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

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

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.

1987

Released in 1987

Eventide H3000 D/SE Ultra-Harmonizer®

There is perhaps no more revered effects box in history, as the Eventide H3000. To many it has never been bettered, and never will. More than thirty years since it was first introduced, the Eventide H3000 is still used in studios around the globe and on stage by musicians everywhere.

1987

Released in 1987

Sony MU-L021 Stereo Compressor Limiter

The Sony MU-L021 is a professional stereo compressor limiter designed for use in studios. It features a built-in noise gate, transformerless balanced circuits, and variable control of key parameters. It is rack mountable and ideal for professional applications.

1987

Released in 1987

Korg DRV-3000 Dual Digital Effect Processor

The Korg DRV-3000 is designed and constructed to professional specifications and incorporates sophisticated state-of-the-art LSI technology to create a wide variety of superb effects. The Korg DRV-3000 can be used in virtually any music situation where high-performance sound processing is required and is particularly suited to MIDI applications.

1987

Released in 1987

I Want To Dance With Somebody

Whitney Houston

Whitney Houston’s I Want To Dance With Somebody was a milestone in her career and in the pop music of the 80s. Released in 1987 as the lead single from her second album, Whitney, the song showcased her extraordinary vocal range and pop sensibility. It was co-written by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam of the […]

Engineered by: David Fraser

Mixed by: David Fraser

1987

Released in 1987

Akai MG14D 12 Track Recorder

One of the most unusual tape recorders released during the golden period of the 1980s, is without a doubt, the Akai MG14D, a tape based analogue recorder that offered excellent sound quality in a relatively compact chassis, released hot on the heels of a wave of digital multitrack recorders.

1987

Released in 1987

Never Gonna Give You Up

Rick Astley

In the 1980s, the production trio of Stock, Aitken, and Waterman (SAW) established themselves as the go-to producers for creating chart-topping pop hits. Their approach was heavily formulaic, but it was undeniably effective in delivering catchy, radio-friendly tunes that resonated with audiences. One of their most successful tracks was Never Gonna Give You Up by […]

Engineered by: Mark McGuire, Pete Hammond

Mixed by: Mark McGuire, Pete Hammond

1987

Released in 1987

Beds Are Burning

Midnight Oil

Growing up in the 1980s in Sydney, Australia was a musical wonderland. Every Saturday night, the city was alive with the sounds of local bands playing in pubs and clubs. There was an abundance of musical talent to choose from, including Icehouse, Cold Chisel, Men at Work, Divinyls, INXS, Crowded House, and Midnight Oil. Australian […]

Engineered by: Guy Grey & Greg Henderson

Mixed by: Nick Laune

1987

Released in 1987

Yamaha SPX-50D Digital Sound Processor

Yamaha was on a roll with the great success of their SPX90 and SPX90 II multi-effects processors, and expanded the line up with the SPX50D. The Yamaha SPX50D added distortion to the list of effects, clearly aiming the processor towards guitarists and perhaps trying to compete with the success Eventide were enjoying with their processors.

1987

Released in 1987

Need You Tonight

INXS

The 1987 hit single Need You Tonight was the first release from INXS’s highly successful album Kick. It was the only single from the band to reach the number one position on the Billboard Hot 100 and became their highest charting song in the UK, reaching number two on its second release in 1988. Kick was […]

Engineered by: David Nicholas

Mixed by: Bob Clearmountain