Sony

Sony established itself as a powerhouse in professional audio with groundbreaking digital recorders and studio effects that set new industry standards. Their DASH recorders, like the Sony PCM-3324 and Sony PCM-3348, became essential tools in major studios during the 1980s and 90s, renowned for pristine sound quality and unmatched reliability. Simultaneously, Sony’s entry into digital effects with units like the DRE-2000 reverb and DPS series cemented their reputation for innovation, offering versatile reverb, delay, modulation, and filtering options that became go-to choices for both studios and broadcasters.

Sony also developed digital audio processors, such as the PCM-1630, to facilitate CD mastering, as well as DSD-based recorders designed specifically for high-resolution audio mastering. Sony’s expertise culminated in the Sony DPS-V77, a “best of Sony” effects processor, and the Sony DRE-S777, an advanced convolution reverb that captured real-world spaces with astonishing realism. Together, Sony’s recorders and effects processors became synonymous with high-quality, professional-grade audio, shaping the sound of a generation and leaving a lasting legacy in recording technology.

Released in 1995
Having done all they could with the DPS series, Sony only had one place left go, and that was to combine all four DPS effects into a single processor. The Sony DPS-V77 was born! In creating the Sony DPS-V77, Sony unleashed a ‘Best of Sony’ in terms of not only the effects on offer by combining all the best DPS Series effects, but also the sonic performance of the internals too.
Released in 1996
The Sony PCM-7010, an affordable recorder in the PCM-7000 Series, is ideally suited to simple program transmission applications. As a playback machine, the PCM-7010 is designed to provide compatibility with both professional and consumer audio equipment.
Released in 1996
As flexible, cost-effective recorders for professional audio applications, the Sony PCM-7030 provide the superb quality of DAT digital recording on compact and easy to handle cassettes.
Released in 1996
The Sony PCM-7040 was set to enhance the long-standing reputation earned by Sony PCM-7000 Series recorders for their cost effectiveness and functionality in broadcast studios and in post-production houses.
Released in 1996
As flexible, cost-effective recorders for professional audio applications, the Sony PCM-7050 provide the superb quality of DAT digital recording on compact and easy to handle cassettes.
Released in 1997
Incorporating Sony’s legendary high-reliability 4 D.D. Mechanism, the Sony PCM-R500 sets the standard for professional-use DAT. The Shuttle and Jog Dial offer outstanding operational ease, while extensive interface options and multiple menu modes meet a wide range of application needs.
Released in 1997
The Sony PCM-3348HR is a 48-channel 16/24-bit digital multi-track audio recorder, using 1/2-inch tape in DASH (Digital Audio Stationary Head) and DASH PLUS formats.
Released in 1998
Sony made a killer effects processor with the DPS-V77, so next step was to capitalise on that with a four-channel version, right? But something went wrong…On paper at least, the Sony DPS-V55 should be a killer effects processor, but by all accounts, it does not succeed. Just as Roland did with their SRV-3030, the sound quality leaves a lot to be desired.
Released in 1999
After the lacklustre DPS-V55, Sony had one last shot at the studio effects market, and they went out on a high with the spectacular DRE-S777 Sampling Reverb. The Sony DRE-S777 was a new type of reverb, one that used real impulse responses to capture real space, rather than the traditional method from the past of trying to emulate a real space.
Released in 1999
By the late 1990s, there was a noticeable trend towards seeking superior sound quality in professional digital audio processing, resulting in a shift from using 16-bit systems to those with 20-bit resolution. Sony was at the forefront of this shift, having already introduced a CD Mastering system. Sony in 1999 unveiled the Sony PCM-9000 Digital Master Disc Recorder, which employs an MO (Magneto-Optical) disc as its recording medium.
Released in 1999
The Sony DADR-5000 Digital Audio Disk Recorder is a 16-Track random access digital audio disk recorder designed primarily for use as a film dubber in film production facilities.
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