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
Released in 1985
Korg GR-1 Gated Reverb
The Korg GR-1 Gated Reverb from 1985 is a compact, rack-mountable unit with high-quality spring reverberators, offering precise control over reverb and decay. With a 3-band equaliser, stereo support, and footswitch control, it’s perfect for studio and live performances, delivering classic '80s reverb sound.
1985
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 1985
Akai S612 MIDI Digital Sampler
The Akai S612 Sampler provides synth enthusiasts with affordable sampling technology. Offering 12-bit resolution, 32 kHz bandwidth, and 6-voice polyphony. With the Akai S612, you can sample a variety of audio sources like voices, instruments, or any analogue or digital signal, and play it back on any MIDI keyboard within 8 seconds.
1985
Released in 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
Released in 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 pieces […]
Engineered by: Paul De Villiers, Lois Oki
Mixed by: Mick Guzauski
1986
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
Released in 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
1986
Released in 1986
Alesis Midiverb Digital Reverb
The one that changed everything, the Alesis Midiverb came along and gave everyone a digital reverb for their home studio recordings. It was no Lexicon that is for sure, but when the Alesis Midiverb came along it was a gift for home recording musicians and it launched Alesis as a company, into the stratosphere.
1986
Released in 1986
Korg DRV-1000 Digital Reverb
The Korg DRV-1000's D.S.P. technology offers affordable, high-quality digital reverb with 128 acoustic variations and convenient "Long" and "Cancel" functions for versatile, on-stage use.
1986
Released in 1986
Korg SDD-3300 Triple Digital Delay
The Korg SDD-3300 features three delay units in a compact 2U size with triple digital delay, MIDI compatibility, and extensive sound modulation capabilities, making it ideal for professional studio and live use.
1986
Released in 1986
Roland DEP-5 Digital Effects Processor
Roland proudly introduced a new standard in signal processors the Roland DEP-5 Digital Effects Processor. The Roland DEP-5 incorporates Roland's most advanced digital technology for great sound and easy programming. Roland digital effects devices are the choice of musicians and engineers the world over. Onstage and in studios, the remarkable SRV series digital reverb units and SDE series digital delays play a vital role in today's music.
1986
Released in 1986
EMT 246 Digital Reverb
The EMT 246 Digital Reverb, introduced in 1986, delivered exceptional sound quality with the renowned EMT 250 algorithms in a compact and affordable format. Succeeding the EMT 244 and 245, it offered advanced features for natural room simulation and creative effects.
1986
Released in 1986
Akai S900 MIDI Digital Sampler
The Akai S900 is an 8-voice digital sampler with up to 32 sampling points and a frequency range of 7.5 kHz to 40 kHz. It offers up to 63.3 seconds of sampling time, advanced editing features, and supports MIDI mono mode multitracking. With a 20 kHz frequency response and extensive MIDI connectivity, it’s ideal for both studio and live use.
1986
Released in 1986
You’re The Voice
John Farnham
Released in 1986, John Farnham’s You’re the Voice became one of Australia’s most iconic anthems. Central to its production was the groundbreaking use of the Fairlight CMI Series III, which helped shape the album’s distinctive sound. Recorded in the suburban garage of Farnham’s home in Bulleen, Victoria, the album was a high-stakes project financed by […]
Engineered by: Doug Brady
Mixed by: Doug Brady
1986
Released in 1986
AKG ADR 68K Digital Reverb + Effects
The AKG ADR 68K is a multifaceted digital audio processor. Although it produces superb reverberation, it is far more than just another digital reverb. It produces a wide range of useful time-based effects.
1987
Released in 1987
Sony DTC-1000ES Digital Audio Tape Deck
The Sony DTC-1000ES Digital Audio Tape Deck was the world's first DAT machine, and although it was a consumer machine, it proved to be very successful in the professional world too, perhaps even more so as DAT never really made it in the consumer world.
1987
Released in 1987
Boss RRV-10 Digital Reverb
The Boss RRV-10 Digital Reverb, released in 1987 put digital reverb within reach of every musician.
1987
Released in 1987
Boss RCE-10 Chorus Ensemble
The Boss RCE-10 Digital Chorus Ensemble, was a cutting-edge pedal that takes your musical experience to new heights.
1987
Released in 1987
Sony PCM-2500 Digital Recorder
The Sony PCM2500 DAT Recorder took over from the Sony PCM-1630 Series Recorders and kept the DAT format alive for years to come in the studio, (with many successful albums having been mastered to it) but DAT as a format, failed to succeed in the domestic market.
1987
Released in 1987
The Joshua Tree
U2
When U2 released The Joshua Tree in March 1987, it wasn’t just an album – it was a seismic cultural moment. Its massive success and enduring legacy cemented U2 as one of the biggest bands in the world, and its themes of spirituality, politics, and a fascination with America’s cultural landscape resonated deeply with audiences. […]
Engineered by: Mark Ellis, Dave Meegan
Mixed by: Steve Lillywhite, Mark Ellis, and Dave Meegan
1987
Released in 1987
Yamaha REV5 Digital Reverberator
The Yamaha Rev5 was a digital effects marvel upon release. It skillfully emulated natural and plate reverberations, granting precise control and superior sound quality. With a 44.1 kHz sampling frequency, it delivered clear, transparent sound across the 20 Hz to 20 kHz spectrum. This was groundbreaking in its time.
