The Lexicon PCM92 is a reverb and effects processor built as a single rack space unit, made by Lexicon. It carries 28 Lexicon studio-standard reverbs, delays, and modulation effects, and ships with a comprehensive collection of over 1200 factory presets, including recognizable classics from Lexicon's library of sounds1. Lexicon says it delivers "the versatility and smooth, rich sound that is unmistakably Lexicon"1.
For a guitar or bass player, it is a studio-style alternative to a reverb pedal: instead of knobs under your foot, you get a rack box that runs in the effects loop or after a preamp, with presets you can step through from the floor.
What it does
The PCM92 is a digital processor: Lexicon says it utilizes the latest DSP technology, running at a 44.1 to 96 kHz sample rate with 32-bit floating point processing1. The effect list spans three families:
- 28 Lexicon studio-standard reverbs
- Delays
- Modulation effects1
The preset library holds over 1200 factory presets, including recognizable classics from Lexicon's sound library, so a player can start from a known Lexicon reverb character and edit from there1.
Connections and control
Audio passes through two channels of balanced analog I/O, on both XLR and 1/4 inch connectors1. Control goes beyond the front panel:
- Ethernet connectivity and full MIDI control for integration with a larger rig1
- Foot controller inputs that Lexicon says make it easy to change presets and adjust parameters during live performances1
- High-resolution OLED display that Lexicon describes as easy to read in all light conditions1
The foot controller inputs are the practical link for a guitarist: presets and parameters can be changed mid-song without reaching for the rack. Firmware has been updated over the unit's life, with version 3.4 released in March 20191.
The PCM92 is a rack unit, not a pedal. It needs a rack case or shelf, a MIDI or foot controller for live preset switching, and balanced analog cabling to and from your amp's loop or mixer.
From the PCM81 and PCM91 to the PCM92
Lexicon describes the PCM92's lineage directly: "Building on the legendary design of the venerable PCM81 and PCM91, and the breakthrough technology of the PCM96"1. The two older units are now discontinued23.
The PCM91 was a 2-in/2-out studio standard and live sound reverb processor, offering Lexicon's highest quality reverbs in a compact, affordable package2. It carried 5-pin DIN connectors for MIDI IN, THRU and OUT, accepted PCMCIA type I cards (68 pins) for storage, and ran on 100 to 240 volts AC, 50 to 60 Hz, 35 watts, with automatic switching on a 3-pin IEC connector2.
The PCM81 was the effects-oriented sibling. Lexicon says it "takes where the PCM 80 left off," with 24-bit A/D and 24-bit D/A conversion, the same PCMCIA type I card slot (PCMCIA 2.0 and JEIDA 4.0 standards), the same 5-pin DIN MIDI set, and the same 100 to 240 volt AC, 35 watt power supply3.
The PCM96, by contrast, is described by Lexicon as a stereo reverb/effects processor, and by Lexicon's Graham Pattison as giving you "two machine's of famed Lexicon reverbs and effects in a 1u package"45. A surround version, the PCM96 Surround, adds parallel stereo and surround operation with analog and digital I/O, including mono reverbs and effects such as Random Hall4.
| Model | Role | Status |
|---|---|---|
| PCM81 | Effects processor, successor to the PCM 80 | Discontinued3 |
| PCM91 | 2-in/2-out studio and live sound reverb processor | Discontinued2 |
| PCM96 | Stereo reverb/effects processor, two machines in 1U | Current line45 |
| PCM92 | Stereo reverb and effects processor, single rack space | Current line1 |
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Questions
Is the Lexicon PCM92 analog or digital?
It is digital. Lexicon says the PCM92 uses the latest DSP technology, with a 44.1 to 96 kHz sample rate and 32-bit floating point processing. Audio connections are balanced analog XLR and 1/4 inch, two channels in and out.
How many presets does the PCM92 have?
Lexicon lists a comprehensive collection of over 1200 factory presets, including recognizable classics drawn from the company's library of sounds. Foot controller inputs let you change presets and adjust parameters during live performances.
Does the PCM92 have MIDI?
Yes. Lexicon specifies Ethernet connectivity and full MIDI control on the PCM92. Foot controller inputs also make it easy to change presets and adjust parameters live, so it can sit in a MIDI-switched rig or be driven from the floor.
What is the PCM92's sample rate?
The PCM92 runs at a 44.1 to 96 kHz sample rate with 32-bit floating point processing, according to Lexicon's product page. That covers standard CD-rate work and higher-rate studio sessions.
Is the PCM92 based on the PCM96?
Partly. Lexicon describes the PCM92 as building on the design of the PCM81 and PCM91 and on the breakthrough technology of the PCM96. The PCM92 is a stereo reverb and effects processor, while the PCM96 is described as two machines of Lexicon reverbs and effects in a 1U package.
Sources (5)
- PCM92 | Lexicon Pro - Legendary Reverb and Effects | English, Lexicon Pro (lexiconpro.com), 2019
- PCM91 | Lexicon Pro - Legendary Reverb and Effects | English, Lexicon Pro
- PCM81 | Lexicon Pro - Legendary Reverb and Effects | English, Lexicon Pro
- PCM96 Surround, Lexicon Pro (lexiconpro.com)
- Graham Pattison, Lexicon Pro
