The Lexicon 224 Reverb Deep Dive
There are pieces of gear that define eras—and the Lexicon 224 is one of them. This digital reverb unit not only shaped the sound of countless hits in the late ‘70s and ‘80s but continues to be a go-to for engineers looking for lush, immersive spaces in their mixes. In this episode of Inside the Recording Studio, Chris and Jody jump into the shimmering pool of the Lexicon 224 to explore its history, design, controls, and timeless sound.
The 224 wasn’t the first reverb, but it was the one that made digital reverb mainstream. With its unmistakable lush halls, smooth plates, and dreamy ambiences, it quickly became a studio staple across genres. Chris and Jody dig into the history and timing of its release, explaining why it was such a game-changer for studios looking to break free from purely analog solutions.
Of course, gear isn’t just about history—it’s about how it works. That’s why the guys deliver their abnormal review of the 224’s quirky controls, walking through what each does, how to use them, and what to watch out for. From dialing in subtle room simulations to building cathedral-like spaces, the Lexicon 224 gives you flexibility that’s still relevant decades later.
You’ll also hear about some of the favorite uses of the 224, from classic vocal treatments to drum reverb tricks that defined the sound of pop, rock, and film scores. Even in a world filled with plugins, the 224’s sound remains iconic, whether you’re working with hardware or modern emulations in your DAW.
And, in classic Chris and Jody style, expect some humor, a dash of nonsense, and the weekly Friday Finds—so you leave the episode with fresh inspiration and maybe a new tool to explore.
By the end of this episode, you’ll understand why the Lexicon 224 is more than a piece of hardware—it’s a piece of music history that still has lessons (and tones) to teach.
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Gear we used:
Jody’s Mic & Voice Chain: Telefunken C12 – Groove Tubes Vipre – Apollo – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA Studer A800
Jody’s Channel Strip: iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Chris’ Mic & Voice Chain: Slate ML1 – Apollo – UA – Slate VMR (FG12, FG73, API Eq, SSL 4kE) – iZotope RX Voice – DeNoise
Chris’ Channel Strip: Eventide Precision Time Align – iZotope RX Spectral DeNoise – iZotope RX Mouth DeClick – UA Neve 1073 – UA LA2A – UA 1176E
Master: Oek Sound Soothe 2 – iZotope Ozone Imager – iZotope Ozone Maximize.
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If you want to collaborate, sponsor a podcast, donate, or want us to review your product – contact us at: collaborate@insidetherecordingstudio.com