Lexicon 480L Reverb vs Relab LX480 | Product Shootout

In this product shootout, watch as we compare the Lexicon 480L reverb to the Relab LX480 Complete using the preset 'Large Wood Room'.

[noahbecerra]

I saw an ad for this on Facebook thinking it is a brand new plug-in, but it’s almost 10 years old! Sounds great, I will definitely add it to my collection of reverb plug-ins.

[simonbarth]

I would say the plugin has a tiny bit wider stereo, sub bass and less highend. But in the 0.5 db kind of difference. Realy no more reason to buy the hardware, this is absolutly fantastic! Great job!!!

[bmanic]

This is amazing! Closing my eyes I could NOT find the splice point. Very very impressive! Martin, you are a genius! Massive thumbs up!

[monkeyxx]

Must give credit where credit is due. The two are almost indistinguishable, even on a high end setup in a treated room. Plugin is the future, Lexicon aging hardware moving quickly into the past.

[xXxAmadeuzxXx]

I cant tell the difference. Good job relab. Now make a Bricasti plug!

[jaxpok]

Just got this in the Slate Digital bundle so I get it for free for six months plenty of time to save for it. I didn't know this company and this plugin existed.  The sound is clear instead of muddy across the whole mix compared to other reverbs.

[losttrack]

Mostly an excellent reproduction. On my atc monitors and lynx dac I am hearing some more feedback-y slap back delay (ie 30ms loop) on the relab. Lex feels smoother but it's splitting hairs. Really good emulation

[fiascoseven]

There could be more density in the early reflections and less diffusion. As consequence the mids and the treble ranges are slightly more obscured, hence suffer a slight loss of definition, transient bite and resonant depth.The overall orchestral feel is great through.

[frusciante]

Too bad they didn't do a blind test.  I betcha the results would be 50/50.  Of course the guys that own the hardware are always going to say the hardware sounds better. Analog hardware makes sense, digital is digital, so unless you like old 90s converters what's even the point of the hardware unless you mixing OTB.

Listening on a monitoring setup that cost more than a luxury car I can say they are very close, the depth and width are about the same with the hardware a touch more blurred sounding which I guess some people might consider smoothness if listening through less revealing monitoring.

Frankly, I could use either and be happy with the results.

[MacSoundSolutions]

Plugin price  $400, used 480L with larc $3500.00 hmmm.. I will take the plugin... plus there is no maintenance and you can use several instances at once. Def sounds better than Altiverbs 480l and even Lexicons own plugins to my ears. That being said it does generate a fair amount of output noise and needs to be hit hard on the input more so than other reverbs, I always have to bring my aux return up from O. But I think it's a great plugin and gets really close to the original. But dang it where the heck is the AAX version! I would buy today if it was available.

[neotheone]

When everyone is saying they can’t hear the difference and they sound the same it’s makes me smile and proud that my ears are more developed. God bless you all. Keep on keeping on

[futumama]

This plugin must have realy unique Lexicon algorithm....its like Lexicon from 80 - 90 yers. Best Lexicon plugin. I don't know a better Lexicon like vst plugin. I have one Hardware Lexicon and this plugin is better like my hardware....amazing job.

[freshncleanproductions]

yeah i like it - lexicon sounds cool relab sounds cool - with BOTH of them you can create wonderful music.

[Ally-]

Just as a suggestion for future- it would be nice to see each comparison play an entire loop each. It’s kind of hard to judge as you’re comparing at different parts in the bars.

[jccc]

i notice differences only on vocal, but not the rest of instruments.

The Vocal with Lexicon L480 sounds more "in your face vocal + the reverb"
while the Vocal with LX480 sounds more "in the back voice with the reverb"

And i think that's one big signature why people use lexicon 480 on vocal: it adds big reverb on the vocal without withdraw back the vocal. 

[AdonisAiolos]

The hardware unit sounds a bit more tighter and fuller but the plug in still sounds great IMO.

[JimJWalker]

I can't tell a difference. I can't say I have golden ears, but after working as an engineer since the 1990s I might be able to say I have above average ears.

[PeterHoueSorensen]

Hi Relab, we are a bunch of people that would like you to finish the AAX version of the plug - when is it coming?

[SkyFelixMusic]

Hardware sounds SLIGHTLY brighter. Not at all saying software sounds bad. In fact it sounds great. 

Would have preferred if the verb was mixed as if it was being used, not just full 100% wet.

[marijopajic]

And how many of you who can hear a clear difference took the test and won the product?