Lexicon LXP-5 - REV 1 User manual

LXP-5
Effects
Processing
Module
Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual
LXP-5
Effects
Processing
Module

Lexicon Part #070-07332 Rev 1
Unpacking and Inspection
After unpacking the LXP-5, save all packing materials in case you ever need to ship the unit.
ThoroughlyinspecttheLXP-5andpackingmaterialsforsignsofdamage.Reportanyshipment
damage to the carrier at once; report equipment malfunction to your dealer.
This equipment generates and uses radio frequency energy and if not installed and used
properly, that is, in strict accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, may cause interfer-
encetoradioandtelevisionreception.Ithasbeentypetestedandfoundtocomplywiththelimits
for a Class A computing device in accordance with the specifications in Subpart J of Part 15
ofFCCRules,whicharedesignatedtoprovidereasonableprotectionagainstsuchinterference
in a residential installation. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in
a particular installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment OFF and ON, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient the receiving antenna
Relocate the computer with respect to the receiver
Move the computer away from the receiver
Plug the computer into a different outlet so that the computer and receiver are on
different branch circuits.
If necessary, the user should consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician
for additional suggestions. The user may find the following booklet prepared by the Federal
Communications Commission helpful:
"How to identify and Resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems."
This booklet is available from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402,
Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.
Notice
Copyright 1989, 1995
All Rights Reserved.
Lexicon Inc.
3 Oak Park
Bedford, MA 01730USA
Telephone[phone]
Fax [phone]

Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Installing the LXP-5
Unpacking..........................................................................1-1
Mounting............................................................................1-1
Power ................................................................................1-1
Front Panel Controls..........................................................1-2
Rear Panel Connectors .....................................................1-3
Audio Connections ............................................................1-4
2. Front Panel Operation
Setting Audio Levels..........................................................2-1
LED Signals.......................................................................2-3
Selecting Preset Programs................................................2-4
User Memory .....................................................................2-7
Creating Your Own Sounds.............................................2-11
Storing and Recalling sounds..........................................2-19
Footswitch Operation.......................................................2-22
3.MIDI Operation
Accessing Programs..........................................................3-1
Patches and Dynamic MIDI ..............................................3-4
Creating Patches Using MIDI SysEx Data ......................3-11
Assigning Switches as Control Sources ..........................3-12
4. MIDI Implementation Data
Data/Event Requests.........................................................4-1
Transmit/Receive Data ......................................................4-2
Parameter Definitions ........................................................4-6
Microcode Parameters ......................................................4-9
Implementation Chart ......................................................4-14
5. Specifications
User Program Log Sheet

Introduction
CongratulationsonyourpurchaseoftheLXP-5EffectsProcessingModule!
You are about to experience superb sound quality, a full range of pitch
shifting,delayandreverbeffects, fastintuitiveeditingofpreset sounds,and
an industry-leading MIDI implementation.
The LXP-5 offers a rich and distinctive palette of special effects, including
128 programs to get you started — 64 preset effects programs and an
additional 64 programs stored in RAM user memory locations. Each
programhas up to five variableparameters that you can adjustfor subtle or
dramaticchangesintheprogram’ssound,andyoucanstoreasmanyas128
customized programs in user memory. All of the LXP-5 functions are
accessible from the front panel, or via MIDI, providing truly world-class
flexibility and control. From pitch shifting to stereo delays and flanging, the
LXP-5 delivers superior performance. Whether you are a producer, engi-
neer, or musician—whether you work on stage or in the studio—the LXP-5
will quickly become an indispensible part of your sound.
We’re confident you’ll find that the LXP-5’s unique combination of state-of-
the-artsoundandextraordinaryversatilityisexactlywhatyou’relookingfor.
A Quick Reference card provides the basics of operation in a compact
formattoget you up and running asquickly as possible — but to makesure
youdon’tmissoutonanything,we’dlikeyoutoreadthismanual.Itprovides
a thorough explanation of both front panel and MIDI operation, program
descriptions,and completeMIDIImplementation data— all theinformation
you need to access the full power of the LXP-5.

1-1
Installing the LXP-5
1. Installing the LXP-5
Unpacking
AfterunpackingtheLXP-5,saveallpackingmaterialsincaseyoueverneed
to ship the unit. Thoroughly inspect the LXP-5 and packing materials for
signs of damage. Report any shipment damage to the carrier at once. The
following accessories are included with the LXP-5:
1. Quick Reference card
2. Owner's Manual
3. Power pack (USA Part # 470-07345)
4. Warranty card (USA only)
Power
Connect the LXP-5 power pack to an appropriate AC wall socket, and the
cableendtotheLXP-5 powerconnector.TheLXP-5 mustbeusedonlywith
the supplied power pack. Voltage requirements are printed on the power
pack.TheLXP-5has nopowerswitch–it canbelefton allthetime.Tokeep
thepower plug fromworking loose fromthe rear ofthe unit duringtransport,
you may wish to apply a small amount of silicone sealer to the plug after
inserting it.
Mounting
TheLXP-5measures8.5"Wx1.7"Hx9.5"d(215.9x43.2x 241.3mm).The
optional rack mounting kit (A-LXP-R) handles one or two units in a single
rack space. Whatever mounting method you use, make sure that the LXP-
5issecurelyscrewedintotherackadapter–"frictionfit"ordouble-sticktape
installations may allow units to loosen during transportation, resulting in
damage.
The maximum ambient operating temperature is 35°C (95°F). Provide
adequate ventilation if the LXP-5 is mounted in a closed rack with heat-
producing equipment such as synthesizer modules, effects units, or power
amplifiers. Avoid mounting the LXP-5 directly above power amplifiers.

1-2
LXP-5 Owner's Manual
Adjust
Usedtoadjustprogram
parameter(s), or to ad-
just the selected pa-
rameter in Edit Mode.
LXP-5 Front Panel Controls
Input
Sets the audio input
level.
BYPASS
SELECT
LXP-5
LEARN
exicon
EDIT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PRESET USER
INPUT MIX OUTPUT
A
B
C
PITCH
DELA
Y
CHORUS
MULTI
Output
Controls the signal
level sent to the LXP-5
outputs.
Mix
Controlstheratioofdry
(source) to wet (effect)
signal present at the
LXP-5 outputs. (Turn
the control all the way
tothe left for 100% dry/
0% wet.)
Level Indicators
The left LED indicates
signalpresent;theright
flashes red when the
signal is -3dB from
peak overload.
Function and Select
Used for selection of
factory presets, User
memories,Bypassand
three edit modes.
Learn LED
Confirms that power is
on, and blinks in red or
green at different rates
to indicate LXP-5 sta-
tus.
Learn
This button is used to
store and edit pro-
grams, to learn
patches and, with an
external MIDI device,
to select MIDI channel.

1-3
Installing the LXP-5
Dynamic MIDI® FOOTSWITCH
POWER
9V AC
1.5A
ASSEMBLED IN HONG KONG
LEXICON LXP-5
MIDI
IN
OUTPUTS INPUTS
L
LR R
THIS EQUIPMENT COMPLIES WITH THE REQUIREMENTS IN
PART 15 OF FCC RULES FOR A CLASS A COMPUTING DEVICE
OUT - THRU
LXP-5 Rear Panel Connections
MIDI IN
Receives MIDI infor-
mationfrom otherMIDI
equipment such as
master keyboard con-
trollers, MIDI foot con-
trollers, sequencers
and synthesizers.
Outputs (L and R)
Single-ended (unbal-
anced) stereo outputs
provide+4dBunominal
output level.
Footswitch
Connector for toggle
(Push on/push off) or
momentary contact
footswitch.
MIDI THRU (OUT)
Withtherecessedslide
switch set for MIDI
THRU, any MIDI data
receivedissentwithout
change. The recessed
slideswitchcanalsobe
set for MIDI OUT.
Power
Accepts power from
the supplied power
pack.
Inputs (L and R)
Single-ended (unbal-
anced) inputs accept
levels from -25 to
+20dBu. Input imped-
ance is 50 kilohms in
stereo, 25 kilohms in
mono.

1-4
LXP-5 Owner's Manual
Audio Connections
This section outlines several connection possibilities for the LXP-5. Be-
cause each sound system is unique, we recommend experimentation to
arrive at the best configuration for your system. Always check connections
for proper impedance, polarity, and levels.
Audio connections to the LXP-5 are unbalanced, and should be made with
high quality shielded cables with 1/4" tip-sleeve phone jacks at the LXP-5
end. The connectors must be wired as shown below:
If only 1/4" tip-ring-sleeve phone jacks are available, they must be wired as
shown:
Sleeve - Shield/Ground
Tip - High
Sleeve - Shield/Ground
Tip - High
Ring - Connect to Sleeve
Mono or stereo?
The LXP-5 produces wonderful stereo effects from either mono or stereo
signal sources. For mono sources, use either of the two input connectors;
thedrysignal appears(alongwith thestereo effects)inmono atbothoutput
connectors. For instruments and sources with stereo outputs, use both
inputs.Werecommend using both LXP-5 outputs wheneverpossiblebut, if
monooutput is required,you canusejust oneof the twooutput connectors.
When only one output is used, the left and right signals are summed
internally .
Some of the examples on the following pages use stereo instruments and
amplificationsystems, othersuse mono.Feel free toadapt theexamples to
your specific requirements.

1-5
Installing the LXP-5
Connection to a mixing console's effects sends
If you will be using an LXP-5 as your primary effects unit, and your system
includes a console with one or more auxiliary (effects) sends, connect the
LXP-5 as shown above. In most applications, it is preferable to connect the
LXP-5 outputs to two of the console's input channel strips, panned full left
and right, rather than the effects returns. This allows the greatest flexibility
in routing and equalization.
Inthisconfigurationtheconsolecontrolsareusedtosettheamountofeffect
heard—the LXP-5 front panel MIX control should be set fully clockwise for
100% wet.
Channel Input or
Effects Return (L)
Channel Input or
Effects Return (R)
Effects
Send
Input
(L or R) R Output
L Output
BYPASS
SELECT
LXP-5
LEARN
exicon
EDIT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PRESET USER
INPUT MIX OUTPUT
A
B
C
PITCH
DELA
Y
CHORUS
MULTI

1-6
LXP-5 Owner's Manual
Channel Input
(pan left)
Channel Input
(pan right)
LXP-5
L Output LXP-5
R Output
Synth
R Output
Synth
L Output
BYPASS
SELECT
LXP-5
LEARN
exicon
EDIT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PRESET USER
INPUT MIX OUTPUT
A
B
C
PITCH
DELA
Y
CHORUS
MULTI
Connection between instrument and console
Insomeapplications(suchaswhenanLXP-5isusedforasingleinstrument)
itmaybedesirabletopatchtheLXP-5betweentheinstrumentandconsole.
This makes it possible to keep the LXP-5 up on stage with other MIDI gear,
rather than in the console effects rack, making MIDI control much easier.
In this configuration, the LXP-5 front panel MIX control is used to set the
balance between wet and dry sound.
In In

1-7
Installing the LXP-5
Amp
R Input
Amp
L Input
Guitar
Output
LXP-5 Input
(L or R) LXP-5
L Output LXP-5
R Output
BYPASS
SELECT
LXP-5
LEARN
exicon
EDIT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PRESET USER
INPUT MIX OUTPUT
A
B
C
PITCH
DELA
Y
CHORUS
MULTI
Connection between instrument and amplifier
For a very spacious guitar sound, connect the LXP-5 between a guitar and
two amp and speaker stacks. The only problem with this setup is that if you
use overdrive distortion created by the amplifier, changing settings on the
LXP-5 also affects the quantity and quality of your distortion. If you use a
separate distortion box, you can get around this problem by connecting it
beforethe LXP-5.If you prefer amplifier-generated distortion,try thesetup
shown on the next page.

1-8
LXP-5 Owner's Manual
Direct or
Preamp output
L and R Speaker Outputs from Power Amp
Amp or
Preamp
Input
Guitar
Output
Amp
R Input
Amp
L Input
WARNING! Never connect speaker outputs from a
guitar amp to the LXP-5. Doing so can cause serious
damage which is not covered by the LXP-5 warranty.
Onsomeguitaramplifiersitisveryeasytoaccidentally
use a speaker output instead of a direct or effects
output. BE CAREFUL!
LXP-5
L Output LXP-5
R Output
LXP-5 Input (L or R)
Connection between instrument preamp and power amplifier(s)
If you use overdrive distortion, it's usually better to create the overdrive
before sending the signal to the LXP-5 to ensure that the effects don't
change the quantity and quality of your distortion. In this setup, you need a
guitar preamplifier or a guitar amp with a direct output. Feed this signal to
either of the LXP-5 inputs, and then on to a stereo power amp or a pair of
guitar amps. (A few guitar amplifiers become unhappy if they are operated
without speakers connected. Consult the amp manufacturer for details.)
You can use the effects send and return connectors on a mono guitar amp
to obtain similar results. Adjust the LXP-5 output level so that the amp
produces the same output with the LXP-5 as it does without it.
BYPASS
SELECT
LXP-5
LEARN
exicon
EDIT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PRESET USER
INPUT MIX OUTPUT
A
B
C
PITCH
DELA
Y
CHORUS
MULTI

1-9
Installing the LXP-5
Connection between drum machine and console
Using two LXP-5 units between your drum machine and console can make
yourdrummachinesoundmuchmoreexciting,sinceitallowsyoutoprocess
the all-important snare drum separately from the rest of the mix. Make sure
you remove the snare from the drum machine's main stereo mix.
Drum machine's
stereo outputs Drum machine's individual output for snare drum
Console
Inputs
Console
Inputs
LXP-5 Inputs
(L and R)
LXP-5 Outputs
(L and R)
LXP-5 L Input
LXP-5 Outputs
(L and R)
BYPASS
SELECT
LXP-5
LEARN
exicon
EDIT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PRESET USER
INPUT MIX OUTPUT
A
B
C
PITCH
DELA
Y
CHORUS
MULTI
BYPASS
SELECT
LXP-5
LEARN
exicon
EDIT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PRESET USER
INPUT MIX OUTPUT
A
B
C
PITCH
DELA
Y
CHORUS
MULTI

1-10
LXP-5 Owner's Manual

2-1
Front Panel Operation
Note: If the PEAK LED flashes with no input present (i.e., during reverb
delay line feedback, it indicates processor overload is occurring.
SIGNAL PRESENT
LED should be lit
PEAKLED flasheson peaks; INPUT
LEVEL should be set to the level
where the PEAK LED flashes briefly
on the loudest peaks only
exicon
INPUT MIX
Setting audio levels
ThewiderangeofadjustmentavailablewiththeLXP-5INPUTandOUTPUT
LEVELcontrolsallowittobeusedwithvirtuallyanykindofequipmentfound
in the studio or on the road.
To set audio levels:
1. Turn the LXP-5 INPUT and OUTPUT LEVEL controls all the way down
(fully counterclockwise).
2. Settheinstrumentoutput,preampoutput,oreffectssendthatfeedsthe
LXP-5 input(s) to a nominal level. With an instrument, this should be
your loudest normal playing level; with a preamp output or console,
adjust the output(s) or effects send(s) to produce the highest level
possible with the least amount of noise. If the output you are using
doesn't have a level control, don't worry about it!
3. While sending audio to the LXP-5, gradually turn up the INPUT LEVEL
control until the green SIGNAL PRESENT LED lights. Continue to
advance INPUT LEVEL until the red PEAK LED just flashes on the
loudest peaks. If it flashes continously, reduce INPUT LEVEL
slightly.This ensures the best possible signal-to-noise ratio and dy-
namic range.
2. Front Panel Operation

2-2
LXP-5 Owner's Manual
5. If you are using an instrument amplifier or preamplifier, start with the
LXP-5 MIX control straight up (50% effect). Gradually increase the
OUTPUTLEVELcontroluntiltheaudiolevelheardfromtheamplifier is
approximately the same as when the LXP-5 is not connected.
Thebest settingforMIXdependson whichprogramyouareusing,and
to a great extent, your personal taste; feel free to experiment.
MIX setting to use when
the LXP-5 is patched to
console effects send(s)
Whenusinganinstrument
amplifier or preamplifier,
the ideal MIX setting is
generally somewhere in
this range
n
INPUT MIX OUTPUT
n
INPUT MIX OUTPUT
4. If the LXP-5 inputs are connected to a console effects send, and the
outputsareconnectedtoconsolechannelstripinputs,settheconsole's
input level trim and fader to a setting typically used for line level inputs.
ThensettheMIXcontrolfullyclockwise(100%effect)andgraduallyturn
up the LXP-5 OUTPUT LEVEL control until the right amount of audio is
present at the console.

2-3
Front Panel Operation
LED signals
The front panel LEARN indicator is a bicolor (red/green) LED that performs
several functions:
Register Store: success or failure
The LEARN LED will blink at a 6 Hz rate for approximately 2 seconds — in
green to indicate succesful register storage, red to indicate failure to store
to a register.
MIDI Data Present
The LEARN LED will flicker (in whatever its current color) to indicate LXP-
5 recognition of incoming MIDI messages. System Common messages,
non-LXP-5 SysEx messages and any message on channels other than the
selected channel will not activate the LED.
Parameter Editing Status
WhennotreceivingMIDI,orindicatingstoragesuccess,theLEDwilltellyou
twothings about the parameterediting status of thesound you are running:
1. Has the selected parameter been changed from the stored value?
If the selected parameter matches the stored value, the LED will be
green. Otherwise it will be red.
2. Do the knobs correctly indicate the sound that is running?
If the knobs are accurate the LED will be steady. If the knobs are not
accurate (for example, after loading a program or changing the
selected parameter via MIDI), the LED will blink.
GREEN RED
LED Steady Parameter Unchanged Parameter Changed
Knobs Accurate Knobs Accurate
LED Blinks Parameter Unchanged Parameter Changed
Knobs Inaccurate Knobs Inaccurate

2-4
LXP-5 Owner's Manual
Presets and User Programs
Selecting LXP-5 preset programs
Any one of 64 preset effects programs can be selected by turning the
FUNCTION and SELECT knobs on the front panel. To select a preset, first
turn FUNCTION to one of the four available preset types: PITCH, DELAY,
CHORUS or MULTI(-effect). Then, turn SELECT to one of the 16 presets
within the chosen type.
Use FUNCTION to select a
preset type.
BYPASS
SELECT
EDIT
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
PRESET USER
A
B
C
PITCH
DELA
Y
CHORUS
MULTI
Use SELECT to choose
a specific preset.
LXP-5
LEARN
Use ADJUST to change
the sound of the preset.
Once a preset has been chosen, the sound can be modified with the
ADJUSTknob.ProgramparameterscanbealteredinEditmode,described
later in this chapter.

2-5
Front Panel Operation
LXP-5 Presets
SELECT
Position
MIN
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
MAX
PRESET ADJUST
Parameters
Dly 1,2-crs,Rvb Bal
Dly 1,2-crs,Rvb Bal,Fbk 1
Decay Time,Dly 2-crs,Fbk 1
Decay Time,Dly 1,2-crs,Fbk 1
Decay Time,Dly 1,2-crs
Decay Time,Dly 1,2-crs,Fbk 1
Decay Time,Dly 1,2-crs,Fbk 1
Dly 1,2-crs,Fbk 1
Dly 1,2-crs,Fbk 1
Dly 1-crs,Fbk 1
Dly 1-crs,Fbk 1
Dly 1-crs,Fbk 1
Dly 1-fin,Dly 2-crs,Fbk 1
Dly 1-fin,Dly 2-crs,Fbk 1
Dly 1-crs
Dly 1-crs
DELAY
#
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Name
Echo Delay
Stereo Delay
Slap Echo
Mid Slap
Stereo Slap
Diffuse Echo
Image Delay
Bounce Delay
Bounce Loop
Ambient Loop
Echo Loop
Filter Delay
Robot 1
Robot 2
Short Delay
Long Delay
PITCH
SELECT
Position
MIN
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
MAX
PRESET
Name
Fourth Down
Fifth Up
Octave Down
Two Octaves Down
Octave Up
Tunnel Up
Tunnel Down
Glissando Up
Glissando Down
Diminished
Suspended
Low Octave
Mid Octave
High Octave
Semitune
Fine Tune
#
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
ADJUST
Parameters
Pitch Interval
Pitch Interval
Pitch Interval
LFO Rate
LFO Rate
Dly 2,3-crs,Rvb Bal,Pitch Adj
Dly 2,3-crs,Rvb Bal,Pitch Adj
Dly 2,3-crs,Decay Time,Pitch Intrvl
Dly 2,3-crs,Decay Time,Pitch Intrvl
Dly 2,3-crs,Decay Time
Dly 2,3-crs,Decay Time
Pitch Interval
Pitch Interval
Pitch Interval
Pitch Adjust
Pitch Adjust