Buying Guide for Lexicon 224XL

Your Guide to buying the best Lexicon 224XL

Overview

The Lexicon 224XL is a professional-grade digital reverb and effects processor that provides studio-quality sound in an easy to use package. This buying guide will provide an in-depth look at the features and benefits of the Lexicon 224XL, as well as its performance capabilities and a comparison to similar products on the market. It will also provide advice on how to select the right model for your recording needs and budget. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision about which Lexicon 224XL is right for you.

Key features

  • Frequency Response: The Lexicon 224XL has a frequency response of 20Hz-20kHz, providing users with a wide range of sounds to create their desired effects.
  • Number of Channels: The Lexicon 224XL has 8 channels and 4-band parametric EQ on each track, allowing for precise sound-shaping.
  • Inputs and Outputs: The Lexicon 224XL has 8 XLR inputs and 8 TRS inputs, as well as 8 TRS outputs and two main outputs. This allows for a variety of connectivity options.
  • Signal Processing: The Lexicon 224XL offers a range of signal processing options, such as reverb, chorus, delay, and compression, allowing users to create a variety of sounds.
  • Software Integration: The Lexicon 224XL is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems and comes with a USB connection, allowing for easy integration with digital audio workstations.
  • Durability: The Lexicon 224XL is designed to be durable, with an all-metal chassis and high-quality components that are designed to last.

See the most popular Lexicon 224XL on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Powerful Processing - The Lexicon 224XL offers powerful multi-effect processing with 6 operational modes, 4 programmable parameter controls, and 4 assignable outputs.
  • 24-bit A/D/A Conversion - It features 24-bit A/D/A conversion, as well as a dynamic range of greater than 110dB.
  • Compatibility - The Lexicon 224XL is compatible with both Pro Tools and Studio One, making it easy to integrate into any recording setup.
  • Multiple Effects - The Lexicon 224XL offers up to 16 different effects, as well as pitch-shifting, gating, and more.
  • Easy To Use - The Lexicon 224XL features an intuitive user interface, making it easy to navigate and adjust parameters.
  • Presets - The Lexicon 224XL offers over 250 factory presets, giving users a wide range of options for creating unique sounds.
  • Low Noise - The Lexicon 224XL is designed to offer incredibly low noise, allowing for pristine sound quality.

Cons

  • Price: The Lexicon 224XL is a relatively expensive unit, with a price tag of around $1300 USD.
  • Complexity: The 224XL has a fairly steep learning curve and is complex to operate for most users.
  • Noise Floor:The 224XL produces a fair amount of noise at certain settings.
  • Lack of MIDI: The 224XL does not have MIDI connectivity which may be a limitation for some users.

Best alternatives

  1. Behringer FX2000 – 24-Bit Multi-FX Processor with 4 Built-In Effects Processors, 100 Presets, and Dual Parameter Controls
  2. Kurzweil KSP8 – 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, up to 8-channel surround sound, and 4 built-in effects processors
  3. Alesis Quadraverb – 24-bit multi-effects processor with four independent effects processors, 100 presets, and dual parameter controls
  4. Yamaha SPX90 – 24-bit digital multi-effect processor, with 8 effects processors and 64 user presets
  5. Roland SRV-3030 – 24-bit multi-effect processor with 6 independent effects processors, 100 factory presets, and dual parameter controls

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Lexicon 224XL - 24-bit digital multi-effects processor with up to 8 simultaneous effects
  • Power Adapter - Universal power adapter to power the Lexicon 224XL
  • MIDI Cables - To connect the Lexicon 224XL to a MIDI-enabled device
  • Patch Cables - To connect the Lexicon 224XL to other equipment such as keyboards
  • Software - Lexicon-provided software for programming the Lexicon 224XL
  • Manuals - Owners and technical manuals for Lexicon 224XL

Common questions

  1. What are the features of the Lexicon 224XL? The Lexicon 224XL is a digital reverb/effects processor featuring 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, a 24-bit internal processor, a 24-bit stereo effects processor and dual-processor architecture. It also offers sixteen digital effects algorithms, 32-voice polyphony, 128 user programs, 8-band parametric EQ, MIDI I/O, footswitch input, and S/PDIF I/O.
  2. What type of audio connectors does the Lexicon 224XL have? The Lexicon 224XL has two balanced XLR inputs, two balanced 1/4" outputs, two 1/4" inputs, and two balanced 1/4" outputs. It also has one stereo S/PDIF I/O.
  3. What type of processing does the Lexicon 224XL offer? The Lexicon 224XL offers 16 digital effects algorithms, 32-voice polyphony, 128 user programs, 8-band parametric EQ, MIDI I/O, footswitch input, and S/PDIF I/O.
  4. How many user programs are available on the Lexicon 224XL? The Lexicon 224XL offers 128 user programs.
  5. Does the Lexicon 224XL support MIDI? Yes, the Lexicon 224XL supports MIDI I/O.
  6. Does the Lexicon 224XL have a footswitch input? Yes, the Lexicon 224XL has a footswitch input.
  7. What is the audio resolution of the Lexicon 224XL? The Lexicon 224XL has 24-bit A/D and D/A converters, a 24-bit internal processor, a 24-bit stereo effects processor, and dual-processor architecture.
  8. Does the Lexicon 224XL have a power adapter included? Yes, the Lexicon 224XL comes with a power adapter.

Trivia

The Lexicon 224XL was used to create some of the most famous and iconic sounds in modern music history. Most notably, this reverb processor was used to create the guitar tone in Pink Floyd's classic song, "Comfortably Numb". It has been said that David Gilmour spent weeks experimenting with the 224XL until he could dial in the perfect sound for the song. Even to this day, the 224XL is used to craft unique sounds and textures by many of today's top engineers and producers. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.