Lexicon PSP 42
return of the legend!
Lexicon PSP42 is a high-quality digital stereo delay and phrase sampler plug-in based on the legendary Lexicon PCM42 processor famous for its unique concept and distinctive sound.
In version 2, the original vision of Lexicon PSP42 has been enhanced both in sonic accuracy and feature flexibility. In addition to the lush tape saturation algorithm and emulation of the variable sampling rate delay line that made the sound of the original PCM42 so unique, version 2 now adds even more precise modeling of the hardware’s audio path, in a manner that allows the user to quickly decide on how much of the original character should be used. In addition to the Legacy processing mode of the previous version, Lexicon PSP42 now offers three alternative modes:
Clean: a pristine signal path with no emulations
Lims: engages the original hardware’s two opto limiters, one at the input and one just before the A/D – the first affecting Dry and Wet signals, and the second affecting Wet and Feedback signals
Full: engages emulation not only of the limiters but also of the original A/D and D/A converters in the hardware PCM 42, whose non-linear behavior added a unique sonic twist.
Lexicon PSP42 v. 2 adds several new features unheard of on the original hardware, including up to 28800 ms of delay time, adjustable Hi Cut filter frequency, LFO tempo sync and waveform phase adjustment, adjustable input level sensitivity to simulate –10 dBV or +4dBu operation, options to invert the Envelope Controller signal or control it with a sidechain input and four Direction modes to simulate various forward and backward repeat options. It even has a Bypass button that leaves the input limiter in the signal path, providing a subtle, realistic coloration to “dry” signals. All of these new functions are presented on an easy-to-use Extensions panel under the plug-in’s standard controls.
Lexicon PSP42 excels at all types of delay-based effects, from tempo-locked feedback delay with filtering to modulated effects like flanging and chorus. The modulation section uses the PCM 42’s unusual trick of changing delay time by altering sampling rate to create everything from gentle animation and swing to unpredictable alien sound effects. Superior DSP algorithms allow for smooth operation with even the craziest settings, combining the plug-in’s infinite possibilities with unmatched sound quality.
PSP is the sole developer and manufacturer of the Lexicon PSP42. Functionality and sound of the Lexicon PSP42 have been approved by Lexicon. PSP is responsible for all customer support.
Audio Samples
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The PCM 42 became a classic because it sounded good - not transparent, and certainly not clinical, but with a nice characteristic for delay and echo. I'm happy to say that PSP 42 holds its own, exploiting PSP's expertise in emulating tape saturation to achieve a sound that is pleasing and warm. In fact, I resurrected my old PCM 42 and tried it right up against the PSP version. I have to say that for some settings, I actually preferred the sound of PSP 42.
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The results are truly excellent, with the interactions of the many controls providing a far wider range of treatments than you'd find elsewhere. [...] The factory presets are impressive, as are the graphics and the audio quality - I'm not surprised that Lexicon gave this the thumbs up!
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The real beuty of the Lexicon PSP 42 is that you can't get hold of an original PCM42 for love nor money, so this could be your only chance to get a taste of the classic sound, no matter who you are or how much money you've got to throw away. We tried contacting a few of the best second-hand studio dealers in the UK and no one had (or knew of anyone who had) a PCM 42 for sale...
High quality signal processing algorithms
Up to 28800 ms of delay time (depending on internal sampling frequency)
Continuous control of delay time,
Tight synchronization to host tempo
Tape saturation emulation based on the algorithm used in PSP mastering processors
Analog limiter emulation
A/D and D/A converter emulation
Four limiter/saturation user modes
Low pass filter to model high frequency absorption, with cutoff frequency tuning
Modulation section with three different modulation signal sources (sine, square, envelope detector) mixed in any proportion
LFO can operate in free-running (Hz) and tempo sync (beats/bars) modes
Four record/playback directional modes
Side chain for envelope detector
Phrase sampler capability
Parameter filtering and on-the-fly crossfades for smooth and click-free operation
Support for sample rates up to 384 kHz
Extensive preset library
Lexicon PSP 42 is primarily intended for processing individual tracks within a mix. It delivers superior delay-based effects on vocals and all kinds of solo instruments, and now simulates vintage delays with its adjustable tape saturation, tape speed/direction, and high frequency filtering.
Tempo locking and a handy modulation section make Lexicon PSP 42 an essential tool for experimenting with drum loops and other rhythmic patterns. Its variable delay line sampling rate can easily create great-sounding lo-fi effects as well as out-of-this-world sounds.
When running at shorter delay times, the built-in pitch modulation and phase inversion controls turn Lexicon PSP 42 into a source of vibrant modulation effects such as flanger and doubler.
Last but not least, Lexicon PSP 42 can act as a simple phrase sampler, letting you capture a loop of audio and process it in real time without clicks, pops, or other artifacts.
In order to run Lexicon PSP 42 in 30-day trial mode or activate it, you don't need any hardware dongle but you need an iLok user ID which you can create for free at www.ilok.com, and you need to install the free iLok License Manager application.
You can activate the license in 3 separate locations, each of which can be either a computer or an iLok dongle (2nd generation or above). You can move these licenses at any time using PACE's iLok License Manager software.
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