- Record up to 2 tracks at once
- 44.1kHz to 48kHz sample rates, 16-bit or 24-bit resolution
- Two XLR mic, two TRS line, and one Hi-Z instrument inputs
- Two TRS line outputs and MIDI I/O
- Software suite includes Cubase LE4 and Lexicon Pantheon VST reverb plug-in
Product Description
Now you can record anywhere that you carry your laptop. The Lexicon Lambda USB Audio Interface is a complete hardware and software solution that turns your computer into a portable, professional 24-bit/48 kHz digital recording studio. It offers a 4x2x2 USB I/O mixer which is powered directly from the USB bus and includes Steinberg Cubase LE4 recording software, plus world-renowned Lexicon reverbs via the Pantheon VST plug-in. Front panel controls let you adjust Dire… More >>
Lexicon Lambda Desktop Recording Studio
Tags: complete hardware, Desktop, digital recording studio, lambda, Lexicon, line outputs, pantheon, Recording, recording software, steinberg cubase, Studio, usb audio interface, usb bus
#1 by M. Lizzotte on April 19, 2010 - 12:46 am
The fact that it was USB powered and still was a source of phantom power is what sold me but when I used it on my PC, the lag time was remarkably annoying. I found myself wasting more time editting this product’s mistakes instead of recording. Waste of money and time.
Rating: 1 / 5
#2 by Corey Fischer on April 19, 2010 - 3:42 am
I had high hopes for this given its specs and price, however, though it is said to be compatible with Windows XP, I couldn’t get my rig to recognize it and load the drivers without which nothing worked. I called the tech people at Lexicon (Harman is the parent company) I was immediately connected with a knowledgeable engineer-type who listened to the symptoms, had me look in my device driver where we saw that it was listed, but not as an audio device. It was under “Other Devices.” “Ah.” he said “That’s the problem. XP doesn’t recognize it for what it is and therefore won’t load the drivers.” Encouraged by his astuteness, I asked, “OK, what’s the workaround?” He answered, “There isn’t any. Windows was supposed to have fixed it in SR 3. Which version do you have?”
“SR3,” I told him.
“Yeah,” He sighed, “this comes up every once in a while. I’m afraid I can’t help you. It’s a Windows thing.”
“Really?” I whined, “Nothing you can do?”
“Sorry. Everyone here in engineering has been talking about this since it first came up, but nobody’s got a fix for it. Like I said, It’s a Win…”
“…dows thing,” I sang along in harmony.
Left with no other recourse, since Windows online support naturally had nothing remotely close to helpful that I could find, I returned the item and purchased, for about 30 bucks more, (at 170) an m-audio firewire solo audio interface which I set up yesterday. I had a few awful moments when the blue screen of death kept appearing, after I’d installed the drivers and was trying to open my recording app, Sony Acid. But m-audio’s extensive and well-organized knowledge base led me right to the problem: I had downloaded the most current drivers and installed them *after* I installed the older ones from the disc that came with the solo. The KB told me that is a big no-no and you must never install their drivers without first uninstalling the old ones. Once I cleaned that issue up, it started working like a charm. At least for some simple test vocal recordings. But I’m not reviewing the m-audio solo here, so I’ll stop, with a warning to Win XP folks that you may, like me, be one of the unlucky few who run into the same “Windows Thing.” If anyone reading this does know a work-around for this issue, do everyone a favor and post it!
Rating: 2 / 5
#3 by danbdan on April 19, 2010 - 5:57 am
I purchased the Lexicon Lambda in December of 2009, mainly because I wanted an audio interface that would allow me to connect my MIDI keyboard (Alesis QS8), L-R audio out from the keyboard and two XLR mics to my PC, one of which requires phantom power (AKG C2000B). I have since purchased a hardware compressor / limiter (Behringer MDX4600) and am now using the handy “insert” busses in order to make use of the compressor.
In the few weeks that I have been using the Lambda, it has proven to be a powerful workhorse in my home studio. The device is sturdy, the sound is clean and the features are exactly what I need for producing professional quality media on a home studio budget. I am very satisfied with my choice in this product and how well it works with the equipment in my studio and the software that I use (Sony SoundForge 10, Sony Vegas Pro 9, Sony Acid 7).
The only problem that I have had is that the unit may infrequently “lock-up” or go silent, but that is remedied by briefly unplugging and reconnecting the USB cable from the back of the unit… and this may be the fault of the software that I use, the PC or the static electricity that can cause an audible “click” when I touch the keyboard or mic stand. Either way, these problems have been extremely minor and should not deter you from considering this product.
For what it’s worth, I’m using the Lexicon Lambda on a PC running Windows 7 Ultimate, a 3.4Ghz Pentium Extreme CPU and 4GB of RAM. I had originally planned to buy the similar product by TASCAM, but was advised that many people have experienced compatibility issues with that unit. Thus, I went with the Lambda.
Highly recommended!
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Hawaiian Eye on April 19, 2010 - 8:33 am
The Lambda is the best of Lexicon’s line up! Why? It uses USB power, and has built in phantom power for a powered recording mike, which is what you’ll want to make pro live acoustic recordings.
Lexicons upper end OMEGA seems to be manufactured differently. Just read all the disapointing reviews. Even on the Lexicon forums.
In short, the Lambda (or the Lambada as I affectionately call it), can be used in any manner your needs can think of.
I started, wanting just an input into my computer for audio. And you can use this for that.
But after seeing what it can do, I use it instead of my older Roland digital recording console.
I use the included CUBASE program, but I’ve also purchased Acid Pro 6, which is my main program.
Granted, the Lambda isn’t for recording a whole band in one take. But with a little creative know-how, you could record your band’s demo CD in HIGHER quality than the Beatles ever had at their disposal!
I just use it recording one “Take” at a time. Home Studio style.
Put it this way… Recording quality is NOT what will be the weak link. Your imperfections will! and..
Your cables, mikes, and instruments will too!
Hopefully your unique TALENT will shine through the imperfections, as it does with every true artist!
So get real, go for it, and don’t be afraid!
Rating: 5 / 5