2000s Studio Gear Timeline
The 2000s saw digital technology firmly established as the backbone of music production. Computer-based recording and plug-ins became the norm, offering near limitless effects processing within digital audio workstations. Hardware digital processors continued to evolve, but software increasingly replaced them, making high-quality reverbs, delays, modulation, and mastering tools accessible to anyone with a computer. While analogue gear enjoyed a resurgence among professionals and enthusiasts seeking warmth and character, the decade was defined by the dominance of DAWs and plug-ins, cementing the transition from hardware to software in studios worldwide.
2003
Made In China
The Alesis PEQ450 is a 5-Band Parametric Equaliser and an incredible sound shaping tool in a two rack space unit.
2003
Made In U.S.A.
By going beyond conventional design ideas, the Aphex 320D Compellor provides audio processing with unprecedented sound transparency, yet is exceedingly effective at controlling levels.
2003
Made In U.S.A.
The Apogee Mini-DAC was a high-quality digital-to-analogue converter offering superior audio fidelity in a compact, portable design. Supporting AES, S/PDIF, optical, and USB, it provided broad compatibility for professional and consumer setups. Featuring ultra-low jitter clocking, it ensured transparent sound reproduction, making it a trusted tool for engineers and audiophiles. Though later surpassed by newer technology, the Mini DAC remains highly regarded for its clarity, versatility, and reliability.
2003
Made In Japan
The Fostex PD-6 Portable Location Recorder set a new standard in production sound recording, offering six-channel 24-bit/96kHz recording to DVD-RAM or internal hard drive with an integrated high-specification mixer, advanced timecode functions, and robust media management for professional film and television use.
2003
Made In U.S.A.
Two class A mic preamps & DI’s drive two ELOP and two fast FET “brick wall” limiters to tame any tone one can throw at it. The Manley Slam is jammed with tubes, transformers, technology, and tricks. Get it in and get it LOUD.
2003
Made In U.S.A.
The Universal Audio 6176 Vintage Channel Strip is a classic tube microphone preamp and 1176LN compressor in a single unit.
2003
Made In Korea
Kurzweil Rumour is based on the effects found in the KSP8, Kurzweil's flagship multichannel effects processor, and offer easy-to-use effect presets for any environment. Both models are single rack space units featuring 192 effects presets, 64 locations for user-created presets, balanced stereo analogue inputs and outputs, S/PDIF digital I/O, and pre-effect EQ.
2003
Made In Korea
Kurzweil Mangler is based on the effects found in the KSP8, Kurzweil's flagship multichannel effects processor, and offer easy-to-use effect presets for any environment. Both models are single rack space units featuring 192 effects presets, 64 locations for user-created presets, balanced stereo analogue inputs and outputs, S/PDIF digital I/O, and pre-effect EQ.
2003
Made In U.S.A.
The Chandler Limited TG1 is a recreation of the classic EMI TG12413 Limiter used in custom EMI and Abbey Road recording and mastering consoles from the late '60s. These rare pieces were never commercially available, and only EMI owned studios had access to them.
2003
Made In Japan
The Yamaha SPX2000, while inheriting the standard interface and popular programs from its predecessors, brings a new dimension to the SPX sound with advanced REV-X reverb algorithms and 24-bit, 96k-Hz audio processing.
2003
Made In U.S.A.
The Eventide Reverb 2016 released in 2003, recreates the legendary reverb algorithms of the original Eventide SP2016, albeit with 24-bit clarity. Every aspect of the original Eventide 2016's effects has been duplicated in this newer Eventide 2016, including every detail of the user parameters.
2003
Made In Denmark
TC Electronic Reverb 4000 is a single-engine stereo version of Reverb 6000, featuring the best reverbs and presets from Reverb 6000 and M5000 as well as emulations of numerous classics. True Stereo Reverbs – Ported from Reverb 6000. Realistic Environments – from a Closet to a Canyon. DAW Integration – via innovative ICON Software
2003
Made In U.K.
The TL Audio 5052 provides everything you would expect from a high quality ‘channel strip' product, and then doubles it - making it the ideal system front end and the perfect stereo mixdown and mastering device.
2003
Made In U.S.A.
The GML Model 2030 Mastering Dynamic Gain Control is a precise tool for mastering and other critical applications where the utmost in control, flexibility, and transparency is demanded.
2004
Made In China
The Alesis DEQ830 8 Channel Digital Graphic EQ offered 8 channels of digital graphic equalisation in a single rack space.
2004
Made In China
The Alesis DEQ230 2 Channel Digital Graphic EQ offers 30 bands of extremely graphic equalisation control in a single rack space.
2004
Made In China
The Alesis CLX-440 is a powerhouse dynamics processor featuring a Compressor, Limiter, Expander and Gate in a two unit rack mount.
2004
Made In U.S.A.
The Apogee Rosetta 200 is a 2-channel, 24 bit, 192 kHz, AD/DA Converter of very high quality.
2004
Made In U.S.A.
The striking front panel, machined from 1/4" aircraft aluminum, handcrafted solid aluminum knobs, LEDs mounted individually in machined stainless steel housings, custom VU meters with peak indicators, mark the dbx 162SL as a leader for decades to come. Or so it seemed...
2004
Made In China
The dbx 286A’s Mic Preamp and five processors can be used independently or in any combination.
2004
Made In U.S.A.
The Crane Song Flamingo is a high quality two channel discrete class A microphone pre-amp. It can be operated as a musically transparent pre-amplifier but is capable of emulating vintage sounds as well as creating distinctive new ones.
2004
Made In Japan
The Zoom RFX-2200 was a 24-bit multi-effects processor offering 48 presets, including reverb, delay, modulation, and vocoder. With front-panel mic input, S/PDIF digital outs, MIDI control, and a user-friendly interface, it became a budget studio favourite in the early 2000s for its versatility and solid sound quality.
2004
Made In Japan
The TASCAM DA-98HR takes the 24-bit recording engine of the DA-78HR and adds critical features specifically designed for the rigors of post-production and the highest end of commercial recording facilities. Since its introduction in 1993, TASCAM's DTRS modular digital multitrack recorders have become a worldwide standard for all facets of the recording industry.
2004
Made In U.S.A.
The Crane Song Avocet is a discrete Class-A mastering monitor controller combining pristine relay-switched analogue paths, high-resolution digital conversion, transparent headphone monitoring, and precise level control for professional mixing and mastering.
2004
Made In U.S.A.
The Mercury M76m Tube Studio Microphone Preamplifier faithfully recreates the legendary Telefunken/Siemens V76m, delivering the same warm, open sound with added modern features such as phantom power, impedance switching, output attenuation, and Mercury’s proprietary FDI circuit. Built with premium components, it combines vintage sonic character with modern flexibility and reliability.
2004
Made In U.K.
The Prism Sound ADA-8XR stands as the ultimate in audio performance, having carved out its place in renowned recording spaces like Metropolis and British Grove. It's been a key player in major undertakings such as Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. With a remarkable two-decade presence in the industry, this converter, crafted and engineered in the UK, truly reflects Prism Sound's unwavering commitment to exceptional audio quality.
2004
Made In U.S.A.
Combining the features of the GML flagship Model 8200 Parametric Equaliser and GML Model 8300 Transformerless Microphone Preamplifier, the GML Model 2032 embodies the legendary detail and accuracy for which GML is renowned.
2004
Made In U.K.
The Drawmer D-Clock is a word clock distribution amplifier and measurement unit, offering precise real-time clock analysis and 10-channel buffered distribution for professional digital audio setups.
2004
Made In Japan
The Yamaha AD8HR is a compact 1U eight-channel A/D converter with PM5000-grade preamps, 96kHz capability, and full remote control integration with Yamaha DM-series digital mixers.
2004
Made In U.S.A.
The Chandler Limited TG Channel blends the TG2 preamp with an EQ inspired by the TG12410 Transfer Console. Using discrete amplifiers and an all-inductor EQ design, it delivers smooth highs, deep lows, and a sharp mid-cut, evoking the classic Pultec and Lang EQ sound.
2004
Made In U.K.
The TL Audio 5060 is the latest product to join the acclaimed Ivory 2 series. Using the same high quality discrete microphone preamp as other Ivory 2 products the 5060 also has stereo line level or stereo instrument inputs.
2005
Made In U.S.A.
The Electro-Harmonix NY-2A is a professional compressor that was designed to meet the demanding requirements necessary to attain the highest level of audio quality for recording and professional mastering.
2005
Made In U.K.
This is the 1U rack mounting version of the SSL G Series console master bus compressor, utilising the classic SSL G Series centre compressor design elements within a Super Analogue design topology. This brings the dual benefits of spectacular audio performance with a universally acclaimed compressor characteristic.
2005
Made In U.S.A.
The Mercury M72s Studio Microphone Amplifier faithfully recreates the legendary V72s tube preamp with modern upgrades like variable gain, phantom power, and phase reverse, delivering classic tone with contemporary flexibility.