Classic Recording Studio Gear
Vintage Digital
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.
1985
Boss RBF-10 Flanger
The Boss RBF-10 Flanger from 1985 provided superior signal to noise ratio achieved with Built-In Noise Reduction.
1985
Boss RPH-10 Phaser
The Boss RPH-10 Phaser from 1985 provides 3 different Phasing Modes that let this Phaser create a multitude of effects.
1985
Boss RCL-10 Compressor Limiter
The Boss RCL-10 Compressor Limiter from 1985 provides four different high-performance functions integrated into a single unit.
1985
Boss RGE-10 Graphic Equaliser
The Boss RGE-10 Graphic Equaliser from 1985 provides fine tonal compensation with 10-Band Graphic Equaliser.
1985
Sony PCM-1630 Audio Processor
The Sony PCM-1630 was used for mastering audio CDs in the mid 1980s and onwards, by most of the major record labels around the world. It was an essential part of early digital audio disc production and was responsible for hundreds of classic albums being put to CD.
1985
Yamaha REV7 Digital Reverberator
The Yamaha REV7 was more affordable than the REV1 and found a home in many studios world wide. People seem to either love or hate these old Yamaha reverbs, in fact the Yamaha REV7 would have to be one of the most polarizing reverbs there is, with no in between it seems. But make no mistake, there is much love for this classic 1980s reverb!
1985
Studer A721 Cassette Tape Recorder
The Studer A721 is a professional cassette recorder with superb audio performance, reliability, and convenient operating concept, including a four-motor tape transport mechanism and modular audio electronics with automatic record parameter calibration.
1985
Yamaha SPX90 Multi-Effects Processor
The Yamaha SPX90 was released in 1985 as an affordable multi-effects processor for the masses. It remains today a true classic digital effects processor. It is also the most looked at effects processor on this website.
1985
Lexicon 224X Digital Reverberator
The Lexicon 224X Digital Reverberator provides high-quality simulation of the acoustics of a variety of architectural spaces and a wide variety of special effects. The Lexicon 224X is an advanced two-in, four-out, all-electronic digital reverberation system. Its clean, natural-sounding reverberation is the result of blending digital audio hardware and software disciplines.
1985
Roland SRV-2000 MIDI Digital Reverb
The Roland SRV-2000 is one of those classic old Japanese reverbs that while not perfect, is certainly perfect in some situations, and in particular for snare! Yes, it is grainy at times, perhaps a little too bright and the reverb tails are not the smoothest, but it is these characteristics that give the Roland SRV-2000 it's mojo and a place in your studio.
1985
Ursa Major MSP-126 Multi-Tap Stereo Processor
The Ursa Major MSP-126 is a stereo tapped delay digital delay line with a 20kHz bandwidth, eight pre-programmed processing modes and more. The Ursa Major MSP-126 is a signal processor that creates a whole range of interesting effects inlcuding great balanced stereo with flat response from any kind of program material.
1985
EMT 252 Digital Reverb
It's no secret that the "EMT sound" is a key ingredient of many hit records. It's been that way for over 25 years. The very first unit, the EMT 140, is still used by major studios. And the sound of their big digital units. the 250 and 251, is legendary. In 1985 EMT introduced the EMT 252, offering more features than the 250 and 251.
1985
Lexicon PCM 70 Digital Effects Processor
The Lexicon PCM 70 has become something of a legend of late, with good examples selling for the same money or more, than what they sold for when new. It is ironic really...when the Lexicon PCM 70 was released everyone said it was not a 'real' Lexicon. While it may not be a 224X, released the same year, it does offer a taste of the Lexicon sound.
1985
ART DR2a Digital Reverberation System
The ART DR2a Digital Reverberation System is a high quality digital signal processing device providing realistic natural reverberation as well as creative new reverb effects. In designing the DR2a, ART incorporated the latest findings in digital reverberation research and gave careful consideration to user feedback on desirable features.
1985
Money For Nothing
Dire Straits
Money for Nothing, the hit single from the album Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits, is a timeless classic that enjoyed massive success in 1985, topping the charts as the band’s only number one record. The song received constant airplay on both radio and MTV, quickly becoming one of the most-played tracks in the history […]
Engineered by: Neil Dorfman
Mixed by: Chuck Ainley
1985
Korg GR-1 Gated Reverb
Dual Reverberators Plus a Gate Circuit: Achieve Perfectly Controlled Reverb Effects with the Korg GR-1 Gated Reverb.
1985
Roland SDE-2500 MIDI Digital Delay
The Roland SDE-2500 Digital Delay came after the Roland SDE-3000 and coincided with the release of the equally excellent Roland SRV-2000 Digital Reverb.
1985
Lexicon Model 95 Prime Time II Digital Delay
New creative worlds of musical adventure can be discovered through the magic of Lexicon Prime Time II, the successor to the most popular digital delay ever.
1985
Road To Nowhere
Talking Heads
Talking Heads had a standout year in 1985 with hit after hit from their album Little Creatures, which is widely regarded as their finest work. The band had already gained recognition for their live performances with the successful Stop Making Sense album, which showcased their ability to perform their hits in a way that exceeded […]
Engineered by: Eric Thorngren & Melanie West
Mixed by: Eric Thorngren & Jerry Harrison
1985
Alesis XT Digital Reverb
The Alesis XT Digital Reverb, released in 1985, is a high quality digital signal processing system, specifically designed to simulate natural reverberation and special acoustic effects.
1985
The Sweetest Taboo
Sade
When Sade burst onto the music scene in the 1980s, their sophisticated adult contemporary sound was a breath of fresh air. While the radio airwaves were filled with the sounds of new wave music, Sade’s music was in a class of its own, offering a polished and refined sound that captured the hearts of listeners […]
Engineered by: Mike Pela
Mixed by: Mike Pela
1985
Eventide Model H969 Harmonizer®
Eventide's newest Harmonizer in 1985 was the Eventide Model H969, which expanded on Eventide's already capable Eventide Model H949 Harmonizer. The Eventide Model H969's new ProPitch digital electronic-splicing algorithm gives you the cleanest, most glitch-free pitch change ever. Deglitching is active over a wider bandwidth, too - a full octave wider.
1985
Kyrie
Mr Mister
Mr Mister is an iconic band from the 80s, known for their hit song Kyrie from the album Welcome to the Real World. The track is a shining example of pop/rock from the period, with stunning vocals by Richard Page that have stood the test of time. The recording of Kyrie utilized many of the classic […]
Engineered by: Paul De Villiers, Lois Oki
Mixed by: Mick Guzauski
1986
Boss RPS-10 Digital Pitch Shifter Delay
The Boss RPS-10 Digital Pitch Shifter Delay from 1986 is ideal for Ultra-High Speed Pitch Shifting and Superior Sound Quality.
1986
Boss RPQ-10 Preamp Parametric EQ
The Boss RPQ-10 Preamp Parametric EQ released in 1986, is A 2-band Parametric Equaliser that's a key performer when creating sounds.
1986
Boss ROD-10 Over Drive Distortion
The Boss ROD-10 featuring three different overdrive effects and a distortion fuzz and it can create wide variety of distortions.
1986
Ibanez SDR 1000 Stereo Digital Reverb
Welcome to a whole new realm of digital signal processing! The Ibanez SDR 1000 Stereo Digital Reverb re-defines digitally-simulated reverberation with true stereo operation. Featuring 16-bit digital processing for crystal-clear reverberation, and factory preset programs developed by professional studio engineers, for the Ibanez SDR 1000.
1986
Vesta Fire RVD901 Digital Reverb
Back in the mid 1980s, a brand emerged out of Japan to take on the big names in Japanese digital audio effects such as Korg, Roland and Sony. Vesta Fire rose to the challenge with the Vesta Fire RVD901 digital reverb.
1986
Sony MU-E311 31 Band Equaliser
The Sony MU-E311 was part of Sony's complete range of professional audio products, matching the aesthetic, sound quality and build quality of the Sony MU-R201 stereo digital reverb.
1986
Klark Teknik DN 780 Digital Reverberator
Often referred to as the poor man's AMS RMX 16, the Klark Teknik DN 780 is a great reverb in its own right and has maintained a loyal following over the years. The Klark Teknik DN 780 digital Reverb is not simply a reverberation device. The Klark Teknik DN 780 gives the user a unique and flexible means of producing realistic acoustic simulations for environments of all types and sizes.
1986
TC Electronic TC 2290 Dynamic Digital Delay
When the TC Electronic TC 2290 arrived in 1986, it changes the landscape for digital delays forever and it is still in use around the world today because of its unique abilities. The TC Electronic TC 2290 was so iconic during the mid to late eighties, and it continued to show up everywhere in both studios and on stage with some of the biggest guitarists in history.
1986
Yamaha SPX90II Multi-Effects Processor
The Yamaha SPX 90 II was essentially the original SPX 90 with more memory added to improve delay times, and they gave it a new look with green button surrounds. Regardless of the fact that the SPX 90 II is the exact same effect processor as the SPX 90 only with increased memory for longer delay times, it sells for much less. Bargain hunters rejoice!
1986
Sony MU-R201 Stereo Digital Reverb
The Sony MU-R201 was released following the comparatively high-priced Sony DRE-2000 and marked Sony's initial foray into stereo processing for their reverbs. Although it gained limited traction in the western market, it achieved popularity in Japan. Despite this, Roger Nichols was an ardent proponent of the MU-R201 and employed it extensively in his mixing, including some of the Steely Dan mixes.
1986
ART DR1 Digital Reverb
The software based ART DR1 Digital Reverb has 46-bit technology and 14KHz bandwidth, giving you wide dynamic range and frequency response. This range and response result in high definition performance. Couple this technology with the convenience of full function remote control, 0ver 100 user presets and full MIDl capability.
1986
Sledgehammer
Peter Gabriel
Peter Gabriel’s album So is considered a classic of the 1980s, and one of the reasons for its success is the unique combination of innovative recording techniques and high-quality equipment used during its production. Recorded in a barn on Gabriel’s property in Somerset, the album took almost a year to complete, and was the result […]
Engineered by: Kevin Killen and David Bascombe
Mixed by: Kevin Killen
