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.
1988
Released in 1988
Roland E-660 Digital Parametric Equaliser
The Roland E-660 is a versatile two-channel digital equaliser with eight filters for precise sound adjustments, offering flexible configurations and intuitive controls, along with delay capabilities and extensive connectivity options.
1988
Released in 1988
Alesis Microverb Digital Reverb
The Alesis Microverb represents a clear breakthrough in signal processing technology, utilising the Alesis R.I.S.C architecture. The Alesis Microverb provides clean quiet: professional digital reverberation with the cost and simplicity of spring units. The entire digital processing system is contained on a single chip, developed by Alesis.
1988
Released in 1988
Tascam 238 Syncaset Recorder
Tascam, in 1988, pulled off the impossible by releasing the Tascam 238 Syncaset and cramming 8 tracks onto a single cassette tape, and somehow they got it to work without compromising sound quality.
1988
Released in 1988
Sony MU-E041 Parametric Equaliser
The Sony MU-E041 is a professional-grade parametric equaliser featuring four-band EQ with independent control, boost/cut level switch, and transformerless balanced input/output circuits.
1988
Released in 1988
Lexicon 480L Digital Effects System
For many engineers, the Lexicon 480L is the pinnacle of digital reverbs and has never been bettered, not by Lexicon or anyone else. The Lexicon 480L came along in 1988 and has remained in place at most studio around the world as it simply cannot be replaced by a plugin according to those who own them and love them.
1988
Released in 1988
Yamaha SPX900 Professional Multi-Effect Processor
The Yamaha SPX900 was the first SPX processor to feature full bandwidth, 20Hz to 20kHz. In doing so Yamaha put to rest the REV series of processors. As digital technology improved over time, Yamaha moved forward with just the one series of processors and given the success of the SPX series, the REV series was dropped and all efforts were put into SPX series.
1988
Released in 1988
Alesis QuadraVerb Digital Effects Processor
BY 1988 Alesis were on a roll, and with the release of the Alesis Quadraverb, they took things to the next level and continued to dominate the market for home recording. The Alesis Qudraverb's party trick of course, was that it could use up to four different effects, reverb, delay, pitch and equaliser, simultaneously. And it did so with 20k bandwidth!
1988
Released in 1988
Akai S1000 MIDI Stereo Digital Sampler
The Akai S1000 is a legendary sampler known for its CD-quality sound, advanced editing features, and full MIDI integration. Its flexibility and compatibility with AKAI S900 disks made it a studio favourite, solidifying its status as an industry-standard tool for producers and musicians.
1988
Released in 1988
Akai AR900 Midi Digital Reverb
Akai could have gone down the path of trying to compete in the lower end of the multi-effects market with the likes of Alesis, but instead aimed to produce a high quality dedicated reverb, with the Akai AR900 being the end result.
1988
Released in 1988
Akai PEQ6 Programmable Equaliser
Akai Professional Products released their Akai AR900 Digital Reverb alongside the PEQ6 Programmable Equaliser with similar commercial acceptance. The Akai PEQ6 was targeted more towards the keyboard player rather than studios, and with its MIDI implementation it was perfect for that purpose too.
1988
Released in 1988
Ensoniq EPS-M Performance Sampler Module
The Ensoniq EPS-M is a MIDI system offering 13 built-in sounds, 20-note polyphony, and advanced looping and editing. With up to 16 tracks and MIDI auto-mix, it’s ideal for creating and editing music. It features ten line outputs and supports external storage up to 5 GB, making it a powerful, flexible tool for musicians seeking high-quality sounds and sequencing capabilities.
1988
Released in 1988
Sweet Child of Mine
Guns N Roses
One of the most iconic songs in rock history, Sweet Child of Mine by Guns N’ Roses, is best known for the incredible guitar riff played by Slash. The song’s distinctive sound was achieved through the use of two Roland SRV-2000 digital reverb units, which were an essential part of the band’s signature sound. The Roland […]
Engineered by: Mike Clink
Mixed by: Michael Barbiero and Steve Thompson
1988
Released in 1988
Korg A3 Performance Signal Processor
The Korg A3 Performance Signal Processor offers 41 dynamic effects and 200 effect chains, allowing for instant recall and seamless integration of complex sound combinations, making it ideal for both studio and live performance settings.
1988
Released in 1988
AMS S-DMX Digital Delay Pitch Shifter Sampler
The AMS S-DMX is a dual-channel, microprocessor-controlled digital audio processor. It offers adjustable delay times with an 18kHz bandwidth, memory backup, and de-glitched pitch shifting. Key features include regeneration controls, silent 'Nudge Buttons' for precise adjustments, and modular design for easy updates and maintenance.
1988
Released in 1988
Yamaha SPX1000 Multi-Effect Processor
By 1988 when the Yamaha SPX1000 was released, Yamaha had pretty much established their place in recording studios the world over. Look at any modern studio effects rack and you will find Yamaha SPX1000s and it's siblings, in studios the world over, such was the quality of these multi-effects processors.
1988
Released in 1988
Yamaha GEP50 Guitar Effect Processor
The Yamaha GEP50 Guitar Effects Processor is a versatile device offering 50 pre-programmed effects, including distortion, reverb, echo, and more. It also features 50 user memory locations for custom effect storage, an INSERT loop for adding a second signal processor, and MIDI compatibility for remote control. To fully utilise its capabilities, it's recommended to read the manual thoroughly.
1988
Released in 1988
Buffalo Stance
Neneh Cherry
Released in 1988, Neneh Cherry’s hit song Buffalo Stance has become a timeless classic, still enjoyed by many to this day. The song’s unique sound set it apart from other music being played on the radio at the time, making it a standout hit. Interestingly, Buffalo Stance actually began as the B-side to a single released in […]
Engineered by: Mark Saunders
Mixed by: David Pine
1989
Released in 1989
Alesis Microverb II
The Alesis Microverb II represents a clear breakthrough in signal processing technology. Utilising the Alesis R.I.S.C. (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) architecture. The Alesis Microverb II provides clean, quiet, professional digital reverberation with the cost and simplicity of spring units, in a highly compact enclosure.
1989
Released in 1989
Bel BDE-2400 Digital Delay
The Bel BDE Series represent the latest in studio-quality delay and sampling technology with the Bel BDE-2400 model providing up to 48 seconds of delay/sample time at a lower bandwidth, or up to 24 seconds at 15kHz bandwidth.
1989
Released in 1989
Tascam DA-50 Digital Audio Tape Recorder
The Tascam DA-50 Digital Audio Tape Recorder was the first US-legal DAT tape recorder with SCMS Copy protection, it was also a rebadged high-end TEAC or in Japan, Esoteric DAT recorder with some cosmetic changes to suit professional studio use.
1989
Released in 1989
Tascam BR-20(T) Reel to Reel Recorder
The Tascam BR-20 Series are highly flexible and reliable professional stereo audio recorder/reproducers that use 1/4-inch-wide tape on 5, 7 and 10-1/2-inch reels, at two selectable speeds: 15 inch/s (38 cm/s) and 7.5 inch/s (19 cm/s). All models are switchable between NAB and IEC equalisation.
1989
Released in 1989
Lexicon M300 Digital Effects System
The Lexicon M300 not only contains the finest sounds, as you’ve come to expect from Lexicon, it incorporates new functions that satisfy the needs of today’s audio production. For both analogue and digital use the Lexicon 300 takes full advantage of recent advances in converter technology and combines them with flexible digital interfacing.
1989
Released in 1989
Roland R-880 Digital Reverb
In 1989 Roland decided it was time to take on the big names in studio reverbs, and they released their best reverb to date, the Roland R-880. As good as the Roland R-880 was, and is, it failed to take any market share away from the big names like Lexicon, but it did find a home in some studios and those people love the Roland R-880.
1989
Released in 1989
Studer A827 24 Track Audio Recorder
The Studer A827 24 Track Multi-Track Recorder is quite possibly the finest 24-track analogue audio recorder ever made, celebrated for its superior sound quality, reliability, and precision. Released in the late 1980s, it became a staple in professional studios worldwide. Many units are still in use today, valued for their ability to deliver the unmistakable warmth of analogue sound.
1989
Released in 1989
Dynacord DRP 20 Digital Reverb Processor
The Dynacord DRP 20 Digital Reverb Processor is without a doubt the most popular digital reverb in the Dynacord range from the 80s period. We have very little information on the Dynacord DRP 20 other than the information below which was translated from a German document. If you have anything in English on this processor, please let us know.
1989
Released in 1989
Sony PCM-3348 DASH Multitrack Digital Recorder
Sony PCM-3348 DASH Multitrack Digital Recorder was the State-of-the-Art Digital 48 Channel Recorder offering Professional Quality, Performance and Reliability.
1989
Released in 1989
Alesis 3630 Compressor
Since its introduction, the Alesis 3630 Compressor has become the most popular dynamics processor ever made. Despite what the official Alesis marketing department say about the Alesis 3630 Compressor below, it is not the holy grail of compressors, regardless of the fact it has become something of a cult classic among many musicians.
1989
Released in 1989
Wicked Game
Chris Isaak
Chris Isaak’s Wicked Game is a haunting masterpiece, made unforgettable by its ethereal guitar melody and brooding vocals. While its timeless quality feels raw and organic, the track was meticulously crafted in the studio, employing an array of effects and techniques to achieve its signature sound. The recording process, helmed by engineer Mark Needham, involved […]
Engineered by: Mark Needham
Mixed by: Mark Needham
1989
Released in 1989
dCS 900 Analogue to Digital Converter
In the world of professional audio, the introduction of the dCS 900 in 1989 marked a significant milestone. Digital audio was still in its relative infancy, and the demand for high-quality analogue-to-digital conversion was growing. The dCS 900 came as a response to this need, setting a new standard for digital audio converters with its innovative technology and precision.
1989
Released in 1989
Aphex Model 250 Aural Exciter Type III
The slimmer and more powerful Aphex Model 250 Aural Exciter is the latest successor to the premium product in the field of Aural Excitement.
1989
Released in 1989
Studer D820X Digital Tape Recorder
The Studer D820X - developed for stand-alone use also fits effortlessly into any system through its extensive interfaces and offers advanced facilities for digital mastering.
1990
Released in 1990
Nothing Compares 2U
Sinead O'Connor
When Sinead O’Connor’s cover of Prince’s Nothing Compares 2U hit the airwaves in early 1990, it quickly became a worldwide hit. Two things stood out in the recording: the extraordinary vocal performance by Sinead, and the liberal use of reverb on her voice. The SSL console at Westside Studios in London was used to capture Sinead’s […]
Engineered by: Chris Birkett & Sean Devitt
Mixed by: Chris Birkett
1990
Released in 1990
Manley EQP-1A Stereo Pultec EQ
Manley’s modern take on the Pultec EQ - in stereo! - with extra frequencies the original never had; a vastly superior power supply and famous Manley line amps complete the package. Magic on drums, killer on guitars.
1990
Released in 1990
Manley Enhanced Pultec Equaliser
The Manley Enhanced Pultec Equaliser is Manley’s modern take on the Pultec EQ with extra frequencies the original never had; a vastly superior power supply and famous Manley line amps complete the package. Magic on kick drum, killer on guitars.
1990
Released in 1990
Sony MU-D100 Stereo Cassette Recorder
Released in 1990, the Sony MU-D100 recorder features a design aesthetic that matches the Sony MU-R201, while offering advanced editing capabilities and a highly durable mechanism for professional use.
