Nice to see that these old devices get some appreciation; I have one myself. One thing that many people do not know is that the MRC has a function called Dynamic Midi which allows to transform one message at the midi input to another at the midi output in real time; so you can for instance map the midi notes at the input to send out a sysex string where a variable field, say the midi velocity, can be transformed in a number of variable bytes in a specified sysex message. An example of this is to transform the midi velocity to change dynamically any internal parameter of any synth connected to the midi out via sysex (e.g. a DX7 ratio parameter). This is a function that even today very few devices allow to do, unless you use a computer but even in that case it's not that easy. So it's very useful also as an advanced midi controller.
Thanks for the video! I just got ahold of 2 of these units from a local music store. I was given 1 of the units for free since it had some non responsive buttons on the key pad. For anyone interested - a nice mod I made to my unit besides replacing the display just like in the video - was to replace one of the midi ports, in my case midi out 1, from the stock 5-pin midi connector to a 8-pin din/midi connector (a 7-pin din would work for this mod well). Internally I then routed the respective pins to midi 1 out, midi 1 in as well as DC power in. One end of the 8-pin din cable plugs into the unit and the other end of the 8-pin din cable (which sits hidden behind the rack) goes into a breakout connector with a female 8-pin din on one end that breaks out to midi in, midi out and dc input. It looks very tidy having all the connections including power going through just 1 single cable. If you don't need midi in, you could perform the same modification but connecting midi out 1 and 2 instead. That would however require a 8-pin din port due midi out requiring 3 pins each. Oh yes, @bradthx mentions the metal nuts - so called "palnuts" - that hold the button boards. I've read up on those and they are single use nuts which are sort of designed to not come off. That makes servicing the keypads a hassle since the chassis molded plastic screws that hold the boards break very easily if trying to mess with the palnuts. Since the screw thread is plastic it's very brittle. Your best bet for servicing the key pads would be to somehow try and break the palnuts using some mini pliers, but you would have to be extremely careful not to break the plastic. Rare 7.5VAC power adapter: I've managed to run my unit off of 9VDC with no problems. Maybe it's not 'correct' but it seems to work for now. Hope this helps anyone looking to service their unit! Karl "Kyaal" Lund
Thanks a lot for sharing! Great video and well explained! Those looking for a LCD replacement, two important things to have into account is SIZE and CONTROLLER, the size should be 118mm x 36mm (check the datasheet of your candidate LCD), of course 24 char x 2 lines, 5 volts (for LED backlight) and the controller MUST be HD44780 or compatible otherwise it won't work!! (there is a piece of paper glued over the controller chip on the original display of the MRC, if you remove it you will see it's a Hitachi HD44780). To feed the LED you can simple remove the inverter (desoldering it) then you'll read on the PCB: VOUT and +VIN, just place there a bridge (a piece of cable) between those two now vacant holes or better a 220 ohms resistor (to limit consumption a bit), then you can use the former cable that was feeding the EL backlight (dual black cable) be careful to identify the + and - because the cable is made of two black cables, the solder them properly to the new display paying attention to polarity (+ and -). Sounds a bit complicated but is not, if you do it carefully it will work fine. Avoid turning the MRC on while cables are hanging, is a very sensitive device and sometimes that could trigger errors and the unit will be in need of a reset. The unit uses a LM7805, a 5v regulator and there is no heatsink there, that is why they recommend 7.5v AC transformer, you can feed it with anything in the range of the 7805 input voltage BUT it could overheat and die killing other components in the way. So better to find a 7.5 AC transformer. Good Luck!
Great idea bridging the 5V through the inverter part of the PCB and lifting the 5V out of the dual black cables. I even placed a small 1k preset potentiometer for a bridge, acting as a LED dimmer ✌
It allows you to control up to 4 of those reverbs at the same time, or other devices, and has two midi outputs and one input so you can record your real time actions in MIDI to a sequencer, then reproduce them in sync with your song. Also sturdy as hell. Pretty great little box imo. Price going up in 3, 2, 1...
just figured out that the DISPLAY VISIONS / ELECTRIC ASSEMBLY (EA W242B-NLW) displays don't work - even if they seem to have the same controller (HD44780) the shown text falls appart as the charecters keep changing randomly... The ones bradthx recommends ('5V 24x2 LCD') work like a charm and I waited two weeks only for them to arrive! Thanks for uploading!!
Anders that's an awesome setup 2 PCM 70's with an MRC. I got 2 LXP-15's and an MRC at the moment. I want to get a MOTU MIDI Express for my MRC so I can address 6 LXP 15's I have access to. Very curious if someone made a CTRL interface for the PCM-70 and LXP-15 to work over MIDI plugin app from reverse learning this thing out.
Hello ! Great video. So is it possible to get the MRC with version 2 inside and then replace the chip to upgrade to V3 ? My goald is to control a PCM70. Thank you !!!
Any experience repairing a Lexicon MPX R1 MIDI foot controller? Phantom power via 7-pin MIDI cable isn't working, diagnostic test on MIDI returning E06 error. R1 works fine otherwise using 9V power adapter.
thanks for demonstration, I have Lexicon MRC and two of Lexicon LXP, 1 and other is 5 so like to use them two LXP 1-5 hook up the cables to the MRC, I have all the cables midi cables and 1/4 cables, but I don’t hot hook them up to my 14 channels Soundcraft Mixer to control two LXP 1-5, I just like to play with it the home Karaoke, please and Thanks Toni.
Yeah. I've been looking to buy one to use with my pcm70 but I can't find one anywhere.
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Hello. I found in a trash Roland E-5 keyboard. It is from 1988. Works but sound is not appropriet. Left part of keyboard is sounding bad, like it would lack of basses. Can you suggest something? I checked Voltages according to service manual and they are Ok.
Glad to see someone else thinks these are cool. I have both a v3 and v4 MRC and the backlight actually still works on my v4! I'm using it to control an LXP1 & 5 right now but have always thought about using the v3 one to control my PCM70 as well. The reason I haven't is because of the 12 parameter limitation that you mentioned, although to be fair they seem to have picked the 12 most important ones. Have you ever messed with getting these guys on a duplex MIDI connection and are there any advantages to that? I have the original manuals for all this stuff and they really hype up the "Dynamic MIDI" which I believe requires a 2 way connection.
This is a wonderful video, thank you! I have the exact LED backlit replacement display and am ready to install it. Will you give a very detailed description of where and how you soldered the 5v power? You mentioned the regulator but there is no closeup shot. And what pins on the display? They are obscured by the ribbon cable connector.
Hey there great video. I use an MRC for my 2 LXP-15's. Incredibly awesome reverb units for very little money. I have a hard time reading my display though. Is the upgrade for the LED display easy ??
Thank you for uploading this! It is an obscure little device that I've never quite gotten the hang of... Is the v4.0 not compatible with the LXP-1? What can you do to lubricate or improve the fader feel?
Hi and thanks for the posting a video on this. I have a lexicon mpx1 and programming is awkward as well. Do you know if I could use this controller on that unit? Any input is appreciated. Cheers
Hello Brad, great video. I'm wondering if you could offer some advice. I have just upgraded (well tried to) an MRC to ver 4 software. I am getting some issues, just wondered if you could point me to anything. When I power up I can run the diagnostics (by holding the left most button under the display down) & the MRC passes all tests, but then it just resets itself every 2 secs or so. I know this because if I hold diagnostic button down again it will re enter the diagnostics again. If you have any ideas at where to look I would be very grateful. Rob
Hi Brad! I've just purchased a heap of Lexicon. I grabbed an MRC too. Question: Is the MRC cable a special cable? Or is it just a pair of MIDI cables? Thanks very much for making this detailed video. This should get me up and running pretty quickly. Have a great day!
If you can direct me to where I can get the sysex files 4 version 2.0 so I can install them on my version 3.1 unit along with instructions. I have Google but when I find a link they are dead I would also want to know if you are interested in selling one of your lexicon MRC's I would be willing to pay you well for all of this i'm asking for..
most of the v4 ones have a sticker on them. G-ctr had two a few years ago like that when I grabbed one. Sadly, V4 doesn't work with the PCM-70. So I had to buy the V3 chips for almost the price of the MRC. Stupid. Love it for my LXP-5 and PCM-70. Also, the PSU/xformer/"wall-wart" is like 7.5VAC, which is rare, but 9VAC is fine.
I love your videos, but because you are speaking so fast it is difficult to understand what you are saying. Slow down, take a breath, and it will be easier for us to follow along.
Nice to see that these old devices get some appreciation; I have one myself.
One thing that many people do not know is that the MRC has a function called Dynamic Midi which allows to transform one message at the midi input to another at the midi output in real time; so you can for instance map the midi notes at the input to send out a sysex string where a variable field, say the midi velocity, can be transformed in a number of variable bytes in a specified sysex message.
An example of this is to transform the midi velocity to change dynamically any internal parameter of any synth connected to the midi out via sysex (e.g. a DX7 ratio parameter).
This is a function that even today very few devices allow to do, unless you use a computer but even in that case it's not that easy.
So it's very useful also as an advanced midi controller.
Thanks for the video! I just got ahold of 2 of these units from a local music store. I was given 1 of the units for free since it had some non responsive buttons on the key pad.
For anyone interested - a nice mod I made to my unit besides replacing the display just like in the video - was to replace one of the midi ports, in my case midi out 1, from the stock 5-pin midi connector to a 8-pin din/midi connector (a 7-pin din would work for this mod well).
Internally I then routed the respective pins to midi 1 out, midi 1 in as well as DC power in. One end of the 8-pin din cable plugs into the unit and the other end of the 8-pin din cable (which sits hidden behind the rack) goes into a breakout connector with a female 8-pin din on one end that breaks out to midi in, midi out and dc input. It looks very tidy having all the connections including power going through just 1 single cable. If you don't need midi in, you could perform the same modification but connecting midi out 1 and 2 instead. That would however require a 8-pin din port due midi out requiring 3 pins each.
Oh yes, @bradthx mentions the metal nuts - so called "palnuts" - that hold the button boards. I've read up on those and they are single use nuts which are sort of designed to not come off. That makes servicing the keypads a hassle since the chassis molded plastic screws that hold the boards break very easily if trying to mess with the palnuts. Since the screw thread is plastic it's very brittle. Your best bet for servicing the key pads would be to somehow try and break the palnuts using some mini pliers, but you would have to be extremely careful not to break the plastic.
Rare 7.5VAC power adapter: I've managed to run my unit off of 9VDC with no problems. Maybe it's not 'correct' but it seems to work for now.
Hope this helps anyone looking to service their unit!
Karl "Kyaal" Lund
Thanks a lot for sharing! Great video and well explained!
Those looking for a LCD replacement, two important things to have into account is SIZE and CONTROLLER, the size should be 118mm x 36mm (check the datasheet of your candidate LCD), of course 24 char x 2 lines, 5 volts (for LED backlight) and the controller MUST be HD44780 or compatible otherwise it won't work!! (there is a piece of paper glued over the controller chip on the original display of the MRC, if you remove it you will see it's a Hitachi HD44780).
To feed the LED you can simple remove the inverter (desoldering it) then you'll read on the PCB: VOUT and +VIN, just place there a bridge (a piece of cable) between those two now vacant holes or better a 220 ohms resistor (to limit consumption a bit), then you can use the former cable that was feeding the EL backlight (dual black cable) be careful to identify the + and - because the cable is made of two black cables, the solder them properly to the new display paying attention to polarity (+ and -).
Sounds a bit complicated but is not, if you do it carefully it will work fine. Avoid turning the MRC on while cables are hanging, is a very sensitive device and sometimes that could trigger errors and the unit will be in need of a reset.
The unit uses a LM7805, a 5v regulator and there is no heatsink there, that is why they recommend 7.5v AC transformer, you can feed it with anything in the range of the 7805 input voltage BUT it could overheat and die killing other components in the way. So better to find a 7.5 AC transformer.
Good Luck!
Great idea bridging the 5V through the inverter part of the PCB and lifting the 5V out of the dual black cables. I even placed a small 1k preset potentiometer for a bridge, acting as a LED dimmer ✌
It allows you to control up to 4 of those reverbs at the same time, or other devices, and has two midi outputs and one input so you can record your real time actions in MIDI to a sequencer, then reproduce them in sync with your song. Also sturdy as hell. Pretty great little box imo. Price going up in 3, 2, 1...
love your videos, i wish that we also get a few little jams from you and your neat gearstack? keep up the good work
just figured out that the DISPLAY VISIONS / ELECTRIC ASSEMBLY (EA W242B-NLW) displays don't work - even if they seem to have the same controller (HD44780) the shown text falls appart as the charecters keep changing randomly...
The ones bradthx recommends ('5V 24x2 LCD') work like a charm and I waited two weeks only for them to arrive!
Thanks for uploading!!
Great video.
I Got one of these with a lxp-5 for Christmas. dead backlight of course.
This video made replacing it a breeze.
Thanks
I have one of these and two PCM-70. Still need to learn how to use it though. :P
Could you share the link to where you got those displays btw?
You can find them on eBay, search '5V 24x2 LCD' Thanks for watching!
Anders that's an awesome setup 2 PCM 70's with an MRC. I got 2 LXP-15's and an MRC at the moment. I want to get a MOTU MIDI Express for my MRC so I can address 6 LXP 15's I have access to. Very curious if someone made a CTRL interface for the PCM-70 and LXP-15 to work over MIDI plugin app from reverse learning this thing out.
My MRC is now stuck flashing on the opening screen that shows the OS. Any ideas as to what the issue is would be greatly appreciated
Did You have factory sysex preset for LXP-5 ? (User Bank)
Hi Mate, congrats for the cleen and good work, can I Know in that PIN you put the display alimentation, with black and red wire?... Thanks in advance
Great video! Thanks! So can hook up my LXP-1 and 5 slot this at the same time? I also own a LXP-15 II. Is that compatible?
Hello ! Great video. So is it possible to get the MRC with version 2 inside and then replace the chip to upgrade to V3 ? My goald is to control a PCM70. Thank you !!!
Awesome, thank you 🙏
Any experience repairing a Lexicon MPX R1 MIDI foot controller? Phantom power via 7-pin MIDI cable isn't working, diagnostic test on MIDI returning E06 error. R1 works fine otherwise using 9V power adapter.
Great video! I'm going to upgrade my display too!
thanks for demonstration, I have Lexicon MRC and two of Lexicon LXP, 1 and other is 5 so like to use them two LXP 1-5 hook up the cables to the MRC, I have all the cables midi cables and 1/4 cables, but I don’t hot hook them up to my 14 channels Soundcraft Mixer to control two LXP 1-5, I just like to play with it the home Karaoke, please and
Thanks
Toni.
Excellent video, thanks
Can u modificate them to work from a battery?
Great stuff man!
Thanks for this video. Would this work for a pcm 92?
Yeah. I've been looking to buy one to use with my pcm70 but I can't find one anywhere.
Hello. I found in a trash Roland E-5 keyboard. It is from 1988. Works but sound is not appropriet. Left part of keyboard is sounding bad, like it would lack of basses. Can you suggest something? I checked Voltages according to service manual and they are Ok.
Love you videos! Thank you very much.
Does it work with the PCM 80?
Hi
Are you selling mrc 4.0 with led?🙏
Glad to see someone else thinks these are cool. I have both a v3 and v4 MRC and the backlight actually still works on my v4! I'm using it to control an LXP1 & 5 right now but have always thought about using the v3 one to control my PCM70 as well. The reason I haven't is because of the 12 parameter limitation that you mentioned, although to be fair they seem to have picked the 12 most important ones. Have you ever messed with getting these guys on a duplex MIDI connection and are there any advantages to that? I have the original manuals for all this stuff and they really hype up the "Dynamic MIDI" which I believe requires a 2 way connection.
Would you be willing to part with one? I have an lxp-1
How do I get in contact with you boss?
I have a MPX500 in need of encoders care...
This is a wonderful video, thank you! I have the exact LED backlit replacement display and am ready to install it. Will you give a very detailed description of where and how you soldered the 5v power? You mentioned the regulator but there is no closeup shot. And what pins on the display? They are obscured by the ribbon cable connector.
Hi Matthew, I'm at the same step you were at. Were you able to find where you pulled the 5V from? thanks for your time
Hey there great video. I use an MRC for my 2 LXP-15's. Incredibly awesome reverb units for very little money. I have a hard time reading my display though. Is the upgrade for the LED display easy ??
Thank you for uploading this! It is an obscure little device that I've never quite gotten the hang of... Is the v4.0 not compatible with the LXP-1? What can you do to lubricate or improve the fader feel?
Hi and thanks for the posting a video on this. I have a lexicon mpx1 and programming is awkward as well. Do you know if I could use this controller on that unit? Any input is appreciated. Cheers
Hello - great video! Do you do any work on the MRC for hire? I have one that needs a little love.
Hi Brad .. You replaced a display on a PCM 70 a couple of years ago and was wondering where you sourced it from, thanks for any help! ..
Was a lucky find on eBay, unfortunately have not seen many since. It is also the same display used in the Roland JX-8P. Thank for watching!
@@bradthx Thanks for getting back to me .. Could the MRC replace having to use the screen on a PCM 70 ?
Great video!! Can the MRC be used with the PCM80?
Bump. Anyone know?
And I thought I loved Lexicon verbs lol. Well, if you have any left to sell, let me know.
Hello Brad, great video. I'm wondering if you could offer some advice. I have just upgraded (well tried to) an MRC to ver 4 software. I am getting some issues, just wondered if you could point me to anything. When I power up I can run the diagnostics (by holding the left most button under the display down) & the MRC passes all tests, but then it just resets itself every 2 secs or so. I know this because if I hold diagnostic button down again it will re enter the diagnostics again. If you have any ideas at where to look I would be very grateful. Rob
I fixed it by swapping out the new display for a different one. For some reason the MRC didn't like the particular one I originally used.
Hi Brad! I've just purchased a heap of Lexicon. I grabbed an MRC too. Question:
Is the MRC cable a special cable? Or is it just a pair of MIDI cables? Thanks very much for making this detailed video. This should get me up and running pretty quickly. Have a great day!
I'm interested in purchasing one if you are looking to let one go!
Would you kindly sell me one so I can use with my PCM-70?
If you can direct me to where I can get the sysex files 4 version 2.0 so I can install them on my version 3.1 unit along with instructions. I have Google but when I find a link they are dead I would also want to know if you are interested in selling one of your lexicon MRC's I would be willing to pay you well for all of this i'm asking for..
most of the v4 ones have a sticker on them. G-ctr had two a few years ago like that when I grabbed one. Sadly, V4 doesn't work with the PCM-70. So I had to buy the V3 chips for almost the price of the MRC. Stupid. Love it for my LXP-5 and PCM-70. Also, the PSU/xformer/"wall-wart" is like 7.5VAC, which is rare, but 9VAC is fine.
Hi There, love the video... Would the MRC work with the PCM 81/91?
LXP-15 and PCM-70 depending on the firmware chips installed
If someone has one for sale, PLEASE let me know
SO FUN😄
Pls sell me one
I love your videos, but because you are speaking so fast it is difficult to understand what you are saying. Slow down, take a breath, and it will be easier for us to follow along.