTodd You can if you want to, but there is a way to connect an expression pedal without going through an entire MIDI controller pedal. It should be in the System menu if I remember correctly. It's been years since I used it that way. As with all Lexicon units, MIDI program change commands and CC commands, have a definite time lag. I have the manual for this, so I'll dig it up and email the set up to you.
I just finally got spx90 and love it, it's one of those "just have it on and it's more good" even if you don't notice it, but when you press bypass you realize it (Delay vibrato is one of the funniest presets I've heard). And now I'm considering this... I didn't notice you going for those massively delicious delays like you did with PCM81 etc, is it because this doesn't get quite as lush? The standard 350-500 didn't sound that special to me in this unit. A bit washy, reminded me of repeated reverb. The PCM81 just sounded like it was much higher quality, a step above your usual guitar reverbs and delays, it took you into this another mental space while mpx-1 here felt more like "yeah it's a good guitar reverb/delay". Btw how did you tweak the spx90 reverbs to make them reasonable with the limited parameters? I remember your video had pretty nice reverb balance. Just drop the mix to low ratio while the reverb itself is out of hands?
Yeah just play with the total mix on the SPX90 for verb - they're simple but effective! The PCM is a lot deeper than this and the various algos let you really fine tune stuff like delay modulation and diffusion - the pay off is it's 20x harder to actually tweak!
@@LeonTodd I really learned that one after I got my MPX1! I thought it was broken just because I didn't figure out it was set to right input only mode in the system>audio options. You made the tweaking look really simple in the video, I now get what David Friedman meant when he said Lexicons were perhaps the most difficult UIs out there, and this was only MPX1 that's supposedly easy mode! But once you get the hang of it, a lot of power in your hands. The manual is really useful. But damn if there isn't a lot of cool patches and a lot of parameters to tweak! You could easily make another 20 minute video just going through interesting patches. The A/B was also very interesting and weird feature. With a MIDI controller for presets, tap tempo and other features, this unit can do quite a bit of things. For all the stuff you get though, it's a steal for the price on the used market like you said. A dedicated lexichip for reverb and extra effects, like you can get a detuned parallel reverb+delay with some effect in the delay feedback loop or whatever you want, the five effects limit isn't really that strict unless you just want to hear what literally everything at the same time sounds like. To accompany this with SPX90 and Intellifex, there's a lot of freedom and quality for a low price. Like detune/juicy thickening effects from SPX, lush chorus from Intellifex and delay+reverb from MPX. Looking forward to perhaps seeing this unit again, noticed AnalogKid85 had presets and tricks for this too :) Your channel has been quite a treasure box.
I bought one in very good condition, I'm trying to learn how program this machine, I play hardrock and metal, if I use reverb and delay at same time it's enough
Leon, When im running my mpx 1 in my rig, the overall volume drops ALOT. When i just have my preamp and power amp hooked up, its fine, but when i run the mpx 1, it does not get that loud at all. solutions?
Hey, did you try ambient effect pedals from Source Audio? Like Ventris, Nemesis, Collider? Ventris and Collider have dual Sharc DSP. I am interested in your opinion about them.
I would get the MPX-1 (V1.10, remember this! crucial), and keep the MX-300. Run both with a line mixer and then you can use the MX-300 to enhance the MPX-1 effects, like adding detune to chorus (or chorus to detune) in series+parallel.
Oh my goodness. How many rack units does Brian own? Does he have a Roland Dep 5? I had one of these units and a few friends had one too. They were a solid rack unit
You can use the feedback send and return blocks to create a custom feedback loop on the delay block. SImilar idea to this vid ua-cam.com/video/fDLnncbcBHA/v-deo.html Wiki outlines a basic example too Wiki- wiki.fractalaudio.com/wiki/index.php?title=Send_and_Return_block
I would love to see you take a look at the LXP1/LXP5 because the interface is really wonky and there is NO other piece of kit that operates the same way.
Rack noob here ,,, what’s some good cables to use with the lexicon to connect to my gear ,, recently purchased one in like new condition ,, my gear so far is a peavey rockmaster with a peavey 50/50 classic ,, what cables should I use to connect it to my pre amp ?? Y cable ??
Hey Leon, i have a question... you already know about Clifton Wright guitar magician... can you recommend me another guitarist on youtube that are that good? I know about Greg Koch, Ola Englund, Kristian Kohlle (KohlleKeller), Nick Reinhart, you, and then i don't remember others, may be... Andy Martin from Guitarshop/Reverb ha, and Eric Gales (really really great)
Some of my faves of the top of my head - Andy Wood, Sean Ashe, Robert Baker, Michael Nielsen, Sammy Boller, Rick Graham, Tom Quayle, John Cordy, Marco Fanton, Jake Wilson. All amazing players who make great content
Cool demo and playing. A fun thing to try with the MPX-1 is put it in a serial effects loop of one of your favourite amps and then turn to the "Phat Detune" patch. Very Gilmour-esque tone and feel to it. Even better if you have the R1 as you can rocker the amount of effect with the pedal already preprogrammed. Just got done wailing on my G2 for 5 hours straight into my PA at blistering levels lol, Sounded killer. Just wish the memory wasn't screwed and I have to initialize it every time I fire it up. I've had a tech previously solder a new battery in but that didn't help. Might take it to another guru to see if they can fix the memory issue. Th G2 has some amazing capabilities and pre-made patches built in. No wonder when chaps like Eddie Kramer and John Petrucci helped design it ;-) Love my Lexicons. Great demo Leon!
@@LeonTodd Not quite sure what you mean by preamps. I've never really delved into patch making that much on the G2. Only tweaked a few factory presets when the memory worked. But the sizzle and real amp feel of a new higher gain factory preset is really killer. The delineation you can hear in between string scrapes and note definition is fantastic. Like i said in another post on your vid, Aliens built the thing haha. I did make a great acoustic patch on my MPX-1 once using the blue comp and some reverb and a hint of delay iirc. Both are great units although a bit long in the tooth and I'm not sure how they would stack up against the FM3 or Quad cortex but I love them. They're old school mate :p One other note, if the G2 is working correctly it can be a super great unit because of all the different modes. Meaning straight into the front of an old tube amp, or straight into the console and such. Some factory presets sounded killer straight into the front of my all original Ampeg Gemini 20. Hope that helps a bit haha
Too bad these things have a very noticeable delay when switching programs I use my G2 in CC mode, changing and switching fx in and out instead of changing programs
Yes, there is a cross-feedback trick you can do with it that gets the job done (even though it's not exactly 100% the same as using a multitap delay). All you have to do is set: Delay1 = 292ms Delay2 = 584ms in the Delay (D) block, and then use ONLY cross-feedback between the two (no regular Feedback, set those both to 0%). Then when they cross-feed, the delay times on both sides add up to an 872ms tap on *both* channels (which you hear as a center tap). Sounds great, and there are many enhancements/additions you can do (modulation/EQ/etc.) to refine it even further. I also like to use an Echo (D) block with a Vol (D) block inserted into the feedback path of the delays. Echo (D) doesn't have cross-feedback, but you can use a Vol (D) block-with the L & R pan settings "swapped"-to cross-feed the delays into each other. The advantage with Echo (D) is that is has some REALLY nice low-pass filters (and it takes up *far* less resources than adding an EQ block). Modulation really sounds fantastic on this too. I like to add the Aerosol block (100% wet) inside the feedback loop as well, with Resonance 1 & 2 disabled (you don't want feedback inside the modulation effect, just the big echoes themselves).
the MPX-1 or the MPX G2? does the MPX-1 have built in noise gate.. the G2 is great for running the MP1 into to reduce that noise, sure works well... dood on youtube has this set up and man its the ticket for sure.. I understand that any noise gate works but the superiority of the G2's rotary effects paired with the MP1 is stellar for sure, not that the ADA is terrible just the Lexicon is ahead IMHO, then of course not much touches the ADA drive save some of the Digitech dual tube drives.. flangers rule in my book as do analog delays.. try an analog delay in stereo, A/B into two analog delays then two different amps with one scooped and one the opposite of scooped.. in reality they are all rotary effects, modeled after the Leslie and leslie styles, the rotary speaker is where it gets the name rotary effect I assume.. I call em warbly effects cuz they warble, like weebles, they wobble but they don't fall down... but you already know this
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I used to put a +12 pitch shifter in the reverb-delay feedback loop, with a very short delay time, feeding back into the long decay reverb. Instant Shimmer.
Nice throwback to King's X at 18:00. Shot me right back into the 1990's. Thank you for that!
IIRC, MPX-1 was the last Lexicon model using the famous Lexichip. PCB layout was different between units but it is definitely a great reverb, also for percussion, keyboard, vocals. The short reverbs is were the quality really comes through. The modulation FX in these units using a dedicated DSP chip rivals what modern CPU can manage to process. They really sound good too. Not selling mine 😂
Cool unit, the Orbital has that Tri- Chorus type sounds & the Aerosol sounds like a negative feedback flanger. The delays are stunning. 😍
Thank You Leon. . . I asked for this Demo and you came through in spades. Seeing you add FX and configure this unit was worth it's weight in gold. Already started building new patches and adding MIDI assignments. First Class Bro . . . . \m/ \m/
Awesome, thanks for the kind words. I have 2 of these now so look out for a vid on that :D
Thank you for this video! I've had one since the mid-2000s and couldn't make heads or tails of the manual. All I know is people on the internet said it's hard to program, but you broke it down in a way that made my mere mortal brain understand. Thanks a million!
Glad I could help! Great sounding unit even after all these years
it actually is one of the best ever made but is super underrated.
I have just scratch the surface with mine. I have no idea that it was so powerfull ! Amazing video as always. Thank Leon and cheers from Canada.
Bust it out and fire it up!
I have been waiting for a really good video on this unit. Thank You. I've got one of these in transit and this is getting me even more stoked!!
Congrats! Takes a little while to get used to programming it, but it's a magic box!
@@LeonTodd I recently got a Roland DEP-5. also, Definitely going to be tweaking some new sounds!!
Great video, Leon. Only one bad thing-- I've had an MPX G2 for many years and retired it when I got my Helix LT. Now you've compelled me to drag it back out and set it up again. I'd forgotten how great the verbs and delays are. Down the rabbit hole. Thanks. I think.
Well if it doesn't get much love after that and you want to sell it you know who to call :p
I've got a G2 and dug it out a couple of days ago. Sometimes it doesn't start up correctly, have to turn off and try again. One time it said e43. I assume error code. Trying to figure out how it does channel switching with my triple rec too. The manual is a monster. Thanks man, keep rockin'
There is no comparison between the lexicon g2 and any other units . The G2 is the best from the best you can ever have
@@mohammedsayed7989 I opened mine up once and it looked like Aliens made it ;)
@@CatDieselPwr😊😊😊❤
Just got a MPX1 partly due to this video. My first rack unit and it is a great one thanks to you!
Glad I could help! What are you using it with?
@@LeonTodd Either directly into the parallelloop of my Laney LH50R with a stereo to mono cable or temporarily this bulky setup (until I get a small cab sim) for stereo:
Guitar -> pedals -> Laney LH50R -> Torpedo Captor -> Cab
Laney parallel fx loop send -> Blackstar HT5 MKII loop return -> emulated line out (as a cab sim) -> Lexicon MPX1 -> Stereo monitors
So in essence I only use the Blackstar as a cab/power amp sim for the monitors. Will test the Torpedo Captor as the cab sim later and pull its line out to the Lexicon and then to monitors to take the Blackstar out.
So glad I got mine before you made this video. Now everyone will know how great they sound in a rig.
Mike Landau used this as his only delay/reverb FX for years. Still one of the best rack FX you can get for the money. Try the detune after delay, very nice.
Is this just for guitars or vocals
@@augszillary It works well on both if you tweak accordingly.
Great video as always Leon! Thanks for all of the time and great info you pack into your vids!
Always loved Lexicon verbs, man that thing sounds unreal to this day. Fantastic video brother!
So good! Good stuff never ages
Great way to start my day in the USA. Thank you Leon. Never a bad note!!
I've had my MPX-1 for 21 years. The number of times its crashed???? -------> twice in those 21 years. Rock solid box and still a good buy at the prices its going for nowadays.
You need an MPX-G2 too.
Played with this unit a bit more. Absolutely love putting a chorus (or rotary cab if you want less modulation) in the feedback loop of the delay. The chip limitations get in the way in the weirdest ways. Like if you take a default preset like large hall (it's just eq and reverb and the reverb has its own chip), you can't use dual delay.
It's a bit mysterious to me how other effects in the feedback loop choke repeats. I came to the conclusion that it might depend on how you setup the routing in parallel and the effects order when you're trying to add like a chorus in the feedback loop. Sometimes ended up with basically no repeats when I tried to do that and took a while to fix it. At first I was also tweaking with the volume too low at night so didn't hear all the repeats, but then managed to "hack" the preset somehow and suddenly got a ton of repeats, pretty much every feedback setting started to produce more loud repeats, be it + or -. Didn't figure out what I did, mostly tried to just hammer in the same delay parameters and suddenly it was very different. Also 50% damping in echo seems to be equal to "kill all echo". Sometimes a very mysterious unit.
The feedback loop with the Patch system seems to be extremely powerful in making low resource effects into something more complex, something like a consolation for lacking the more complex algorithms of PCM. Just need to wrap the head around what you can do with it. Seems like even a patch controlled can even be a tool. Definitely looking forward to more videos about what you can come up with this unit, I've already spent probably more than 10 hours in a couple of days playing and tweaking with it.
Niiiiiice. Aerosol and orbits are particularly fun to put on the delay feedback for gooey modulated delays.
ah good to see you finally having a crack at one of these. i really liked mine, specially the reverbs, but everything is super nice and warm. if i had to describe it in one word, i'd say it's "sophisticated". the cpu limitation is a bit of a drag, but it's not really that kind of "kitchen sink" processor. i used mine purely for processing ambient loops and it was great for adding an extra layer of icing on top. i also forgot that it has some of the algorithms from the lexicon vortex (aerosol, centrifuge and orbits etc), so it was nice to hear those again! it would have been nice to hear the hall with a really long decay. try the TC D2 next, so i can continue to re-live my rack days vicariously through you (it's also awesome).
Aerosol etc are so fun, definitely a surprise! There's a d2 for sale locally...
@@LeonTodd cool! definitely worth a spin. it excels at modulated phase reversed delays like the 2290, does great multitap stuff and nice choruses too. dunno if you're aware of the lexicon vortex....very interesting machine for extreme fx and sound design. i had one very early on in my rack days and probably didn't really know how to get the most out of it. very weird bit of kit. i can understand why it kinda failed, i don't think people knew what to do with it!
@@LeonTodd Aerosol (w/both Resonances disabled) is my go-to for creating modulated delays. It has a very short base delay time (as short as you can get really), so when you place it in the feedback loop (100% wet), it doesn't mess with any tap tempo values much at all that you have programmed into your delays (not so with algorithms like 'Chorus,' which easily add 25/30ms, if not more). I particularly like messing with the PW controls, when they get up to 60-70%, it really takes on that vintage "warpy" sound (kind of like a Boss CE-1).
I also like to use Aerosol for straight chorusing sometimes too, though since the inherent pre-delay is SO short, you will always get combs (not necessarily "bad" ones--they sound a lot like old analog chorus pedals--but you cannot dial them out).
The problem is not the sound, they sound great, the problem is the lag that makes them useless for patch switching during a song live.
Sorry but is it possible to control the unit from a pedal board with midi?
@@enricodelmedico5080 The device has midi in/out so with the proper midi switch you can control the lexicon.
If you think the lag is bad get a second one and a/b switch them.
for live guitar there’s settings u need to change ,,,
On mpx1:Press System and make the following adjustments.• Set Pgm Bypass to Bypass.• Set Audio Bypass Level to -3dB.(These settings will ensure that audio will be smooth and uninterrupted duringprogram changes.)• Set Bypass Mode to Bypass. (You will hear dry guitar when bypass is on.)• Set Mix Mode to Program so that each program will load with its ownindependent master wet/dry mix value. (The master mix value for eachpreset is initially set to work with the MPX 1 in a series effect loop.
I’m using a mpx R1 and the mpx1 has been updated to firmware 1.10
Man that Goldilox sounds killer! Love that you did these demos bc you really can’t beat the verb and delay for the price used
So good hey! Love the delay and verb on this.
Totally underrated effects box with some very nice presets.
The reverb is not as good as the one in the pcm line but in combination with the other effects it works.
I use the MPX1 regularly even though i also have a pcm80, 300L and some Eventides.
It's build like a tank. I don't think i would ever sell mine.
I bought one because of this video and I have no regrets. Kind of a complicated thing to learn and I’m still not proficient with it but the sounds are all there and for me, that’s what matters most. Thanks for the great breakdown Leon.
Sounds good, IS good!
@@LeonTodd Hi Todd , not sure how to connect ? As I thought it had to be a balanced connection? Can I ask how you wired this into a rack set up as unbalanced ? Thanks
@@davemeadows7049I was about to ask the same question
Lexicon, the Lexus of the 90's! 👍
hahaha nailed it
On hell yeah! I've been waiting for this one.
That was awesome! I've mostly been using mine for reverb but the delays you quickly dialed in sounded great. I need to spend some time messing with the delay settings. Great video man!
Great to hear! Awesome unit.
That was THE box. Man did I want one, never ended up buying one.
The reverb on the delay feedback loop thing is JOY
Still have mine, turned it back on after years and it still beats the hell out of most of the reverb plug ins I use in mixes. In a guitar rack it really shines, paired with a mixer is where you get the best quality (but that goes for all rack FX units). IIRC you CAN do Reverb, Delay AND chorus in a single patch, it depends on the type of algorithms you use for mod and delay, but I think I made it (those basically my stock FX for clean sounds). They are dirt cheap nowdays, and I've been thinking about getting a second one so I can have one in my studio rack, and the other in the guitar rack, but then I'd have to get a second Eclipse too...and those aren't that cheap...
Great work, keep em coming, loving these rack FX testing videos.
It's so good for the money! I just got a Samson SM10 line mixer I'm loving with the rack too :D
Great Vid Leon !, the phasers blew my mind
Well, I definitely look forward to an MPX-G2 review (hopefully with the version 1.10 EPROM chip installed), in the near future. Also, as Italo stated below, check out how to insert effects into the delay feedback path for completeness' sake.
Really hoping I can find one!
I bought one of these when it first came out - still have it. Love it.
Speaks volumes right there! Classic unit
Finally!!! You did great representation of the unit!! You must have some help or really understand Lexicon's programming, you showed me features I didn't even know where available!!
LT. I'm a day late to the meeting...
You've rekindled my interest in rack gear, and I'm on the hunt.
Great channel, playing, content, and attitude.
Cheers 🍻
Welcome aboard!
I’ve once again purchased a piece of gear thanks to you. I’ve noticed your very much a delay junky as my self. Thank you sir
At 11.10 i pushed pause and went a bought one on eBay. Fabulous and superb playing too. Thank you
Sounds really usable!
Great stuff Leon!
Would it be possible to put the OD circuit into the feedback loop of the delay? Could be crazy
It is possible, but the OD block is mono, so you have to take that into consideration. Works great for single delays & 2-tap stuff (just not dual independent delay lines), and you can still get nice stereo imaging & modulation, depending on how you set up the blocks. I think I got a nice sound with this once using the OD inside an Echo (D) or Echo (S) feedback loop (which has the low-pass filters included in the feedback path).
I have two Lexicon MPXG2's and really enjoyed the delay/reverb until now I have the AxeFXIII and rarely use them.
I just heard you say at the end you want to "pair them up", too bad you're in a different country I'd let you borrow one...
If you want to sell one I'd definitely be interested!
I have the axe 3 and kemper and Helix. Lexicon mpx g2 is the winner forever
@@LeonTodd I actually don't have a problem with that but I have more money than time right now and shipping would be a pain. I'm self employed and very busy, and I actually have a pile of gear I want to sell but I'm too busy to deal with it. Remember my name and we'll keep it on the back burner
Damn nice playing. I have one these but sadly just stopped working after so much use. 😥
Leon, a perfect example of the capability of this. Super cool demo.
Thanks mate! beast of a unit
Well done Brother and thanks Brian!
Thanks for sharing and Be Well All!
Great video! I just sold this with the FC and I also just sold a G-System. Stopped using them years ago when I got the Axe-Fx II. Not that it matters so much, this did come out before the G-System. 🤘🏻😎🎸🎶🎶🎶🎶🤘🏻
What did you use the MPX for? I need to try recreate aerosol on the Axe!
@@LeonTodd I used 4 cable method with their Signature 284 rack recording amp. It was a killer set up but I absolutely hated programming it! I knew if I turned it on I would’ve kept it so off it went. Now I’m kicking myself for not doing vids on all the vintage gear I got rid of! 🦶🏻🤷🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
Pretty sure the MP1 came before the GForce for several years (this is based on my 20 year old Guitar Player Mag advertising memory!)
Correct!
I remember them being around 1500€ or so when I was in my 20's (that was around 2002 *lol*). I allways wanted one back then, but it was way too pricey for me at the time. Now I just ordered a used one in great condition for 200€ and I'm really excited about it, in particular after your great review!
Great deal these days!
Great video. Thanks! Learned a lot.
I have one and its incredible
What's up with the 7-Pin DIN MIDI INPUT?? Will a standard 5-Pin DIN Midi cable work instead?
Wish you review G2...thank you.
*Leon, honestly, how is it programming MIDI on that unit?? I have had a few folk slam that unit, about its MIDI programming being trash, tell me what's up rom your view and experience with that box?*
How would I go about learning how to program the MPX-1 for some stereo dual delay with some reverb for W/D/W EVH Style ?
Leon have you ever compared this to a MidiVerb 3 ?? I have run the Midiverb since the 80-s with many different head amps and have always been blown away. But wow this sounds incredible if you have used both would you say this is better then the Midiverb 3 ?? I use my AxeFX 2 XL plus for everything these days but my headamps are getting lonely so maybe I should buy one of these.
IIRC Dweezil Zappa used this or the MPX-1/G2 on the Automatic album. The big draw for me at the time was the dedicated foot controller. Alas all I could afford was a Digitech RP 20 :*(
The g2 foot controller looks awesome!
Thanks for the demo and I also saw you’re demo for the Intellifex which was great as well. I used to have an Intellifex and have been thinking about getting one again and also looking at this unit as well. You mentioned at the end of the video that a pairing of both together would be pretty awesome. I agree. But could you elaborate on that thought on how you would use them together? I don’t think this unit does pot-pan delay which I loved using in the Intellifex. Also kudos and extra style points for the Kings X reference. 👌🏻😎✌🏻❤️🎸🤘🏻
I'll do a video with both soon.
@@LeonTodd awesome! Looking forward to it. Thanks!
@@monroegrisman2000 did this happen?
They sound great but how do you save a patch and program the location so as to call it back on a preset? That is a mystery.
Dream machine from my youth ❤️
Hey Leon! Good one!
I still have my MPX-1, bought it new in '95. my understanding from the good folks at Lexicon at the time, is that this is the unit that replaced the LXP-15, and LXP-15II. (I still have that too).
It is pretty much as you describe it, a multi-effects unit to dial in quick and easy usable effects combinations for guitars and keyboards. It's easy to get carried away with it though, so I've used it conservatively in my racks.
It does a great reproduction of the Flange effects from the 480 Larc, without having to spend $10,000.00 to get it! Plus, you get the Lexicon character with the delays available in it, and do I need to say anything about the reverb?
From time to time, I use external pedals to control different parameters in effects combinations which is useful in live and recording situations. You should try it out sometime.
Are you using midi CC's to do that? Sounds fun!
@@LeonTodd You can if you want to, but there is a way to connect an expression pedal without going through an entire MIDI controller pedal. It should be in the System menu if I remember correctly. It's been years since I used it that way. As with all Lexicon units, MIDI program change commands and CC commands, have a definite time lag. I have the manual for this, so I'll dig it up and email the set up to you.
I just finally got spx90 and love it, it's one of those "just have it on and it's more good" even if you don't notice it, but when you press bypass you realize it (Delay vibrato is one of the funniest presets I've heard). And now I'm considering this... I didn't notice you going for those massively delicious delays like you did with PCM81 etc, is it because this doesn't get quite as lush? The standard 350-500 didn't sound that special to me in this unit. A bit washy, reminded me of repeated reverb. The PCM81 just sounded like it was much higher quality, a step above your usual guitar reverbs and delays, it took you into this another mental space while mpx-1 here felt more like "yeah it's a good guitar reverb/delay".
Btw how did you tweak the spx90 reverbs to make them reasonable with the limited parameters? I remember your video had pretty nice reverb balance. Just drop the mix to low ratio while the reverb itself is out of hands?
Yeah just play with the total mix on the SPX90 for verb - they're simple but effective!
The PCM is a lot deeper than this and the various algos let you really fine tune stuff like delay modulation and diffusion - the pay off is it's 20x harder to actually tweak!
@@LeonTodd I really learned that one after I got my MPX1! I thought it was broken just because I didn't figure out it was set to right input only mode in the system>audio options. You made the tweaking look really simple in the video, I now get what David Friedman meant when he said Lexicons were perhaps the most difficult UIs out there, and this was only MPX1 that's supposedly easy mode! But once you get the hang of it, a lot of power in your hands. The manual is really useful.
But damn if there isn't a lot of cool patches and a lot of parameters to tweak! You could easily make another 20 minute video just going through interesting patches. The A/B was also very interesting and weird feature. With a MIDI controller for presets, tap tempo and other features, this unit can do quite a bit of things.
For all the stuff you get though, it's a steal for the price on the used market like you said. A dedicated lexichip for reverb and extra effects, like you can get a detuned parallel reverb+delay with some effect in the delay feedback loop or whatever you want, the five effects limit isn't really that strict unless you just want to hear what literally everything at the same time sounds like. To accompany this with SPX90 and Intellifex, there's a lot of freedom and quality for a low price. Like detune/juicy thickening effects from SPX, lush chorus from Intellifex and delay+reverb from MPX.
Looking forward to perhaps seeing this unit again, noticed AnalogKid85 had presets and tricks for this too :) Your channel has been quite a treasure box.
I bought one in very good condition, I'm trying to learn how program this machine, I play hardrock and metal, if I use reverb and delay at same time it's enough
Great review, I'm not familiar with this model. The Lynch '88 tone is excellent. Can you tell me what distortion was being used in the patch? Thnx
Thanks! That's the Mark IV model in the Axe-Fx III
@@LeonTodd Ah! thanks for the reply. Something that's already on my wish list!
Hey Leon! Thank you for a great vid as always! Could you look into Korg AM8000R which is in a comparative standpoint like MPX1? Thanks!
Yes! Hoping to find one soon
@@LeonTodd today I turned on mine and came to know you are the master to operate any rack effect. I couldn't edit a preset at all LOL
Leon, When im running my mpx 1 in my rig, the overall volume drops ALOT. When i just have my preamp and power amp hooked up, its fine, but when i run the mpx 1, it does not get that loud at all. solutions?
Great videos .. I had one years ago, sold it, regretted it, bought another, sold it, regretted it, bought another, repeat
I've done this with a few pieces of gear, the struggle is real!
Hey, did you try ambient effect pedals from Source Audio? Like Ventris, Nemesis, Collider? Ventris and Collider have dual Sharc DSP. I am interested in your opinion about them.
Briefly tried a nemesis, awesome pedal
this is great but you should also check out the mpx G2, same thing but with analg gain circuitry aswell
I've heard the g2 preamp section is great
@@LeonTodd yeah for the longest time I used to use the g2 preamp as my live bass preamp. Great bit of kit one you get used to the menu diving
Actually I do have a video on my channel where I use it for a great heavy bass sound
@@LeonTodd and you can do chorus AND detune together, in series+parallel ;)
@@rblossey how do you do that?
Great vid as usual!!! BTW... If you haven't tried the Lexicon LXP-15 check it out. It has some really good sounds as well.
Hopefully soon!
I still have mine. Good video.
Hola me podrás ayudar con la parte del ecualizador gracias soy de México saludos
How do you rate the MPX1 vs the Bigsky/Timeline ?
tried the bigsky/timeline ... sold 'em. Going back to the Lexicon
just treated myself with a G2 again, it is soooooo goood
Congrats!!!
Congrats!!!
@@LeonTodd habe 3 G2 units. I am lucky
Can you reset the MPX-1 to factory preset?
Hi Leon! There’s any latency during the changing patch with midi pedalboard? Thanks!
The King's X cleans are killer !
(Wondering if I should have gone for a MPX-1 instead of the MX-300 I bought recently...)
I would get the MPX-1 (V1.10, remember this! crucial), and keep the MX-300. Run both with a line mixer and then you can use the MX-300 to enhance the MPX-1 effects, like adding detune to chorus (or chorus to detune) in series+parallel.
@@rblossey Thanks! Sounds fine! Although I am using the MX-300 for reverb only and all effects come from a Rocktron Intellifex.
Oh my goodness. How many rack units does Brian own? Does he have a Roland Dep 5? I had one of these units and a few friends had one too. They were a solid rack unit
No but i just bought a DEP-5, video coming in the next few weeks.
Can you do a demo on the midi
Leon, how would you simulate putting reverb just on the delay feedback in the Axe-FX III?
You can use the feedback send and return blocks to create a custom feedback loop on the delay block. SImilar idea to this vid
ua-cam.com/video/fDLnncbcBHA/v-deo.html
Wiki outlines a basic example too
Wiki- wiki.fractalaudio.com/wiki/index.php?title=Send_and_Return_block
how do make Innit preset and start from zero ? :)
I would love to see you take a look at the LXP1/LXP5 because the interface is really wonky and there is NO other piece of kit that operates the same way.
They the half rack ones? been hunting...
OK, I'm torn here. Do I get a MPX-1 or an Intellifex online Processor (have the option for either 1) ?....I'd be paring it with a Sansamp PSA-1
Mpx1
Hi, do you have an external distorsion or high Gain from amplifier?
These Lex units are amazing value IMHO
This one in particular!
always great stuff!
Lexicon is the gold standard!
Rack noob here ,,, what’s some good cables to use with the lexicon to connect to my gear ,, recently purchased one in like new condition ,, my gear so far is a peavey rockmaster with a peavey 50/50 classic ,, what cables should I use to connect it to my pre amp ?? Y cable ??
You can just go Rockmaster out - MPX-1 inL - stereo out> Power amp. In the MPX global settings set the input to InL only.
This box has more power as it breaks the signal on the mixer into clean and processed. Pure in mpx is so-so.
It's the definitive multi efx...what more do you actually need?
Does this do the circular delays ?
Hey Leon, i have a question... you already know about Clifton Wright guitar magician... can you recommend me another guitarist on youtube that are that good? I know about Greg Koch, Ola Englund, Kristian Kohlle (KohlleKeller), Nick Reinhart, you, and then i don't remember others, may be... Andy Martin from Guitarshop/Reverb ha, and Eric Gales (really really great)
i forgot Pete Thorn
Some of my faves of the top of my head - Andy Wood, Sean Ashe, Robert Baker, Michael Nielsen, Sammy Boller, Rick Graham, Tom Quayle, John Cordy, Marco Fanton, Jake Wilson.
All amazing players who make great content
Woow im gonna check out. Thank you!
I've still got mine. And a mpx500.
Those verbs are so good
Hi, you know Lexicon Mpx 550 ? Mpx1 are better? Thanks!
I just picked a new one that's been sitting in it's original plastic for the last 25yrs lol
NICE!
Cool demo and playing. A fun thing to try with the MPX-1 is put it in a serial effects loop of one of your favourite amps and then turn to the "Phat Detune" patch. Very Gilmour-esque tone and feel to it.
Even better if you have the R1 as you can rocker the amount of effect with the pedal already preprogrammed.
Just got done wailing on my G2 for 5 hours straight into my PA at blistering levels lol, Sounded killer. Just wish the memory wasn't screwed and I have to initialize it every time I fire it up. I've had a tech previously solder a new battery in but that didn't help.
Might take it to another guru to see if they can fix the memory issue. Th G2 has some amazing capabilities and pre-made patches built in. No wonder when chaps like Eddie Kramer and John Petrucci helped design it ;-)
Love my Lexicons. Great demo Leon!
A G2 is high on my list of rack units to acquire - how do you like the preamps?
@@LeonTodd Not quite sure what you mean by preamps. I've never really delved into patch making that much on the G2. Only tweaked a few factory presets when the memory worked. But the sizzle and real amp feel of a new higher gain factory preset is really killer.
The delineation you can hear in between string scrapes and note definition is fantastic. Like i said in another post on your vid, Aliens built the thing haha.
I did make a great acoustic patch on my MPX-1 once using the blue comp and some reverb and a hint of delay iirc.
Both are great units although a bit long in the tooth and I'm not sure how they would stack up against the FM3 or Quad cortex but I love them.
They're old school mate :p
One other note, if the G2 is working correctly it can be a super great unit because of all the different modes. Meaning straight into the front of an old tube amp, or straight into the console and such.
Some factory presets sounded killer straight into the front of my all original Ampeg Gemini 20. Hope that helps a bit haha
Too bad these things have a very noticeable delay when switching programs
I use my G2 in CC mode, changing and switching fx in and out instead of changing programs
Yeah I need to setup the same on this.
Is there a song that the riff at 10:24 is from? Very cool riff!
Ragdoll - "Heaven Above"
Did you ever get your money back from Reverb? It seems that although they claim that you can, it doesn't always work out that way.
Yep, bit of a process though. When they finally did refund they said "3-5 working days" and I had to follow up AGAIN when that didn't happen.
What gain preset are you using??
Hi Leon,this IR what u have free to download will suit HX Stomp?thanks
Should do
Is it ok to like the Rocktron Intellifex better?
Whatever helps you get glorious tones :)
No
Can you do the circular delay with it? :-)
Yes, there is a cross-feedback trick you can do with it that gets the job done (even though it's not exactly 100% the same as using a multitap delay). All you have to do is set:
Delay1 = 292ms
Delay2 = 584ms
in the Delay (D) block, and then use ONLY cross-feedback between the two (no regular Feedback, set those both to 0%). Then when they cross-feed, the delay times on both sides add up to an 872ms tap on *both* channels (which you hear as a center tap). Sounds great, and there are many enhancements/additions you can do (modulation/EQ/etc.) to refine it even further.
I also like to use an Echo (D) block with a Vol (D) block inserted into the feedback path of the delays. Echo (D) doesn't have cross-feedback, but you can use a Vol (D) block-with the L & R pan settings "swapped"-to cross-feed the delays into each other. The advantage with Echo (D) is that is has some REALLY nice low-pass filters (and it takes up *far* less resources than adding an EQ block).
Modulation really sounds fantastic on this too. I like to add the Aerosol block (100% wet) inside the feedback loop as well, with Resonance 1 & 2 disabled (you don't want feedback inside the modulation effect, just the big echoes themselves).
Hi Leon! How would you compare the quality of the reverbs in the MPX-1 vs. the reverbs in your PCM 81?
The MPX verbs don't have any modulation, otherwise they're very similar
@@LeonTodd Thank you! I've already picked up a few rack units from your videos. They are super helpful... thanks!
The Vortex has the Aerosol, Orbits and Centrifuge
The rocktron intellifex was the better choice at the time
the MPX-1 or the MPX G2? does the MPX-1 have built in noise gate.. the G2 is great for running the MP1 into to reduce that noise, sure works well... dood on youtube has this set up and man its the ticket for sure.. I understand that any noise gate works but the superiority of the G2's rotary effects paired with the MP1 is stellar for sure, not that the ADA is terrible just the Lexicon is ahead IMHO, then of course not much touches the ADA drive save some of the Digitech dual tube drives..
flangers rule in my book as do analog delays.. try an analog delay in stereo, A/B into two analog delays then two different amps with one scooped and one the opposite of scooped..
in reality they are all rotary effects, modeled after the Leslie and leslie styles, the rotary speaker is where it gets the name rotary effect I assume.. I call em warbly effects cuz they warble, like weebles, they wobble but they don't fall down... but you already know this