Lexicon Omega Desktop

[BBLong]

Has anyone used or checked out the Lexicon Omega Desktop unit. It comes with software, the computer interface, and a reverb unit plug-in. I am starting to build my home-recording unit and want to do it as simply and cheaply as possible. This unit seems to be a good starting point.

I thought about an all-in-one unit, but have a free computer to designate as my recording computer. I will be buying a new harddrive, 80GB, and setting it up, but don't want thousands of dollars and hours to put in to learning the system. I want to record a backing track with rythms (ie band-in-a-box) and then add guitar tracks and maybe my own bass lines, and then sing and solo over it. I am basically midi- and software illiterate when it comes to recording stuff. I know basically zero about any of it.

Any input is helpful.

Thanks,
Bob

[lowendgenerator]

I purchased one and ended up taking it back. My computer is a little bit aged (2001), and doesnt have USB 2.0 ports, so the latency was horrible. If memory serves, there was no other way to connect it to an actual computer. I thought that the interface was well planned and easy to use though. How someone is supposed to record multiple ins via USB is just beyond me. Firewire is the optimal choice there, and for $300, I think they could have done a lot better. In fact, no one could confirm for me that the Omega even supported USB 2.0. It just said USB on the box. The software (real crippled Cubase if IIRC and that Lexicon reverb) were equally unappealing.

I ended up spending 100 less and getting a Soundblaster Audigy Platinum Pro. Its an actual soundcard, with a breakout box that fits into a CR-ROM bay. It doesnt have all the XLR and 1/4" ins and outs, but its way faster and more powerful than an Omega.

If you have a fast enough machine, then none of my problems may apply to you, but definitely make sure your point of purchase has a decent return policy before buying.

[codeorama]

I have it and the USB issue is a Non Issue. There is an article floating around the internet somewhere that explains why the omega doesnt have USB 2.0, but the bottom line is that they explained why it was unnecessary. If I find it again, I'll post it. I did a ton of research before buying mine. I've had mine for about 6 months or so and I couldn't be happier.

I have an Athlon 2.5 gig processor and 1.5 gig ram and I have zero issues with latency. I have even recorded to an external hard drive with no trouble.

The Omega blows away the M-box in my opinion. The drummer in my band has an Mbox and he feels bad that he wasted his money on it compared to the Omega.

You can adjust the latency and the omega also is capable of recording 4 tracks at once where as the mbox can only do 2.

[lowendgenerator]

Cool Codeorama. Im sure that my slow machine was the majority of the reason why I didnt have a good experience with the Omega. The box was so pretty I almost used it as an excuse to buy a new computer! Ill have to look into one again if/when I ever upgrade from 800mHz.

[codeorama]

Cool Codeorama. Im sure that my slow machine was the majority of the reason why I didnt have a good experience with the Omega. The box was so pretty I almost used it as an excuse to buy a new computer! Ill have to look into one again if/when I ever upgrade from 800mHz.
If you were running 800mHz, I'm sure that was the problem. I've run the Mbox and the omega on my machine and both run with no latency issues. The omega just has so many more features and such. The 4 tracks simultaneous was the key for me.