2010s Studio Gear Timeline
The 2010s were defined by the complete integration of digital technology into music production, with DAWs and plug-ins dominating professional and home studios alike. Software effects became more powerful and realistic than ever, often emulating classic analogue hardware with remarkable accuracy. At the same time, there was a strong revival of interest in analogue gear, with boutique manufacturers and reissues of vintage processors thriving alongside digital tools. This decade became one of balance, where engineers freely combined the convenience and flexibility of digital with the character and heritage of analogue, shaping a hybrid workflow that remains central to modern production.
2010
Microphone Preamplifiers
/ Made In U.S.A.
The Empirical Labs Mike-E is a digitally controlled, transformer-coupled mic preamp with ultra-low noise and a unique CompSat™ section that combines saturation, compression, and high-frequency emphasis. It delivers clean yet musical signals with vintage-style tonal shaping, all in an easy-to-use layout.
2010
Studio Monitors
Made In Finland /
Amphion One18 is a versatile nearfield monitor offering honest balance, precise imaging, and dependable translation for mixing, production, and critical listening.
2010
Solid State Recorders
/ Made In Japan
The TASCAM HS-2000 Broadcast Recorder is a 2-channel recorder/player purpose-built for broadcasting operations.
2010
Solid State Recorders
Made In Japan /
The TASCAM HS-4000 4-Track Broadcast Recorder is a 4-channel recorder/player purpose built for broadcasting operations.
2010
Solid State Recorders
/ Made In Japan
The TASCAM HS-2 Solid-State Recorder is the perfect replacement for timecode DAT and MD recorders. It provides up to 192kHz/24-bit Broadcast WAV file stereo recording. Its feature-rich flexibility and reliability is perfect for broadcast, postproduction and professional audio applications.
2010
Solid State Recorders
Made In Japan /
The TASCAM HS-8 is an 8-channel audio recorder that employs CF cards as its recording media. It exhibits high performance capabilities in surround sound recording, as well as when used as a master recorder for surround sounds and as a backup recorder for computer recording.
2010
Compressors & Limiters
/ Made In U.K.
The Drawmer S3 Stereo Three Band Tube Compressor incorporates the very latest in Ivor Drawmer designs and the aim from the very beginning was to create a ‘no technical compromise’ circuit using only the highest-grade components.
2010
Microphone Preamplifiers
Made In U.K. /
The Thermionic Culture The Earlybird 4 is a four-channel valve preamplifier in a nineteen-inch rack, offering 3 dB to 62 dB of clean class A gain, switchable input impedance and handwired point-to-point construction. Its custom Sowter transformers deliver minimal phase shift and high headroom, and a pair of VU metres and peak LEDs provide clear level monitoring.
2010
Microphone Preamplifiers
/ Made In China
Focusrite ISA Two brings together a totally independent pair of classic ISA microphone preamps from the original ISA 110 module, combining the best of traditional solid-state electronics with the original input transformer specified by Rupert Neve – the Lundahl LL1538.
2010
Guitar Effects Processors
Made In U.S.A. /
Avid’s Eleven Rack was a pioneering guitar processor combining dual-DSP hardware with Pro Tools integration, offering ultra-realistic amp tones, zero-latency recording, and built-in re-amping. With its True-Z input and versatile I/O, it delivered authentic feel and tone both in the studio and on stage, bridging the gap between digital precision and analogue experience.