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.
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
Sony HR-GP5 Guitar Processor
The Sony HR-GP5, introduced in the mid-1990s, is a compact half-rack multi-effects processor tailored for guitarists and bassists seeking a diverse range of high-quality effects in a portable format. Designed and manufactured in Japan, this unit exemplifies Sony's commitment to precision engineering and sound excellence.
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.
1995
Released in 1995
Focusrite Red 3 Dual Compressor Limiter
The Focusrite Red 3 employs an unusual and original single-VCA design to achieve high quality and truly independent compression and limiting, without the compromise and unnecessary processing involved in traditional designs.
1995
Released in 1995
dbx Model 290 Digital Reverb
In the year of 1995, after years in the analogue world, dbx decided to jump into the world of digital effects, kicking it off with the dbx Model 290 Digital Reverb, a single rack size digital reverb designed to be easy to use.
1995
Released in 1995
Zoom Studio 1202 Effects Processor
The Zoom Studio 1202 is a versatile effects processor with 512 presets across 32 effects and 16 variations. With a 44.1 kHz sampling frequency, it delivers high-quality sound, ideal for guitars, bass, and synthesizers. Its full stereo configuration provides rich, natural reverb and allows independent use of both channels.
1995
Released in 1995
Fostex D-25 Digital Master Recorder
The Fostex D-25 Master Recorder is a professional-grade digital audio recorder designed for high-quality recording and mastering applications. It offers a range of advanced features that make it suitable for use in broadcast, post-production, and mastering environments.
1995
Released in 1995
Sony DPS-V77 Multi Effects Processor
Having done all they could with the DPS series, Sony only had one place left go, and that was to combine all four DPS effects into a single processor. The Sony DPS-V77 was born! In creating the Sony DPS-V77, Sony unleashed a 'Best of Sony' in terms of not only the effects on offer by combining all the best DPS Series effects, but also the sonic performance of the internals too.
1995
Released in 1995
TC Electronic M5000 Digital Audio Mainframe
The TC Electronic M5000 Digital Audio Mainframe is unlike any other effects processor you have ever seen, at least it was at the time...By combining TC DARC technology with the skills of the best signal processing software engineers around the world, we have created the perfect mix of effects you have access to in the TC Electronic M5000 today.
1995
Released in 1995
Ensoniq DP/4+ Parallel Effects Processor
Following on from the huge success Ensoniq enjoyed with the DP/4, the Ensoniq DP/4+ took a successful recipe and added subtle updates to the interface. The Ensoniq DP/4+ creates 24-bit digital effects using four independent processors and features four independent inputs and outputs with full internal mixing capabilities.
1995
Released in 1995
Akai DR16 Hard Disk Recorder
The Akai DR16 is a digital hard disk recorder with sophisticated non-destructive editing functions allowing near-instant data access, and a 16-channel programmable mixer. It's as easy to use as a conventional analogue MTR machine but gives true 16-track performance from a single hard disk at a highly cost-effective price level per track.
1995
Released in 1995
Lexicon PCM 80 Digital Effects Processor
The Lexicon PCM 80 brings you exciting new effects with extensive processing and control capabilities, and uncompromising sonic clarity. The Lexicon PCM 80 contains a built-in library of 200 preset programs that provide a comprehensive array of effects ranging from beautiful and lush to completely wild.
1995
Released in 1995
Fostex D-5 Digital Master Recorder
The Fostex D-5 digital master recorder fits comfortably into the professional studio and the home project studio as well. With three sampling frequencies, the D-5 is extremely flexible. The addition of 32kHz gives the D-5 a long play mode - you can have up to four hours of continuous recording or playback on a 120-minute tape.
