Effects Timeline

Our Vintage Digital and Analogue Effects timeline now includes Audio Recorders and Classic Music Tracks to help place these effects and devices within the history of recorded music. Any errors, please notify us using our contact form.

1992
Released in 1992

Drawmer 1960 Mic Pre/Compressor

The Drawmer 1960 is a two-channel unit with each channel comprised of a completely natural sounding "soft knee" vacuum tube compressor and an extremely low noise microphone pre-amplifier with switchable 48-volt phantom power. Upon its release in 1993, it was THE mic pre to have!
1992
Released in 1992

Summit Audio TLA-100A Tube Leveling Amplifier

The world-renowned Summit Audio TLA-100A tube leveling amplifier has been regarded as a staple by studio and live engineers around the world for more than a quarter of a century.
1992
Released in 1992

Otari DTR-90 Digital Tape Recorder

Otari didn't just re-package an existing consumer recorder when it came time to build the Otari DTR-90 professional DAT machine. Instead, they applied the same formula as they have to all our professional audio products: They asked audio professionals what features they wanted. The result is a truly professional R-DAT that is destined to become the standard of the industry.
1993
Released in 1993

Linger

The Cranberries

Linger is one of the most iconic songs by the Irish band The Cranberries, released in 1993 as the second single from their debut album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?. The song became a breakthrough hit for the band, helping establish their international success. It’s notable for its delicate combination of […]

Engineered by: Stephen Street, Aiden McGovern
1993
Released in 1993

Roland SRV-330 Dimensional Space Reverb

Taking what they had learned with the R-880, Roland developed a new SRV reverb, the Roland SRV-330 and it is one of Roland's finest digital reverbs. The Roland SRV-330 is a fantastic reverb that offers a broad range of reverbs, from real space emulations to retro gear emulations, and they all sound fantastic with smooth tails and low noise.
1993
Released in 1993

Akai DR4d Hard Disk Recorder

With the Akai DR4d Version 4, Akai has taken affordable digital recording to the next level. Building on the power and flexibility of the original DR4, the DR4d Version 4 further expands your creative horizons with our new VirtualTracks and Stereo Ping Pong capabilities.
1993
Released in 1993

Langevin Dual Mono Mic Preamp

The Langevin Dual Mono Mic Preamp is our refined version of the historic Langevin AM-4 console channel.
1993
Released in 1993

Universal Audio LA-2A Leveling Amplifier

The Universal Audio LA-2A Leveling Amplifier is true to the original design, Universal Audio's famed tube-amplified T4 electro-optical compressor.
1993
Released in 1993

Roland SDE-330 Dimensional Space Delay

The Roland SDE-330 digital delay was released at the same time as the SRV-330 and offers just as spectacular performance as it's sibling. Roland had by now made a number of digital delays, and the SDE-330 showed they had nailed the concept.
1993
Released in 1993

Tascam DA-88 Modular Digital Multitrack Recorder

The year of 1993 saw the arrival of the first challenger to the groundbreaking Alesis ADAT, and what a challenger it was too, with smaller tape size, and importantly better sound quality! It went on to become the biggest selling product in Tascam's history, selling more than 60,000 units!
1993
Released in 1993

Yamaha SPX990 Multi-Effect Processor

The Yamaha SPX990, regardless of the name came after the Yamaha SPX1000 and continued the Yamaha tradition of providing superb quality. The Yamaha SPX990 effect systems offers 80 preset effect programs including accurate simultaneous natural reverberation and early reflections.
1993
Released in 1993

Manley Mid Frequency Equaliser

This single channel Manley Mid Frequency Equaliser is the secret weapon for vocal, guitar, snare and all the other midrange instruments that are the meat of the mix.
1993
Released in 1993

EMT 248 Digital Audio Processor

The EMT 248 Digital Audio Processor served as a versatile solution for handling audio signal processing, rendering individual sound effects and processing units obsolete. The front panel of the device features program modules that offer quick access to a range of functions.
1993
Released in 1993

D.W. Fearn VT-1 Microphone Preamplifier

In designing the D.W. Fearn VT-1 preamp, no compromise in sonic quality, reliability, or ruggedness was permitted. Like the best tube equipment of the 1950s and ’60s, the VT preamp is built on a heavy-gauge aluminium chassis, utilising point-to-point wiring.
1993
Released in 1993

Yamaha FX770 Guitar Effect Processor

The Yamaha FX770 is a compact, all-in-one guitar effects processor offering a wide range of effects, including compressors, WAHs, amp simulations, delays, and modulation, all programmable and controllable via MIDI or foot controller. It replaces bulky setups with a single, flexible unit designed for professional sound customisation.
1993
Released in 1993

EMT 982 Professional CD Player

The EMT 982 CD Player is a professional-grade device designed for high performance and reliability. It offers front-loading, built-in loudspeaker and headphone outputs, separate controls for track and cue settings, auto cue functionality, varispeed with digital display, and memory for up to 100 CD cue settings. Its compact 2U design and advanced features make it ideal for professional use.
1993
Released in 1993

Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s tender medley of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World is one of the most recognisable and beloved recordings in music history. Yet, its creation was surprisingly impromptu and stripped-down, relying on minimal equipment and the sheer beauty of Iz’s voice and ukulele. The session took place in 1988 at Audio […]

Engineered by: Milan Bertosa
Mixed by: Milan Bertosa
1994
Released in 1994

Manley Stereo Variable MU Limiter Compressor

There are few modern classics in the world of professional studio effects hardware, but the Manley Stereo Variable MU limiter compressor is most definitely one such processor. An all-tube limiter built in the great tradition of the Fairchild 660, the Manley Stereo Variable MU has been a cherished part of many studios for decades.
1994
Released in 1994

Fostex D-30 Digital Master Recorder

The Fostex D-30 Digital Master Recorder was the pinnacle of DAT recorders for mastering duties, offering every conceivable feature you could think of.
1994
Released in 1994

Sony K-1203 Super Bit Mapping Processor

The Sony K-1203 Super Bit Mapping Processor was a digital processing unit that was unique to Sony, and it enabled conversion of higher than 16-bit signals to 16-bit without audible loss.
1994
Released in 1994

Langevin Elop Stereo Electro-Optical Limiter

Set it and forget it! The Langevin Elop Stereo Electro-Optical Limiter makes your job easy.
1994
Released in 1994

Akai DR8 Hard Disk Recorder

The Akai DR8 is an 8-track digital hard disk recorder and editor, with a built-in digital mixer. Features CD quality audio, non-destructive editing, etc, but unlike computer-based systems, the Akai DR8 is as easy to use as an ordinary multi-track tape recorder.
1994
Released in 1994

Sony HR-MP5 Multi Processor

A year before releasing the Sony DPS-V77, Sony decided to offer a more affordable multi-effects processor in the HR-MP5, a half rack sized processor. The Sony HR-MP5 is not what one would hope for if looking for a 'Best of Sony' and probably was not intended to be that. Aimed at home recording studios rather than topflight studios, Sony had great success with the HR-MP5.
1994
Released in 1994

Tascam DA-30 MkII DAT Recorder

The Tascam DA-30 MkII is a professional-grade DAT recorder that is designed for high-quality audio recording and playback. It offers a range of advanced features that make it suitable for use in professional recording studios, post-production facilities, and broadcasting environments.
1994
Released in 1994

Panasonic SV-3700 Professional DAT Recorder

The Panasonic SV-3700 is the Digital Audio Tape deck designed specifically for professional applications.
1994
Released in 1994

Stay

Lisa Loeb

Stay was Lisa Loeb’s breakout hit, and it quickly became a sensation on the airwaves. The song’s success was driven by its simple yet catchy melody and Lisa Loeb’s emotive and authentic vocal delivery. The song’s message of love and vulnerability also resonated with audiences and helped it to become an instant classic. Stay spent […]

Engineered by: Steve Holroyd
Mixed by: Brian Malouf
1994
Released in 1994

Yamaha REV100 Digital Reverberator

The Yamaha REV100 was one of Yamaha's most affordable digital reverbs and it offers reasonable quality for the money too. Reverb is the essential effect for musical instruments, recording, and sound reinforcement. Delay and modulation run a close second and third. The Yamaha REV100 offered all this and is most suitable for live rigs.
1994
Released in 1994

Alesis Quadraverb 2 Octal Processing Master Effects

You should never have to compromise your sound when you need multiple effects. With the Alesis Quadraverb 2, you will never have to compromise at all. The best effects processors in the world are known not only for their stunning sonic quality, but also for their versatility and processing power.
1994
Released in 1994

D.W. Fearn VT-2 Stereo Microphone Preamplifier

In designing the D.W. Fearn VT-2 preamp, no compromise in sonic quality, reliability, or ruggedness was permitted. Like the best tube equipment of the 1950s and ’60s, the VT preamp is built on a heavy-gauge aluminium chassis, utilising point-to-point wiring.
1994
Released in 1994

Roland SDX-330 Dimensional Expander

Roland made chorusing their thing and cemented their place in history with the Dimension D, but by all accounts, it is the SDX-330 that is the best chorus processor. The sad thing is, by the time it was released in 1994, chorusing had pretty much run its course in recording and the sales of this processor must have been very low as they rarely ever come up for sale.
1994
Released in 1994

Yamaha D5000 Digital Delay

The Yamaha D5000 is something of a rare processor that is very difficult to find for sale, and when they are they are often rather expensive. So what is the magic? With the quote from Bob Clearmountain that it is the best digital delay ever made, the Yamaha seems to have gone underground in home studios or Yamaha simply did not make very many of them.
1994
Released in 1994

Eventide DSP4000 Ultra-Harmonizer®

The Eventide DSP4000 Series Ultra-Harmonizers are multipurpose programmable digital audio signal processor with pitch change capability.  It is the latest and greatest in a line of pitch change special effects units stretching back to before most audio manufacturers ever heard of digital.
1994
Released in 1994

Panasonic SV-4100 Professional DAT Recorder

Based on the popular Panasonic SV-3700, the Panasonic SV-4100 offers flexible search and locate, as well as 5-mode external sync functions.
1994
Released in 1994

Sony PCM-800 8-Track Digital Recorder

In the realm of embracing budget-friendly digital 8-track recording, Sony took a collaborative approach instead of crafting their own system. Opting to partner with Tascam, the result is the Sony PCM-800, essentially a Tascam DA-88 with a touch of rebranding.
1994
Released in 1994

Lexicon LXP-15 II Multi-Effects Processor

The Lexicon LXP-15 II offers a rich and distinctive palette of special effects, including 128 preset effects programs to get you started. Each program has up to five display pages of variable parameters that you can adjust for subtle or dramatic changes in the program’s sound, and you can store as many as 128 customised programs in user memory.