In the world of music production, few names carry the weight of Lexicon. Synonymous with lush, immersive reverbs and groundbreaking digital delays, Lexicon defined the sound of countless records, studios, and live performances. From its humble beginnings in 1971 to its acquisition by Harman International and eventual place under Samsung’s umbrella, Lexicon’s journey is one of innovation, influence, and enduring impact. Let’s explore the rise, the greatness, and the evolution of this audio titan, with a special nod to its iconic signal processors of the 1980s and 90's.
The Birth of a Pioneer
Lexicon’s story begins not in a recording studio but in the realm of medical technology. In 1969, MIT professor Dr. Francis F. Lee and engineer Chuck Bagnaschi founded American Data Sciences, developing digital audio devices for heart monitoring. By 1971, Lee pivoted to form Lexicon in Waltham, Massachusetts, with a vision to harness digital signal processing for audio applications. This was a bold move in an era when analog ruled, and digital audio was a nascent, uncharted frontier. Lexicon’s early focus on digital delays set the stage for its transformative role in music production.
The company’s big break came in 1978 with the unveiling of the Lexicon 224 at the AES Convention. Shipped in 1979, the 224 was among the first commercially viable digital reverb systems, offering a smoother, more natural decay than its predecessors like the EMT 250. Priced at roughly half the cost of the EMT, the 224 became a studio staple, its rich algorithms shaping the ambiance of countless recordings. Alongside it, Lexicon introduced the Prime Time, one of the earliest digital delay units designed explicitly for musical effects, cementing its reputation as a trailblazer.
The 1980s were Lexicon’s golden age, a decade when its signal processors became the backbone of professional audio. The company’s ability to blend cutting-edge technology with musicality made its products indispensable in studios and live settings. Here’s a look at some of the standout processors that defined the era:
- Lexicon PCM 41 (1980): A compact digital delay processor, the PCM 41 offered up to 800 milliseconds of high-quality delay. Its versatility and warm, characterful sound made it a favorite for vocals and instruments, and it remains a sought-after vintage unit today.
- Lexicon PCM 42 (1982): The successor to the PCM 41, the PCM 42 extended delay times and added features like tempo-locked delays and infinite repeat. Its distinctive sound, especially when pushed with input limiters, gave it a tape-echo-like quality, earning it a place in studios worldwide.
- Lexicon Model 97 Super Prime Time (1983): This programmable digital delay was a leap forward, allowing users to store and recall custom effects sequences. With delay times up to 1.92 seconds at full 20kHz bandwidth, it was a powerhouse for creative sound design.
- Lexicon PCM 60 (1984): Designed for live sound and smaller studios, the PCM 60 was a more affordable reverb unit. Its simplicity and lush sound made it a go-to for rack riders and budget-conscious engineers.
- Lexicon 224XL (1984): An evolution of the original 224, the 224XL introduced the Lexicon Alphanumeric Remote Control (LARC), enhancing user control over its lush, musical reverbs. Its intuitive interface and refined algorithms solidified its status as a studio legend.
- Lexicon PCM 70 (1985): A multi-effects processor that brought the 224X’s reverb quality to a more compact format, the PCM 70 added a digital screen interface and programmable parameters. Famously used by David Gilmour for Pink Floyd’s The Division Bell tour, it delivered iconic circular delay effects for tracks like “Shine On You Crazy Diamond.”
- Lexicon 480L (1986): Widely regarded as the pinnacle of digital reverbs, the 480L became a studio standard with its user-friendly LARC system and innovative “Random Space” algorithm. Its pristine, versatile sound graced countless hit records, and many engineers still consider it unmatched.
These processors weren’t just tools; they were instruments of creativity. Lexicon’s “sound” — characterized by smooth, dense reverb tails and musical delays — became the sonic signature of the 1980s, heard on everything from pop ballads to progressive rock. The company’s innovation extended beyond music, too. In 1988, Lexicon developed LARES (Lexicon Acoustic Reinforcement and Enhancement System), a groundbreaking technology for tailoring acoustics in performance spaces, further showcasing its versatility.
The Expansion and Evolution
As the 1990s dawned, Lexicon continued to innovate. The PCM series expanded with the PCM 80 and PCM 90, offering advanced reverb and multi-effects capabilities. The consumer-level LXP series (LXP-1, LXP-5, LXP-15) brought Lexicon’s quality to home studios, while the NuVerb DSP card (1993) and later Model 300 (1997) integrated Lexicon’s effects into digital audio workstations. The 2000s saw the PCM 96 and PCM 96 Surround, which seamlessly blended with modern DAWs, and the affordable MX series, like the MX200, made Lexicon accessible to a new generation.
Lexicon also ventured into home theater with surround processors like the CP-1, CP-2, and THX-certified CP-3/CP-3+. The MC series, including the MC-12 and flagship MC-14, brought Lexicon’s acoustic expertise to high-end home audio, while partnerships with luxury car brands like Rolls-Royce and Hyundai showcased its prowess in automotive sound systems.
The Corporate Shift
Lexicon’s trajectory changed in 1993 when it was acquired by Harman International Industries, a move that provided resources for growth but marked the beginning of its integration into a larger corporate structure. Harman, founded in 1953 by Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon, was a powerhouse in audio, owning brands like JBL, AKG, and Harman Kardon. Under Harman, Lexicon continued to produce high-quality products, but some argue its independent spirit was tempered by corporate priorities.
The final chapter in Lexicon’s corporate journey came in 2017, when Samsung Electronics acquired Harman International. Since then, Lexicon has operated as a brand under Harman’s professional audio division, focusing on a narrower range of products like the DD-8+ multi-channel network amplifier. While Lexicon’s days of groundbreaking hardware reverbs may have slowed, its legacy endures in studios and through its influence on modern plugin emulations.
The Legacy Lives On
Lexicon didn’t “die” in the traditional sense; it evolved within a changing industry. The shift from standalone hardware to software-based processing and corporate consolidation reflects broader trends in audio technology. Yet, Lexicon’s impact is undeniable. Its processors from the 1980s remain in use, cherished for their unmatched sound. The 224, 480L, and PCM series are still found in top studios, and vintage units like the PCM 41 and 42 command high prices on the used market.
The company’s contributions extend beyond gear. Lexicon helped define the sound of modern music, giving engineers and artists tools to craft immersive, emotive sonic landscapes. Its innovations in digital signal processing paved the way for today’s plugin culture, and its name remains synonymous with quality.
EPILOGUE
Lexicon’s story is one of bold beginnings, a brilliant peak, and a graceful transition into a new era. For musicians, producers, and engineers, the “Lexicon sound” is a reminder of what’s possible when technology meets creativity. Whether you’re tweaking a PCM 70 or running a Lexicon plugin, the spirit of this audio pioneer lives on, resonating in every lush reverb tail and perfectly timed delay.
Thanks for reading High on Technology, Good Music To You!
©June 2025 by Mark King, it is NOT ok to copy or quote without written permission from the author.
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