lexicon mx200 reverb/effects unit or TC electronic powercore compact?

[(val)Liam]

I got a big gift certificate for tom lee so I went up and saw two things that I wanted, but couldn't decide then and there so I'm going to see which I should get...

lexicon mx200: $259

pros:

- use as my reverb/delay unit so I don't have to use VST effects that suck up the CPU
- has a usb port and a vst with it
- hardware device, so I can use it for my guitar as well
- CHEAP!!

cons:

- I've never heard it so I don't know if its good quality
- only supports its own effects

tc electronic powercore compact: $939

pros:

- comes with many vsts that all run off the powercore processor, cutting down my CPU usage
- compatible with many vsts/vsti's, like access virus and novation v-station vsts

cons:

- also don't really know the quality of the vsts
- EXPENSIVE!!

so those are my options (for now, unless anyone can mention something better to buy)

what do you think I should invest in?

[Royal_Phunk]

tough one man, depends on where you stand on the gear and what you really need. The lexicons a sweet box no question lots of dope presets really configurable. The powercore is sweet but only runs certain plugs and no third party plug support just the plugs that come with. For the money both pieces of gear will help you but for 999 i would go get myself a sweeter computer, basically what i did when faced with the same question. I would go get the lexicon box and go get a new processor (ahem dual core) that rips.

[(val)Liam]

if I get the lexicon I could also put money into a radium 61, which is what I really need... I can't be creative with only 2 octaves on my keyboard...

[Skyles]

powercore.
the plugins are better quality.

[(val)Liam]

I wish I could find demos or demo songs for both of the products

[Royal_Phunk]

Originally Posted by Liam

if I get the lexicon I could also put money into a radium 61, which is what I really need... I can't be creative with only 2 octaves on my keyboard...

i think thats the most rewarding way to go man. I looked at those plugs they dont really look that usefull. your lexicon box is featured in this months sound on sound if you havent already looked. The powercore box is kewl im all for driving more plugins but good ones. The plugs that take up most processing power are .. reverbs and synths. I dont really think the powercore will help you here except give some processing back if you use there reverb, also dont think their plugins are of higher quality because they would have to be 48 bit or something futuristic to beat out the current plugs. Where the powercore will shine is when your going at 96khz etc. But let me know what you choose and if you get that lexicon box id love to know how it goes. Might get one myself ;)

[inside]

easy. powercore. Most of the plugins have been hacked as well. Oxford eq,Virus anyone?

[Code]

with those 2 choices of course the powercore is going to be the answer

shriveled grape, or fat juicy watermelon?

But, to offer another option: UAD-1. might help with 2 of your needs- CPU drain and plug ins.

[Skyles]

yea the UAD cards are nice as well, the eq's that come with it are money. nice and warm.

that lexicon unit is a piece of junk, don't fall for the hype of some magazine.