When it comes to describing reverbs, "lush" as a word is overused, a crutch for gear reviewers and writers everywhere. But if you're talking about the Lexicon 480L, there's really no other term to use.
To folks that worked in recording studios in the '80s and '90s, the Lexicon is instantly recognizable. To others, its controller may look like a calculator. But what's really going on here?
The 480L Digital Effects System is a rackmount stereo processor, a digital multi-effects unit with natural and exaggerated reverbs, delays, and modulation effects. The LARC—the Lexicon Alphanumeric Remote Control—is the calculator-looking remote that allows you to switch settings comfortably from the mixing desk.
In 1986, the system cost more than $10,000, but that didn't stop studios from buying them and putting them to use. All of those power ballad swells, big rock drums, maybe half the ambience or more of the era's hits (whichever weren't coming from the AMS RMX16)—such sounds were the work of the Lexicon.
Our Find of the Week is a complete Lexicon 480L with the LARC that's ready for a new studio. Reverb seller Juan's Gear Locker posted it a few weeks back, writing that they're "selling it because I am downsizing, I am gonna miss this beast tho as it sounds incredible."
These days, most of us are far more likely to use the licensed Lexicon plugin Universal Audio has made. (As with other UAD software, only owners of UA hardware like the Apollo series interfaces or Satellite DSP units can buy and use them.)
But for buyers interested in the real deal, Juan's Lexicon offers a good deal on an all-time classic studio effect.
Visit the full listing, and keep your eyes out for more of our Finds of the Week.