So that's the PCM Bundle - it's finally here and Lexicon has given us a classy software reverb that sounds just as good as its fabled hardware. Also, many potential users may feel aggrieved that Lexicon have not announced plans to split the PCM Bundle into more affordable chunks. Minor complaints are that there's no Ctrl+click shortcut to return a control to its default state, and that the PCM Bundle doesn't support MIDI control (although you can always automate it using your DAW). It's strange that the PCM Bundle isn't presented as a single plug-in with selectable algorithms, thus operating more like the PCM96 on which it is based. Selecting the right plug-in (and hence algorithm/model) for a given task is hit and miss at first, and until you're familiar with the sound of each, you could be loading and closing the different plug-ins over and over. The bundled nature of this package does present a few issues. Ultimately, what you're paying for with the PCM Bundle is the fact that it's unarguably the 'real thing' rather than merely an attempt at a Lexicon-style reverb - it goes without saying, then, that it sounds incredible! If pushed, we'd say the Lexicon is sweeter-sounding than Redline Reverb and more professionally put together than both. That the PCM Bundle's presets have the upper hand comes as no surprise, seeing as they're derived directly from those of Lexicon's highly successful hardware. "Ultimately, what you're paying for with the PCM Bundle is the fact that it's unarguably the 'real thing' rather than merely an attempt at a Lexicon-style reverb."Įach unit has strengths: Redline, price X-Verb, usability PCM Bundle, presets. In fact, comparing is something of a headache, as sound quality-wise, it's hard to pick a winner - they all do luscious, polished reverbs to a T. So now that the PCM Bundle is here, where does it sit in relation to its contemporaries?Ĭomparing the Large Hall preset from the LexHall to similar-sounding presets on the SSL X-Verb and 112dB Redline Reverb is interesting indeed, particularly considering that both of these competitors seem to owe much of their design and sound to Lexicon units. While plug-in reverbs were once poor relations to hardware, there's been a proliferation of high-quality in-the-box examples over the last year or so and, indeed, several that we've described as having a Lexicon-esque sound. The sub-presets typically offer EQ changes or other tonal tweaks and are named accordingly - eg, Dark (high-end roll-off), Notch (midrange 'V' cut) and so on. The 950 presets built into the Bundle impress right away - each named preset has five sub-types, which can really speed up a session when the dreaded "the same… but a bit different" request arises. Plumb in the plug-ins on auxiliary channels and top-drawer reverb sounds are had immediately, all without delving into the more detailed edit menus, which is testament to the design of the presets and, of course, the sound quality. Click the Edit button at the bottom left and a submenu appears, revealing more detailed settings and advanced parameters for the particular plug-in you're using. The Soft Row offers up the most commonly adjusted reverb parameters, such as predelay, decay time and the obligatory dry/wet mix. These are underscored by a set of nine faders collectively termed the Soft Row, and these react in a pretty 'realistic' way when manipulated, with some pleasing inertia to their movement. From left to right, there's the customary in/out metering, a real-time display and finally an EQ display.
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The PCM Bundle plug-ins are easy to get a handle on, taking a direct and professional approach to the controls, with functionality being the key. As its name implies, this isn't a single reverb plug-in, but a suite of seven visually identical ones, all using the same clean GUI, which resembles a Lexicon PCM96.Įach plug-in's name denotes the Lexicon reverb algorithm that it uses, these being LexVintagePlate, LexPlate, LexHall, LexRandomHall, LexConcertHall, LexChamber and LexRoom. The PCM Bundle comes in VST, AU and RTAS formats, uses iLok dongle protection, and has a straightforward installation procedure. This is no massive loss in the great scheme of things, as most people will want to buy the PCM Bundle for one thing only. It should be noted that the PCM Bundle doesn't offer all the effects of the PCM96 - while the reverbs are very much present, the other effects (delays, pitch, modulation, etc) are nowhere to be found.