A gadget well-known to any music studio is the good old audio interface. That golden intermediary between all your awesome live recordings, and, of course… your computer. Today we take an in-depth look at one such gadget known as the Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio. A powerful entry-level interface, meant to serve as that perfect gateway between the digital and studio worlds of music.

Runs on: Mac OS X Japanese to English Gold Lexicon v.6.0 The extensive and carefully selected Japanese to English Gold Dictionary, is an excellent choice for Japanese travelers visiting an English Speaking country and of course for students. The Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio comes with the added benefit an accompanying top-notch software package. We have the well known Steinberg’s Cubase LE, as a well as Lexicon’s Pantheon VST Plugin. These are two really awesome digital components that truly enhance the overall experience of. The Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio continues the tradition of excellence established by its popular siblings, the Lambda and Omega desktop recording studios. Alpha Studio is a bus-powered 2x2x2 USB I/O Mixer packaged as a complete recording solution with Cubase LE and the Lexicon Pantheon VST Reverb plug-in.

Lexicon the Brand

Founded in 1971, Lexicon is a Grammy award-winning brand known for its technical innovation in digital audio equipment. This prestigious recognition is enough to provide much assurance of quality and high-end performance to many music producers. Our review today will observe whether all the hype is well within reason… We look at the overall performance of this gadget, as well as the design and build.

1. Device Overview

Many musicians/songwriters/producers just starting out often look for a solution that will deliver a quality performance on a smaller budget. Very common and relatable. You don’t want to deal with the grainy signals and line noises frequently associated with entry-level audio interfaces. The Lexicon Alpha promises to deliver a professional level performance, without these associated issues.

At a glance, the Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio is a wonderfully compact interface solution for musicians and producers on the go. It is a device that offers a professional output, similar to the features found in many big industry music studios. Boasting a complete recording solution that consists of: a USB powered Input/Output mixer along with Steinberg’s popular recording suit known as Cubase® LE5. It also features Lexicon’s renowned Pantheon VST Plugin. These software features essentially enable you to start recording right away after connecting the device to your computer, working for both PC and Mac.

The interface consists of a dual/2-channel input, 2-bus, 2-output USB I/O mixer with extra high-impedance instrument input. In addition to this, to a allow for more versatility and the ability to record from absolutely anywhere, the interface features a separate output for headphones.

From here onward, we take a look at the performance of this device, as well as the design and build, to determine whether Lexicon adequately delivers on its promise.

2. The Appeal of the Lexicon Alpha Interface

We all know just how crazy the costs of studio equipment can be, especially if you’re just starting out and collecting all the bits and pieces to record your music. For musicians and producers looking for either a good starting point, or something compact and portable for travel, one very striking aspect of the Lexicon Alpha audio interface is, well, the price point.

Yes, the Lexicon Alpha is notably condensed in build, a feature that may be particularly attractive for musicians on the go. Or quite simply, for those who don’t necessarily require a plethora of inputs and outputs in their studio. But in addition to this, the audio interface is wonderfully budget friendly. You may be thinking that we’re starting off with the relatively “superficial” aspects of this product. What about the technical aspects, the design, the performance, right? But the entry-level price point here is totally worth a seemingly premature mention. Have a look at the pricing here on Amazon. This is a key element to take into consideration because, well, people often argue that you get what you pay for.

So given the fact that this is a brand with much credibility and a Grammy in tow, does this audio interface deliver anything close to a reasonable performance, with what appears to be a wonderfully awesome, budget-friendly cost? The short answer, yes. For more detail on why this is the case, read on!

3. Build and Design

Build

Weighing in at 1.1 pounds, the wonderfully compact Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording studio offers a sturdy build, ideal for travel. The back of the interface, as well as the underside, is made from a black rigid metal. The remainder of the encasing, which is the front panel and top, is made from a sleek-looking plastic in the colors silver and indigo. The overall sturdiness and quality of the interface are pretty much guaranteed not to easily disintegrate (unless you really mean to break it, I guess). It is decent quality in relation to the price you’re paying.

Design

Front Panel

Featuring a 1/4-inch instrument on the sleek front panel, the interface enables you to connect electric, bass and acoustic guitars. Users can also connect headphones through the 1/8-inch headphone jack. The front panel also features input level controls as wells as peak meter lights and a mono/stereo monitor assign switch. A monitor mix control for balancing an audio source between live input and playback mix level while recording. And lastly, we have an output level know to control the line and headphone outputs.

Back Panel

Users connect the device to their computers using the USB port on the back panel. The device comes with a cable and it does not need a power supply. Basically making it convenient for portability. Two 1/4-inch inputs are available for unbalanced and balanced line sources. For examples sources such as drum machines or keyboards. In the center, we have a balanced XLR mic-input with a great quality preamp. We also have RCA left/right line outputs to connect to a mixing board, powered studio monitors, RCA left/right line outputs to connect to a power amp, mixing board, powered studio monitors, or another line-level input, or another line-level input.

4. Performance

What are we Looking for in an Audio Interface?

What are we looking for in a good Interface?

If you’ve ever asked yourself how, exactly, you’re meant to connect your instruments or audio gear to your computer (or vice versa)… Then that missing piece of the puzzle is none other than an audio interface. Simply put, this a piece of equipment meant for the transfer of sound both in and out of your computer.

An audio interface is, essentially, a form of an external sound card. It allows for the high-quality recording of vocals and instruments through a number of microphone inputs, as well as MIDI inputs. For playback through monitors, you’d also typically make this connection through the audio interface’s outputs. Interfaces often come with a variety of input and output types. If you’d like, read more on this here.

Adobe app for mac. Some of the ideal characteristics we’d expect from an audio interface that would include:

• Little to no latency and lagging (preferably none at all, ideally)
• Immaculately clear sound
• A good number of ins/outs/preamps (this one is one is generally dependant on the individual’s needs though).

SO, HOW WELL DOES THE LEXICON ALPHA PERFORM?

So, based on the expectations we have identified above, how does our little object of review fair? Overall the Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio offers a wonderful recording performance (for the budget), for a variety of reasons.

• Speed/Latency

Firstly, we have the virtually non-existent issue of latency while monitoring when it comes to this particular device. Generally, USB connectivity is associated with a slower transfer rate, in comparison to Thunderbolt and PCI-E type interfaces. However, the function of this device within its price range is pretty impressive. You can easily connect through multiple inputs simultaneously, without that discouraging lag. For instance, recording an electric guitar track along with a vocal track through the device’s Hi-Z and XLR inputs can be performed with a wonderful immediacy. Monitoring through your studio monitors is made a simple and efficient process.

The known issues that would occur when it comes to latency in monitoring generally revolve around computer RAM. Naturally, this would be an issue that can be associated with almost any audio interface. However, generally, if you’re good to go in the computer specs department, you’re highly unlikely to experience issues of slag with the Lexicon Alpha. Mainly because the interface itself doesn’ really take much from a computer to work well.

• Sound Quality

The next aspect to look at as far as the Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio is concerned is, of course, the standard of quality we get from it. Not only does this device perform remarkably in terms of speed, but the sound it offers is blissfully flawless. As mentioned earlier, there are some very common problems experienced with entry-level interfaces. For example, issues of the typical dropouts, clicks and undesirable grain in the signal are common complaints. However, this interface defeats all of those problems, offering a great, crisp and clear quality.

• The range of Inputs/Outputs

Again this aspect is dependant on the needs of the user. Have you thought about just how comprehensive your recording sessions would be? Chances are, if you’re looking at the Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio as your interface, you’re going for more of a simple set up.

We can say, however, that the device offers a good enough range of inputs and outputs for a reasonable level of versatility. We have already stipulated the very particular specs of the device in this regard under the “Build” section. But overall, you’d be able to perform all the basic functions of recording. The only real restriction being the number of ports available to you. Using this device, you are able to record two tracks at the same time. Accommodating inputs for instruments, and microphones as well as monitors speakers.

• Software Performance

The Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio comes with the added benefit an accompanying top-notch software package. We have the well known Steinberg’s Cubase LE, as a well as Lexicon’s Pantheon VST Plugin. These are two really awesome digital components that truly enhance the overall experience of this audio interface.

Steinberg’s Cubase LEis an extremely dynamic software to use for your recordings for both PC and Mac. The software enables users to implement integrated multitrack recording. It also has the capacity to mix and edit up to 48 audio tracks as well as 64 MIDI tracks. It additionally encompasses VST plugins, full VSTi support, as well as 24-bit/96kHz operation. Basically, the software is an impressive workhorse. Cubase LE ultimately brings together the features of strong audio and MIDI recording, along with industry level editing and effects to get you going with your recordings right away.

Should you ever decide to progress to an alternative software, the Lexicon Alpha audio interface can be used with virtually DAW software out there. This includes the full version of Steinberg’s Cubase Digital Audio Workstation software.

Lexicon’s VST Reverb Pluginalso adds a new level of versatility to your recordings. The plugin delivers Lexicon’s esteemed lush reverbs to vocals. These have been added to professional recordings for many years in the industry. The plugin offers 6 reverb types, along with 35 factory presets. The impact of these reverb effects to your recordings can definitely add a notable level of liveliness and lushness that exemplifies why this is known as a world-class reverb.

4. Set Up – Installation

Putting the Lexicon Alpha to use is really not complex in the least. This is one of the many perks of the interface, it is virtually just plug-and-play. After unboxing the audio interface, you would pretty much just go through the simple installation process of the Lexicon VST and Cubase LE software. And this is assuming you don’t already have an existing DAW software to use. The Software comes in the form a CD ROM. Drivers are also available online if you wish.

5. Unboxing

Upon purchasing and receiving the Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio, you basically receive a boxed package with a number of components.

• Firstly, encased in a thick rigid styrofoam, you get the audio interface itself, of course.
• Also in the box, in its own plastic cover, you receive a USB cable for connection to your computer
• Two installation CDs are included. One for the Cubase LE software, and the other, the Lexicon recording software/VST
• You also receive two detailed instruction booklets with all the necessary information about the interface

6. Features Overview

• Record up to 2 tracks at simultaneously
• 44.1kHz to 48kHz sample rates, 16-bit or 24-bit resolution
• One XLR mic, two TRS line, and one Hi-Z instrument inputs
• Two TRS and RCA line outputs
• Software suite: Cubase LE5 and Lexicon Pantheon VST reverb plug-in
• PC and Mac
• USB bus powered
• Direct monitoring with no latency
• 1/8-inch headphone jack
• 2-channel USB interface

Final Thoughts

Overall, this really is a great starter audio interface for home music producers. It provides all the very basic functions you would need to for very relatively simple recording set-ups. The Lexicon Alpha definitely delivers an awesome quality performance, with a great budget friendly-cost. This is a definite thumbs up from my side.

Lexicon Alpha available on Amazon

Check out the Lexicon Alpha Desktop Recording Studio audio interface here on Amazon for more!

For more information on Audio interfaces to consider, have a look at this article on top recommendations for you.

Photo: Mike Cameron

Lexicon's latest addition to their alphabetically inspired soundcard range is friendly to both your desktop space and your wallet .

Lexicon's Lambda is described as both a 'desktop recording studio' and a 'complete recording solution'. That may be overstating the case slightly, but there's certainly plenty you can do with just this bundle and a medium-spec Mac or PC. The Lambda itself is a compact, chunky device, built into a sturdy-looking plastic case. It's designed to stand upright, occupying as little desk space as possible. It connects to the host computer via USB, and provides a good selection of MIDI and audio connectors. Also included are Lexicon's very nice Pantheon VST reverb plug-in, and a copy of Steinberg's ubiquitous Cubase LE (see boxes).

Installation is very easy. Run the installer program from the CD provided, and attach the Lambda to a USB port when prompted. A few mouse-clicks later you're all set, with all the relevant drivers and software installed.

On The Case

A lot is crammed into the Lambda's compact case. On the front panel are level knobs for the mic and line inputs — there are two of each, and each has a switch to choose between mono or stereo input monitoring — plus Monitor Mix and Output Level knobs. There are also LEDs to indicate an active USB connection and to show whether or not phantom power is switched on, along with a compact LED level meter, complete with clip indicators. Finally, there's a quarter-inch Instrument jack suitable for directly connecting guitars or basses, and a standard 3.5mm headphone socket.

The back panel is no less crowded. There are two line inputs on quarter-inch jacks (note that the first of these is disabled if the front-panel Instrument input is used), and a pair of insert points on TRS quarter-inch sockets for the Lambda's two mic inputs. The mic inputs themselves are on balanced XLR sockets, with optional 48V phantom power. The main output is a stereo pair of line-level quarter-inch sockets, beneath which sit standard MIDI In and Out ports, a button to activate phantom power, and an ordinary USB socket for connecting to the host computer.

The Lambda is not supplied with a mains adaptor, and there's no socket for attaching a third-party one. Instead the unit draws all its power from the host computer via USB. This is a neat solution, in that it keeps cabling to a minimum and doesn't require you to find space for yet another 'wall-wart' on your probably-already-overcrowded plugboards. On other hand, it does mean a fair load is placed on your computer's USB bus. This shouldn't be a problem in the ordinary course of things, although it's something to take into account if you're planning to use the Lambda with a laptop running on batteries — especially if you'll be using phantom-powered mics as well.

Alpha Alternative

Continuing the Greek alphabet theme, another recent addition to Lexicon's range is the Alpha. Priced at £129, it's similar to the Lambda, with one or two differences.

It has only one XLR mic input instead of the Lambda's two, and no phantom power or channel inserts. It adds a stereo pair of line-level outputs on RCA/phono sockets in addition to the quarter-inch outputs. Like the Lambda, it has a pair of quarter-inch line inputs and a front-panel quarter-inch Instrument input for guitar or bass. The same software bundle is included.

If you're on a tight budget, and you can get by with fewer inputs, the Alpha might be a good alternative. For more details see www.lexiconpro.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ProductID=7.

Recording With The Lambda

Getting started with the Lambda is easy. The printed manual covers hardware setup, and provides a good step-by-step introduction to recording in Cubase LE. Newcomers should have no difficulty learning the ropes.

Photo: Mike CameronAs well as being a USB audio and MIDI interface, the Lambda also acts as a 4:2:2 mixer — so a maximum of four sources can be recorded simultaneously, onto a maximum of two independent tracks. Recordings can be 16- or 24-bit, at sample rates of either 44.1 or 48 kHz. The front-panel Mic and Line knobs make setting recording levels easy; each one has a Peak LED to indicate when things are getting too hot. Beneath it, the Output Level knob controls the level at both the main line outputs and the headphone output.

The Monitor Mix knob allows you to adjust how you hear input signals during recording. With the knob turned all the way to the left (Direct) only the 'live' analogue signal will be heard. With the knob turned the other way (Playback) you can monitor your host application's software outputs. Direct monitoring has the advantage of having 'zero' latency — there will be no audible processing delay in the signal. Playback monitoring allows you to listen via software effect plug-ins, at the cost of a certain amount of latency (how much depends upon your computer and software configuration). The Monitor Mix knob provides a convenient way to set a suitable balance between the two signals while recording overdubs.

On Balance

With its four inputs (five if you count the Instrument input), phantom power, channel inserts and flexible monitoring, the Lambda could do away with the need for a separate hardware mixer in a small portable or 'project' recording setup. While you might like to add a hardware compressor or EQ, neither of these would be essential.

Lexicon Alpha For Mac Os High Sierra

With just a single In and a single Out, the Lambda's MIDI capabilities are a bit on the basic side, so if you have lots of external MIDI hardware to control, you may need to make other arrangements. However, if you just need to hook up a keyboard to control one or more VST Instruments, the Lambda will do the job nicely.

Lexicon's Lambda is small enough to provide a portable solution for laptop recording, but could equally be useful in a cramped home studio where desk space is scarce. The front-panel Instrument input and headphone jacks are very convenient, and the Lambda's sensible design puts all the essential controls at your fingertips. It's easy to install, easy to use, and it works well.

Pantheon Reverb

A nice addition to the Lambda bundle is Lexicon's Pantheon VST reverb plug-in. The Lexicon name has been synonymous with high-quality digital reverb for many years, and the Pantheon plug-in has already won its fair share of admirers among users of Cakewalk's Sonar (which includes a bundled version of its own).

Pantheon ships with 35 preset patches, running the gamut from small rooms to large halls, via plates, chambers and beyond. The presets are all very usable, although one or two of them might be a little on the bright side for some tastes.

When you're ready to move beyond the presets, more than a dozen editable parameters await, allowing every conceivable aspect of the sound to be fine-tuned. With patience, and using the presets as sensible starting points, a wide variety of good-sounding reverbs can be created, ranging from the plausibly naturalistic to the peculiarly artificial.

Although its not impossible to coax a bad sound out of it, for the most part Pantheon works very well. It's always clear and transparent, and some of the small rooms in particular struck me as impressively real-sounding. It doesn't make excessive demands of the host CPU either.

The printed manual is brief but informative, and does a good job of explaining what the different parameters are, and how they're likely to affect the sound. Worth reading.

I've only one complaint. The Pantheon version supplied with this bundle appears to have been crippled to prevent its use in other VST plug-in hosts. Attempting to open it in Audiomulch, for example, brings up an 'Unauthorised Host' dialogue box bearing the message 'Sorry, this host is not authorized to load the Lexicon Pantheon plug-in'. Presumably Lexicon felt they had a good reason for imposing this restriction. From the point of view of the end user, though, it just serves to make a good product slightly less useful. That's a bit of a pity, although it doesn't detract from the plug-in's quality when used within Cubase LE.

Cubase LE

Also included in the Lambda bundle is a copy of Steinberg's feature-limited, entry-level version of their Cubase MIDI and audio sequencing package.

Although a good deal less sophisticated than its full-blown commercial siblings, Cubase LE is nonetheless a very capable program, offering 48 audio and 64 MIDI tracks, two insert and four effect sends per channel, full mix automation, score editing, and up to eight VST instruments, among other features. The Lambda's printed manual includes a useful walk-through guide to configuring the software and making your first recording.

Pros

• XLR mic inputs with phantom power and insert points.
• Convenient front-panel instrument input.
• Pantheon reverb plug-in.

Cons

• Pantheon reverb plug-in not available to hosts other than the bundled Cubase LE.
• No option to use external power supply.

Summary

A compact, flexible and practical solution for small home or portable studios, the Lambda package offers well-built hardware and a useful software bundle, for a reasonable price.

information

Lexicon Alpha Windows 10

£199 including VAT.

Harman Pro +44 (0)1707 668181.

Lexicon Alpha Manual

+44 (0)1707 668010.