Lexicon PCM 80 Expansion Cards
January 18, 1996
Lexicon is introducing a series of new FX cards for the PCM 80 effects platform. The cards plugs into the unit's front-panel PC Card slot, instantly expanding the processor's functionality with new algorithms and presets.
Four cards are being introduced initially. The first, the Dual FX Card, is available now. This card contains 25 new algorithms, each offering two independent effects blocks - including five types of stereo reverb and five types of stereo multi-effects - allowing ultimate programming flexibility. The Dual FX Algorithms feature the full set of modulation and patching features introduced with the PCM 80. 250 new presets are also provided on the card.
The new card opens up an astonishing range of new capabilities for the already-impressive PCM 80. Stereo reverb into stereo effects and vice-versa; reverb and effects in parallel; dual mono-in/stereo-out processing; and independent processing of two mono signals are just a few of the possibilities.
One of the most impressive aspects of the new card is the way the audio routing to and from the dual FX blocks are controlled. A digital sub-mixer greatly simplifies the control of the various effects combinations, allowing the possibility to change configurations on the fly -- changing between reverb and effects, or effects and reverb, for example.
The second card being announced ships at the end of October, and is the first in a projected series of "Artist" cards. This series will consist of PCM 80 PC Cards containing custom presets developed specifically for the system by artists well-known for their work in music and sound design. The first set of presets is being created by Scott Martin Gershin, while a second set by David Rosenthal will ship at the end of 1995. Each card includes 100 unique presets that reflect their own special point of view in sound design and music applications.
Both sound designers all have lengthy histories in the field of audio production. Scott Martin Gershin, principal sound designer for Sound Deluxe Music Labs, has been a highly respected sound designer for many years. He is credited on countless award winning feature films. The Gershin presets cover the specific needs of spot and post production.
Keyboardist David Rosenthal's Music FX card also contains 100 presets aimed at music performance and production. As a keyboard player, Rosenthal has recorded and toured with Rainbow, Cyndi Lauper, Robert Palmer, Billy Joel, and Steve Vail Rosenthal won the 1994 "Best Hired Gun. award in Keyboard magazine's annual Reader's Poll and is currently on the road with Billy Joel. He is also producing his own band, Red Dawn. Rosenthal's presets are designed for the demands of music production and live sound.
The fourth card being introduced will also ship at the end of the year. This Pitch FX Card includes five new algorithms which combine high-quality precision pitch-shifting with PCM 80 reverb patches. Pitch shifting can be accomplished up to +/-3 octaves, with a resolution of 1 cent. Three algorithms combine Dual Shift capability with plate, inverse and chamber reverberation; the Stereo Shift algorithm includes chamber reverb, while the 4-Voice Shift algorithm includes concert hall reverberation. The card features the same FX ordering and routing features as the Dual FX Card.
According to Lexicon's Director of Product Management, Steve DeFuria, "The PCM 80 has several features that make these new cards particularly exciting and easy to use. For example, the artists designing presets have a great deal of control over how their effects are presented to and controlled by PCM 80 users. Every preset has a customized 'Adjust' parameter that is used to provide specialized control over the effect with the twist of a knob--no edit mode required. Also, the sound designer can select the most important parameters for each preset and place them on the PCM 80's 'Soft Row'. This allows the user to do quick and easy edits to the effect without having to delve into the more than 100 parameters of the algorithm."
Lexicon intends to release an increasing number of preset cards featuring top sound designers to support a wide variety of applications (music, sound effect, broadcast, etc.) The program will grow with continuing PCM 80 algorithm development. As new effects algorithms are released, Lexicon will be able to support them with presets that give the PCM 80 users the benefit of the work and experience of a wide range of artists and sound designers. For more information on the growing range of PC Cards for the PCM 80, contact Lexicon, 100 Beaver Street, Waltham, MA 021548441. Tel: 617/736 0300; Fax: 617/891 0340. Web: www.lexicon.com | 
