Lexicon Pro
ActiveOverview
Lexicon Pro is a brand under Harman International that produces digital effects processors, reverbs, and audio equipment for professional studios and live sound applications. It focuses on stereo reverb and effects units used in recording, broadcast, and performance settings. The brand maintains a presence through products like the PCM series, building on its legacy in digital audio processing.
History
Lexicon was founded in 1971 by Francis F. Lee in Waltham, Massachusetts, originating from digital audio work at American Data Sciences in 1969. It released early digital delay products like the Delta T-101 in 1971 and entered the reverb market with the Model 224 in 1979. The company was acquired by Harman International in 1993 and continues operations as a Harman brand, with pro audio products marketed via lexiconpro.com.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| PCM Reverb Processors | Professional stereo reverb effects | $2,000 - $3,500 |
| Native Reverb Plug-ins | Digital plugin effects for DAWs | $300 - $1,000 |
| Live Effects Processors | Rackmount units for live sound | $1,500 - $2,500 |
Manufacturing
Products are manufactured by Harman International facilities, primarily in the United States and Asia, with design and engineering based in the US. Specific production details for Lexicon Pro units are not publicly detailed beyond Harman's global supply chain.
Notable Products
- PCM96 - Stereo reverb/effects processor introduced in 2007 for studio and live use.
- PCM92 - Stereo reverb/effects processor released around 2007 with advanced algorithms.
- Model 224 - First commercially available digital reverb unit from 1979.
- 480L - Digital reverb processor released in 1986 as successor to the 224XL.
- Prime Time - Early digital delay effects unit from 1979.
Reputation
Lexicon is recognized by audio professionals for pioneering digital reverb and delay technologies, with units like the 224 still valued in studios. Its effects are praised for clarity and warmth in recordings that represent a significant portion of historic music production. Current Pro line products receive mixed feedback, with some users noting they do not fully match the legacy hardware's sound quality, though they remain reliable for live and broadcast applications.