If you've been shopping around for an affordable computer audio interface, you may think it's all about sacrifices. You want good sound quality, you give up available inputs. You want the inputs, you settle for substandard software. The best compromise leaves everyone unhappy, right? Lexicon would beg to differ. The makers of the industry's premier digital reverbs developed a USB audio interface that offers four simultaneous streams of audio input, top-notch preamps and converters, and professional recording software in one package: the Lexicon Omega Studio. Even better, they priced the whole thing for well under $200!
Four Simultaneous Inputs, And More
Most audio interfaces in this price range give you only two simultaneous inputs, turning your computer into not much more than a stereo hard-disc recorder. With the Lexicon Omega USB interface, however, you get four simultaneous input streams, taking your recording process into true multi-tracking territory. For example, four inputs is enough for tracking guitar, bass, and stereo-mixed drums for making some pretty advanced demo recordings. But available inputs are just the beginning. The Omega sports eight total inputs with internal mixing, so you can hook a whole range of studio equipment up to it. You get 1/4-inch line-level inputs, a dedicated instrument input for guitar and bass, digital S/PDIF for recording from ADAT and additional digital mixers, and MIDI I/O for syncing with external sequencers, drum machines and control surfaces. Stereo outputs can be mixed between your computer's output and input signal for direct, latency-free monitoring. . . a huge advantage when layering your symphony of guitar overdubs and five-part vocal harmonies! The Omega Studio has enough routing capability to become the center of your home or project studio.
dbx Preamps, and More
With all this functionality, the Lexicon Omega doesn't skimp on quality hardware. Lexicon makes use of its partnership with dbx by incorporating a pair of dbx preamps--culled from the dbx 386 mic pre--into the Omega's front-end for crystal-clear audio and tons of clean headroom. To make sure you don't get too hot going into the Omega, a full compliment of LED meters gives you instant feedback on signal strength, and making it easy to avoid the preamp and digital clipping that has ruined countless home recordings. The two microphone inputs also feature inserts for incorporating outboard effects processing units into your signal path between the preamp and the mixing bus, the same routing technique that high-end, large format studio mixing consoles use. The Omega also sports some excellent analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion, courtesy of specially designed converters capable of up to 24-bit, 48k resolution for better than CD fidelity. Amazingly enough, this low-cost, high-quality box is made right here in the U.S.
World-Class Lexicon Reverb, And More
A computer recording studio isn't complete without recording software, and the Lexicon Omega Studio comes brings some heavy-hitting titles to bear on your projects. For starters, the Omega is packaged with the stunning Lexicon Pantheon Reverb plugin. Digital reverb is how Lexicon originally staked its claim in the recording industry, and the Pantheon plugin lives up to its esteemed lineage. With Pantheon, you'll have control over every aspect of a reverb algorithm so lush, you'll think Phil Spector has lent you his Wall of Sound! And of course, there's top-notch multitrack recording software to get you started right away. Cubase LE is included with your new USB Interface, so you'll be able to make full use of the four-channel simultaneous inputs, accurate dbx preamps, and lush Lexicon reverb on your very next session.
Looking for your first USB audio interface? Don't sweat it! With the Lexicon Omega Studio you'll be netting a high-quality, full-fledged production suite at a price that can only be called "sweet."
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