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.
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
Roland S-550 Digital Sampler
The Roland S-550 is a 16-bit rackmount digital sampler released in 1987, offering expanded features over the S-50 keyboard version. It provides 16-voice polyphony, up to 2.0MB memory (allowing 28.8 seconds of sampling at 15kHz), and eight individual outputs for flexible routing. The S-550 includes a 3.5-inch Quick Disk drive and supports Roland’s extensive sound library. Its standout feature is an RGB monitor output with graphical editing via the optional RC-100 remote and mouse.
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
1987
Released in 1987
Roland GP-8 Guitar Effects Processor
The Roland GP-8 Guitar Effects Processor offers eight programmable effects, customisable patches, and easy control via the optional FC-100 Foot Controller. With user-friendly features like the Alpha-Dial and back-lit LCD, it’s ideal for live and studio use.
1987
Released in 1987
Faith
George Michael
George Michael’s 1987 album, Faith, was a commercial and critical success that catapulted him into global stardom. The album, written and produced by George Michael himself, was recorded at Puk Studio in Denmark. The studio was equipped with a state-of-the-art Mitsubishi 32-track digital recorder and a 56-channel SSL E Series console. The album peaked at […]
Engineered by: Chris Porter
Mixed by: Shep Pettibone
1987
Released in 1987
Korg DRV-2000 Digital Reverb
The Korg DRV-2000 Digital Reverb is a creative digital reverb that responds like a musical instrument – because it responds to the way you play. The Korg DRV-2000. Much more than a professional 24-bit digital reverberation unit. Much more than a MIDI compatible multi-effects unit, featuring 16 programs like Gate Reverb, Stereo Echo, Flanger, Space Pan, and dual effects programs like Reverb and Echo and Reverb and Chorus.
1988
Released in 1988
Alesis Midiverb II Digital Effects Processor
For anyone holding out on buying the original Alesis Midiverb, the Alesis Midiverb II was enough to convince them it was time to jump on board, including Tommy Emmanuel.
1988
Released in 1988
Yamaha TX16W Digital Wave Filtering Sampler
With its unique Dynamic Digital Filtering system, 32-point stereo sampling at rates of up to 50 kHz, voice layering capability, and a robust 1.5 MB internal memory (expandable to 3, 4.5, or 6 MB), the Yamaha TX16W stands out among other samplers in its class. It offers all these features in a sleek rack-mountable unit with a built-in 3.5" floppy disk drive.
1988
Released in 1988
Akai S950 MIDI Digital Sampler
Akai S950 MIDI Digital Sampler features a 48kHz Sampling Rate and up to 99 Mult samples which allow you to reproduce the beautiful sounds of acoustic instruments.
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.
