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Lexicon Omega Studio USB Audio Interface (Macintosh and Windows)
Now includes Cubase LE Multi-Track PC and Mac OS X Recording Software. XLR inputs. Phantom power.
"The Lexicon Omega, A GREAT BEGINNING!!"
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:USB Connectivity!!!!!! Inputs!!! Inputs!!! Inputs!!!(with padding options on each!) Dedicated Instrument/Guitar input on front panel! Zero-Latency Monitoring!!! MIDI!!! Wonderful software bundle included!!! Insert inputs on Mic channels (2) for outboard effects!!! Clip leds for all inputs!!! Front control panel is as easy to navigate as an 80's Boom box! I Love this thing! ATTENTION LEXICON!!!! THE ONLY COMPLAINT I HAVE IS "WHY NO ON/OFF SWITCH???" (you have to either unplug the unit when not in use, plug it into a power supply with an on/off or INSTALL AN ON/OFF SWITCH ON THE POWER CORD. CHOOSE "C"!!! PROBLEM SOLVED.)
Quality:
I acually dig the look and construction of the Omega. Sure, it's no M-Audio Pro-Fire (at nearly 1/2 the price, with virtually all the same features AND A FEW MORE) but it is attractive, all the buttons, knobs, inputs and leds are easily seen and accessable, the unit is space efficient and does look cool aesthtically. Maybe they could have used a better material for the casing though. It feels like cheap, lightweight plastic, but is actually quite durable.
Value:
I just don't think you're going to find an A/D interface with as many bells and whistles as this for the price this one is available at. Don't let the great price fool you. Remember, This IS a Lexicon. It sounds like a Lexicon. It inspires like a Lexicon.
Desirability:
Exterior could use a touch up but you plug into it..... not stare at it's beauty. It does it's job. what more do you really want at this price?
Sound:
Not being a "Pro" DAW recording engineer, I want to give the Omega VERY high marks here, but I also understand that I know there is much higher priced equipment that sounds BIG studio quality. But, In MY opinion, I'd give this a 10 star rating, as the Zero latency monitoring, gorgeous Pantheon Reverb plug in and transparency and lack of coloring to the sound all just make this inexpensive, yet almost-pro setup easy to use and get GREAT sounds out of almost as fast as it takes to just load the software itself! Maybe this is "entry level" to the world of DAW recording, but as you grow and learn more, the Omega has a WORLD of advanced possiblities awaiting most home recording enthusiasts. Even the Cubase Le software bundle is enough to keep you reading and learning for a LONG time!!
Ease of Use:
As far as setup goes, I give it a 10 also, put in the software, follow the prompts, plug in the USB connection, open up Cubase Le, choose the Omega asio drivers and plug an instument in. That's it! The Meters start bouncing and you're ready to get levels set and record tracks!! I gave it an 8 star rating only due to the learning curve for "newbies" to the Home DAW recording world. Welcome to the "virtual" world. Be ready to read some manuals in order to achieve truly PRO sounds. WHICH YOU CAN AND WILL!!!
Support:
Havn't needed to try and get any. N/A.
Overall:
I can't stress enough how great this piece is. I see others have called it trash, while some had my experience. Maybe it's all who's turning the knobs. I've been a soundguy, eq freak, guitar rig builder and home recording enthusiast for years. To me, The Omega is nothing short of a Blessing for those who are nervous about investing too much into DAW recording system. The USB connectivity is fantastic, all the inputs and even the mic pre-amps are great for beginners! The Cubase bundled software can be imposing at first, but sit with the manual and take some time to get aquainted with the platform and everything gets familiar pretty fast. I HIGHLY recommend "The Complete idiot's Guide to Cubase 4". Even though the Omega comes with Cubase 4 LE (Limited version), the book will have you off and running, laying trax and mixing in NO TIME! Soon after that, you'll be urgrading to Cubase 4 (full version) where the world seems to just explode open with new possibilities. Enjoy!
"The most bang for your buck"
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:As mentioned above, you can make do with the included software, but you're better off running something more powerful/competent. The Omega is capable of pro-sounding results, so it's good to be able to mix/produce those good-sounding tracks with some pro software. Again, for the money, this is the most bang for your buck. Just look at the image of the rear, connections galore. Contrary to what someone said above, you CAN record all four channels at once, but you only have two channels with the dbx pres. You can actually record six inputs at once (and lots of MIDI), but you'd have to mix a few inputs together to share a channel, so it's not something you're likely to do in the studio, but might come in handy for live tracking. Connections are straightforward, SPDIF in and out is handy, headphone amp is powerful enough to drive a couple headsets with a splitter. Front-panel instrument input useful for basses/electrics. Balanced connections. True 48v phantom power (as opposed to a lot of these units that try to power the mics from USB). It's a lot in a little box.
Quality:
It's svelte and solid.
Value:
Less money and more features than the MBox make this a high value. In the end, being able to track 4 channels instead of two is worth a lot, particularly if you're going to be tracking drums.
Desirability:
This unit has been the input/A/D core of my home studio for years, and I've had great results with it. I ended up getting a nice two-channel pre running into inputs 3 and 4 of the Omega and now I've got four channels of clear, phantom-powered input going into my DAW running Sonar 5. Perfect for my needs. It's also terrific for portable recording with a laptop.
Sound:
For the money, an incredible sound. The dbx preamps are clear and more transparent than I would have expected. The connectors and internal circuitry is all high quality and yields a clear, noise-free result. Don't have any qualms with the A/D converter either.
Ease of Use:
It's a cinch. Manual is basically unnecessary.
Support:
Their website is not much help. I'm glad they released ASIO drivers, because their original drivers could be glitchy with certain systems (thankfully never mine).
Overall:
I don't anticipate replacing this unit for years. Even if someday I expand to something with more channels so I can start tracking bands all at once, I'll keep this around for portable recording.
"GET IT!"
Feature:
I had cakewalk homestudio to begin with, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to like lexicon. I ended up using the protracks it came with, which is pretty much the same thing. I record into protracks, and then when i'm done there, i master it through homestudio. This thing's great. IT CAN EVEN USE CONDENSER MICS!
Quality:
It was made very well. The knobs are snug, and feel good when you move them around. The inputs aren't crappy, and can be plugged and unplugged alot without getting too loose. I wouldn't call it sturdy like you can throw it off the roof, but these things ren't meant to be thrown around.
Value:
i was looking at pci cards, or some other stuff, but this USB recorder seemed to do the best job...anyways, for micing amps in 2 different places. I use a MOTU to mic drums.
Desirability:
If i could afford one of those 3000 dollar multrack recorders, i'd get one of those, but it's better having more cheaper gear that can do much more than what one of those expensive boxes can do. This is great.
Sound:
This has one of the best A/D/A converters out there. Even though one may think of clips and popping when using microphones right next to a screaming amp, you don't get it. It's great.
Support:
Never had to deal with them, but Harman Internation is a great company.
Overall:
I'm glad i got this thing...i used to record direct in throught the line in, or mic, but now i can mic everything i need to. GET IT, GET IT, GET IT!
I had cakewalk homestudio to begin with, but unfortunately it doesn't seem to like lexicon. I ended up using the protracks it came with, which is pretty much the same thing. I record into protracks, and then when i'm done there, i master it through homestudio. This thing's great. IT CAN EVEN USE CONDENSER MICS!
Quality:
It was made very well. The knobs are snug, and feel good when you move them around. The inputs aren't crappy, and can be plugged and unplugged alot without getting too loose. I wouldn't call it sturdy like you can throw it off the roof, but these things ren't meant to be thrown around.
Value:
i was looking at pci cards, or some other stuff, but this USB recorder seemed to do the best job...anyways, for micing amps in 2 different places. I use a MOTU to mic drums.
Desirability:
If i could afford one of those 3000 dollar multrack recorders, i'd get one of those, but it's better having more cheaper gear that can do much more than what one of those expensive boxes can do. This is great.
Sound:
This has one of the best A/D/A converters out there. Even though one may think of clips and popping when using microphones right next to a screaming amp, you don't get it. It's great.
Support:
Never had to deal with them, but Harman Internation is a great company.
Overall:
I'm glad i got this thing...i used to record direct in throught the line in, or mic, but now i can mic everything i need to. GET IT, GET IT, GET IT!
"Lexicon's the way to go!!"
Feature:
I was looking for a budget soundcard to fit all my needs - recording guitars and voice. I used max two inputs at a time. So thats no problem. The mic pre-amp with +48V phantom is great. Headphone jack is useful. I only wonder if they could ve given two of those. THE PANTHEON REVERB IS FANTABULOUS! And it DOES work in programs other than cakewalk.
Quality:
No problems there. Wonder what some other readers expect from their sound cards for 350$
Value:
Tough question :P
Desirability:
I like the blue LED the best ;)
Sound:
Had no idea how the thing would be when I bought it. The first among my frnds to buy a USB thingie. Its awesome. Great sound. No noises, crackles etc.
Support:
They did reply rather promptly about a query I had
Overall:
Has all features any home studio owner would need. Would buy another one, for sure, if something happened to it.
I was looking for a budget soundcard to fit all my needs - recording guitars and voice. I used max two inputs at a time. So thats no problem. The mic pre-amp with +48V phantom is great. Headphone jack is useful. I only wonder if they could ve given two of those. THE PANTHEON REVERB IS FANTABULOUS! And it DOES work in programs other than cakewalk.
Quality:
No problems there. Wonder what some other readers expect from their sound cards for 350$
Value:
Tough question :P
Desirability:
I like the blue LED the best ;)
Sound:
Had no idea how the thing would be when I bought it. The first among my frnds to buy a USB thingie. Its awesome. Great sound. No noises, crackles etc.
Support:
They did reply rather promptly about a query I had
Overall:
Has all features any home studio owner would need. Would buy another one, for sure, if something happened to it.
"USB and sound, nice. . . quality of construction, not so nice."
Feature:
I don't require a lot of features. I like that you can use it as a stand-alone mixer without hooking it up to your computer. The USB is nice. And people that say that USB 2.0 doesn't work as good as Firewire just don't know what they're doing. Period.
Quality:
Cheap plastic. I've had problems with this unit. The MIDI In quit working and the digital input switch got stuck. I had those problems repaired. Then the line-out developed a lot of noise and the right input jack developed a short. I've since replaced the unit.
Value:
This unit is a great buy. I had problems with the quality but that can't be true for all of the units.
Desirability:
Would be a LOT higher if the quality was better.
Sound:
Sounds just fine overall, but see below.
Ease of Use:
No problems. But, I know what I'm doing. Very intuitive for someone with half a brain.
Support:
Support was responsive, prompt and personal. Very good job.
Overall:
A very nice unit with good features and USB 2.0, which is just fine. But, the unit was not dependable and had some quality problems.
I don't require a lot of features. I like that you can use it as a stand-alone mixer without hooking it up to your computer. The USB is nice. And people that say that USB 2.0 doesn't work as good as Firewire just don't know what they're doing. Period.
Quality:
Cheap plastic. I've had problems with this unit. The MIDI In quit working and the digital input switch got stuck. I had those problems repaired. Then the line-out developed a lot of noise and the right input jack developed a short. I've since replaced the unit.
Value:
This unit is a great buy. I had problems with the quality but that can't be true for all of the units.
Desirability:
Would be a LOT higher if the quality was better.
Sound:
Sounds just fine overall, but see below.
Ease of Use:
No problems. But, I know what I'm doing. Very intuitive for someone with half a brain.
Support:
Support was responsive, prompt and personal. Very good job.
Overall:
A very nice unit with good features and USB 2.0, which is just fine. But, the unit was not dependable and had some quality problems.
"Really Amazing!"
Feature:
All features work great. No complaints.
Quality:
Never failed up untill this point.
Value:
Well...wish it was cheaper, but all in all a good price.
Desirability:
Geez what is it a piece of art or a musician's tool? who cares what it looks like! well anyway, its nice looking but nothing "sooo coool!" or anything...
Sound:
Clicks and pops are non existent, sound is super clear. I was so surprised when I recorded my first song how it sounds as if i recorded in a pro studio. Awsome!
Support:
I have called the support line for several misunderstandings and they have helped me every time.
Overall:
This thing is awsome! However I didnt give it a full 10 because that would only be something that is so incredible i wouldnt even have to be writing this review. I hope more people buy this product!
All features work great. No complaints.
Quality:
Never failed up untill this point.
Value:
Well...wish it was cheaper, but all in all a good price.
Desirability:
Geez what is it a piece of art or a musician's tool? who cares what it looks like! well anyway, its nice looking but nothing "sooo coool!" or anything...
Sound:
Clicks and pops are non existent, sound is super clear. I was so surprised when I recorded my first song how it sounds as if i recorded in a pro studio. Awsome!
Support:
I have called the support line for several misunderstandings and they have helped me every time.
Overall:
This thing is awsome! However I didnt give it a full 10 because that would only be something that is so incredible i wouldnt even have to be writing this review. I hope more people buy this product!
"Works just fine on W2K and XP and with other S/W packages."
Feature:
I love the phantom power, XLR ports and direct monitoring capabilities. This is outweighted by the Cakewalk software, which is not the greated UI. I'm disappointed that no real drum sampler was included. However: you CAN use any software with the Lexicon interface. Also, runs just fine on Windows XP, came with specific install indtsurctions for 2000 and XP, so whoever said it doesn't run on those OS's hasn't checked recently.
Quality:
I like the fact that it's bigger and sits well on the shelf, so cable drag won't pull it off the shelf.
Value:
This was a much better buy than a stand alone multitrack.
Desirability:
Looks good to me
Sound:
Very nice so far, the interface seems to be very high quality.
Support:
The included manuals were easy enough so far, no need for support calls.
I love the phantom power, XLR ports and direct monitoring capabilities. This is outweighted by the Cakewalk software, which is not the greated UI. I'm disappointed that no real drum sampler was included. However: you CAN use any software with the Lexicon interface. Also, runs just fine on Windows XP, came with specific install indtsurctions for 2000 and XP, so whoever said it doesn't run on those OS's hasn't checked recently.
Quality:
I like the fact that it's bigger and sits well on the shelf, so cable drag won't pull it off the shelf.
Value:
This was a much better buy than a stand alone multitrack.
Desirability:
Looks good to me
Sound:
Very nice so far, the interface seems to be very high quality.
Support:
The included manuals were easy enough so far, no need for support calls.
"Sounds great, well made, easy to use, cheap....what else do you want?"
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:It has everything a small band could ask for. I record basic drums and bass in our garage along with a guide guitar track, then we overdub everything else later on sitting in the nice warm living room. I wish it had two more mic inputs, but using adapters, we make it work.
Quality:
It is plastic after all, but I don't throw my equipment around the studio, so I expect it to last a long time. It actuall looks great on the desk too. Ths knobs are smooth and linear. Connections are positive and professional. It's an amazing piece of gear for the money.
Value:
I spent three times as much for an "all in one recorder/cd burner and couldn't get it to work properly after a year of trying and two conflicting manuals (thanks Roland) This is so easy to use, you'll be on your 30th track before you realize it. Great value.
Desirability:
This one addition to my studio has streamlined our recording time a great deal. The previous machines made it a chore to overdub. Now we laugh about it because it's so easy.
Sound:
What you play is what you hear. My bandmates are amazed at how clean everything sounds. We're currently recording our first CD on it.
Support:
Emails were answered next day.
Overall:
Every home studio owner, songwriter, solo performer, or small band who's fed up trying to make their all-in-one porta-type studios do what they need it to do, should try out this little beast. Guitar, Pod, Lexicon Omega, headphones, go. The only thing I will add will be a small piece of Velcro to the bottom so the silly dancing musicians don't pull it down onto the floor while rocking out. Buy a small headphone mixer for the band, some headphone extension cables, and call your friends.
"Don't buy this audio interface"
zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
Feature:You couldn't hope for a more full featured interface. However, this unit has serious windows combatibility issues (and that's from their tech people). This unit has not worked for more than half hour since it arrived.
Quality:
I can not speak well for the quality as it won't work here on our up to date, audio optimized PC. Perhaps MAC users will find this unit more useful
Value:
If you own a PC I would consider another unit
Desirability:
As audio interfaces go this one is very attractive. As a box of well connected but functionless parts, it's still attractive.
Sound:
This unit sounds fabulous when it's working.
Ease of Use:
This is not plug n' play and you know it. There is a learning curve. That comes with sophistication, a good thing... if it worked.
Support:
Email support is ridiculous. Broken english responses that take days to get to you. Very simplistic advice given in the begining, now they simply don't answer. My telephone call to them was polite, and the young tech who spoke with was very easy to understand. He stated there probably wasn't anything wrong with thier box, it must be my end. Aren't you sick of hearing that! No offer for money back, no offer for meaningful assistance. He made it fairly clear there was nothing they could do for me.
Overall:
I am not satisfied at all. And the tech person I spoke to on the phone explained that there was "rarely anthing wrong with units sent back for repair". However, if I liked they would take a look at it.
"Hardware/Pre-amp goooooood!!! Putrid Cakewalk software baaaaaaaad!!!"
Feature:
With the Omega comes Lexicon's Holy Mother Nice Reverb plug-in, which is pretty cool, I guess. Don't know if I'll need that much reverb, but it's good to have just in case. The software sucks to no end whatsoever. They'd probably do better just to sell the hardware and lower the price, because Pro Tracks doesn't even have a decent METRONOME on it!!!!! Grrrrrrr. . . . not to mention fairly confusing program to use, too. I was ready to smash the whole unit in frustration, and then I found Cool Edit Pro 2. So ditch the software, but keep the hardware, it's nice.
Quality:
It's plastic, shoot, but seems like it'll hold up as long as you don't play football with it. The knobs work well on it as far as I can see, and I haven't had any trouble with the preamp thus far. Wonder if you could shoot the Pro Tracks software with fully-auto, mercenary-styled weaponry. . . . that could be REALLY cool. . . . . Otherwise, I could put it in the cat's litter box for a target, but I don't think I want to offend the kitty's feelings so severely. . . .
Value:
Again, great preamp, hardware, and the Pantheon plug-in is quite cool. I HATE the software with a PASSION, for those of you who didn't get that part yet. . . . Again, if I wanted to really keep my customers pleased, and I were Lexicon, I'd fire Cakewalk and get a real company to make software- like Sirrilium (Cool Edit Pro 2).
Desirability:
Very sleek design. Takes up a whole cubed foot of space by the computer, if that, which works out nicely in my efficiency apartment. Looks like something out of Star Wars, but very good at what it does. Now, after spending the dough on it, I come to find that you can get similar items (USB recording interface/preamps) out there for less money, but you don't get the shiz-nitty software (awwww, bummer)- again, no offense to the reverb plug-in: it seems pretty nice. All offense is directed at Cakewalk's "Pro Tracks." However, you can get a similar set up that has Pro Tools on it for $50 more. Or there's a similar barebones USB recording unit that costs even less. I'd go with one of those units again now that they are available if I have to replace anything.
Sound:
The HARDWARE/pre-amp/whatever of this package is VERY nice. Clean and crisp. Easy to use. The software sounds OK, too, but for other reasons, I'd recommend different software.
Support:
Didn't contact Lexicon as I didn't need to, and they push off all the (known and anticipated, I suspect) software problems on the culprit, Cakewalk. Which is a heck of a strategic maneuver seeing how Cakewalk DOES NOT SUPPORT THIS ULTIMATE GARBAGE CAN SCUM OF A PRODUCT. No response from Cakewalk via email, and no one willing to talk on their (No)Help Line.
Overall:
Yeah, it's okay. Again, GET DIFFERENT SOFTWARE!!!! You will hardly be able to use Pro Tracks, no lie. But since it's bought and paid for, I'll use it until it dies or becomes ancient. The software might become a donation for the new Chernobyl experiment.
With the Omega comes Lexicon's Holy Mother Nice Reverb plug-in, which is pretty cool, I guess. Don't know if I'll need that much reverb, but it's good to have just in case. The software sucks to no end whatsoever. They'd probably do better just to sell the hardware and lower the price, because Pro Tracks doesn't even have a decent METRONOME on it!!!!! Grrrrrrr. . . . not to mention fairly confusing program to use, too. I was ready to smash the whole unit in frustration, and then I found Cool Edit Pro 2. So ditch the software, but keep the hardware, it's nice.
Quality:
It's plastic, shoot, but seems like it'll hold up as long as you don't play football with it. The knobs work well on it as far as I can see, and I haven't had any trouble with the preamp thus far. Wonder if you could shoot the Pro Tracks software with fully-auto, mercenary-styled weaponry. . . . that could be REALLY cool. . . . . Otherwise, I could put it in the cat's litter box for a target, but I don't think I want to offend the kitty's feelings so severely. . . .
Value:
Again, great preamp, hardware, and the Pantheon plug-in is quite cool. I HATE the software with a PASSION, for those of you who didn't get that part yet. . . . Again, if I wanted to really keep my customers pleased, and I were Lexicon, I'd fire Cakewalk and get a real company to make software- like Sirrilium (Cool Edit Pro 2).
Desirability:
Very sleek design. Takes up a whole cubed foot of space by the computer, if that, which works out nicely in my efficiency apartment. Looks like something out of Star Wars, but very good at what it does. Now, after spending the dough on it, I come to find that you can get similar items (USB recording interface/preamps) out there for less money, but you don't get the shiz-nitty software (awwww, bummer)- again, no offense to the reverb plug-in: it seems pretty nice. All offense is directed at Cakewalk's "Pro Tracks." However, you can get a similar set up that has Pro Tools on it for $50 more. Or there's a similar barebones USB recording unit that costs even less. I'd go with one of those units again now that they are available if I have to replace anything.
Sound:
The HARDWARE/pre-amp/whatever of this package is VERY nice. Clean and crisp. Easy to use. The software sounds OK, too, but for other reasons, I'd recommend different software.
Support:
Didn't contact Lexicon as I didn't need to, and they push off all the (known and anticipated, I suspect) software problems on the culprit, Cakewalk. Which is a heck of a strategic maneuver seeing how Cakewalk DOES NOT SUPPORT THIS ULTIMATE GARBAGE CAN SCUM OF A PRODUCT. No response from Cakewalk via email, and no one willing to talk on their (No)Help Line.
Overall:
Yeah, it's okay. Again, GET DIFFERENT SOFTWARE!!!! You will hardly be able to use Pro Tracks, no lie. But since it's bought and paid for, I'll use it until it dies or becomes ancient. The software might become a donation for the new Chernobyl experiment.
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