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.
1981
Released in 1981
AMS DMX15R Digital Reverb
The AMS DMX15R was designed as a digital reverb add-on for the AMS DMX 15-80S digital delay system. However, it is uncertain if this product was ever mass-produced, and if it was, it remains extremely rare. It is more likely that the AMS DMX15R was eventually developed into a standalone digital reverb unit (AMS RMX 16) that did not depend on the AMS DMX 15-80S to operate.
1981
Released in 1981
Sony DRE 2000 Digital Reverberator
The Sony DRE 2000 was Sony's first digital reverb and they headed straight for the heart of Lexicon with a complex and very advanced system, that also proved fragile. These reverbs are hard to find on the used market, partly because those who have them hang onto them, and partly because many of them have died, proving to be too expensive and difficult to fix.
1981
Released in 1981
TASCAM 44 4-Track Tape Recorder
The TASCAM 44 is a 4-track ¼-inch reel-to-reel recorder designed for professional mastering, editing, and video sync applications. It supports 7½ and 15 ips tape speeds, offers full servo-controlled transport with quartz-referenced motors, and delivers wide frequency response up to 22 kHz, low wow and flutter, and high signal-to-noise ratio.
1981
Released in 1981
Revox B 710 Cassette Recorder
The Revox B 710 is a four-motor, quartz-synchronised cassette recorder built to professional standards by Studer Revox. It features a direct-drive dual-capstan transport, microprocessor control, and automatic tape-type detection. With separate Dolby B processors for each channel, a quartz-locked time counter, and fully electronic operation, the B 710 delivers long-term stability, precise tape handling, and high-fidelity performance.
1981
Released in 1981
Our Lips Are Sealed
The Go Gos
Our Lips Are Sealed is a song by the American all-female band The Go-Go’s, that was released in 1981 as a single from their debut album, Beauty and the Beat. The song became a major hit, reaching the top 20 in the United States and the top 5 in Canada. It also became a popular […]
Engineered by: Rob Freeman
Mixed by: Rob Freeman
1981
Released in 1981
Revox PR 99 Stereo Recorder
The Revox PR 99 is a Swiss-engineered professional reel-to-reel recorder designed for broadcast, mastering, and editing use. Based on the Revox B77 but upgraded with balanced XLR I/O, full logic transport, and precise editing features, it offers outstanding tape handling, low noise, and high fidelity. Used widely in studios and radio stations, the PR 99 remains a respected classic for its reliability, precision, and enduring sound quality.
1981
Released in 1981
Tainted Love
Soft Cell
Soft Cell’s rendition of Tainted Love, originally recorded by Gloria Jones in 1964, is undoubtedly one of the most enduring classics of all time. Released in 1981, the song became an instant sensation, reaching the top spot in 17 countries worldwide. In the United States, it also set a Guinness World Record for the longest […]
Engineered by: Don Wershba and Paul Hardiman
Mixed by: Harvey Goldstein
1981
Released in 1981
AMS RMX 16 Digital Reverberation System
There have been many digital reverbs over the years, but few are as revered as the AMS RMX 16, which you will still find in studios the world over, some 40 years later. That in itself is enough to indicate just how good this reverb unit is, but it is also the only 'old' digital reverb that is being remade now.
1981
Released in 1981
MXR Delay System II Digital Delay
The MXR Delay System II is a high-quality digital delay unit offering up to 800 milliseconds of delay with a 16 kHz bandwidth. Designed for studio and live use, it provides effects like flanging, chorus, echo, and doubling with clean, noise-free performance. Featuring a four-digit display, LED indicators, and XLR and ¼-inch connectors, it ensures easy integration and precise control.
1981
Released in 1981
Sony PCM-F1 Digital Audio Processor
The Sony PCM-F1 is a groundbreaking digital audio processor that delivers superior sound quality, versatility, and portability, setting new standards in the digital recording industry.
1981
Released in 1981
Roland SDD-320 Dimension D Chorus
Roland's Chorus effect that featured heavily on their JC Series guitar amplifiers was a unique and desirable sound back in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The demand for this new chorus effect was so great, Roland developed the Roland SDD-320 Dimension D to satisfy that market demand, and it is quite possibly the greatest chorus effect processor ever made.
1981
Released in 1981
dbx Model 224 Type II Noise Reduction System
The dbx Model 224 Type II Noise Reduction System was not a professional noise reduction system, but it did find its way into smaller studios and home studios for noise reduction duties on reel-to-reel recorders of the day.
1982
Released in 1982
Marshall AR-300 Tape Eliminator
The Marshall AR-300 Tape Eliminator was designed for one purpose only; to duplicate the sound of true analogue tape echo. The Marshall AR-300 Tape Eliminator can eliminate the need for a dedicated tape machine, along with overcoming many of the limitations associated with tape and tape transports.
1982
Released in 1982
Korg SDD-3000 Digital Delay
The Korg SDD-3000 is one of those effects that has retained it's appeal even after decades of newer product coming after it. The Korg SDD-3000 digital delay has remained so popular that Korg themselves have re-introduced it in a guitar pedal form, as it was guitarists that fell in love with this very capable delay.
1982
Released in 1982
Ibanez AD202 Multi-Mode Analogue Delay
The Ibanez AD202 offers a wide range of delay effects, from filtering to long echoes, using advanced switching technology. It includes modes for echo, doubling, chorus, and flanging, with automatic adjustment for ease of use. It has two inputs for microphones or instruments, adjustable levels, and is built with a durable steel cabinet, fitting any EIA standard audio rack, ideal for road use.
1982
Released in 1982
Lexicon PCM 42 Digital Delay Processor
The Lexicon PCM 42 is a real-time delay processor and phrase looper that locks delay times precisely to musical tempo, features infinite repeat and footpedal-controlled mix and recirculation, and displays exact delay values on a numeric read-out.
1982
Released in 1982
Quantec Room Simulator Digital Reverb
The Quantec Room Simulator is a new technical concept that enables emulating the acoustical behaviour common to spaces of any volume or size, so that acoustical impressions ranging from a tin can to a columned cathedral may be synthesised and created at fingertip command.
1982
Released in 1982
TASCAM 244 Portastudio 4 Track Recorder
In 1982, Tascam introduced the Tascam 244 Portastudio, revolutionising the recording world, especially for home musicians. This four-track cassette recorder made high-quality multi-track recording more accessible and allowed musicians to create complex demos from home. It also impacted professional studios by enabling artists to pre-produce tracks more efficiently, marking a turning point in music production history.
1982
Released in 1982
Ibanez DM1000 Digital Delay
The Ibanez DM1000 is a versatile digital delay unit with up to 900 ms of delay, offering controls for tone, modulation, and feedback. With multiple outputs and a repeat hold function, it’s ideal for studio use, delivering a wide range of effects from echo to reverb.
1982
Released in 1982
Bel BD-80 Digital Delay
The Bel BD-80 processor is a high-quality digital delay with an expandable memory with loop edit facility, synchronised record and playback (sampling), keyboard control (1 V per octave), echo and flanging. The Bel BD-80 must be one of the most popular delay/samplers ever produced, being found in most modest home set-up to the more high-profile studio.
1982
Released in 1982
Drawmer DS201 Dual Noise Gate
The Drawmer DS201 is a sophisticated dual channel noise gate incorporating a number of features pioneered by Drawmer, which are invaluable to the sound engineer, and not found on conventional noise gates.
1982
Released in 1982
Sony PCM-3324 DASH Multitrack Digital Recorder
The Sony PCM-3324 stationary-head 24-channel digital audio recorder, when used with the optional RM-3310 synchroniser/auto locator/remote control, offers an ideal combination of digital performance and convenience, in addition to all the prime functions of analogue recorders.
1982
Released in 1982
EMT 245 Digital Reverb
The EMT 245 Digital Reverb, introduced in 1982 as a successor to the 244, offered enhanced features like adjustable pre-delay and early reflections in a compact, affordable design. Known for its dense and rich reverb tails, it provided a vintage yet precise sound, appealing to smaller studios and professionals alike.
1982
Released in 1982
Eventide SP 2016 Signal Processor Reverb
The Eventide SP 2016 Effects Processor Reverb is something special. If you’ve never worked with one before, your ears are in for a pleasant surprise. What makes the Eventide SP 2016 so unusual is that (unlike most products in this specialised age) it isn’t just one thing. Not simply a reverb or a digital delay, or an equaliser…but all of these things, and more.
1982
Released in 1982
dbx 128 Dynamic Range Enhancer & Noise Reduction System
The marketing material for the dbx 128 said: 'Records deliver only half of the dynamics of live music. What happened to the other half?' And that is the solution the dbx 128 tried to provide.
1982
Released in 1982
Valley People 610 Dual Compressor/Expander
The Valley People 610 Dual Compressor/Expander is a versatile, high-quality dynamics processor offering dual-channel compression, expansion, and various advanced features for professional audio applications.
1982
Released in 1982
Jack & Diane
John Cougar
It’s hard to imagine that the hit song Jack & Diane from John Mellencamp’s album American Fool almost never made it to the airwaves. The song had a rocky start, with Mellencamp himself almost giving up on it and record company executives insisting on lyrical changes before it could be released. Despite these setbacks, Jack […]
Engineered by: Don Genham
Mixed by: Don Genham
1982
Released in 1982
Furman Sound RV-1 Reverberation System with Limiter
The Furman Sound RV-1 was released around 1982 and is a mono analogue spring reverb system with a limiter built in, an odd combination of effects. The Furman Sound RV-1 is a mono device with TRS or XLR inputs on offer. A stereo model was released sometime later.
1982
Released in 1982
Back On The Chain Gang
The Pretenders
Back on the Chain Gang, a song by the Pretenders, holds a special place in the band’s history. It was recorded after the loss of two key members: bassist Pete Farndon was sacked due to drug use, and guitarist James Honeyman-Scott passed away from a drug overdose at a young age of 25. Despite these […]
Engineered by: Steve Churchyard
Mixed by: Steve Churchyard
1982
Released in 1982
dbx 165A Compressor/Limiter
The dbx 165A is a professional single channel compressor/limiter that features the new dbx Over Easy compression curve. The dbx Over Easy compression curve permits extremely smooth, almost inaudible compression due to the gradual change of compression ratio around the threshold, instead of the customary sharp threshold.
1982
Released in 1982
dbx 160X Compressor
The dbx 160X replaced the now legendary dbx 160 (VU) and added the over easy compression of the dbx 165 and changed the form factor from the half rack size with wood side panels, to a single rack chassis.
1982
Released in 1982
Thriller
Michael Jackson
Thriller was undoubtedly one of the most important albums in music history, and the stakes for its success were incredibly high. Michael Jackson had already established himself as one of the biggest stars in the world, and with Thriller, he aimed to solidify his position as the King of Pop. The budget for the album […]
Engineered by: Bruce Swedien
Mixed by: Bruce Swedien
1983
Released in 1983
AMS DMX 16E Digital Audio Editing Processor
The AMS DMX 16E is a rare digital audio capture and preview editing system renowned for its precision and advanced capabilities.
1983
Released in 1983
Sweet Dreams
Eurythmics
In 1983, the Eurythmics rose to global fame with their hit single Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) from their album of the same name. The song’s success can be attributed to its catchy synth-pop sound, Annie Lennox’s powerful vocals, and Dave Stewart’s masterful production. Despite being recorded in a small project studio, the song’s production […]
Engineered by: Dave Stewart
Mixed by: Dave Stewart
1983
Released in 1983
Drop The Pilot
Joan Armatrading
Joan Armatrading’s Drop The Pilot is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. Despite not charting as high as it deserved to in the US, it was a massive hit in Australia and other parts of the world. Even today, it remains one of the most beloved songs of the 1980s. What […]
Engineered by: Val Garay, Nico Bolas
Mixed by: Val Garay
