Eventide SP2016 vs. Lexicon 224X

[hendrkf]

I am interested in hearing from those of you who have used both of these vintage reverbs as to how you would compare their sonics (strengths/ weaknesses). Thanks for the feedback.

[theother]

Originally Posted by hendrkf

I am interested in hearing from those of you who have used both of these vintage reverbs as to how you would compare their sonics (strengths/ weaknesses). Thanks for the feedback.

You will not like what my contribution is to your question...
The only way to get an idea how they sound and what the differences are is by LISTENING.

I know it isn't easy to get them for everyone. Rental is one way if you are in the right area. But unless you get a chance to hear something you will never know if it is right for YOU. Words will always be inadequate. Hearing sound is an experience. Words will never give you that. Sorry for being a preacher, but I think to much time is wasted on forums like this explaining how something might sound. Never worked for me.

[hendrkf]

You're correct about my not liking your feedback....

Obviously, renting both and listening is the best approach... but 80-90% of the correspondence on Gearslutz is from people giving their opinions about gear they like or don't like, opinions that other people who can't or haven't heard the gear read and appreciate the perspective.


Hopefully, someone who has used both reverbs will offer their viewpoint.

[oldgearguy]

Originally Posted by hendrkf

You're correct about my not liking your feedback....

Obviously, renting both and listening is the best approach... but 80-90% of the correspondence on Gearslutz is from people giving their opinions about gear they like or don't like, opinions that other people who can't or haven't heard the gear read and appreciate the perspective.


Hopefully, someone who has used both reverbs will offer their viewpoint.

I have and use the SP2016, Lex 224 and Lex 480L.

The SP2016 stereo room reverb is fantastic. It's not quite as "Lexicon-y" as the others. Closer in sound and spirit to the Quantec QRS. Stuff seems to sit nicely in the SP2016 reverb space.

As an aside - I find the other algorithms (delays, etc) in the SP2016 to be generally useful as well. Using a single slider and a couple buttons to step through and edit can be a bit slow (and tempermental depending on the condition of the slider) compared to using a LARC (plus you have to go over to the rack to edit).

In summary - I like having the alternative to the Lexicon sound and even with other reverbs in the rack (incl M7), I often use the SP2016.

(yet another edit)

If David Kulka still services the SP2016, it's less of a risk than some other vintage boxes, but remember it is getting along in years and may not be 100% problem free. There were a number of revisions over the years. One thing to look for is a later rev that has all the factory algorithms in the main ROMS, which leaves the expansion ROM slots open for other algorithms. Early units had the Eventide algorithms in separate EPROMs.

[SIXTWOFOUR]

SP 2016 is great it gets a 10!!! I have four and love them they are a little hard to keep running but well worth the trouble. The reissues sound nothing like the original 2016's. I don't really feel like the eventide sounds like the Quantec QRS. I have two of them as well and use them for a completely different purpose. As far as the 224x i ended up liking the 480L better! I have over 20 outboard reverbs and they all sound different. Don't forget about the Lexicon 200.

[thethrillfactor]

Originally Posted by hendrkf

I am interested in hearing from those of you who have used both of these vintage reverbs as to how you would compare their sonics (strengths/ weaknesses). Thanks for the feedback.

2 very different sounding units.

One does close rooms really well & the other sounds like classic Lexicon.

I always prefer the 2016 layered with something longer for vocals. The 224x for me has always been a hit or miss.

Again very different sounding units. Think Bricasti vs. 480L.

[monkeejuice]

If you don't have any of these bin files, I can provide them for anyone who is interested. If you have any that are not on this list, I would be interested in some sort of deal.

Here is my list of ROMs:
Stereo Room
Small Room Inverse Room
Split Hall Split Plate
Room Reverb Plate Reverb
Multi tap delay
Musical Combs Dual Robots
Hi density plate
Kens Room
Loop Edit Time Scramble
Moving Reverb Syncd Repeats
Gated Reverb
Generic Reverb General Programs
Flanger Env Chorus
Dynamic Reverb Dynamic Digiplex
Channel Vocoder
RMX Simulation +
Stereo Synthesis
Band Delay
Lossless Room

ROMs I know of but don't have are:
Stereo Shimmer, Psycho Panner, Random Ambience Automatic Panner.