Lexicon MX300 User Manual

MX300

User

Guide

Section Title

Manufacturer’s Name: Lexicon Manufacturer’s Address: 8760 S. Sandy Parkway

Sandy, Utah 84070, USA

declares that the product:

Product name: MX300

Note: Product name may be suffixed by the letters-EU.

Product option: None

conforms to the following Product Specifications:

Safety: IEC 60065 (7th ed. 2001)

EMC: EN 55013 (2001+A1)

EN 55020 (1998)

Supplementary Information:

The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by Directive 93/68/EEC.

Vice-President of Engineering-MI 8760 S. Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070, USA Date: December 15, 2006

European Contact: Your local Lexicon Sales and Service Office or

Harman Music Group 8760 South Sandy Parkway Sandy, Utah 84070 USA Ph: (801) 566-8800 Fax: (801) 566-7005

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS

HEED ALL WARNINGS

FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

THE APPARATUS SHALL NOT BE EXPOSED TO DRIPPING OR SPLASHING LIQUID AND NO OBJECT FILLED WITHI LIQUID, SUCH AS VASES, SHALL BE PLACED ON THE APPARATUS.

CLEAN ONLY WITH A DRY CLOTH.

DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILATION OPENINGS. INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS.

DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADIATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES, OR OTHER APPARATUS (INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS) THAT PRODUCE HEAT.

ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS/ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE MANUFACTURER.

UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.

Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or groundingtype plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not ﬁt your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

Use only with the cart stand, tripod bracket, or table speciﬁed by the manufacture, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSIMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Refer all servicing to to qualiﬁed service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

POWER ON/OFF SWITCH: The Power switch used in this piece of equipment DOES NOT break the connection from the mains.

MAINS DISCONNECT: The plug shall remain readily operable. For rack-mount or installation where plug is not accessible, an all-pole mains switch with a contact separation of at least 3 mm in each pole shall be incorporated into the electrical installation of the rack or building.

FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSIBLE FUSE RECEPTACLE: Replace fuse with same type and rating only.

MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation. Connect this equipment only to the power source indicated on the equipment rear panel. To reduce the risk of ﬁre or electric shock, refer servicing to qualiﬁed service personnel or equivalent.

Warranty

MX300

Table of Contents

Warranty

This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and only in the United States.

1. The warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed within 30 days after purchase date to validate this warranty. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the burden of the consumer.

2. Lexicon Professional warrants this product, when bought and used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.

3. Lexicon Professional’s liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or, at our discretion, replacing defective materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned to Lexicon professional WITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION from the factory, where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of 1 year. A Return Authorization number must be obtained from Lexicon Professional by telephone. The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product’s use in any circuit or assembly.

4. Lexicon Professional reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without incurring any obligation to install the same additions or improvements on products previously manufactured.

5. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and Lexicon Professional neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall Lexicon Professional or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond its control.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION ........................................................................1

INCLUDED ITEMS .......................................................................1

QUICK START ............................................................................2

Standard Parallel Connection ............................................................................... 2

Powering the Unit .................................................................................................. 2

Set Audio Levels ..................................................................................................... 2

Select and Load a Program ................................................................................... 3

THE FRONT PANEL .....................................................................4

Gain LEDs ..............................................................................................................4

Input Knob ............................................................................................................. 4

Main Display .......................................................................................................... 4

Page / Select Knob ................................................................................................. 4

Exit ........................................................................................................................ 4

Tempo .................................................................................................................... 4

Effect Bypass .......................................................................................................... 4

Edit Knobs A, B, C .................................................................................................. 4

Store .......................................................................................................................5

System .................................................................................................................... 5

Bypass ..................................................................................................................... 5

User and Factory LEDs .......................................................................................... 5

Program Number Display ..................................................................................... 5

Program / Load ..................................................................................................... 5

Power Switch .......................................................................................................... 5

THE REAR PANEL ....................................................................... 6

Power Jack .............................................................................................................. 6

USB Port ................................................................................................................. 6

Footswitch Input .................................................................................................... 6

MIDI In, MIDI Thru .............................................................................................. 6

S/PDIF Digital In / Out ......................................................................................... 6

Balanced Analog Line Output Pair ....................................................................... 6

Balanced Analog Line Input Pair .........................................................................7

CONNECTING THE MX300 ........................................................8

Mixer - Stereo Setup .............................................................................................. 8

Mixer - Mono In/Stereo Setup .............................................................................. 8

Mixer - Dual Mono In/Stereo Out Setup .............................................................. 9

Mixer - Dual Mono In/Out Setup ......................................................................... 9

Guitar - Effects Loop Setup ...................................................................................10

Instrument - In Line Setup ................................................................................... 10

Studio - Digital Setup ............................................................................................11

Table of Contents

MX300

Introduction

THE MX300 AND DIGITAL I/O ...................................................12

USING THE MX300 .................................................................... 13

Selecting and Loading Programs .......................................................................... 13

Storing/Copying Programs.................................................................................... 13

Editing a Program ................................................................................................. 13

Changing an Effect ................................................................................................ 14

Changing Knob Assignments ................................................................................ 15

Effect Mix/Routing ................................................................................................16

Editing Effect/Mix Routing ...................................................................................17

Tempo Button ........................................................................................................ 17

Bypass Buttons ....................................................................................................... 17

EFFECTS DESCRIPTIONS .............................................................18

Parallel vs. Serial ................................................................................................... 18

Reverbs ................................................................................................................... 18

Delays ..................................................................................................................... 22

dbx® Dynamics ...................................................................................................... 25

Modulated Effects .................................................................................................. 27

MX300 SYSTEM MENUS ............................................................30

THE MX-EDITTM EDITOR/LIBRARIAN - WINDOWS® AND MACTM ..34

Installing the MX-Edit Editor/Librarian Software - Windows ............................. 34

Installing the MX-Edit Editor/Librarian Software - Mac ..................................... 34

Quick Start ............................................................................................................. 35

The MX-Edit Library .............................................................................................. 36

Editing a Program ................................................................................................. 36

The MX-Edit Program Editor ................................................................................37

Saving a Program .................................................................................................. 39

Storing a Program ................................................................................................. 39

Archiving ................................................................................................................ 40

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the MX300 Stereo Reverb Effects Processor! You now have the rich, luscious sound that’s defined studio reverb for three decades; something only a Lexicon hardware processor can deliver. Not only does the MX300 deliver sonically, it also offers the flexibility of programming high-quality effects right inside your VST® or AU compatible computer DAW program. Its rugged road-tested construction will ensure it works night after night for your sound reinforcement needs. With the multiple routing options and extensive effects library, you will find the MX300 is right at home both live and in your studio.

The utmost care was taken while your MX300 was being manufactured. Everything should be included and in perfect working order. If anything is missing, contact the factory at once. Please help us become acquainted with you and your needs by completing your warranty card or registering online at www.lexiconpro.com. It is your safeguard should a problem arise with your MX300.

INCLUDED ITEMS

MX300 Stereo Reverb Effects Processor

• This owner's manual

• MX Edit/USB driver CD

• Power Cord

• Lexicon Warranty Card

• Four bumpons

•

USING THE MX300 AS A HARDWARE PLUG-IN ..........................41

Installing the MX-Edit Hardware Plug-Ins .......................................................... 41

Connecting the MX300 .......................................................................................... 41

Software Configuration ......................................................................................... 42

Using the MX300 Plug-In Window ....................................................................... 43

Controls .................................................................................................................. 43

MIDI IMPLEMENTATION CHART ..................................................44

MIDI CC MAPS ..........................................................................45

PROGRAM LIST ..........................................................................48

SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................ 51

Aux Send 1

Aux Return 1

Aux Send 2

Aux Return 2

Power

Program/Load knob

Program Number Display

Quick Start

QUICK START

Ideally, you should read this entire manual before using the MX300. But, if you just can’t wait to get started, this section explains how to set up a simple parallel connection (using the MX300 with a mixer) and select a program.

STANDARD PARALLEL CONNECTION

1. Connect the mixer’s Post Fader Aux Send outputs to the MX300’s Left and Right inputs.

2. Connect the MX300 Left and Right outputs to a stereo Aux Return input on the mixer (or a stereo line input, or two adjacent line inputs if you like).

POWERING THE UNIT

1. Plug the included power cord into an A/C outlet.

2. Connect the power cord to the Power Jack connection on the MX300’s back panel and turn on the MX300's power.

MX300

6. Turn up the Aux Return 1 and 2 to the 12 o’clock position, or stereo line input faders to the 0dB position, if you used that connection.

7. To increase or decrease the amount of effect on the signal, adjust the Aux Send level on the channel that you want affected.

SELECT AND LOAD A PROGRAM

Turn the Program/Load knob to choose a program. The Program Number Display flashes the number of the program to be loaded. Press the knob to load the

program.

Note that the MX300 comes with 99 Factory programs and 99 User programs. Factory and User LED's to the left of the Program Number Display window indicate whether the displayed program is a Factory or User program. For more information about editing programs, see page 13.

Quick Start

SET AUDIO LEVELS

1. Set the gain on the mixer’s input channel appropriate to the source (vocal mic, guitar, keyboard, etc.).

2. Set the Aux Master level (if provided on your console) to the 12 o’clock position.

3. Set the Input level on the MX300 to the 12 o’clock position.

4. Provide a signal source signal on the selected mixer channel.

5. Turn up the Aux Send levels on the channel corresponding to the Post-fader send (Aux 1 and Aux 2 in this example) that the MX300 is connected to until the red Input Gain LEDs light only occasionally. If the red Input Gain LEDs stay lit, too much signal is being sent to the MX300; reduce the Aux Master or Aux Send on the mixer.

The Front Panel

3 4 5 6 789 10

11 12 13

THE FRONT PANEL

1. Gain LEDs

Indicate input signal strength of each of the MX300’s inputs. Range is from –24dB, –12dB, –6dB, and 0dB.

2. Input Knob

Controls input gain of the stereo inputs.

3. Main Display

The Main Display features two LEDs and an LCD. The LEDs indicate when the S/PDIF I/O has sync lock, and when there is USB connectivity. The LCD shows program and parameter editing information and System Menu settings.

MX300

9. Store

Used to store or copy programs to the same or different user memory locations.

10. System Accesses the System global setup menus.

11. Bypass

Pressing this button bypasses or mutes the currently selected program.

12. User and Factory LEDs

Indicate whether the selected program is User or Factory.

13. Program Number Display

Displays the number of the selected program.

14. Program / Load

Selects factory and user programs. Pressing this knob loads the program manually if program Auto Load is disabled. When in the Program Screen, press this knob to switch between factory and user program banks. This eliminates the need to scroll through 100 presets if you’re in the middle of the user presets and you want to go to a preset in the middle of the factory presets.

15. Power Switch

Turns the MX300 on and off.

The Front Panel

4. Page / Select Knob

Used to navigate the MX300 effects, parameters, and System menus.

5. Exit

Pressing this button will back you out one level of editing.

6. Tempo

Sets the delay time of delay effects.

7. Effect Bypass

Pressing this button bypasses or mutes the selected effect in the Main Display. One of four bypass/mute functions can be assigned to this button: Dry, Mute, Input Dry, and Input Mute. See page 17 for more information.

8. Edit Knobs A, B, C

These knobs modify the associated parameters in the Main Display when editing programs or change the settings in the System Menu.

4 5

1 2 3 4 65 7

The Rear Panel

MX300

The Rear Panel

THE REAR PANEL

1. Power Jack

Attach the power cord here.

2. USB Port

Provides communication with a computer for use with MX-EditTM Editor/Librarian software and MX300 plug-in window using a standard USB cable. When the MX300 is connected to a computer via USB, the blue USB LED next to the main display will light.

3. Footswitch Input

The optional Lexicon® LEX-DFS 2-button footswitch can be plugged into this TRS jack for remote control of the MX300 (see page 33 for more information).

4. MIDI In, MIDI Thru

Provides MIDI operation capabilities. Two 5-pin MIDI DIN connectors are available for MIDI IN and MIDI THRU. (See page 44 for the MIDI Implementation chart.)

7. Balanced Analog Line Input Pair Left and Right active analog 1/4” TRS or XLR balanced line inputs. If only a single

plug is connected to the Left input, the signal can be split and sent to both the Left and Right input paths by selecting Analog Mono L in the Input Source section of the System Menu.

NOTE: XLR and 1/4” inputs cannot be used simultaneously. Plugging in a 1/4” TRS plug will disable the corresponding Left or Right XLR input.

5. S/PDIF Digital In/Out

Digital input accepts 44.1kHz / 48kHz signals. When the S/PDIF digital input is selected and active, the S/PDIF LED on the front panel lights.

Important: It is recommended that you do not connect any digital device to the MX300’s S/PDIF inputs that transmits at sample rates other than 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz (such as 96kHz). Doing so can cause unpredictable performance. Make sure the device you are connecting to the MX300’s S/PDIF In is set as the Clock Master (if that option is available) and transmitting at a sample rate of 44.1kHz or 48kHz only. As with any other connection, if you need to unplug the S/PDIF cable, it is recommended that you switch to the analog inputs (see Input Source in the System menus) or press the

Program Bypass button before disconnecting the cable.

6. Balanced Analog Line Output Pair

Dual RF-filtered 1/4" balanced/unbalanced TRS and balanced XLR line outputs are servo-balanced, so no signal loss is incurred when using unbalanced connections (1/4" inputs only). If only a single plug is connected to the Left output, both Left and Right signals can be summed to mono by selecting Anlg Mono L in the System Menu.

6 7

Aux Send 1

Aux Return 1

Aux Send 2

Aux Return 2

Aux Send 1

Aux Return 1

Aux Return 2

Aux Send 1

Aux Return 1

Aux Send 2

Aux Return 2

Aux Send 1

Aux Return 1

Aux Send 2

Aux Return 2

About the MX300

CONNECTING THE MX300

The MX300 is an extremely versatile effects processor capable of a wide variety of applications. The MX300’s multiple routings offer several connectivity options, making it extremely flexible both in the studio and for live sound. The following setups explain how the MX300 should be connected and which routings apply for your specific effects processing needs.

Mixer – Stereo Setup

Stereo Mode configures the MX300 as a single stereo input/output processor. Left and Right signal separation is maintained through the effects chain. The Input Source must be set to Anlg Stereo in the System menu (described on page 30). This setup is ideal for use with programs using Cascade, Parallel, and Stereo routings (see page 16 for more information about routings).

MX300

Connecting the MX300

signal. The Input Source must be set to Anlg Mono L in the System menu (described on page 30). This setup is ideal for programs using Cascade, Parallel, and Stereo routings (see page 16 for more information about routings).

Mixer - Dual Mono In/Stereo Out Setup

This setup lets the MX300 act as two effects processors. Separate input sources are fed into the MX300 and processed independently with different effects, then output as a mixed stereo signal. The Input Source must be set to Anlg Stereo in the System menu (described on page 30). This setup is ideal for programs using the Mono Split routing (see page 16 for more information about routings).

Mixer - Dual Mono In/Out Setup

Mixer - Mono In/Stereo Out Setup

This setup is the most commonly used configuration in both live and studio applications. A single input source is fed into the MX300, processed, and output as a stereo

This setup lets the MX300 act as two effects processors. Separate input sources are fed into the MX300 and processed independently with different effects, then output as separate mono signals. The Input Source must be set to Anlg Stereo in the System menu (described on page 30). This setup is ideal for programs using the Mono Split routing (see page 16 for more information about routings).

Effects Send

Effects Return

Stereo Line Input

Connecting the MX300

S/PDIF Out

S/PDIF In

 S P  t

MX300

Connecting the MX300

Guitar - Effects Loop Setup

This setup is optimized for use within a guitar amplifier effects loop system. A single input source is fed into the MX300 and output as a mono signal. The Input Source must be set to Anlg Mono L in the System menu (described on page 30). This setup is ideal for programs using Cascade, Parallel, and Stereo routings (see page 16 for more information about routings).

Instrument - In Line Setup

the System menu (described on page 30). This setup is ideal for use with programs using Cascade, Parallel, and Stereo routings (see page 16 for more information about routings).

Studio – Digital Setup

This setup is ideal if you are using the MX300 as a hardware plug-in in a digital recording system. This setup requires that you are using an I/O device with S/PDIF In/Out, or a digital mixer with S/PDIF I/O option. The Input Source must be set to Digital, and the Clock Source should be set to Digital in the System menu (described on pages 30-31).

This setup allows a line level instrument such as an electronic keyboard to be connected directly to the MX300. Connect the outputs of the line level instrument to the MX300 inputs and connect the MX300 outputs to the input channels of a mixer, or the inputs of a powered speaker system. The Input Source must be set to Anlg Stereo in

The MX300 and Digital I/O

System Menu

B C

INPUT SOURCE CLOCK SOURCE

ANLG STEREO

INT 48KHZ

DIGITAL OUT PROCESSED

System Menu

B C

INPUT SOURCE CLOCK SOURCE

DIG LOCKED DIG LOCKED

DIGITAL OUT PROCESSED

Name Program to Store

(PAGE)-POSITION (SELECT)-CLEAR

(KNOB A)-CHARACTER (KNOB B)-CAP

Program Name

Location to Store Over

VOC HALL

(PAGE)-CHOOSE LOCATION

Program Name

1 STUD DLY 2

MX300

Using the MX300

THE MX300 AND DIGITAL I/O

The MX300 is equipped with digital input and output connections (S/PDIF). The S/PDIF input and output are the digital equivalent of the analog inputs/outputs. The digital output on the MX300 is always active and will always mirror its analog output counterpart. This allows you to plug in an analog input source and have it be output as a digital stream.

The MX300 has three options for input sources which are configurable in the System Menu: Analog Mono L (Left), Analog Stereo and Digital. (Press the System button to access the System Menu; turn the Page/Select knob to scroll up and down the menu.)

While in the System Menu, use Knobs A, B, and C to change values. As with all equipment that receives digital audio streams, when setting the Input Source to Digital, the MX300 can no longer use its own internal clock source for the audio stream, and it is necessary to change the clock source from the MX300’s internal clock to Digital as it needs to use the external clock source via the S/PDIF input.

If the Clock Source isn’t changed to Digital when the digital input source is selected, there will be synchronization problems between the incoming digital audio stream and the MX300’s processing, and the System Input Source menu will display DIG NO LOCK. When the MX300 is properly synchronized with the incoming digital audio, the System’s Input Source and Clock Source menus display DIG LOCKED.

The MX300 runs at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz sample rate (using internal or external clock sources). Do not connect external digital outputs to the MX300 that run at higher sample rates (88.2 - 192 kHz) as the MX300 cannot accept them.

USING THE MX300

SELECTING AND LOADING PROGRAMS

1. Choose a program by rotating the Program knob. The selected program number flashes in the Program Display until loaded. The name of the program also appears in the MX300’s Main Display. The Factory or User light next to the Program Display lights to indicate whether a Factory or User program is selected.

2. Press the Program knob to load the program. If you would like the programs to be loaded automatically as they are selected with the Program knob, you can enable the Auto Load in the MX300’s System menu.

STORING/COPYING PROGRAMS

Press the Store button once. You will now be on the program naming

screen. Turn the Page/Select knob to move the cursor to the character you want

to change. Turn Edit Knob A to change the character. Turn Edit Knob B to change the letter case. Press the Page/Select knob to clear a character from the name.

When naming is complete, press the Store button again. Turn the Page/

Select or Program/Load knob to select the new user program memory location to store to. Press the Store button again to complete the store procedure.

EDITING A PROGRAM

Once a program has been loaded, you may find you want to make adjustments to it for your particular application or use. Editing of programs is done using the Page/ Select and three Edit knobs (A, B, and C) to the right of the Main Display. Each effect can be edited independently by selecting it with the Page/Select knob. As the effect is selected, its name is highlighted in the Main Display and three parameters become visible for the effect at the bottom of the Main Display. The Edit knobs can then modify these three top level parameters.

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