Get Classic Talking Heads Sounds with a 1978 Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb

Widely considered the best high-end reverb of its day, the Lexicon 224 Digital Reverb was made by a nuclear scientist Dr. David Griesinger. The unit was considered “affordable” at $7,500 back in the ’70s, making it an expensive addition, to even a professional studio.

INTERESTING FEATURE

Having the remote console-top controller allowed for ease of manipulation when considering reverb options.

PROMINENT USERS

Referred to as the “godfather” of digital reverbs, the 224 has been a fixture for almost 40 years and continues to be used on countless albums. Early adopters such as Peter Gabriel, Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, U2 and Talking Heads were not alone in loving the unit’s lush reverb sounds and easy-to-use slider controls.

MODERN EQUIVALENT 

Universal Audio makes a plug-in that is an exact replica in sound and functionality, minus the 4-rack space, mostly.

LESSONS LEARNED

I have the plug-in and the 1978 version and while people say there is no difference, I feel like the actual physical unit sounds more organic and dynamic. It’s likely in my head but let’s pretend, OK?

OTHER NOTES

There is really NO reason to take up precious rack space with this unit if you have the plug-in. However, there is a cool factor to having it sitting on your console (presuming you even bother to have a console these days!) and if you have the extra cash, it makes a fine addition to your vintage gear collection.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Don Miggs is a singer/songwriter/producer and fronts the band miggs (Elm City/Capitol Records). His love affair with vintage instruments and gear only presents a problem when he’s awake. Find out more at miggsmusic.com, @miggsmusic, thelalamansion.com or on his radio show, @thefringeAM820 (Saturdays 5-7pm EST).