2020s Studio Gear Timeline
The 2020s have so far continued the trend of hybrid production, where digital and analogue coexist seamlessly. Plug-ins now deliver near-perfect emulations of classic hardware, while advances in AI and machine learning are beginning to shape new approaches to effects and mixing. Hardware remains highly valued, with boutique analogue processors and modular systems finding a dedicated market, but the flexibility of digital tools within DAWs is unrivalled. The decade is defined by choice, giving engineers and musicians the freedom to blend analogue warmth with digital precision, and to explore entirely new creative possibilities through emerging technologies.
2020
Made In Hungary
The Gainlab Audio Dictator Dual Pentode Vari-Mu Compressor represents a tube-based dynamic controller inspired by classic vari-mu compressors. It draws theoretical influence from renowned models like the Fairchild 670 and Gates STA-Level, along with contemporary solutions, to enhance sound control.
2020
Made In China
The MOTU M2 combines ESS Sabre32 Ultra conversion, ultra-low latency USB performance, colour LCD metering, loopback for streaming, and bus-powered portability in a rugged interface that is ready for studio work, live streaming, podcasts, and mobile recording.
2020
Made In China
The MOTU M4 combines ESS Sabre32 Ultra conversion, ultra-low latency drivers, colour LCD metering, loopback for streaming and bus-powered portability in a rugged interface ready for studio, stage and mobile work.
2020
Made In U.K.
The Thermionic Culture The Snow Petrel is an all-valve preamplifier optimised for ribbon microphones, delivering ultra-low noise, sparkling highs and rich lows through extra-low-noise valves, special Sowter transformers, high input impedance and switchable gain, high-pass filter and air controls, with progressive saturation available via fine and coarse attenuators.
2020
Made In U.K.
The Prism Sound Titan is a high-end, expandable USB audio interface offering pristine conversion, ultra-low latency DSP mixing, flexible analogue and digital I/O, MDIO expansion for Pro Tools HDX or Dante, and built-in audio integrity checks—designed for demanding professional audio applications.
2020
Made In Germany
The RME ADI-2 Pro FS BE is a high-end AD/DA converter, USB interface, and headphone amplifier designed for mastering, audiophile playback, and studio monitoring. It features dual AK4490 DACs, SteadyClock FS jitter suppression, support for up to 768 kHz PCM and DSD256, and powerful Extreme Power headphone outputs. With advanced DSP, flexible I/O, and a sleek black finish, it delivers reference-grade audio performance in a compact form.
2020
Made In U.K.
Packing eight 1073® remote-controllable preamps in a 2U rackmount case, the 1073OPX suits modern DAW-based workflows, where space is at a premium, whilst also offering that 1073 sound everyone knows and loves. It’s the Swiss Army knife for modern studios.
2020
Made In U.S.A.
The redesigned Grace Design m201 Mk2 delivers massive headroom, ultra-wide bandwidth, and an open, musical character with improved dynamic range and lower noise. Streamlined for purist performance, it removes the A/D option and M+S matrix while enhancing clarity across all microphone types. Ribbon mic mode optimises gain and impedance for best performance. Available through Grace Design dealers, it comes with a 20-year EON transferable warranty.
2020
Made In Canada
The Flock Audio Patch is a digitally controlled, fully analogue routing system that simplifies hardware integration without compromising sound quality. Featuring front-panel I/O, DB-25 rear connections, 48V phantom power, LED indicators, and multi-unit expandability, it offers flexible, cable-free routing controlled via an intuitive app.
2020
Made In U.S.A.
The API 2500+ Stereo Bus Compressor allows adjustment of sonic qualities to alter the punch and tone of the stereo mix.
2020
Made In Denmark
The G14-S is a passive stereo equaliser, equipped with two different topologies for makeup gain and interfacing. The filter itself consist of five bands – each with 11 switchable frequencies, continuous variable “Q”, and individual boost/bypass/cut selection. The unit has an overall output level “TRIM”, and a hard relay bypass serving as reference for your work.
2020
Made In Canada
The long-awaited Flock Audio Patch XT System builds on the advanced analogue routing technology of the PATCH Series, delivering a massive I/O configuration with 192 points, 96 inputs and 96 outputs.
2020
Made In U.S.A.
The Daking Comp IIT is a hand-built, dual-channel compressor/limiter with Cinemag transformers, offering high-end analogue sound and ease of use. Designed for both novices and professionals, it delivers smooth compression in dual mono or stereo linked modes with fully independent channel control.
2020
Made In U.S.A.
The Daking Comp II is a hand-built, dual-channel compressor/limiter offering high-end analogue sound with simple controls. Designed for both beginners and professionals, it operates in dual mono or stereo linked modes with fully independent channel control.
2020
Made In Hungary
The Gainlab Audio Empress stands as a dual-channel passive equaliser featuring a tube amplifier and three bands on each side. Its compact design occupies only 2U of studio space, yet it wields a profound influence over your sound.
2020
Made In Chile
The Stam SA-660 Stamchild recreates every drop of character of the original Fairchild 660 originally developed in the US in the early ‘50s.
2020
Made In U.K.
The Prism Sound Lyra 2 is a compact professional interface offering world-class conversion, pristine class-A preamps, Overkiller soft-clip limiting, Verifile error checking, and versatile analogue and digital connectivity, all built into a portable unit with uncompromising audio quality.
2020
Made In Spain
The Tierra Audio Calima Preamp is a handcrafted Madrid-built preamplifier with fast transient response, Cinemag and Lundahl transformers, wide input options, and an aggressive tonal character perfect for percussion, guitars and forward vocals.
2020
Made In China
Adding a dbx 166xs Compressor/Limiter/Gate to your live sound rig or studio gives you more dynamic control to help create a more polished, professional sound.
2020
Made In U.S.A.
Black Lion Audio Bluey is a faithful recreation of Chris Lord-Alge’s modified 1176 Blue Stripe, with added wet/dry mix, stereo linking, and enhanced circuitry, built to deliver the unique character of a legendary vocal compressor.
2020
Made In Germany
The RME ADI-2 FS is a compact, high-precision 2-channel AD/DA converter featuring SteadyClock FS for ultra-low jitter, 24-bit resolution, and support for sample rates up to 192 kHz. With balanced analogue I/O, AES/EBU, SPDIF coaxial and optical digital connections, it delivers transparent conversion and versatile routing in a rugged, studio-ready design.
2020
Made In Germany
The RME Fireface UFX II is a 60-channel USB audio interface offering high-end 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA conversion, four digitally controlled mic preamps, dual ADAT, AES/EBU, SPDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock I/O. It features SteadyClock FS for ultra-low jitter, TotalMix FX for zero-latency DSP mixing, and DURec for standalone multitrack USB recording—making it a versatile, professional-grade solution for studio and live use.
2020
Made In Germany
The RME 12Mic is a 12-channel digitally controlled microphone preamp with exceptional A/D conversion, AVB and MADI connectivity, and precise remote control. It offers up to 75dB of gain, instrument compatibility, and seamless integration into modern networked audio systems, making it ideal for studio, live, and broadcast use.
2020
Made In Germany
The RME M-32 AD is a 32-channel high-end analogue-to-digital converter designed for professional studio and broadcast environments. It features balanced inputs, analogue limiters, switchable reference levels up to +24 dBu, and digital outputs via MADI and ADAT. With SteadyClock technology and a 2U rackmount design, it delivers precise, transparent conversion for demanding multichannel workflows.
2020
Made In Germany
The RME M-16 AD is a 16-channel high-end analogue-to-digital converter featuring balanced inputs, analogue limiters, selectable reference levels, and digital output via MADI and ADAT. With SteadyClock, MIDI control, and a rugged 2U rackmount design, it delivers precision A/D conversion for studio, stage, and broadcast environments.
2020
Made In Germany
The RME M-32 DA is a professional 32-channel digital-to-analogue converter with balanced outputs, selectable reference levels, MADI and ADAT input, and SteadyClock technology. It provides precise, low-distortion conversion and remote control capability in a robust 2U rackmount design.
2020
Made In Germany
The RME M-16 DA is a 16-channel professional digital-to-analogue converter with balanced outputs, ADAT and MADI input, SteadyClock jitter suppression, and MIDI control. With precision conversion and flexible I/O in a 2U rackmount design, it’s ideal for studio, live, and broadcast applications.
2020
Made In U.K.
The Prism Sound Atlas is a high-end, expandable USB multitrack interface offering reference conversion, eight mic preamps, flexible modular I/O via MDIO expansion, built‑in DSP mixing, and Verifile integrity checking, designed for elite professional use.
2020
Made In Germany
RME’s OctaMic II combines eight high-end mic/line preamps with 192 kHz A/D conversion, dual ADAT and AES outputs, and exceptional low-noise performance—ideal for demanding studio and live applications.
2020
Made In Germany
RME M-1610 Pro is a 16-channel A/D and 8-channel D/A converter with AVB, MADI, and ADAT connectivity. It features SteadyClock FS, web-based remote control, and dual redundant power supplies, offering high-end conversion and flexible integration in a compact 1U chassis.
2020
Made In Poland
The WesAudio ngBusComp Buss Compressor is a next generation bus compressor with digital recall and automation.
2020
Made In U.K.
The Drawmer 1972 Dual Mic, Line & Instrument Pre-Amplifier has been designed to make capturing perfect recordings incredibly easy. It enables you to record pristine audio from a wide range of sources, optimising the performance of various studio microphones, from budget options to high-end dynamic and ribbon mics. What sets the Drawmer 1972 apart from other preamplifiers are its unique features that assist in challenging recording situations.
2020
Made In U.K.
The Drawmer 1970 Dual F.E.T. Compressor and Pre-Amplifier continues the legacy of the renowned Drawmer 1960, the original professional audio “toolbox” compressor. With a greatly expanded feature set, the 1970 stands as one of the most adaptable mic preamplifier/compressors available today, delivering vintage audio characteristics at an affordable price.
2020
Made In U.K.
Cranborne Audio Camden EC2 is a two-channel preamp and monitoring hub, featuring award-winning transparent Camden preamps, variable Mojo analogue saturation, dual reference-grade headphone mixers, reamping outputs, and C.A.S.T. connectivity for integration with 500R8/500ADAT systems.