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Edit Review: Lexicon Omega

Sep 1, 2007 12:00 PM, Reviewer: Tom Patrick McAuliffe

Digital recording system simplifies audio-for-video processing.

The emergence of surround sound and stereo has made high-quality audio-for-video production eminently important. One option for video pros looking to perform audio processing on their video's sound is the Omega Desktop Recording Studio from Lexicon. The Omega is actually three products in one: the eight-input hardware unit with stereo outputs, Steinberg Cubase LE audio recording software, and the well-known Lexicon Pantheon Reverb plug-in. Via USB, you can record four simultaneous stereo tracks from eight separate sources or mix up to 48 tracks in post. All analog-to-digital conversions happen in 24-bit to maintain a high level of quality. The line inputs feature 20dB pads and RF filters for low noise, and the Omega's preamps provide up to 50dB of gain and use the solid-state portion of the much more expensive 386 preamps from sister company Dbx. The system also features a handy LCD signal meter with different colors representing different levels of I/O. A USB cable and AC power supply also come with the unit.

To test the unit, I used a Windows XP (SP2) Pentium 2GHz PC tower and a Mac PowerBook G4 1.2GHz running OS X 10.3. Technically, there's no explicitly stated laptop support within the Lexicon documentation. But the prospect is compelling: With your laptop and the Omega, you could have a fully portable professional recording studio. You should have no trouble as long as the hard drive is 7,200rpm. In general, if you can edit DV, it's fast enough. Installation on both platforms went without a hitch. On the PC, however, I had a few problems with tracks that mysteriously would not play, and the system crashed twice.

I've been amazed at the difference good sound has made to my videos. For instance, on a recent recording of a local jazz band for a cable TV show, I recorded audio through two Shure KSM27 mics directly into the Omega, which resulted in much better sound than I would have been able to get by recording via my HDV camera. I have also found that I can use the Omega as a general audio mixer without connection to a computer at all. Handy indeed.

The included software also allows you to use a slate at the beginning of your clips to make the process of stripping audio from video footage, enhancing it, and then remarrying video and audio easier.

The Omega is a perfect product for video professionals looking to get their feet wet in pro audio. The only curious thing is that the A/D and D/A converter, while 24-bit, supports only 44.1kHz and 48kHz sample rates. The 96kHz sample rate is clearly a bit too high-end for Lexicon's target audience at this point. If I have any real complaint, it's that the included Cubase LE software is a light version. It is the weakest link in the chain in terms of ease of use and stability.

I know many users will choose their own software solution, so offering a hardware-only version would make sense. Having used the Digidesign Mbox, I can say I like the Omega better — but with Digidesign Pro Tools and its DV Toolkit option as the host application.

When it comes to compatibility, the software drivers, the Lexicon Pantheon Reverb VST plug-in, and the Steinberg Cubase LE all build on the ASIO protocol for both the Mac OS X and the Windows OS. The Omega's Steinberg software has also just become Vista OS compatible.

Functionally speaking, the unit has a lightweight, hard-impact plastic case that provides easy access without taking up too much space. The buttons are of the push-click variety. Two of the level-control knobs felt loose, but the rest were nice and tight, and they turned solidly. I was particularly impressed with the Omega Tru-Reference discrete headphone amplifier, which was powerful enough volume-wise and clear enough to allow me to easily hear any mistakes. The S/PDIF digital I/O is also helpful if your recording device supports it. With up to 48 tracks; realtime performance; and all the mixing, editing, and basic enhancement tools, you've got what you need to produce superior sound.

If you run into any problems, the Lexicon website offers free tech support for the life of the product, via an email form with a response time of 24 hours or less, according to the company. All in all, the outstanding website, FAQs, and online tutorials will get you up and operational quickly. Of course, there is a learning curve, and no online user forum is offered, but the manual is clear and well-written. And if something breaks or gets out of whack, Lexicon actually has a parts-and-repair department. How many products can you make either of those statements about?

Digital content producers would be wise to consider offering audio services in addition to video production. I did, and audio services now account for more than a quarter of my independent production business. At the very least, you should properly EQ all audio captured by your camera.

At its current price ($279 MSRP), Lexicon has really put together a valuable package. After using it in a variety of situations and configurations, I can say that for video professionals looking to work with audio, the Omega represents a very sound purchasing decision.

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bottomline

Company: Lexicon
www.lexiconpro.com

Product: Omega Desktop Recording Studio

Assets: Quick setup, easy operation, small form factor, four line inputs and two XLR mic inputs, strong documentation and support.

Caveats: The Pantheon Reverb plug-in can be used only with the Omega.

Demographic: Independent video professionals getting their feet wet in pro audio.

PRICE: $279

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Contributing writer and reviewer Tom Patrick McAuliffe is a journalist and media creator who has been writing for DCP and related publications for more than 12 years. Read his other features and reviews at www.digitalcontentproducer.com.

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© 2008 Penton Media, Inc.