Lexicon, the digital processing pioneers, have won much praise over the last two years for their affordable (sub-£500) MX range of computer-friendly hardware reverbs. In January, they added a further two models to the MX family, both of which are on display at Sounds Expo 2007 on the exhibition stand of their British distributor, Harman Pro UK (#462). Like their predecessors the MX200 and MX400, the new Lexicon reverbs, the MX300 and the MX500, can be used either as traditional hardware processors or be controlled directly from a computer sequencer just like a software plug-in. In addition, the MX500 offers direct audio interfacing with VST- and Audio Units-compatible sequencers.

The two-in, two-out MX300 sits between the original MX200 and last year's MX400 in terms of its specification, but is much closer to the spec of the higher-powered MX400. Like the MX200, the MX300 can be controlled from a computer sequencer via a USB connection, and offers two effects engines rather than the MX400's four, so the four-way surround processing options of the latter are not included on the MX300. However, the user interface is superior to that of the MX200, including an LCD not seen on the MX200, and the extra two-tap delay algorithm added on the MX400 is retained on the 300. The rest of the 16 reverbs, seven delays and processing algorithms (including a range of compression and limiting programs from Lexicon's sister company dbx) are the same as those on the MX400 with the exception of the Surround Hall reverb program, which cannot be replicated with two effects blocks. Like the MX400, the MX300 also offers a True Stereo routing mode not seen on the MX200. Analogue I/O (with input gain) is on a choice of XLRs or quarter-inch jacks - both connector types are included. Additionally, users have the option of using a stereo S/PDIF output at up to 24-bit resolution, at 44.1 or 48kHz.

The new top-of-the-range MX model is the MX500, which offers users all the functionality and superb Lexicon sound offered by the MX400, including the four effects engines, dual-stereo operation, four-channel surround routing and program options, 17 reverb algorithm types, and plug-in operation. However, unlike the rest of the units in the existing MX range, which interface with the host computer via USB, the MX500 uses FireWire, which allows it to send all of its audio to the computer down the same connection that is used to control it in plug-in mode. This was a popular request from users and the press following the release of the MX400 last year, as it vastly simplifies the connections required to use a Lexicon MX unit under a computer sequencer. However, more traditional I/O facilities are still on offer, including four quarter-inch jack inputs and four outputs, and two digital S/PDIF outputs. The MX500 will also output digital audio at sample rates of up to 96kHz if required.

Harman Pro UK are taking advantage of the opportunity presented by Sounds Expo to announce some Lexicon-related price cuts, some of which result from the introduction of the new MX models. The MX200 remains unchanged, with a recommended retail price of £199.99. The new MX300 debuts at £299.99, while the MX400 now retails at £399.99 and at £449.99 for the MX400XL XLR-equipped model - cuts of £100 in each case. This makes way for the MX500, which goes on sale at the MX400's former price of £499.99.

At the same time, Harman Pro UK have announced new lower prices for the 'Greek Letter' range of desktop audio interfaces, the Alpha, Lambda and Omega. The Alpha now retails for an incredibly affordable £99.99, the Lambda for £149.99, and the top-of-the-range Omega for a very reasonable £199.99. All prices include VAT.