Lexicon MX200 or TC Electronic M350 for S/PDIF

Question

Level 1

35 points

Lexicon MX200 or TC Electronic M350 for S/PDIF

I would like to add 2 more channels, using the S/PDIF input on my audio interface (Focusrite Saffire). Mostly to plug in a stereo keyboard module (Kurzweil ME-1). This does not have to be a mic preamp. It should be a good A/D conversion. And, perhaps some of the effects might be useful for the keyboard (compression, vibrato, chorus, etc.).

The cheapest units with S/PDIF seem to be the Lexicon MX200 Reverb ($199) and the TC Electronic M350 Reverb ($199). Can anyone verify if the TC Electronic C300 Gate/Comp ($129) has S/PDIF? (not sure).

Anyone have any of this gear? Any other solutions? Opinions?

Thanks for the advice.

Focusrite Saffire, Kurzweil ME-1, AT4040, Studiologic controllers, MOTU MidiExp-128, 70SVT, 73SuperL, Mac OS X (10.5.5)

Posted on Dec 18, 2008 9:12 PM

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Answer 1

ILUVMYMAC

Level 1

110 points

Dec 19, 2008 2:14 AM in response to macmusic47

I actually have 3 different lexicon units around here, I could test them, 2 mpx 100's and a mpx1. that I haven't used in years. I think I tried this once before with the mpx1 but I don't remember for sure if I had any luck, something about not having the manual. It would be fun to try again. cheers. They are really nice

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Answer 2

ILUVMYMAC

Level 1

110 points

Dec 19, 2008 5:12 AM in response to macmusic47

Tc Electronic C33 does in fact have S/pdif.

I pulled out the old lexicons they conect s/pdif fine but only @ 44.100.

TC Electronic C300 Specifications

Digital Input and Output

Connector: RCA Phono (S/PDIF)
_Formats: S/PDIF (24 bit), EIAJ CP-340, IEC 958_
_Sample Rates: 48 kHz. (44.1 kHz only @ Digital Input)_
Processing Delay: 0.08 ms @ 48 kHz
Frequency Response DIO: DC to 23.9 kHz ± 0.01 dB @ 48 kHz
Analog Inputs
Connectors: Quarter-inch phone jack balanced-unbalanced
Impedance: 20 kOhm - 11 kOhm (balanced; unbalanced)
Maximum Input Level: +21 dBu (@ 0 dBFS)
A to D Conversion: 24 bit, 128 x oversampling bitstream
A to D Delay: 0.9 ms @ 48 kHz
Dynamic Range: Typ < -110 dB, 22 Hz to 22 kHz
THD: Typ < -102 dB (0.0008 %) @ 1 kHz, -1 dBFS
Frequency Response: +0/-0.1 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Crosstalk: Typ < -115 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Analog Outputs
Connectors: Quarter-inch phone jack unbalanced. Ground sensing design
Impedance: 35 Ohms
Maximum Output Level: +21 dBu
D to A Conversion: 24 bit, 128 x oversampling bitstream
D to A Delay: 0.58 ms @ 48 kHz
Dynamic Range: Typ < -110 dB typ, 22 Hz to 22 kHz
THD: typ < -94 dB (0.002 %) @ 1 kHz, +21 dBu
Frequency Response: +0/-0.1 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Crosstalk: Typ < -100 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
EMC
Complies with: EN 55103-1 and EN 55103-2 FCC part 15, Class B, CISPR 22, Class B
Safety
Certified to: IEC 65, EN 60065, UL6500 and CSA E60065
Environment
Operating Temperature: 32° F to 122° F (0° C to 50° C)
Storage Temperature: -22° F to 167° F (-30° C to 70° C)
Humidity: Max. 90% non-condensing
Control Interface
MIDI: In/Out: 5 Pin DIN
General
Finish: Anodized aluminum front. Plated and coated steel chassis
Meter: 2 x 6 LED's in each channel
Dimensions: 19 x 1.75 x 4.2 inches (483 x 44 x 105.6 mm)
Weight: 3.3 lbs (1.5 kg)
Mains Voltage: 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz (auto-select)
Power Consumption: <15 W

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Answer 3

macmusic47 Author

Level 1

35 points

Dec 19, 2008 4:59 PM in response to ILUVMYMAC

Thanks a bunch. So, do you think the TC Electronic C300 compressor would work to add inputs? I usually work in 44 or 48 KHZ anyway. The specs look good, hopefully the 24 bit recording would work. I'm not expecting the compressor to sound like Focusrite. (Might not even use the effects.)

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Answer 4

ILUVMYMAC

Level 1

110 points

Dec 19, 2008 5:51 PM in response to macmusic47

Not 100% Sure. I think You want to go in analog and out digital, This unit may be restricted to either analog or Digital. So I would confirm before I buy. But It could very well be that you can use both at the same time, analog out to an amp digital to the computer. To bad you didn't have an Adat light pipe on the back of the Saffire. What are You going to do when you want more? Here is a cheep way to get 8 more lines. http://www.behringer.com/ADA8000/index.cfm?lang=ENG

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Answer 5

macmusic47 Author

Level 1

35 points

Dec 19, 2008 6:29 PM in response to ILUVMYMAC

Actually, I just want to convert the analog signal to digital (S/PDIF). So I can use the S/PDIF inputs in the Saffire. Don't need D/A. Can monitor with the Saffire's outputs.
edit: I just read what you wrote again. If I need to use the digital with digital, I'm out of luck.
I just know that a friend with a Lexicon MX200 was able to go A/D or D/A. But, not both at the same time.

It is funny, because I looked to see if anyone makes simple A/D and D/A converters for S/PDIF. Didn't find too many. Apogee and RME make them (not cheap).
I saw the Behringer 8 channel converter. Too bad it isn't 2 channel. (too bad it is made by Behringer.) Didn't see many others.
What do you think of TC Electronic? Decent stuff?

Message was edited by: macmusic47

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Answer 6

ILUVMYMAC

Level 1

110 points

Dec 19, 2008 6:37 PM in response to macmusic47

Well I don't know about the TC stuff if it any good or not, Probably not. I have an lexicon MPX 1 and I can plug my guitar in analog and send it out digital but I have to program it to do so. But I can do it. and the lexicon stuff is so good its stupid. and you will have some great FX to use also.

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Answer 7

macmusic47 Author

Level 1

35 points

Dec 19, 2008 7:03 PM in response to ILUVMYMAC

Actually, that's what I was wondering. I know the Lexicon sounds great.
I never bought any TC Electronic stuff. Interesting looking products. For some reason I thought that their reverb (M350) might be even better than the Lexicon MX200.
If it isn't, that wouldn't surprise me. That is what I am trying to find out.
MX200 would be a useful thing to have around, anyway.

Thanks again for your opinion.

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Answer 8

ILUVMYMAC

Level 1

110 points

Dec 19, 2008 7:53 PM in response to macmusic47

Im no salesmen, But I do have 3 pieces of Lexicon stuff and none of the other.

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Answer 9

macmusic47 Author

Level 1

35 points

Dec 19, 2008 8:12 PM in response to ILUVMYMAC

I just have to decide if I get the MX200, or invest a little more to move up the Lexicon line. usual considerations.

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Answer 10

ILUVMYMAC

Level 1

110 points

Dec 19, 2008 8:12 PM in response to macmusic47

So I just pulled this old lex MPX 100 out of closet and ya I can plug in analog and go out S/PDIF no probs. but @ 44.100 only. but man does it ever sound good. Kind of makes me wonder why IM running at 48k there's one on ebay for 20 bucks.

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Answer 11

macmusic47 Author

Level 1

35 points

Dec 19, 2008 8:24 PM in response to ILUVMYMAC

I think that the MPX100 was like 20 bit or something. The MX200 is 24 bit, I think.
But if it sounds good, that is more important.

I know somebody who replaced their MPX100 with MX200. He was complaining that the MX200 didn't have as sweet reverb as MPX100. go figure

You gave me a good idea. grab an MPX 100 off Ebay for nothing. hmmm.

Message was edited by: macmusic47

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Answer 12

macmusic47 Author

Level 1

35 points

Dec 19, 2008 8:32 PM in response to macmusic47

Hey- can you record from the MPX100 in 24bit mode in Logic? Because I just read the spec is 20 bit A/D.
thanks

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Answer 13

ILUVMYMAC

Level 1

110 points

Dec 19, 2008 9:17 PM in response to macmusic47

Ya its working for me in 24 bit mode just @ 44.100 but who cares. Im going to try an experiment and down sample some of my projects so I can Pull out these legacy FX. or I could just run them analog. What's 20 bucks. get 10 for the price of one. I made a little sample for you to hear but I don't know where is a good place to upload it so I can post a link.

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Answer 14

macmusic47 Author

Level 1

35 points

Dec 19, 2008 9:45 PM in response to ILUVMYMAC

Thanks again for verifying that.
I almost bid on MPX100 on eBay. Funny thing, they said the reverb was pulled from the soundboard in a church. Why would you need a reverb in a CHURCH????!!! haha.

But now I am leaning back towards the MX200. Because the specs say 48k. Which is useful for the DV editing I sometimes do. hmmm

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Answer 15

ILUVMYMAC

Level 1

110 points

Dec 19, 2008 10:33 PM in response to macmusic47

Rev in a church lol. thats probably why they pulled it. Still useful for warming no matter the size of the room. Does a lot more than just rev. flange chorus delay. excellent on the drums. So i found a why to get you a sample. of the mpx 100. Im not much of a caps lock player but you will get a good idea of how sweet the rev is. I don't see how you could go wrong with the MX 200,, it should be better. I would like to get one myself. cheers. Just copy this link into the address bar.

garageband.com/mp3/Jackson Lee-Let_The_Show_Begin.mp3?|pe1|S8LTM0LdsaSgYliYWA

Message was edited by: ILUVMYMAC

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