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.

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

1983

Released in 1983

Lexicon Model 97 Super Prime Time Digital Delay

The Lexicon Model 97 “Super Prime Time” is a major advancement in digital audio equipment. With it you can create, store and recall an unlimited variety of effects which you have programmed, in any sequence you like. The standard unit offers a maximum delay time of 480 milliseconds, and memory extension options let you increase that to either 960 milliseconds or 1.92 seconds – all at full 20kHz bandwidth.

1983

Released in 1983

Total Eclipse of the Heart

Bonnie Tyler

At the time of the huge success of Total Eclipse of the Heart, Jim Steinman was at his peak as a song writer of truly epic musical pieces, all of which started with the Bat Out Of Hell album he wrote for Meat Loaf. There is no denying the signature song writing here could only […]

Engineered by: Neil Dorfsman, John Jansen

Mixed by: Neil Dorfsman

1983

Released in 1983

Roland SDE-3000 Digital Delay

The Roland SDE-3000 was a natural progression from the earlier SDE-2000 and offered better sound quality through increased bandwidth among other improvements. The Roland SDE-3000 is a high-quality Delay Machine featuring various delay effects and also the Memory function that retains up to eight different panel settings, therefore, it is extremely helpful for both studio and live performance.

1983

Released in 1983

Tascam 234 Syncaset Recorder

The Tascam 234 Syncaset 4-channel cassette deck was a groundbreaking audio recorder based on the Portastudio transport, that was introduced in 1983. It failed to achieve the wide acceptance of the all mighty Portastudio however.

1983

Released in 1983

Yamaha REV1 Digital Reverberator

The Yamaha Rev1 is a professional digital reverberator with 1 in and 2 outs. Various reverberation effects can be added to original sounds by allowing early reflections and subsequent reverberation to be independently controlled and mixed.

1983

Released in 1983

Deltalab Effectron II Digital Delay

The Deltalab Effectron II boasted top-notch digital effects that delivered a natural sound, all at incredibly affordable prices. It was a technological breakthrough that stood unmatched by any other at the time. Finally, you could own a high-performance digital delay without breaking the bank!

1983

Released in 1983

Yamaha YDD-2600 Digital Delay

The Yamaha YDD-2600 is a digital time delay system for use in a variety of applications from sound reinforcement to film/video production, recording and disc mastering. The system uses advanced LSI technology to maintain wide bandwidth, Iow distortion and low noise for completely natural sound; there is virtually no difference between the input and output, other than an offset in time.

1983

Released in 1983

Roland SDE-1000 Digital Delay

The Roland SDE-1000 represented Roland's entry into the affordable Digital Delay market, and it brought quality effects for all of us. The Roland SDE-1000 Digital Delay is a high quality 12-bit digital delay machine with various attractive features including chorusing.

1983

Released in 1983

Boss DE-200 Digital Delay

The Boss DE-200 offered users a very affordable entry into digital delays, even more affordable than the Roland product of that time which was already well priced. The Boss DE-200 and its siblings were an exercise in simplicity, with a front panel that was as clean as it was practical, making it very easy for newcomers to get around.

1983

Released in 1983

Ursa Major StarGate 323 Digital Reverb

With the coming of the Space Age, sound engineers will finally acquire power over acoustic space and time with the Ursa Major Stargate 323. They will create reverberant spaces of almost limitless variety, from tiny chambers to vast echoing canyons. They tune their effects to achieve a richness and realism that once seemed beyond the reach of any technology.

1983

Released in 1983

Ibanez DM500 Digital Delay

The Ibanez DM500 is a versatile digital delay unit with 0.5ms to 256ms delay times and a full 16KHz bandwidth. It offers modulation for swept effects, feedback control, and stereo outputs, delivering professional-quality delay at an affordable price.

1983

Released in 1983

Love Is A Battlefield

Pat Benatar

Love Is A Battlefield, the hit song by American rock singer Pat Benatar, remains a timeless classic that still resonates with listeners today, over 35 years since its release in 1983. The song’s catchy melody, anthemic chorus, and empowering lyrics about standing up for oneself have made it a fan favourite and an enduring staple […]

Engineered by: Peter Coleman

Mixed by: Peter Coleman and Neil Giraldo

1983

Released in 1983

Aphex Aural Exciter Type B

Aphex Systems Limited introduced the Aphex Aural Exciter Type B in 1983 as a low-cost version (US$495) of the original Exciter which was offered on a $30 per minute hire basis.

1983

Released in 1983

Ibanez HD1000 Harmonics Delay

The Ibanez HD1000 Harmonics Delay combines high-quality pitch shifting up to 13 semitones with digital delay up to 504 ms, perfect for creating harmonies, flanging, and echo effects. It offers precise control over pitch, delay, and mix, with external control options and an easy-to-read LCD display, all in a compact, user-friendly design aimed at professional audio applications.

1983

Released in 1983

Ibanez DM2000 Digital Delay

The Ibanez DM2000 is a high-performance digital delay with a 12-bit data converter and 16KHz bandwidth for clear effects. It features versatile inputs, easy controls, and is ideal for time delay effects like flanging and reverb.

1983

Released in 1983

Owner of a Lonely Heart

Yes

The song Owner of a Lonely Heart (from the 1983 album 90125) was conceived in 1979 by South African musician, singer-songwriter, and producer Trevor Rabin. He later recalled that he wrote “the whole thing, from beginning to end” while going to the toilet. Using his home studio equipment, which included a 4-track tape machine, Rabin […]

Engineered by: Gary Langan

Mixed by: Stphen Lipson

1984

Released in 1984

Yamaha R1000 Digital Reverberation

After working on delivering a high end digital reverb in the Yamaha REV1, they decided to tackle the other end of the market with the Yamaha R1000 digital reverb. By comparison, the Yamaha R1000 was most definitely not in the same league as it's more expensive sibling, but it afforded home musicians a taste of digital reverb that delivered pretty good results.

1984

Released in 1984

Ursa Major StarGate 626 Digital Reverb

The Ursa Major 626 replaced the previous model, the Ursa Major 323, by adding more memory which allowed for longer delay times. For those who loved the Ursa Major Stargate 323 and in particular the delay functions should seek out the Stargate 626 to take advantage of those longer delay times.

1984

Released in 1984

Fostex B-16 Multitrack Tape Recorder

Upon its release, the Fostex B-16 Multitrack Tape Recorder gave smaller project studios access to a 16-track tape machine that delivered both performance and affordability for the first time. This marked a significant milestone in home and project studio recording, as the B-16 offered professional-grade multi-tracking capabilities at a fraction of the cost of larger studio machines. With its compact design and reliable sound quality, it allowed independent musicians and producers to create more sophisticated recordings without relying on expensive commercial studios, contributing to the rise of home-based music production in the 1980s.

1984

Released in 1984

Ursa Major 8×32 Digital Reverb

There are times when you won’t compromise on sound quality. When, no matter how difficult the material is, you must have reverberant effects that are perfectly smooth, clean, spacious, colourless. There are perhaps three or four computer-based digital reverb systems that achieve uncompromising sound quality. All sound quite natural (and relatively alike).

1984

Released in 1984

Publison Infernal Machine 90 Stereo Audio Computer

France's contribution to recording studio effects, the Publison Infernal Machine 90, Stereo Audio Computer. The Publison Infernal Machine 90 is a computer-based audio processor released around 1984, from a company based in France.

1984

Released in 1984

Lexicon Model 200 Digital Reverberator

The Lexicon Model 200 was introduced as a more affordable reverb after the success of the Lexicon 224 had enjoyed, but it did not find favour with larger studios as the 224 did. The Lexicon Model 200 Digital Reverberator is an economical, general purpose digital reverberation device designed for recording studios, musicians, film/video production houses, and broadcasters.

1984

Released in 1984

Lexicon PCM 60 Digital Reverberator

The Lexicon PCM 60 was the first in a long line of PCM named digital reverbs and it offered an affordable entry into the world of Lexicon digital reverbs. The Lexicon PCM 60 was a good digital reverb however it never enjoyed the same sales or current legendary status as the later model Lexicon PCM 70 would enjoy upon its release.

1984

Released in 1984

Dynacord PDD 14 Digital Delay

The Dynacord PDD 14 released in 1984, is a studio-grade, programmable Digital Delay designed and manufactured in Germany. Up to eight different sounds can be programmed into the non-volatile memory and accessed directly. There is also the possibility to alter the stored programs without altering the memory contents.

1984

Released in 1984

Boss CE-300 Super Chorus

In the early 1980s, the Chorus effect first introduced by Roland on their JC Series guitar amplifiers, was the effect to have, and the Boss CE-300 was affordable. The Boss CE-300 offers two independent chorus circuits to produce full pitch-deviation effects for a wider, fuller sounding effect in the stereo mode, as well as specific deep chorus effects.

1984

Released in 1984

Ibanez MSP1000 Multi Signal Processor

The Ibanez MSP1000 is a versatile processor with a compressor/limiter, graphic EQ, and notch filter. It offers precise control, eliminating feedback and shaping sound without affecting quality.