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Looper's Delight
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Being the system software programmer for the product, I might be
slightly (alright, largely) biased but a mid priced multi-effects system
to consider is the MPX1 from Lexicon (around $1000). One of the most
important features of the MPX1 is the extent and sonic purity of the
system's parameter controls. Each program contains 5 generic patches
that can map external MIDI controllers, notes, pitch bend, aftertouch,
etc, as well as the system's internal controllers to virtually every
audio parameter. For internal controllers, the MPX 1 has 2 independent
LFOs, 2 ADSRs (attack, decay, sustain, release), 2 envelope generators,
a random number generator, an arpeggiator (outputs the arpeggiated notes
and makes them available as control sources), an A/B generator and a
sample and hold generator. In addition to the 5 patches, most of the
internal controller sources have the built in ability to be controlled
from all of the sources (MIDI, internal controllers, etc..). The system
also has 10 global patches that allow mix and level parameters to always
be controlled by a particular source.
The potential combinations are amazing. I recently created a program
that used a gas pedal plugged into the rear panel to simulatinously
control delay input level, feedback and mix to operate a sort of pedal
driven loop patch. With the pedal all the way back, the delay mix was
set to dry. As you move the pedal forward, the delay starts getting
brought in and the input is turned on. As the pedal is moved forward the
feedback is increased until, near the very end of the pedal, the
feedback is set to 100% and the input is muted effectively putting the
system into a loop mode. You end up with a single pedal control that
allows you to build loops (2 seconds max), layering into them, fading
them, etc.. After playing with that for a while I added a pitch shifter
to the output with the pitch patched to the squarewave output of one of
the LFOs. The patch was set up to toggle the pitch shift up and down an
octave. The rate of the LFO can be either locked to the delay/loop time
using the tempo mode or an independent frequency producing some weird,
evolving "Welcome to the Machine" kinds of sounds.
One of the other things I really like about the MPX 1 is the EQs.
There's a whole barrage of EQs available (single, dual, parametric,
shelf) including a filter that emulates a moog synth ("SweepFilter").
Again, patching to parameters is unbelieveable. The system uses a
seperate processor for reverbs so they always sound excellent and don't
use up DSP processing power. There are also a variety of pitch shifters,
detuners, chorus algorithms, tremolos, autopanners, etc.. that can be
used independently or combined.
Another cool thing about the MPX 1 is the audio routing. The system
allows you to set the order of the effects and the relative positions of
the effects: 2 stereo paths are available so you can send the high
frequencies to a detuner while sending the lows to a looper, for
instance.
One last thing that I really like is a built in tone generator. It's
basically a digital oscillator but can be patched to (patch the output
level to an envelope and use it to beef up a kick drum). In addition to
the "effect" type of things you can do with it, it also makes a nice
oscillator for testing. Send the output to your mains and sweep the
frequency as a quick frequency response test, check signal flow through
your system or as a tuning reference.
Anyway, just another multi-effects system to check out if you are in the
market.
Bob Sellon
Software Engineer
Lexicon/Stec
> ----------
> From: Mark@asisoftware.com[SMTP:Mark@asisoftware.com]
> Reply To: Loopers-Delight@annihilist.com
> Sent: Tuesday, October 07, 1997 7:50 AM
> To: bsellon@lexicon.com
> Subject: Multi-effects Unit
>
> I'm thinking about getting a new multi-effects unit to patch into my
> SansAmp PSA-1 preamp and the rest of my looping rig. I'm currently
> using a Peavey ProFex Mark 1.
>
> Any suggestions in the low, medium and high price ranges?
>
> Thanks,
> Mark Kata
> Mark@asisoftware.com
>