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.

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.

1984

Released in 1984

Purple Rain

Prince

Back in the 1980s, while I respected Prince as a talented musician and songwriter, I was not necessarily a big fan of his music. Although I enjoyed a few of his songs, none of them made it to my regular playlists. However, as time went by, my appreciation for Prince’s music grew. In recent years, […]

Engineered by: Susan Rogers

Mixed by: Susan Rogers and Prince

1984

Released in 1984

Ensoniq Mirage Digital Multi-Sampler

The Ensoniq Mirage Rackmount Sampler, released in 1984, was one of the first affordable digital samplers, known for its distinctive 8-bit sound and simplicity. Its built-in 8-track sequencer and MIDI capabilities made it a popular choice, shaping the sound of 1980s electronic music.

1984

Released in 1984

dbx 120X Subharmonic Synthesiser

The original dbx 120x, released in the 1980s, was a pioneering piece of audio equipment that made significant contributions to the world of professional audio and music production.

1984

Released in 1984

Take On Me

A-Ha

Take On Me by A-ha is a quintessential 1980s pop song, renowned for its catchy synth-driven melody and groundbreaking music video. Released in 1984, the song initially struggled to make an impact but was re-released in 1985 with a new, innovative video, which then catapulted it to immense popularity. The song features the distinctive high-pitched falsetto […]

Engineered by: Neill King

Mixed by: John Ratcliff

1984

Released in 1984

Like A Virgin

Madonna

Madonna’s Like A Virgin single and album, which were both released in 1984, were pivotal moments in the pop star’s career. The album represented a significant departure from her earlier work, boasting a more refined and polished sound. Meanwhile, the single’s catchy pop hooks and daring lyrics captured the attention of audiences worldwide, cementing Madonna’s […]

Engineered by: Jason Corsaro

Mixed by: Jason Corsaro

1984

Released in 1984

Reckless

Bryan Adams

Bryan Adams’ Reckless album made a significant impact in the mid-1980s, essentially defining the sound of rock albums during that era. It was a record of immense importance, and it solidified Bob Clearmountain’s reputation as the go-to mix engineer. What makes Clearmountain’s role even more remarkable is that he served not only as the mix engineer […]

Engineered by: Bob Clearmountain

Mixed by: Bob Clearmountain

1984

Released in 1984

Jump

Van Halen

Van Halen’s hit single Jump was an instant classic, dominating the airwaves in the 1980s and still captivating audiences to this day. It’s notable for its prominent use of keyboards, a departure from the band’s usual hard rock guitar-driven sound. In fact, it wasn’t until later that many realized that Jump was actually a Van […]

Engineered by: Don Landee

Mixed by: Don Landee

1985

Released in 1985

MXR 01A Digital Reverb

In 1985 it would seem MXR employed the team at ART (Applied Research & Technology) to produce a digital reverb, based on the ART 01A, and it even had ART listed as the manufacturer on the front panel.

1985

Released in 1985

ART 01A Digital Reverb

The ART 01A is a digital reverb from around 1985, that was also licensed to MXR and sold with the same 01A name on the front panel, but refereed to as the Model 191 on the rear.

1985

Released in 1985

Boss RDD-10 Digital Delay

The Boss RDD-10 Digital Delay released in 1985, delivered studio quality digital delay for the ultimate refinement of basic performance.

1985

Released in 1985

Boss RSD-10 Digital Sampler Delay

The Boss RSD-10 Digital Sampler Delay, released in 1985 offers a two octave plus range and controllable dynamics.

1985

Released in 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

Released in 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

Released in 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

Released in 1985

Boss RGE-10 Graphic Equaliser

The Boss RGE-10 Graphic Equaliser from 1985 provides fine tonal compensation with 10-Band Graphic Equaliser.

1985

Released in 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

Released in 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

Released in 1985

Centerfield

John Fogerty

John Fogerty’s Centerfield, released in 1985, marked a triumphant return for the former Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman. After nearly a decade of silence following legal disputes and creative struggles, Fogerty re-emerged with an album that showcased his talent and reignited his career. The title track, Centerfield, became an anthem not only for baseball fans but […]

Engineered by: Jeffrey Norman

Mixed by: Jeffrey Norman

1985

Released in 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

Released in 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

Released in 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

Released in 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

Released in 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

Released in 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

Released in 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

Released in 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

Released in 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