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.
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!
1998
Released in 1998
Alesis ADAT LX20 Digital Recorder
For musicians, home studio owners, or users of other ADAT models wishing to supplement an existing system, the Alesis ADAT LX20 provides an economical solution for capturing the power of the award-winning ADAT recording format.
1998
Released in 1998
Alesis M20 Digital Recorder
The Alesis M20 Professional 20 Bit Digital Audio Recorder is a new, professional-quality modular digital multitrack tape recorder that was specifically created for commercial audio recording facilities as well as high-end video and film post-production studios.
1998
Released in 1998
Crane Song Trakker Compressor Limiter
Crane Song Trakker is a high-quality Single Channel Discrete Class A Compressor-Limiter.
1998
Released in 1998
dbx 786 Microphone Preamplifier
The craftsmanship of the dbx 786 precision microphone preamplifier is as stunning as the engineering is innovative.
1998
Released in 1998
dbx 586 Tube Preamplifier
Mic preamps have long been a part of dbx's reputation as the leader in signal processing technology. In keeping with that proven tradition, dbx proudly enters the vacuum tube domain with the dbx 586 Dual Vacuum Tube Preamp.
1998
Released in 1998
dbx 576 Tube Preamplifier/Compressor
With innovative, state-of-the-art engineering, the dbx 576 Vacuum Tube Preamp/Compressor carries the dbx heritage into the vacuum tube arena.
1998
Released in 1998
dbx 566 Tube Compressor
The inclusion of 2 vacuum tubes makes the dbx 566 Vacuum Tube Compressor no ordinary compressor.
1998
Released in 1998
dbx DDP Digital Dynamics Processor
The dbx DDP offers you the processing power of digital, with the great sounds you know and want from the analogue world. Plus, with digital technology, we can offer you more precise control and extended parameters than you could ever have with analogue processing.
1998
Released in 1998
Tascam DA-302 Dual DAT Recorder
The Tascam DA-302 was upon its release, the world's only dual DAT recorder, and it brought the convenience of a dual cassette deck to the DAT format for the very first time.
1998
Released in 1998
Tascam DA-20 MkII Digital Audio Tape Recorder
The Tascam DA-20 MkII is an affordable DAT recorder bringing the best of the DAT format to the home studio, project studio or budget minded professional.
1998
Released in 1998
Tascam DS-D98 Digital Recorder
The Tascam DS-D98 is a DTRS recorder which supports Sony's Direct Stream Digital format for production of the Super Audio CD (SACD).
1998
Released in 1998
Studer V-Eight Digital Tape Recorder
The Studer V-Eight recorder incorporates the S-VHS recording principle and possesses all the necessary features required for professional audio applications. It is designed to meet the stringent demands of a professional studio environment, with a sturdy and distortion-free die-cast aluminium alloy chassis. Its modular design allows for sample-accurate interconnection of multiple units through a straightforward sync bus.
1998
Released in 1998
Sony DPS-V55 Multi Effects Processor
Sony made a killer effects processor with the DPS-V77, so next step was to capitalise on that with a four-channel version, right? But something went wrong...On paper at least, the Sony DPS-V55 should be a killer effects processor, but by all accounts, it does not succeed. Just as Roland did with their SRV-3030, the sound quality leaves a lot to be desired.
1998
Released in 1998
Fostex D-160 16 Track Digital Recorder
The Fostex D-160 is a 16-track digital multitrack recorder with eight additional tracks that employs a 3.5-inch E-IDE type removable hard disk as the recording media.
1998
Released in 1998
TL Audio 5051 Voice Processor
The TL Audio 5051 provides the perfect front end for any system by offering a combined preamp, compressor, equaliser and noise gate all in one easy-to-use package: now with an optional digital output.
1998
Released in 1998
TC Electronic M3000 Digital Reverb
The TC Electronic M3000 has some of the best sounding, most versatile and easy-to-use professional reverbs for music and film/post applications. The VSS3-reverb technology inherent in the TC Electronic M3000 is an industry standard.
1998
Released in 1998
TC Electronic FireworX Studio Effects Processor
The TC Electronic FireworX is the most radical sounding Multi-Effects Processor you’ve ever heard and a real challenge to your imagination. Take whatever you need from the broad palette of internal effects, drop it into the forge at the heart of the TC Electronic FireworX, and turn your music into a fireball of sound.
1998
Released in 1998
TL Audio 5050 Tube Preamp & Compressor
The TL Audio 5050 came directly from user requests for a simple yet great sounding valve front end and boasts the winning combination of a mic/line/instrument preamp and mono compressor: making it the most cost-effective way of processing your sources.
1998
Released in 1998
DigiTech 2120 Artist Valve Guitar System
The Digitech 2120 Artist Valve Guitar System is a versatile dual-tube multi-effects processor with limitless tone configurations and presets, including a programmable foot controller.
1998
Released in 1998
Fostex CR200 Professional CD Recorder
You've wanted professional CD recording for ages, you've needed it for even longer. But the ability to professionally master audio compact discs has until now been somewhat of a luxury, with only the very top studios and recording professionals having the kind of investment to purchase a CD mastering machine.
1998
Released in 1998
Apogee DA-2000 20-Bit Stereo D/A Converter
Apogee DA-2000 Studio Reference Standard Digital to Analog Converter – Switcher represents a milestone in digital conversion technology. Contained within the design are technologies that Apogee pioneered, such as low jitter clocking and critically matched filter designs.
1998
Released in 1998
Lexicon MPX G2 Guitar Effects Processor
The Lexicon MPX-G2 is a premium guitar effects processor featuring iconic Lexicon reverb, over 70 effects, dual audio paths, and a programmable preamp with a built-in analogue speaker simulator. With 24-bit processing, 250 presets, flexible routing, and extensive MIDI control, it provides exceptional versatility and professional sound for both live and studio use.
1998
Released in 1998
GML Model 8900 Dynamic Range Controller
GML Model 8900 Dynamic Range Controller, twenty-two years of progressive research into loudness perception resulted in a limiter/compressor unlike any other.
1998
Released in 1998
TL Audio 5001 Mic Preamp
The TL Audio 5001 preamp offers four top quality valve mic preamps in a single 2U package, and now boasts extra features including a discrete mic preamp stage, 30dB pad, instrument DI inputs, improved metering and optional 24-bit digital output.
1999
Released in 1999
SPL Tube Vitalizer
The SPL Tube Vitalizer is a completely different type of EQ, with which almost virtuoso interventions in the sound image become possible. When mixing, mastering and restoring, the Tube Vitalizer goes beyond traditional equalisation.
1999
Released in 1999
TL Audio C-1 2-Channel Tube Compressor
The TL Audio C-1 features military-spec valves, gold-plated bases, and backlit VU meters, offering rich sound and durability. With variable controls, direct-to-tape preamps, and a VCA-free gain stage, it delivers transparency, low distortion, and a 5Hz to 70kHz range.
1999
Released in 1999
Tascam DA-40 Digital Audio Tape Recorder
Tascam DA-40 is a feature rich DAT recorder, bringing together deep recording and playback capabilities, plus a wealth of control functions. Controlling the DA-40 is easy through the clearly marked buttons on the front panel.
1999
Released in 1999
Langevin Dual Vocal Combo
The Langevin Dual Vocal Combo is a 2-channel microphone preamplifier with 2 shelf equalisers plus 2 channels of electro-optical limiters.
