AMS RMX or Lexicon PCM70/80 - only reverb

[soupking]

Hi GS,

I've seen similar posts regarding other Lexicon models and after my last reverb posting, I've learned that they seem to vary quite a bit so I'm trying to aim at the PCM 70/80 range as they sound like a good universal reverb to have in a studio if you have only one.

The reason I compare this to the RMX is that I have a KT780 which is considered the poor man's RMX. I haven't had a chance to get it into working order, but it's pretty lush. Just not stable.

In perfect world, I'd get a Bricasti as I want something that works on a realistically global level very well (from what I've read). I'd still have to demo it, but anyway...

I hope this thread is somewhat sensible. Thanks for any feedback, distortion, or the like.

[Dirty Halo]

Hey there,

I own the Lexicon PCM 70 and the AMS RMS 16, so I'll try to help.

First, I believe the Lexicon PCM 70 and 80 are two totally different animals. The PCM 70 being that classic Lexicon sound, with heritiage owed to the Lexicon 224 and many compare a few of its algos to the 480L (like Tiled Room), I also own a 480L and yes, it's somewhere between those. Great reverb!

The AMS is also VERY cool, I say the two are equal in the classic verb department, just pick the flavor better for you.

As I said, if you like the classic Lexicon 224 or the 480L, then the PCM 70 is a great way to get a version of that.

The AMS is a bit granier (in a very cool way) and has that classic '80's sound to me (and I know the 480L is that too, but the AMS has even more signature sound to it).

So, both being equal, but different flavors, I'd say your chances of the Lexicon PCM 70 being and staying in working condition is better.

The AMS is great, but they do break. The only person I know who can fix them is David Kuluka (sp?) at Studio Electronics (scary that he's the only one, but he can do it and does it well... I'm sending mine there soon, actually)


I know that does not give you a definitive answer, but I hope some useful info.

Best of luck!


-Andrews

[Stacks]

+1 for the pcm 70!

[hernanperez2000]

+2 for the lexicon pcm70. Excelent sounding reverb!!!!! and lush......

[StudioKing]

If I could only have one unit the I would have to go for the PCM70

I have the RMX16 and the PCM70 in the rack and find that the PCM70 is much more versatille and can offer a wider range of reverbs, it has the classic lexicon sound that the newer units didn't offer. I always think it sounds like a little 224.

The RMX16 is a very good unit but I only go to it for certain drum ambiences, not much else.

[raal]

have owned a PCM70 and currently own a 480L. my 2¢ is the PCM70 is rather noisy. wouldn't put it in the same league as a 480L but maybe that's just me.

if you could only have one reverb and it's between the AMS and PCM70, even though the AMS is pretty much a one trick pony, i would probably go for the AMS. however, if i could only have one reverb it would not be an AMS or a PCM70.

[Pepe Ortega]

Originally Posted by raal

have owned a PCM70.

I´m still using my PCM70 bro

Great unit,a little bit noisy,but great for strings,brass and drums.

[raal]

Originally Posted by Pepe Ortega

I´m still using my PCM70 bro

Great unit,a little bit noisy,but great for strings,brass and drums.

hola pepe!

i never really quite got the PCM70 frankly. not saying it doesn't sound like a Lexicon, just saying i wouldn't equate it with a 480L.

a verb i like that's also noisy (IMO) is the Dynacord DRP20. between the PCM70 and Dynacord i'd go for the Dynacord, but that's just my opinion. i've used and appreciate LXP-1s and 5s, but they're not 480Ls, or PCM70s for that matter; again just an opinion. hope we can catch up some day soon bro.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by raal

. however, if i could only have one reverb it would not be an AMS or a PCM70.

I am with you Raf on this one.thumbsup

To limit yourself to just those two reverbs is doing yourself a great disservice. Also the prices for each is very different. An AMS reverb is 3 times the price of a PCM70. A little unfair don't you think? Your best bet is to spread out the duties among 2-3 reverbs. One that does good for small/hall rooms, one that does the long stuff well and one for the in between stuff(plates and the like).

[soupking]

Cool, thanks for all the feedback everyone.

I hate posting threads that seem like the same old same old.

I like the idea of having a diverse set of reverb units, but after getting my tape machine, I'm pretty much tapped out on outboard purchases without shedding weight unless they're broken or lower budget.

Heh, well for now it looks like I'll have a Klark Teknik and a Lexicon Alex.

I do like stuff that works so I'd probably go for the lexicon in a Darwin philosophy.

[Steffmo]

At one time I had 2 PCM70s and a 480, and 2 Rev 7s and...

I never really got it on with the 70 either. not that it never got used, but it seemed down on the food chain.

Anyway...if you are going to go into a few boxes and maybe want to bring the per unit proce down a bit, I just want to mention the TC M One. I guess the M One plus is the current. Its a nice sounding, inexpensive box that compliments a lot ot other stuff. well.

The D2 Delay even btter IMHOP...but I think the discountinued it awhile back.

That series of stuff doesn't get much mention around here, but I think it fits into the scenario you might be looking at.

The AMS is a beast if you want THAT sound.

Now if someone wants to ditch a Quantec Room simulator...ring me up.

[studjo]

I got 480, 2 PCM70 and an AMS (and others ... ) out of all reverbs I have the only one that is allways working is the PCM70 - dunno why - I just like how it builds a room without being too obvious (IMO). But if you want that AMS sound (and you want it every once in while) there's no substitute - from my recollection the Klark is a nice unit but not even close in the AMS departement (I should try the Klark again though)

Jo

[Benmrx]

Another vote for the PCM70 here. Although, I'm a big fan of Lexicon reverbs, so I'm pretty biased. I've got a Lexicon200, PCM60, DN780 + H3000, Orban 111b, (plus some other fun/crap boxes like a Digitech Quad, Alesis Quadraverb, Boss SE50, Behringer Virtualizer, etc.), and I still want a PCM70......but, like I said, I'm a big fan of Lexicon reverbs.

Back in my assisting days, I patched in the AMS reverb for quite a few engineers/producers, and (even though my ears were still babies), I never once raised my eyebrows in amazement when they brought it up on the console. Nearly everytime I patched in a PCM60, PCM70, Lex200, etc....completely different story.

I'm still waiting to fall in love with the DN780. It's been here about a year now, and I can't seem to get stoked on it.

Someday I'll have a 224 to call my own as well.

[delcosmos]

Originally Posted by raal

hola pepe!

i never really quite got the PCM70 frankly. not saying it doesn't sound like a Lexicon, just saying i wouldn't equate it with a 480L.

a verb i like that's also noisy (IMO) is the Dynacord DRP20. between the PCM70 and Dynacord i'd go for the Dynacord, but that's just my opinion. i've used and appreciate LXP-1s and 5s, but they're not 480Ls, or PCM70s for that matter; again just an opinion. hope we can catch up some day soon bro.

Hey Raal and Pepe!

Well, I have an AMS RMX, a PCM70 and a 480L, my PCM70 is parked on the "Tiled room" forever and for that application (small room) I think is the best, yes the 480L sounds far better, but it is being used for more complicated and important things so the PCM70 is perfect for a nice short room, Electric guitars sound fantastic with a touch of the "Tilled room".

I agree with Thrill, the best thing you can do is spread out the duties among 2-3 reverbs, one Large (480L) one for ambience verb (RMX) and one for short rooms/halls (PCM70).

Best regards guys.

delcosmos.

[Crash]

Originally Posted by Benmrx

I'm still waiting to fall in love with the DN780. It's been here about a year now, and I can't seem to get stoked on it.

Send that piece of crap to me, I'll dispose of it in a tree hugging, Birkenstock wearing, politically correct way.

[Stacks]

I think with the pcm 70 having software version 2 is kinda important to the reason why people like the unit so much!

[dbbubba]

+1 on the REV 2 software being necessary.

They are almost worth having just for the TILED ROOM setting though!
I have loved and primarily used that pre-set since PCM 70s came out.
.... and that was A LONG TIME AGO!
1982?, '83? or '84?

I recall mixing in a club using one as loaner when they were new and that club closed in '86, so...