The Lexicon PCM 81 has everything that made the PCM 80 the top choice among studio effects processors. In addition, it offers more effects, more algorithms, and full AES/EBU input and output. Two digital signal processors; Lexicon’s proprietary LexiChip® for reverb, and a second DSP engine to handle other effects, create versatile effect combinations without compromising sonic clarity. The PCM 81 offers more than all other processors in its class with; 24-bit internal processing, a true stereo signal path, balanced analog inputs and outputs,AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs, the power to combine analog and digital outputs, extensive modulation capabilities, and 300 presets.

The PCM 81 boasts an enormous selection of sounds. Each combines uncompromised stereo reverb with several voices of additional effects. A full complement of Pitch Shifters provides unique special FX as well as doubling, quadruple tracking, Chorus, and Pitch Correction within a range of three octaves up or down. With 300 presets, the PCM 81 allows instant access to Pitch, Reverb, Ambience, sophisticated Modulators, up to 20-second stereo Delays, and Dynamic Spatialisation effects for 2-channel or surround applications. Its presets were designed to accommodate a wide range of applications, from effects designed for musical uses and recordings to effects designed specifically for pitch correction, sound effects, and video postproduction. The PCM 81 also features updated versions of classic Lexicon effects such as Concert Hall and Tiled Room.

The PCM 81 utilises 4-voice, 6-voice, and Pitch algorithms to create effects. The 4-voice algorithms; Chamber, Concert Hall, Infinite, Inverse, and Plate. Each combine a specific reverb type with a 4-voice stereo “effect toolbox” called the Reverb Shell, which provides post-processing for the reverb. For example, it is possible to produce a Ghost Flange by assigning a Modulated Delay to an Inverse Reverb (to Detune it). The 6-voice algorithms; Chorus + Reverb, Glide, Hall, Multiband + Reverb, Res 1 > Plate, and Res 2 > Plate, combine a specific reverb type with a specialised 6-voice stereo effect. In these algorithms, it is possible to combine the
shimmer of a multi-voice chorus with a lush reverb tail (as in Wet Chorus). The on-board Pitch algorithms encompass all Pitch and Vocal Correction algorithms and effects available in the PCM 80 via plug-in cards. Seven
algorithms include Pitch Correct for correction of monophonic sources, and Stereo Chamber for full stereo pitch-shifting with Chamber reverb. A powerful submixer is built into the Dual Chamber, Dual Inverse, and Dual Plate algorithms for flexible ordering and routing of two independent voices of pitch-shifting with reverb.A 4-voice Quad > Hall algorithm provides four independent pitch-shift voices with full stereo reverb, and a VSO-Chamber algorithm provides stereo time and pitch correction with Chamber reverb and variable speed pitch control (in percent).

Two independent spatial processors accommodate the placement of effects virtually anywhere between or beyond the loudspeakers. Effects can also be located dynamically, creating different spaces that change with the music.

Features
World-class Lexicon reverb
2 DSP engines including Lexicon’s proprietary LexiChip®
4-bit A/D, D/A, and internal processing
300 presets; 50 user programs
Studio-standard reverbs and effects including: Reverb and six voices of Delay or Reverb, four voices of Pitch Shift, and Vocal Fix for replacing out-of-tune melody lines
A single Adjust knob that automatically attaches to all applicable parameters in factory tailored presets
PCMCIA card slot for program storage
Optional cards for algorithms, programs and user presets
Pro and Go Modes: Go mode allows access to as many as 10 handpicked parameters for any particular preset;
Pro Mode allows full access to an Edit matrix of as many as 100 parameters
Dynamic Spatialisation: 3D effects processing (compatible with surround sound systems)
Up to 20 seconds of delay
Balanced analog inputs and outputs (XLR and 1/4″)
S/PDIF and AES/EBU digital inputs and outputs
Tap Tempo for instant setting of delay and modulation times
Full MIDI control