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.
2021
Made In U.S.A.
The Rupert Neve 5254 Diode Bridge Compressor offers two channels of iconic diode bridge compression, thoughtfully improved and refined for modern tracking, mixing, and mastering.
2021
Made In Canada
The Sonic Farm Creamliner III functions as a stereo line signal conditioner, with the primary objective of enhancing the audio quality of digital stereo busses and digital PA boards. This is achieved by directing the signal through a pentode, and optionally, through the output transformer if chosen.
2021
Made In Germany
The RME Fireface UCX II is a professional 40-channel USB audio interface featuring high-quality 24-bit/192 kHz AD/DA conversion, two digitally controlled mic/line preamps, ADAT, SPDIF, MIDI, and Word Clock I/O. It offers TotalMix FX for zero-latency monitoring, DURec for standalone USB recording, and Class Compliant mode for iOS compatibility. Compact and robust, it’s ideal for studio and mobile production.
2021
Made In Europe
The Antelope Galaxy 32 Synergy Core is a 1U interface with 32 analogue I/O, Dante, HDX, Thunderbolt, MADI and ADAT connectivity. It delivers mastering-grade conversion, real-time effects processing, Atmos-ready monitoring, and full standalone operation, making it a complete hub for professional recording, mixing and immersive production.
2021
Made In U.S.A.
The Lavry SAVITR delivers reference-class analogue-to-digital conversion with ultra-low distortion, extended clocking, and versatile configurations for wordclock distribution (MWC) or dual digital outputs (AUX).
2021
Made In U.S.A.
The AudioScape V-Comp+ is a modernised recreation of a classic 1950s variable-mu tube compressor, featuring enhanced input drive, faster recovery times, and versatile modes for both vintage and modern workflows. Handcrafted in the USA, it delivers smooth, musical compression with authentic tone and upgraded functionality.
2021
Made In U.S.A.
The Benchmark DAC3 B is a high-performance two-channel digital-to-analogue converter designed for professional and audiophile systems. It delivers the full sonic performance of the DAC3 HGC using the same ES9028PRO chip and quad 32-bit conversion architecture, but omits volume controls, analogue inputs, and headphone outputs.
2021
Made In Canada
Presenting the Sonic Farm Berliner: a dual-channel mic/instrument/line tube preamp that reimagines the iconic Telefunken V76 from the 1950s, while infusing it with distinctive twists that differentiate it from its vintage counterpart.
2021
Made In Europe
The Antelope Orion Studio Synergy Core is a 1U interface combining 12 ultra-clean preamps, high-resolution AD/DA conversion, real-time effects processing, and full Atmos-ready support. With extensive analogue and digital I/O, low-latency monitoring, and flexible control, it delivers professional performance for recording, mixing, and immersive audio production.
2021
Made In Hungary
The Gainlab Audio Dictator Dual Mono Vari-Mu Compressor is the Dual Mono Version of the Dual Pentode Vari-Mu Compressor, featuring the same high quality internal components and build quality.
2021
Made In Poland
The IGS ZEN Compressor is a high-end, diode-based compressor inspired by classic Abbey Road designs. Featuring hand-matched Zener diodes, 24-position Elma switches, Mid/Side processing, a sidechain high-pass filter, stereo linking, and a wet/dry mix control, it delivers precise and musical compression.
2021
Made In China
The Line 6 Helix delivers authentic analogue amp and effects sounds with dual-SHARC® processing, a user-friendly interface, and extensive I/O options. The optional Helix Control foot controller adds touch-sensitive footswitches and customisable scribble strips.
2021
Made In Germany
The Lake People Mic-Amp F355 is a high-quality dual-channel microphone preamp offering precision gain control, ultra-low noise, and full studio features in a rugged 1U rack format.
2021
Made In U.S.A.
The AudioScape XL-305R revives the legendary 1980s XL-305 Spring Reverb with a 12-spring equally tempered design for rich, musical tones. Handcrafted in the USA, it blends vintage authenticity with modern features like a sidechain high-pass filter and 4-band EQ, offering versatile and characterful reverb.
2021
Made In Germany
The Lake People DAT RS 05 is a high-precision clock generator, reclocker, and format converter that refines digital signals and eliminates jitter, with optional femto clock for femtosecond accuracy. It supports multiple digital input types and sample rates, simultaneously routing one input to all outputs.
2021
Made In U.S.A.
The Rupert Neve 5025 Dual Shelford Microphone Preamplifier offers two channels of the finest microphone preamplification in the world.
2021
Made In Chile
For the first time, the unique compression characteristics of the famous Teletronix LA-2A and LA-3A can be obtained in a single unit, the Stam SA-23A Tube Optical Compressor.
2022
Made In Germany
The Ferrofish Pulse16 MX delivers 16x16 balanced analogue conversion, full ADAT and modular MADI I/O, low-latency ESS-based converters, and dual TFT displays, providing seamless and affordable high-end integration for recording, broadcast, and live sound.
2022
Made In China
TASCAM SERIES 8p Dyna is an 8 channel HDIA mic preamp and DA converter with per channel analogue compression, S/MUX and ADAT optical expansion, flexible line outputs, and professional word clock and metering in a rugged 1U chassis.
2022
Made In Germany
The Appsys MVR-mkII Multiverter is a 1U format converter that supports 704 x 704 channels across Dante, MADI, AES3, AES50, ADAT, and SPDIF, with channel-wise routing, optional sample rate conversion, headamp control, and triple-redundant power. Designed for mission-critical broadcast, studio, and live applications, it is one of the most comprehensive digital audio hubs available.
2022
Made In U.K.
The vintage-style, fully stereo Drawmer 1974 Four Band Parametric Equaliser delivers exceptional analogue musicality and sonic clarity, inspired by 1970s-era gear. It excels in subtle shaping for mastering purposes, providing a delicate touch and easy recall, while also being highly effective for tonal sculpting. The 1974 adds analogue warmth and character that is nearly impossible to replicate in the digital domain.
2022
Made In Germany
The Ferrofish A32pro delivers 32x32 analogue conversion with ADAT and dual redundant MADI, advanced routing, dual headphone monitoring, and four multitouch TFT displays, all in a fanless 1U design.
2022
Made In Germany
The Ferrofish A32pro Dante combines 32x32 analogue conversion with ADAT, dual MADI, and redundant Dante connectivity, offering 386 channels of routing, pristine ESS conversion, and advanced redundancy in a compact 1U unit.
2022
Made In Spain
The Tierra Audio Icicle Equaliser is a 4-band analogue equaliser offering CLEAN precision or OOMPH warmth, with germanium diode distortion, stereo calibration, and handmade craftsmanship in a cherry wood design.
2022
Made In Spain
The Tierra Audio Canyon 16 Summing Mixer is a 16-channel analogue summing unit with CLEAN and OOMPH modes, insert and Blend control, stereo expansion capability, handmade construction and eco-friendly design.
2022
Made In U.S.A.
Maag Audio’s newest creation is the Maag Audio PreQ2™ dual mic preamp with eq, a complete analogue system for either recording or mixing housed in a 1u standalone unit. It comes with Cliff Maag's venerable air band® shelving equaliser first introduced in 1993 with his NTI EQ3 equaliser.
2022
Made In China
SSL have been on a mission to create the ultimate and most versatile incarnation of the legendary Bus Compressor ever; the result is the SSL The Bus+.
2022
Made In China
The TASCAM DA-6400 Digital Multitrack Recorder is an impressive 64-channel digital multitrack recorder/player, perfect for live performances and broadcast applications, all fitting into a single rack space unit.
2022
Made In China
The TASCAM CD-RW900SX is a professional-grade CD recorder and player built for reliability and continuous use. It features independent analogue and digital input trim, multiple automatic and manual track division options, a gapless slot-loading transport, and versatile recording tools like fade-in/out and sync recording.
2022
Made In China
The Lindell Audio LiN76 is a faithful recreation of the classic 1176-style FET compressor, complete with USA-made transformers, vintage-style VU metering, and the renowned “all-button” mode, delivering authentic analogue compression with modern reliability.
2022
Made In France
The HLabs PRE169S is a dual-channel mic preamp with Studer-inspired circuitry and Carnhill VT24499 transformers. Released May 2022, it delivers transparent gain, transformer richness, and versatile filtering in a compact 1U format.
2022
Made In U.K.
The Culture Vulture is an all-valve harmonic distortion processor offering variable valve saturation and selectable distortion modes, and the Thermionic Culture Ultra Vulture adds extended frequency response, low noise and fully recallable stereo mastering features with transformer balanced input and output on XLR connectors.
2022
Made In Germany
The Lake People Mic-Amp F311-D is a dual-channel, transformerless microphone preamp featuring discrete Class A circuitry, 12-step gain control, phantom power, pad, phase reverse, and high-pass filter in a compact 9.5” housing—ideal for studios and broadcast.
2022
Made In Germany
The Lake People Mic-Amp F311-Q is a compact, high-grade 4-channel microphone preamplifier featuring discrete Class A circuitry, individual gain controls, phantom power, pad, phase reverse, and high-pass filters on every channel.