Lexicon

Lexicon, established in 1971 and based in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a pioneering force in the field of digital audio processing. The company was founded by MIT scientist Dr. Francis Lee and engineer Chuck Bagnaschi, who were driven by a vision to harness digital technology to enhance sound production. Over the decades, Lexicon has become a cornerstone of the professional audio industry, renowned for its innovative reverb and effects processors that have shaped the sound of countless records, films, and live performances.

Lexicon’s breakthrough came in 1978 with the introduction of the Lexicon 224 Digital Reverberator, a product that revolutionized the industry by providing high-quality digital reverb that was previously unattainable. The 224 quickly became a staple in top-tier recording studios around the world, and its distinctive, lush reverb sounds can be heard on many classic recordings from the late 20th century. This innovation solidified Lexicon’s reputation as a leader in digital audio processing.

Over the years, Lexicon expanded its product range to include a wide array of digital effects processors, reverb units, and audio interfaces, all of which are known for their superior sound quality and reliability. Products like the Lexicon PCM series, which includes the PCM 70, PCM 80, and PCM 90, have set the standard for digital reverb and effects processing in both studio and live sound applications. These units are celebrated for their depth, richness, and flexibility, offering audio professionals a powerful toolkit for creating unique and immersive soundscapes.

Lexicon's technological innovations have had a profound impact on the audio industry. The company’s proprietary algorithms for digital reverb and effects processing are still considered benchmarks in the industry, with their hallmark sound shaping the production of music, film, and television. Additionally, Lexicon was an early adopter of digital audio interfaces, developing products like the Lexicon 300 and 480L, which integrated seamlessly into digital audio workstations (DAWs) and became essential tools in modern production environments.

The company’s products are widely used by a diverse range of professionals, including recording engineers, music producers, live sound technicians, and post-production specialists. Lexicon's gear is found in major recording studios, concert venues, and broadcast facilities worldwide, trusted for its ability to deliver consistent, high-quality audio processing.

Key products in Lexicon’s lineup include the PCM92, a flagship reverb and effects processor known for its extensive library of presets and user-defined parameters, and the MX400, a versatile multi-effects processor that offers great value for project studios. The Lexicon 480L, with its iconic LARC (Lexicon Alphanumeric Remote Control), remains one of the most revered digital effects units ever made, frequently cited as a must-have in top-tier studio environments.

Today, as part of the Harman International family, Lexicon continues to innovate and uphold its legacy of excellence in digital audio processing. With a history spanning over five decades, Lexicon remains at the forefront of the audio industry, providing tools that allow audio professionals to achieve new heights in sound production and creativity.