Lexicon Studio System Aims for Desktop Market
September 26, 1997
Lexicon, the leading manufacturer of digital effects processing for the studio, post-production and live performance markets, is announcing the Lexicon StudioTM System.
The Lexicon StudioTM System is advanced audio hardware compatible with popular audio software. The system is comprised of exceptional hardware components, providing I/O options, DSP, signal routing, synchronization. The hardware provides high quality audio capabilities for leading industry software packages based on PC or Macintosh computer audio production systems. With Lexicon's innovative hardware and critically acclaimed software like Steinberg's Cubase VSTTM, computer based productions achieve final results that are fully professional. The Lexicon Studio System incorporates the proprietary LexiPowerCore technology (LPCTM), which works with a new generation system architecture to accelerate the host computer for maximum audio processing. The Lexicon Studio will also interface to today's tape-based systems (including ADATTM and Tascam DA-88TM and DA-38TM), allowing editing, and processing of previously recorded material.
Core-32TM-The PCI Studio Engine-The Technology Center Of The System
The Core-32TM is the technology center of the Lexicon Studio system, PCI bus master implementation makes it capable of supporting up to 32 simultaneous voices as sources or destinations from the host system via the PCI bus with 24-bit resolution. The Core-32 also allows the end-user to synchronize and control popular external devices. The LexiPowerCore (LPC) technology supports proprietary disk event optimization, integral Lexicon DSP, and unparalleled system routing. The result is Lexicon Studio gives the end user the ability to work faster with maximum processing power and achieve professional studio results.
The Core 32 can be used as either clock master or clock slave. In addition, the digital clock can be distributed to the rest of the system. An on-board variable rate oscillator provides proper sync to Time Code when locking to external sources. A single Core-32 card is capable of supporting 44 simultaneous input/output sources from as many as two Lexicon LDI-16S racks and one LDI-12T all controlled by the internal router. A 24-bit multi-channel digital signal bus can communicate with other Lexicon cards to expand system processing power.
The LDI-12T and LDI-16S Interfaces-The Ultimate Conversion/Connection
The LDI-12T Interface
The LDI-12T Interface provides a high-quality 20 bit A/D/D/A interface for the Lexicon Studio System at an affordable price. There is one stereo analog pair of +4 balanced input and output XLR jacks mounted on the front panel. As an alternative for lower- level signal, a pair of -10 RCA input jacks are also provided. All inputs are selectable via software. The LDI-12T has TOSLINKTM optical input and output connections for any ADATTM compatible device to provide eight channels of digital I/O. ADAT sync connectors ensure accurate systems clocking, synchronization and machine control. A pair of coaxial RCA connectors
provide 2 channels of digital input in S/PDIF consumer audio format. The two TOSLINK connectors may also be used for S/PDIF connections which require an optical I/O.
The LDI-12T allows true synchronization with an XLR balanced Time Code input that works in conjunction with the Core-32 on-board variable speed oscillator (VSO) to lock to incoming Time Code and to stay in sync. The S/PDIF input can be used as a word clock source for accurate lock to other digital devices. In addition, a 9-pin connector(rear panel) allows connection to video and audio devices capable of SonyTM 9-pin serial control, and also accepts Serial Time Code from these devices.
LDI-16S Interface
The LDI-16S provides digital interface of superb quality. Designed for professional recording, the LDI-16S is an expandable unit that allows the end-user a wide variety of choices to interface with their digital audio workstation. The basic version of the LDI-16S features 8 channels of analog I/O through balanced XLR connections operating at +4db. The LDI-16S can also interface with any TDIF format device such as the Tascam DA-88TM and the DA-38 to provide eight channels of digital I/O. A 9-pin connector allows machine control that supports Sony serial protocol.
The LDI-16S is capable of a total of 32 simultaneous channels of I/O from a combination of analog and digital formats. Two LDI-16S units can be used with a maximum of 32 simultaneous channels of I/O at any one time. In addition, the LDI-16S has a number of options that enhance the unit's capabilities. The AES-8 options equips the LDI-16S with 8 channels of AES digital input and output on balanced XLR connectors and one pair is switch-able to S/PDIF. The AES-8 option includes a real-time stereo assign-able sample rate converter. The MDM- option interfaces to the popular Modular Digital Multitrack formats. There are 2 sets of TOSLINKTM interfaces for any ADATTM compatible devices, providing 16
channels of digital I/O, and an additional TDIF interface adding 8 channels of interface for DA-88 compatibles. The STC-1 is a Time Code reader and generator that generates LTC, reads and generates VITC, and can lock the system to house sync, provides a Time Code window on the video output and provides a general purpose interface that can be used for eight programmable triggers for external devices.
The PC-90 Engine
The PC-90 uses the core processing engine of Lexicon's award-winning PCM-90 Digital Reverberate to add uncompromised reverb and dual processing power. In addition, 100 new presets have been created specifically for the PC-90, each optimized to exploit the full-dynamic power of the LFO's and modulators that give the PC-90 its distinctive character. The PC-90 provides a software interface for easy program selection and adjustment. Custom controllers designed for each preset provide scaling of multiple parameters to allow unique and musical adjustments for each preset. Like all Lexicon products, the PC-90 Engine was designed to have ongoing support with new features and functionality via software and hardware upgrades.
Lexicon, a Harman International company, introduced the first digital audio processor in 1971 and followed with the first commercially successful digital reverberation unit for professional audio studios in 1979. Presently, the "Lexicon sound" is heard on more than 80% of the world's most successful albums and soundtracks.
For more information on the Lexicon StudioTM System and Lexicon's Desktop Products Division, contact Lexicon: 3 Oak Park, Bedford, MA 01730-1441; Tel: 781/280 0300; Fax: 781/280 0490; E-mail: info@lexicon.com; Web: www.lexicon.com. | 
