From:             brian@aurcmx.com (Brian McDonald)
Subject:          Re: VORTEX info
To:               djmaytag@terracom.net (DJMaytag)
Date sent:        Wed, 19 Jun 1996 10:35:24 -0700 (PDT)
Copies to:        analogue@hyperreal.com

This came from the music machines website (convinced me to buy
one!):

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Lexicon Vortex

[Vortex Image]

Audio Morphing (TM) Processor

The Vortex is a true-stereo processor, where the left and right
inputs are processed independently in most effects. The Audio
Morphing (TM) feature allows you to change between two existing
patches. Morphing is a complete parametric and algorithmic
restructuring of two independent effects, rather than a simple
crossfade and you can morph between any two effects you have
created. Morphing can be triggered with a button (the time of
the morph between effects can also be set), or controlled with
an expression pedal in real-time.

Effects also have built in Dynamic Envelope Control that gives
you control over one or more effects parameters. For example, in
some effects, playing louder will increase the vibrato rate; in
others it can decrease feedback.

Each effect in the vortex is what is usually called a 'patch' in
most processors - they are actually several simultaneous effects
(but you can isolate and modify the individual effects). The
unit comes with a total of 32 effects, arranged in 16 A/B
register pairs. (It is these A/B pairs that determine which
effects you morph between) The effects in these pairs can be
similar or totally different.

All Vortex effects are based on rhythmic echoes -- and setting
them up is easy. If you want 8th note echoes on the left and
16th note echoes on the right, just turn the front panel
Parameter knob to select ECHO 1 / and turn the Value knob to 8.
Set ECHO 2 / to 16, and you're done. These simple controls make
it a snap to set up extraordinary polyrhythms which can be
stored within any effect.

You set the tempo for these echoes simply by tapping in a rhythm
(with the front panel TAP button, or with a footswitch). Every
effect in the box will synchronize to this tempo, so that all
effects are always rhythmically compatible.

Some of the presets on the Vortex include Orbits, a rotary
speaker simulator where Morphing will simulate inertial drag as
speakers speed is changed, Deja Vu, a looping effect, where you
can use an expression pedal control the amount of your sound to
be recorded, Choir, which features chorusing with echo and
envelope control over chorus depth, Bleen, a ring modulator that
decays into tremelo, Centrifuge, a Flanger where you playing
level controls the rate, and Fractal, looping with a bit of
phasing.

Each effect has 16 defining parameters, which can be adjusted by
selecting a parameter from the rotary knob on the front panel,
and turning the value knob to the desired value. Expression
pedal assignments can also be stored with each effect.

Vortex is supplied with a dual footswitch which can be used for
Bypass and Step functions, or for Tap and A/B switching.
Connecting a second dual footswitch gives you hands-off control
over all of the important front panel functions. The Vortex can
be used with a variety of pedals that will allow you to change
effects, control Morphing or any other parameter.

The Vortex also features an A/B relay switch that allows remote
control of guitar amplifier lead/rhythm channel selection with a
standard guitar cable connected from Vortex to the A/B switching
input on your amp allows a single press of the Vortex A/B button
(or footswitch) to coordinate channel switching.

The true-stereo capability of the Vortex allows a specific
signal processing path to be incorporated into each effect,
giving it a distinctive spatial characteristic. Some effects
start with a stereo image and maintain it throughout the box.
Others allow you to independently process two different sound
sources, such as vocals on one input and drums on the other.

Specifications:

   * Audio Inputs: One Pair Stereo 1/4" on Rear Panel
   * Audio Outputs: One Pair Stereo 1/4" on Rear Panel
   * Effects: 32 user-programmable locations. Audio processing
   includes, but
     is not limited to, tremelo, chorus, flange, phaser, echo,
     looping, rotary speaker simulator, and ring modulation.
   * Effect Parameters: Echo /1 & 2, Envelope, Morph A/B, Echo
   FX level, Mod
     FX level, Output, Mix, Feedback 1 & 2, Rate 1 & 2, Depth 1
     & 2, Resonance 1 & 2.
   * A/B Switching Relay: Tip.Ring/Sleeve phone jack; Rated at
   <=100mA * Footswitch Connectors (2): Tip/Ring/Sleeve phone
   jacks for Bypass and
     Register Step or Tap & A/B Selection (one dual-function
     footswitch provided).
   * Footpedal Connector: Tip/Ring/Sleeve phone jack for
   expression pedal
     w/stereo plug.
   * Frequency Response 20Hz - 14kHz, +1.0dB to -3.0dB
   * THD + Noise: <0.03% @ 1kHz
   * Dynamic Range: 83dB typical, 20Hz - 20kHz bandwidth
   * Conversion: Delta-Sigma modulation with 64k over-sampling *
   Power Requirements: 9VAC, 1A wall transformer provided. *
   Dimensions: 19.0"W x 1.75"H x 4.0"D (483 x 45 x 102mm) *
   Weight: Unit: 2 lbs, 12oz (1.2 kg), Footswitch: 8.5 oz (0.2
   kg)

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