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.

1995
Released in 1995

D.W. Fearn VT-5 Tube Equaliser

The D.W. Fearn VT-5 tube equaliser will change the way you think of EQ. It’s smooth and sweet, and can be very subtle at mild settings, but quite strong with aggressive use of the controls.
1995
Released in 1995

D.W. Fearn VT-4 Tube Equaliser

The D.W. Fearn VT-4 tube equaliser will change the way you think of EQ. It’s smooth and sweet, and can be very subtle at mild settings, but quite strong with aggressive use of the controls.
1995
Released in 1995

D.W. Fearn VT-7 Compressor

The D.W. Fearn VT-7has a highly transparent sound, although it can be used more aggressively when needed. Artifacts of the compression process are substantially lower than in most other compressors.
1995
Released in 1995

Akai S2000 MIDI Stereo Digital Sampler

The Akai S2000 Stereo Digital Sampler delivered the core power of the S3000 series in a compact, affordable rack unit. With 32-voice polyphony, expandable memory, powerful DSP features, and deep modulation options, it offered both sampling and synthesis capabilities. Compatible with Akai's extensive sound library and featuring optional effects, digital I/O, and Mac editor software.
1995
Released in 1995

Alesis MidiVerb 4 Digital Effects Processor

The Alesis MidiVerb 4 is the perfect effects processor for professional project studios and musicians who require an affordable solution for fully-programmable, high-fidelity effects. Its excellent effects algorithms produce dense, natural reverb, rich chorus, flange, delay, pitch effects and up to three simultaneous multieffects.
1995
Released in 1995

Roland GP-100 Guitar Preamp/Processor

The Roland GP-100's development took a deep dive into rock’s rich history and iconic sounds, aiming to faithfully recreate the legendary guitar amps that have shaped the genre. By comparing everything from modern, acclaimed models to vintage classics, it meticulously analysed the elements that define 'that sound' cherished by fans - from components and circuits to tonal qualities and overall listening experience.
1995
Released in 1995

dbx 160A Compressor Limiter

Since its introduction in the mid 1970’s, the dbx 160 series has been the world’s most popular line of audio compressors. After the classic 160 (which is still used daily in many world class studios), came the 165, the 160X and the 160XT. And now, the 160A.
1995
Released in 1995

Glycerine

Bush

Glycerine is one of the most well-known songs by the British rock band Bush. Gavin Rossdale wrote the song in 1993, about his then-girlfriend, Suze DeMarchi as stated in an interview with Howard Stern. Released in 1995 as the fourth single from their debut album, Sixteen Stone, the song became a major hit, especially in the United States. It’s […]

1996
Released in 1996

Crane Song STC-8 Compressor

The Crane Song STC-8 is a high-quality compressor combined with a remarkably dependable peak limiter, that provides overload protection critical to digital recording and broadcast transmitters.
1996
Released in 1996

Sony PCM-7010 Digital Audio Tape Recorder

The Sony PCM-7010, an affordable recorder in the PCM-7000 Series, is ideally suited to simple program transmission applications. As a playback machine, the PCM-7010 is designed to provide compatibility with both professional and consumer audio equipment.
1996
Released in 1996

Sony PCM-7030 Digital Audio Tape Recorder

As flexible, cost-effective recorders for professional audio applications, the Sony PCM-7030 provide the superb quality of DAT digital recording on compact and easy to handle cassettes.
1996
Released in 1996

Sony PCM-7040 Digital Audio Tape Recorder

The Sony PCM-7040 was set to enhance the long-standing reputation earned by Sony PCM-7000 Series recorders for their cost effectiveness and functionality in broadcast studios and in post-production houses.
1996
Released in 1996

Sony PCM-7050 Digital Audio Tape Recorder

As flexible, cost-effective recorders for professional audio applications, the Sony PCM-7050 provide the superb quality of DAT digital recording on compact and easy to handle cassettes.
1996
Released in 1996

Studer D424 MO Digital Recorder

The Studer D424 is a Magneto-Optical, 2 channel digital recorder with amazingly easy editing functions, suitable for all broadcasting, recording studio and theatre applications.
1996
Released in 1996

dbx 266XL Compressor Gate

The dbx 266XL’s advanced gate circuitry uses a completely new, program-dependent timing algorithm to produce ultra-smooth release characteristics - even with complex signals, such as voice or reverb decays.
1996
Released in 1996

Maselec MEA-2 Precision Stereo Equaliser

The Maselec MEA-2 is a stereo or 2-channel, four-band precision analogue equaliser with stepped Q/shelf, frequency and cut/boost controls on each band. It is designed for recording and mastering applications where ultimate sonic performance, musicality and precision are required.
1996
Released in 1996

Studer D741 Professional CD Recorder

Studer dedicated over twelve years to CD research and development and the Studer D741 CD Recorder, enhances and finalises their range alongside existing models like the D730, D731, D731 QC, and D732 CD Players. CD technology held a firm footing in broadcast and studio domains, with none rivalling its widespread use across both consumer and professional spheres.
1996
Released in 1996

Panasonic SV-3800 Digital Audio Tape Recorder

Based on the popular SV-3700, the Panasonic SV-3800 incorporates technological refinements for enhanced sound quality and functionality.
1996
Released in 1996

dbx 1066 Compressor Limiter Gate

At the heart of the dbx 1066 is our new dbx V2 VCA. Developed especially for the 1066, 1046 and other 10 series products to come, this revolutionary VCA boasts superb dynamic range characteristics while maintaining very low distortion and almost immeasurable noise characteristics.
1996
Released in 1996

TC Electronic M2000 Multi Effects

The TC Electronic M2000 provides you with a broad palette of high-quality effects enabling you to create magical effects. The true dual engine configuration on the TC Electronic M2000 allows you to run two full-blown effects simultaneously, i.e. on two individual effects sends.
1996
Released in 1996

TASCAM 102 MkII Cassette Recorder

The TASCAM 102 MKII is a three-unit rack-mount stereo cassette deck featuring automated tape-type selection, dual Dolby noise reduction, Dolby HX PRO and a precision two-head transport for studio-quality mixdowns.
1996
Released in 1996

Yamaha REV500 Digital Reverberator

Digitally reproducing the complex reflection patterns of natural reverberation is a daunting task that can only be effectively handled by custom LSI circuitry. Yamaha was a pioneer in the field of DSP (Digital Signal Processor) LSI production, and continues to lead the way in products such as the Yamaha REV500.
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

Akai CD3000XL Stereo CD-ROM Sampler

The Akai CD3000XL is a powerful 32-voice sampler with advanced synthesis features, multi-mode sequencing, built-in effects, and a quad-speed CD-ROM drive. It supports a wide range of Akai and third-party libraries, offers software integration with Macintosh systems, and provides flexible expansion options for professional studio use.
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 Compressor

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 Tape 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.