Ableton External Effect & SPDIF (+ Lexicon MPX opinions)

[Phurniture]

I'm thinking of getting something along the lines of a Lexicon MPX-1 or MPX-500 (they're pretty cheap nowadays). I'm wondering if I can use the SPDIF connections on these machines and use their effects in Ableton via the External Effect plug-in and have very low latency and high quality without a big hit on the CPU? Is this a reasonable thought?

Also, would I be able to plug, let's say, a hardware synth into the MPX via the analog ins and then interface with Ableton via SPDIF? I think I read somewhere that the analog and digital connections on the MPX can't be used at the same time, making that a no-go. Can anyone confirm this?

Finally, any opinions on the MPX-1 vs 500/550? I've seen MPX-1s for $200 and currently a 500 in my area for $100! Sounds like a deal. But if the MPX-1 is way better, I'd hold out. Cheers.

[jobbanaught]

Hi, i cannot comment on the Lexicon, but the T.C. M300 is very similar and can do all of what you asked for....

[moveable parts]

I'm thinking of getting something along the lines of a Lexicon MPX-1 or MPX-500 (they're pretty cheap nowadays). I'm wondering if I can use the SPDIF connections on these machines and use their effects in Ableton via the External Effect plug-in and have very low latency and high quality without a big hit on the CPU? Is this a reasonable thought?

Also, would I be able to plug, let's say, a hardware synth into the MPX via the analog ins and then interface with Ableton via SPDIF? I think I read somewhere that the analog and digital connections on the MPX can't be used at the same time, making that a no-go. Can anyone confirm this?

Finally, any opinions on the MPX-1 vs 500/550? I've seen MPX-1s for $200 and currently a 500 in my area for $100! Sounds like a deal. But if the MPX-1 is way better, I'd hold out. Cheers.

I can't comment on the Lexi Mpx-1 or the 500 units as I have only Lexi I ever a used a Vortex. I bought it from this guy named Tommi in the T-dot, sometime round 1999 or 2000. If i were you I would just hold out for a ensoniq dp-2 or 4 or 4+ They Sound awesome, Nice routing abilities parallel or serial and about the same price. I'm gonna midi it up soon and see , whats what.
Take Care
; )
d.

[Phurniture]

Yeah, yeah, whatever buddy.