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.
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
E-MU E6400 Ultra Emulator 4 Sampler
The E-MU E6400 Ultra was a cost-effective sampler with pro-level features, offering 64-voice polyphony, EOS 4.0, and deep synthesis tools. Fully upgradeable, it delivered serious power and flexibility in a studio-friendly format.
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.
1999
Released in 1999
Maselec MLA-2 Compressor
The Maselec MLA-2 is a stereo or 2-channel compressor with stepped drive (input gain), ratio, attack and release time and output gain controls. For optimum transparency and freedom from noise the MLA-2 employs a non-VCA design.
1999
Released in 1999
Roland VSR-880 Digital Studio Recorder
The Roland VSR-880 is an 8-track rackmount hard disk recorder with 24-bit sound quality, 128 Virtual Tracks, and all the powerful editing and optional effects V-Studios are known for.
1999
Released in 1999
Yamaha D24 Digital Multitrack Recorder
The Yamaha D24 Digital Multitrack Recorder delivered uncompressed 16-, 20-, or 24-bit audio to removable 640MB MO disks, with support for up to 64 tracks per project and 8-track simultaneous recording. It featured non-destructive editing with sub-frame accuracy, auto punch-in/out with up to 99 takes, and full timecode support.
1999
Released in 1999
Zoom RFX-2000 Digital Reverb & Multi Effects
The Zoom RFX-2000 is a flagship 24-bit multi-effects processor featuring high-quality reverb, mastering tools, MIDI control, and 100 editable presets. With real-time tap tempo, digital output, and software support for Windows and Mac, it offers powerful, flexible sound shaping for studio and live use.
1999
Released in 1999
Apogee AD-8000 8-Channel Digital Audio Converter
The Apogee AD-8000 is an eight-channel 24-bit A/D converter with extensive I/O and processing features and an extensive, accessible user interface.
1999
Released in 1999
Tascam DA-45HR High Resolution Digital Recorder
The Tascam DA-45HR is a professional-grade digital audio recorder that improves upon the feature set of its predecessor, the DA-40. With the DA-45HR, Tascam has elevated the recording quality to 24-bit resolution, allowing for a greater dynamic range and a more accurate representation of the original audio source.
1999
Released in 1999
Akai Z4 Performance Sampler
The Akai Z4 Sampler is a 24-bit/96kHz hardware sampler combining high-end audio quality with powerful real-time control, advanced filtering, and deep synthesis capabilities. Featuring four assignable Q-Link knobs, over 40 onboard effects, and seamless integration with Akai’s ak.Sys software, it offered studio-grade performance and live flexibility without taxing your computer. Built on Akai’s sampling legacy, the Z4 delivered a new standard for professional hardware samplers.
1999
Released in 1999
Sony DRE-S777 Sampling Digital Reverb
After the lacklustre DPS-V55, Sony had one last shot at the studio effects market, and they went out on a high with the spectacular DRE-S777 Sampling Reverb. The Sony DRE-S777 was a new type of reverb, one that used real impulse responses to capture real space, rather than the traditional method from the past of trying to emulate a real space.
1999
Released in 1999
Roland SRV-3030 24bit Digital Reverb
With all that Roland had learned from making superb effects processors like the SRV-330 and R-880, the SRV-3030 should have been so much better than it was.
1999
Released in 1999
Sony PCM-9000 Master Disc Recorder
By the late 1990s, there was a noticeable trend towards seeking superior sound quality in professional digital audio processing, resulting in a shift from using 16-bit systems to those with 20-bit resolution. Sony was at the forefront of this shift, having already introduced a CD Mastering system. Sony in 1999 unveiled the Sony PCM-9000 Digital Master Disc Recorder, which employs an MO (Magneto-Optical) disc as its recording medium.
1999
Released in 1999
TC Electronic M-One XL Dual Effects Processor
TC Electronic M-One XL is a dual effects unit, perfectly designed for LIVE applications. The reverbs truly shine, but it also features lots of other pristine effects. TC Electronic XL Technology – Based on Our Renowned Reverb Heritage. High-quality Multi Effects – Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Flanger, Compressor, Gate, etc.
1999
Released in 1999
TC Electronic D-Two Multitap Rhythm Delay
Think of delays and chances are our delays are what you hear in your head. Not to toot our own horn, but our delays are the best out there – end of story. With TC Electronic D-Two we wanted to combine our awesome delays with fun – we’ve added the truly musical Rhythm Tap feature: Not only tempo, but actual rhythm patterns can be tapped directly on the unit for results that are sure to quickly whip your creativity to new highs!
1999
Released in 1999
Sony DADR-5000 Digital Audio Disk Recorder
The Sony DADR-5000 Digital Audio Disk Recorder is a 16-Track random access digital audio disk recorder designed primarily for use as a film dubber in film production facilities.
