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.
1966
Released in 1966
Eleanor Rigby
The Beatles
Eleanor Rigby stands out as one of Revolver‘s most remarkable tracks. This haunting portrayal of isolation and death was unique in that it featured no instrumental contributions from the Beatles themselves. Instead, the song relied on a stunning string arrangement by George Martin. Martin openly acknowledged that his arrangement was heavily influenced by film composer […]
Engineered by: Geoff Emerick
1967
Released in 1967
Altec 1591A Compressor Amplifier
The Altec 1591A is designed for seamless mixing of high- and low-level inputs, compression, or linear amplification, while maintaining dynamic range integrity in environments such as recording and broadcast studios, theatres, stadiums, schools, churches, hotels, arenas, convention centres, military complexes, and public address systems.
1967
Released in 1967
Urei 1176 Limiting Amplifier
There are not a lot of limiters designed in the 1960s that are still in production today, but the legendary Urei 1176 is one such beast. While the name Urei has long since vanished from the pro audio world, this limiter can still be purchased brand new from Universal Audio.
1968
Released in 1968
Shure Level-Loc Audio Level Controller
The Shure Level-Loc is a transistorised level controller that automatically reduces loud signals to maintain smooth and consistent output. Originally designed for speech clarity in public address systems, it later became prized in studios for its bold, aggressive compression.
1968
Released in 1968
EMT 970 Sound Retardation System
The EMT 970 Audio Delay Unit is a professional-grade device designed to manipulate sound transmission times with precision and reliability. Engineered for studio and broadcast environments, it utilises advanced mechanical and electronic components to deliver consistent performance and versatile applications, including enhancing room acoustics, synchronising audio for broadcasts, and creating creative effects in music production. Its robust construction and innovative design make it a highly valued tool in professional audio workflows.
1969
Released in 1969
Teletronix LA-3A Leveling Amplifier
If you took the gentle optical compression of the Teletronix LA‑2A and fused it with the solid‑state punch and clarity of the Urie 1176, you would have the Teletronix LA-3A. It has become a secret weapon compressor for many engineers, with a unique character capable of moving sounds right to the front of your mix.
1970
Released in 1970
Urei 565 Filter Set
The Urei 565 Filter Set introduces to the recording studio and motion picture sound department an effective tool for 'saving' problem tracks, and for creating innovative special effects.
1971
Released in 1971
Eventide Instant Phaser
The Eventide Clockworks Instant Phaser was designed specifically to eliminate the costly and tedious job of setting up and implementing the special effect known as phasing or flanging.
1971
Released in 1971
Layla
Derek & The Dominos
Derek & The Dominos had a brief career that lasted from 1970 to 1971. During that time, they recorded the album Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs. This album is widely regarded as Eric Clapton’s greatest achievement, and its hit single, Layla, is undoubtedly his most memorable song. One of the most remarkable things about […]
Engineered by: Ron & Howard Albert
Mixed by: Jay Mark & Steve Rinkoff
1971
Released in 1971
ITI MES-430 Parametric Equaliser
The ITI MES-430 was the first commercially available parametric equaliser, a design once thought impossible to achieve, created by the brilliant George Massenburg.
1971
Released in 1971
EMT 240 Reverb Foil
In 1971 after huge success with the EMT 140, EMT delivered the EMT 240 Reverb Foil. The surface of the vibrating 0.02 mm gold foil measured only 30 X 30 cm. The foil was contained in a double enclosure affording very high isolation from airborne and solid-borne disturbances, sufficient to allow placement of the EMT 240 even in mobile units or - at a sound pressure level of 105 dB - next to monitor loudspeakers
1972
Released in 1972
Eventide Omnipressor Compressor
Unleash the sonic magic of the past with the Eventide Omnipressor, a legendary audio processor born in 1972. This timeless piece of gear has been a staple in the music industry for over five decades, and it's not hard to see why.
1972
Released in 1972
Walk on the Wild Side
Lou Reed
Walk on the Wild Side by Lou Reed is a seminal track from his 1972 album Transformer. Co-produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, the song is a sultry, subversive tribute to the misfits and outcasts who populated Andy Warhol’s New York City scene in the 1960s. It was initially released as a single and […]
Engineered by: Ken Scott
Mixed by: Ken Scott
1973
Released in 1973
Roland RE-200 Space Echo
The Roland RE-200 Space Echo, released in 1973, is an analogue tape delay unit featuring a continuous loop tape system, two playback heads, and a built-in spring reverb. Offering warm, reliable echo and reverb effects, it was an early model in Roland’s Space Echo series and helped establish their reputation for high-quality tape-based effects.
1974
Released in 1974
Roland RE-201 Space Echo
The Roland RE-201 when it was released in 1974, was an engineering masterpiece. It featured a sophisticated tape-echo effect and a built-in spring reverb, with different sound variations selectable via 12 different operating modes.
1974
Released in 1974
AKG BX-20E Stereo Spring Reverb
The AKG BX-20E is a high-end stereo spring reverb unit using AKG’s Torsional Transmission Line system to deliver natural, dense, and uncoloured reverberation. It features independent decay controls, silent remote adjustment, and full acoustic isolation, with no dry signal in the output. Revered for its smooth, realistic ambience and reliable performance, the BX-20E remains a studio classic.
1974
Released in 1974
Eventide Model H910 Harmonizer®
The Eventide Model H910 Harmonizer was developed by Eventide in 1974. It was the world's very first digital effects processor. It combined ‘de-glitched’ pitch change with delay and feedback. It could be controlled by a keyboard remote control to instantly shift pitch in half steps.
1974
Released in 1974
Roland RE-101 Space Echo
The Roland RE-101 Space Echo, released in 1974, is an analogue tape delay unit offering the warm, organic echoes of the classic Space Echo line without the spring reverb found in the RE-201. Known for its reliable tape transport, simple controls, and rich, musical delays, the RE-101 became a favourite among dub, reggae, and electronic musicians. Its pure tape echo and durable design have made it a sought-after classic in studios and live setups.
1974
Released in 1974
You’re No Good
Linda Ronstadt
Linda Ronstadt’s single You’re No Good marked a turning point in her career, cementing her status as one of the leading voices in music during the 1970s. Although she had her first hit single with Different Drum in 1967 as part of The Stone Poneys, and had released a series of solo albums in the early […]
Engineered by: Val Garay
1975
Released in 1975
MXR Auto Phaser
The MXR Auto Phaser is a professional phasing unit with low distortion, minimal noise, and a wide range of effects. It features easy operation, low power consumption, and a broad supply range, making it suitable for studio, portable mixing, and PA applications. Unlike flanging, its phase-shift response creates non-harmonic notches in the audio spectrum.
1975
Released in 1975
MXR Auto Flanger
The MXR Auto Flanger is a professional audio delay line designed for true flanging in both portable and custom setups. Its versatile controls ensure ease of use, while its precise time delay creates a musical tonality in percussion, distinguishing it from phasing.
1975
Released in 1975
Kashmir
Led Zeppelin
Kashmir is one of Led Zeppelin’s most iconic and ambitious songs, released in 1975 on their sixth studio album, Physical Graffiti. Written by Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Bonham, the track is known for its hypnotic, Eastern-influenced melody and grand, epic feel, standing out as one of the band’s finest achievements. It was never […]
Engineered by: Andy Johns
Mixed by: Eddie Kramer
1975
Released in 1975
Aphex Aural Exciter
An effects box that provided a very special kind of enhancement to your tracks, that you could not buy, but instead had to rent, really? The Aphex Aural Exciter was something of a mystery box when it was released in 1975, but it provided a solution that was perfectly timed, however is no longer relevant in today's recording world.
1975
Released in 1975
Altec 1612A Limiting Amplifier
In audio systems, input signal levels can vary significantly. The Altec 1612A is excellent for managing dynamic range, ensuring the overall sound level is more consistent. It operates as a limiter or a line amplifier, equipped with two inputs, a compression/VU meter, a dual range attack/release switch, and a limit/line balance control that prevents limiting from altering the preset output level.
1975
Released in 1975
Eventide Model FL201 Instant Flanger
Flanging may not be a popular effect these days, but back in 1975 when the Eventide Model FL201 Instant Flanger was released, it was. The Eventide Model FL201 Instant Flanger was designed to simulate true tape flanging and offered a much deeper flanging effect than anything previously available, it was widely used on many legendary recordings.
1975
Released in 1975
Valley People Dyna-Mite Compressor Limiter
The Valley People Dyna-Mite compressor was released in 1975. It became well-known for its distinctive sound, which was a combination of compression, limiting, and distortion, and it was highly regarded by engineers and producers for its versatility in both studio and live settings.
1976
Released in 1976
MXR Model 129 Pitch Transposer
The MXR Model 129 Pitch Transposer is a classic piece of audio equipment that was released in the late 1970s. The unit was designed to allow musicians and audio engineers to transpose the pitch of audio signals up or down by a fixed amount, ranging from one octave below to one octave above the original pitch.
1976
Released in 1976
MXR Model 113 Digital Delay
The MXR Model 113 Digital Delay is a self-contained audio delay line which utilises sophisticated technology to achieve a new standard of professional quality. The culmination of an intensive design program, the MXR Model 113 Digital Delay is unparalleled in versatility, ease of operation, and creative application.
1976
Released in 1976
Ampex ATR-100 Series Professional Audio Recorder
In the world of two track analogue mastering audio recorders, the Ampex ATR-100 Series recorders are regarded as the finest reel to reel audio mastering recorders ever made. The fact that they are still in use today, more than forty years later is surely testament to that.
1976
Released in 1976
EMT 250 Digital Reverb
The EMT 250 Digital Reverb is completely electronic, with no moving parts: ruggedly built and insensitive to shock or vibrations...and a studio legend! Extremely versatile with many programming possibilities and adjustment of parameters. The EMT 250 Digital Reverb uses high-value digital words (12 bit, quasi 15 bit) to virtually eliminate intrinsic and quantising noise.
1976
Released in 1976
TEAC A-2300SX Stereo Tape Recorder
The TEAC A-2300SX is a 4-track, 2-channel reel-to-reel recorder from the mid-1970s, designed for home and semi-pro use. It features a three-motor transport, three-head design, and supports 7-inch reels at two speeds. With solid build quality and a frequency response up to 28 kHz, it remains a reliable and respected machine.
1976
Released in 1976
dbx 118 Dynamic Range Enhancer
The dbx 118 Dynamic Range Enhancer, despite being initially targeted at consumers, has earned a solid reputation in professional studio environments.
1976
Released in 1976
dbx 119 Dynamic Range Enhancer
The dbx 119 is remembered for its versatility and advanced features, offering extended compression range, precise threshold-based control, and dual modes for professional and audiophile use. Its ability to enhance dynamic range and provide consistent, high-quality sound made it a valuable tool in studios and public address systems, all at an affordable price.
1976
Released in 1976
dbx 160 Compressor/Limiter
The dbx 160 and 161 are single-channel compressor/limiters combining sophisticated technology and user-oriented features in a compact package. Unique circuit designs, such as true rms level-detection and feed-forward gain reduction, place the 160 and 161 in a completely different class from conventional compressor/limiters.
1976
Released in 1976
dbx 162 Stereo Compressor/Limiter
The dbx 162 compressor/limiter is one of the most iconic studio compressor/limiters to have ever graced a studio. The dbx 162 compressor/limiter is a stereo device using true rms level detection circuitry tor signal sensing and sophisticated voltage-controlled amplifiers as the gain control elements.
