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.
1996
Released in 1996
Lexicon MPX1 Multi-Effect Processor
The Lexicon MPX1 was aimed at guitarists/home recording musicians, and while there are programs for guitar, it also makes an excellent all round effects processor. The Lexicon MPX1 multi processor technology gives you multi-effects the way you expect them to work with instant access to individual effects, and the ability to run uncompromised stereo reverb at all times.
1996
Released in 1996
dbx 166XL Compressor Limiter Gate
Professionals and newcomers alike will find that the 166XL sets up rapidly and musically the first time it is used, especially with the Auto attack and release function.
1996
Released in 1996
Alesis Microverb4 Signal Processor
The Alesis Microverb 4 brought full bandwidth 18 bit effects processing to the masses at an incredibly low price, with limited editing and a mass of presets. While not as flexible as Alesis's other models, such as the Quadraverb, the Alesis Microverb 4 offered good value for money a range of effects for the home recording musician.
1996
Released in 1996
Blue
LeAnn Rimes
Back in 1996, the country music world was in for a treat as a young LeAnn Rimes burst onto the scene with her debut single Blue. Originally written for Patsy Cline in the early 1960s, Rimes gave the song her own unique spin with her classic “yodel” that set her apart from other contemporary country […]
Engineered by: Greg Hunt
Mixed by: Greg Hunt
1996
Released in 1996
Empirical Labs Distressor
The Empirical Labs Distressor is the product that started it all for Empirical Labs and has become a studio standard the world over. Born of founder Dave Derr’s love of classic compressors like the 1176, LA-2A and Gain Brain, the Empirical Labs Distressor incorporates his favourite sonic characteristics of these, along with other and interesting features.
1996
Released in 1996
Zoom Studio 1204 Effects Processor
The Zoom Studio 1204 is a multi-effect processor offering 512 presets with space for 100 custom effects. It features real-time editing, memory mode for quick access to stored effects, and MIDI control. With 18-bit A/D and D/A converters and 44.1 kHz sampling, it delivers professional sound at a budget-friendly price.
1996
Released in 1996
Unchained
Johnny Cash
When Johnny Cash recorded his Grammy-winning album Unchained, producer Rick Rubin and engineer Sylvia Massy set out to craft a sound that honoured Cash’s iconic voice and storytelling legacy. At the heart of this sonic pursuit was a piece of vintage studio gear: the Gates STA-Level Limiting Amplifier. The Gates STA-Level, designed in the 1950s […]
Engineered by: Sylvia Massy, David R. Ferguson
Mixed by: Sylvia Massy
1997
Released in 1997
Alesis ADAT XT Digital Recorder
The Alesis ADAT XT keeps the ease of use and great sound that made the ADAT the most popular digital multitrack of our time, and adds a few new tricks of its own.
1997
Released in 1997
Avalon Design AD2055 Music Equaliser
The Avalon AD2055 Pure Class A music equaliser is the most powerful, low noise parametric equaliser available today, or at least it was. Designed to optimise absolute signal integrity and musical performance.
1997
Released in 1997
Quantec 2402/F Yardstick Digital Reverb
The Quantec 2402/F Yardstick room simulators are high-quality, digital sound processing devices based on the original 1982 QRS Room Simulation algorithm. More information is needed, if you can help please contact us.
1997
Released in 1997
Sony PCM-R500 Digital Audio Recorder
Incorporating Sony's legendary high-reliability 4 D.D. Mechanism, the Sony PCM-R500 sets the standard for professional-use DAT. The Shuttle and Jog Dial offer outstanding operational ease, while extensive interface options and multiple menu modes meet a wide range of application needs.
1997
Released in 1997
Sony PCM-3348HR DASH Multitrack Digital Recorder
The Sony PCM-3348HR is a 48-channel digital multi-track audio recorder supporting 16-bit and 24-bit resolution, using 1/2-inch tape in DASH and DASH PLUS formats. Introduced in the 1990s, it became a professional studio staple for its high audio fidelity and ability to handle complex projects, from album production to film scoring. Its 48-channel capacity made it ideal for large-scale recordings, cementing its place during the shift from analogue to digital recording.
1997
Released in 1997
Otari MX-5050BIII 2ch Analog Audio Tape Recorder
The Otari MX-5050BIII has long been the standard in 1/4" two-track analogue recorders. It features an optimised three-head design and transformerless balanced inputs and outputs to provide superior frequency response, low distortion and high signal-to-noise performance under the most demanding conditions.
1997
Released in 1997
Tascam DA-60 MkII Digital Audio Tape Recorder
The Tascam DA-60MKII is a synchronisable 4-head DAT powerhouse that's perfect for both production and postproduction environments. It delivers superior sound quality, full-featured functionality and durability that studio pros expect from TASCAM.
1997
Released in 1997
Yamaha A3000 Professional Sampler
The Yamaha A3000 Professional Sampler is a powerful tool for break-beat and phrase sampling, featuring a triple-block effects system, user-friendly interface, and expandable options such as digital I/O and up to 128 MB of additional RAM. Ideal for both studio and live performance, it offers extensive sound-shaping capabilities and intuitive control.
1997
Released in 1997
Klark Teknik DN 7204 Delay + EQ
Klark Teknik offered a broad range og high quality audio processor in the 1980s & 1990s, the Klark Teknik DN 7204 was a combination Delay and EQ. Designed to meet and exceed the needs of the recording, broadcast, installation and live sound industries, the Klark Teknik DN 7204 Programmable Delay Line is a high quality, 2-input, 4-output configurable audio delay line that combines state-of-the-art DSP performance with ease of use.
1997
Released in 1997
Lexicon PCM 91 Digital Reverberator
The Lexicon PCM 91 gives you Lexicon’s renowned high-end reverb effects with a powerful new interface that provides easy access to superbly crafted presets as well as a wealth of programming capabilities for the sound designer. The Lexicon PCM 91 contains a built-in library of 450 reverb effects that simulate realistic halls, rooms and plates, and let you create completely natural, or other-worldly spaces.
1997
Released in 1997
Lexicon PCM 90 Digital Reverberator
The Lexicon PCM 90 gives you Lexicon’s renowned high-end reverb effects with a powerful new interface that provides easy access to superbly crafted presets as well as a wealth of programming capabilities for the sound designer. The Lexicon PCM 90 contains a built-in library of 250 reverb effects that simulate realistic halls, rooms and plates, and let you create completely natural, or other-worldly spaces.
1997
Released in 1997
Tascam DA-98 Digital Multitrack Recorder
The Tascam DA-98 takes all the advantages offered by the DTRS format and significantly ups the ante for the professional and post-production professional alike. With enhanced A/D and D/A convertors, a comprehensive LCD display and full compatibility with the DA-88 and DA-38, the Tascam DA-98 delivers the absolute best in digital multitrack functionality.
1997
Released in 1997
Fostex RD-8 ADAT Recorder
The Fostex RD-8 is a digital linear multitrack recorder designed specifically for the audio professional and is compatible with the ADAT format recorders from Alesis.
1997
Released in 1997
Fostex CX-8 ADAT Recorder
The Fostex CX-8 operates up to four times faster than the original ADAT, offers an intelligent software-controlled tape transport, a solid, die cast aluminium chassis, and provides built-in digital copying and flexible autolocation, while sounding better than ever. All this at a very affordable price - a new standard in modular digital multitrack recording.
1997
Released in 1997
Fostex D-15 DAT Recorder
The Fostex D-15 started out as the replacement model for the former D-10, but as you can see from the extensive list of new features and functionality, the D-15 represents a new level of price/performance value in a timecode capable DAT recorder.
1997
Released in 1997
DigiTech 2112 Studio Guitar System
The DigiTech 2112 is the most powerful, versatile, and user-friendly guitar preamp/processor available. As the next evolution in high-performance guitar processing from DigiTech, the 2112 surpasses expectations, offering unmatched flexibility and control over your tone and digital effects.
1997
Released in 1997
Ensoniq DP Pro Effects Processor
The Ensoniq DP Pro released in 1997, was the final effects processor to come out of Ensoniq. It came after the success of the DP/4, DP/4+ and DP/2 processors. Unlike the DP/4 & DP/4+, the Ensoniq DP Pro was a stereo effects processor. Sadly, two channels of processing were not all it lost; it also lost the more intuitive interface of the DP/4 series of processors.
1997
Released in 1997
Lexicon PCM 81 Digital Effects Processor
The Lexicon PCM 81 takes over where the Lexicon PCM 80 left off, and adds AES/EBU Digital I/O, includes algorithms and presets from the Pitch FX and Vocal Fix Cards, and adds 24-bit converters for even higher quality audio.
1997
Released in 1997
Lexicon 300L Digital Reverberator
The Lexicon 300L not only contains the finest sounds, as you’ve come to expect from Lexicon, it incorporates new functions. The Lexicon 300L contains the very best of the Lexicon Sound – with new refinements such as dynamic size parameters in the Reverb and Ambience algorithms.
1997
Released in 1997
Otari PD-20 Digital Recorder
The Otari PD-20 is a high-quality, versatile 2-channel recorder and editor with extensive synchronisation, editing, and playback features, designed to replace traditional tape-based recorders in modern studios and broadcast environments.
1997
Released in 1997
Fostex D-90 Digital 8 Track Recorder
Upgrade your studio setup with the Fostex D-90 Digital 8 Track Recorder. Capture every detail of your music with precision and clarity. Explore its intuitive interface and unleash your creativity. Elevate your recording experience today!
1997
Released in 1997
Drawmer DS404 Quad Noise Gate
Crafted to the most exacting standards, the Drawmer DS404 Quad Noise Gate is a perfect counterpart to the globally renowned DS201 Dual Noise Gate, acclaimed as the definitive 'industry standard' gate across the globe.
1997
Released in 1997
DigiTech VCS-1 Dynamics Processor
The DigiTech VCS-1 is a high-performance dynamics controller for recording and live use, featuring a vacuum tube stage, advanced solid-state compression, and "True Logarithmic Compression" for a natural sound. Built with premium components, it ensures clean audio, stability, and long-term reliability after rigorous testing.
1997
Released in 1997
Zoom Studio 1201 Digital Reverb & Multi Effects
The Zoom Studio 1201 is a digital reverb and multi-effects processor with 363 presets and high-quality specs, including 44.1 kHz sampling and 18-bit converters. It’s ideal for creating dynamic tracks with effects like Lo-Fi and KARAOKE.
1997
Released in 1997
AccuVerb Dual Channel Tube Spring Reverb
The Accutronics AccuVerb is a rare, all-tube stereo spring reverb unit, revered for its rich, vintage sound and versatile controls. Equipped with dual channels, LED VU meters, and adjustable input/output levels, it’s designed for professional audio use. Renowned as one of the best spring reverbs ever made, it remains highly sought-after for its exceptional sound quality.
1997
Released in 1997
Korg AM8000R Ambience Multi-Effects Processor
The Korg AM8000R Ambience Multi-Effects Processor offers advanced, high-quality sound processing with a user-friendly interface, extensive effects options, and flexible real-time control at an affordable price.
1997
Released in 1997
Korg DL8000R Digital Multi-Tap Delay
The Korg DL8000R Digital Multi-Tap Delay from Korg offers advanced sound processing with high-quality algorithms, extensive preset programs, flexible real-time control, and powerful studio-friendly features, continuing Korg's legacy of innovative digital delay development.
1998
Released in 1998
Manley Massive Passive Stereo Tube EQ
The Manley Massive Passive is one of the very few highly regarded equalisers ever made. There is the Pultec EQ, and then there is the Manley Massive Passive. Sure, it is a parametric EQ, but with a twist!
