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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.

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
Derek & The Dominos - Layla
1971
ITI MES-430
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
EMT 240
1972
Eventide Omnipressor
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
Walk on the Wild Side
1974
Roland RE-201
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

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.
Eventide Model H910
1974
Heart Like A Wheel
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

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
Kashmir
1975
Aphex Aural Exciter
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.
Altec 1612A
1975
Eventide Model FL201 Instant Flanger
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.
Valley People Dyna-Mite
1976
MXR Model 129 Pitch Transposer
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.
MXR Model 113 Digital Delay
1976
Ampex ATR-100
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.
EMT 250
1976
dbx 118
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.
dbx 119
1976
dbx 160
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

MXR Model 126 Flanger/Doubler

For more than 30 years now, both engineers and musicians have relied upon the MXR Model 126 Flanger/Doubler as one of best-sounding bucket-brigade* flanging effects ever made. Through its signature flanging, doubling, and delay effects, the MXR Model 126 Flanger/Doubler imprints a very unique sonic signature on guitars, bass, keys, drums, or just about any source needing depth and movement.
MXR Model 126 Flanger-Doubler
1976
Klark Teknik DN 50
Released in 1976

Klark Teknik DN 50 Spring Reverb

The Klark Teknik DN50 Spring Reverb was introduced around the mid-seventies, just prior to the launch of digital reverbs.
1976
Released in 1976

Urei LA-5 Audio Leveler

Urei introduced the Urei LA-5 Audio Leveler with the specific needs of sound reinforcement professionals in mind.
Urei LA-5
1977
Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo
Released in 1977

Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo

The Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo is a vintage tape delay unit known for its warm analogue sound. It features a built-in chorus for added modulation. The unit has straightforward controls for easy manipulation and is suitable for musicians seeking a classic, reliable delay effect with a touch of vintage charm.
1977
Released in 1977

Wuthering Heights

Kate Bush

If ever a song deserved a place in the list of Classic Tracks, it is Kate Bush’s Wuthering Heights from 1977. Upon its release here in Australia at least, you could not turn on a radio or TV without hearing this song, an indication of just how huge a hit it was at that time. […]

Engineered by: Jon Kelly
Mixed by: Jon Kelly
Wuthering Heights
1977
Eventide Model H949
Released in 1977

Eventide Model H949 Harmonizer®

The Eventide Model H949 Harmonizer is a combination digital delay line, pitch changer, and all-round special effects unit. The TIME REVERSAL feature is entirely new. When used with a variable-speed tape recorder, the Harmonizer is capable of shortening or lengthening a piece of program material to fit a given time slot, without altering the pitch.
1977
Released in 1977

dbx 117 Dynamic Range Enhancer

The DBX 117 is a dynamic range modifier. It can compress or expand the dynamic range of any audio program by a constant factor. It will expand previously compressed material or compress material with excessive dynamic range. may be used in any situation where dynamic range must be compressed to meet limitations of recording equipment or listening environment or expanded to rectify the effects of previous compression.
dbx 117
1977
Barracuda Heart
Released in 1977

Barracuda

Heart

Barracuda by Heart stands out not only as a highlight from their second album, Little Queen (1977), but also as a defining anthem of 1970s rock music. Its success at the time was immediate, propelling Heart into the spotlight and establishing them as a force in the rock genre. The song’s aggressive guitar riff and […]

Engineered by: Mike Flicker, Buzz Richmond, Winslow Kutz
Mixed by: Chris Wonzer
1977
Released in 1977

Give A Little Bit

Supertramp

Give a Little Bit is a popular song by the British rock band Supertramp, originally released in 1977 as the lead single from their album Even in the Quietest Moments…. Written primarily by Roger Hodgson, the song became one of the band’s signature hits and has remained a staple of classic rock radio since its […]

Engineered by: Russel Pope
Mixed by: Geoff Emerick
Give A Little Bit
1977
dbx 3BX
Released in 1977

dbx 3BX 3 Band Dynamic Range Expander

The dbx 3BX is a state-of-the-art dynamic range expander that enhances audio quality by dividing the sound spectrum into three frequency bands. Utilising advanced RMS detectors and voltage-controlled amplifiers, it individually expands bass, midrange, and treble, ensuring pristine sound clarity and preserving musical integrity even in the most complex compositions.
1977
Released in 1977

dbx 110 Subharmonic Synthesizer

The dbx 110 is an innovative device that enhances stereo systems by addressing the limitation of reproducing deep bass frequencies below 50 Hz. It samples low-frequency fundamentals, generates these signals an octave lower, and mixes them back in at controllable levels. This results in a rich, deep bass experience, similar to that of a live performance.
dbx 110
1977
Sony PCM-1
Released in 1977

Sony PCM-1 Digital Audio Processor

The Sony PCM-1, launched in September 1977, was Sony's first consumer PCM processor, setting the standard for digital audio devices despite its high price of 480,000 yen and limited sales of around 300 units worldwide.
1977
Released in 1977

Poor Poor Pitiful Me

Linda Ronstadt

As a teenager in the late 1970s, I would often DJ for my parents’ parties and the most requested track was Linda Ronstadt’s Poor Poor Pitiful Me (written by Warren Zevon). The song always got everyone dancing and I still remember those parties whenever I hear it, which must be well over a thousand times […]

Engineered by: Val Garay
Mixed by: Val Garay assisted by Mark Howlett
Linda Ronstadt Poor Poor Pitiful Me
1977
DeltaLab DL-4 Digital Delay
Released in 1977

DeltaLab DL-4 Digital Delay

The DeltaLab DL-4 TIMELINE is a studio quality special effects processor designed for the professional musician to use in live performances. The DeltaLab DL-4 is a derivative of their highly successful DL-2 ACOUSTICOMPUTER which brings total performance to the performing musician previously attainable in very expensive delay lines.
1977
Released in 1977

Urei LA-4 Compressor/Limiter

The Urei LA-4 Compressor/Limiter can reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal, making it more consistent and balanced. The Urei LA-4 Compressor/Limiter can also limit the maximum level of the signal, preventing distortion and clipping.
Urei LA-4
Reverb.com
Ordio Productions

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