Studio Gear Timeline
Our Studio Gear timeline now includes Audio Recorders and Classic Music Tracks to help place the gear within the history of recorded music. Any errors, please notify us using our contact form.
1976
Made In U.S.A.
The dbx 119 is remembered for its versatility and advanced features, offering extended compression range, precise threshold-based control, and dual modes for professional and audiophile use. Its ability to enhance dynamic range and provide consistent, high-quality sound made it a valuable tool in studios and public address systems, all at an affordable price.
1976
Made In U.S.A.
The Ampex MM1200 was a professional multitrack analogue recorder available in 8-, 16-, and 24-track formats, using one- or two-inch tape. Designed for demanding studio use, it offered selectable tape speeds, NAB and IEC equalisation, and built-in Sel-Sync for precise overdubbing. With robust construction, modular design, and excellent audio performance, it became a trusted studio standard for high-quality multitrack recording.
1976
Made In U.S.A.
The dbx 160 and 161 are single-channel compressor/limiters combining sophisticated technology and user-oriented features in a compact package. Unique circuit designs, such as true rms level-detection and feed-forward gain reduction, place the 160 and 161 in a completely different class from conventional compressor/limiters.
1976
Made In U.S.A.
The dbx 162 compressor/limiter is one of the most iconic studio compressor/limiters to have ever graced a studio. The dbx 162 compressor/limiter is a stereo device using true rms level detection circuitry tor signal sensing and sophisticated voltage-controlled amplifiers as the gain control elements.
1976
Made In U.S.A.
For more than 30 years now, both engineers and musicians have relied upon the MXR Model 126 Flanger/Doubler as one of best-sounding bucket-brigade* flanging effects ever made. Through its signature flanging, doubling, and delay effects, the MXR Model 126 Flanger/Doubler imprints a very unique sonic signature on guitars, bass, keys, drums, or just about any source needing depth and movement.
1976
Made In U.K.
The Klark Teknik DN50 Spring Reverb was introduced around the mid-seventies, just prior to the launch of digital reverbs.
1976
Made In U.S.A.
Urei introduced the Urei LA-5 Audio Leveler with the specific needs of sound reinforcement professionals in mind.
1977
Made In Japan
The Roland RE-301 Chorus Echo is a vintage tape delay unit known for its warm analogue sound. It features a built-in chorus for added modulation. The unit has straightforward controls for easy manipulation and is suitable for musicians seeking a classic, reliable delay effect with a touch of vintage charm.
1977
Kate Bush
If ever a song deserved a place in the Classic Tracks series, Wuthering Heights is it. Issued in Australia in early 1978, it became impossible to switch on the radio or television without hearing it, a testament to its seismic impact. Kate’s extraordinary soprano and idiosyncratic songwriting style were unlike anything else in the era, […]
Engineered by: Jon Kelly
Mixed by: Jon Kelly
Produced by: Andrew Powell
1977
Made In U.S.A.
The Eventide Model H949 Harmonizer is a combination digital delay line, pitch changer, and all-round special effects unit. The TIME REVERSAL feature is entirely new. When used with a variable-speed tape recorder, the Harmonizer is capable of shortening or lengthening a piece of program material to fit a given time slot, without altering the pitch.
1977
Made In U.S.A.
The DBX 117 is a dynamic range modifier. It can compress or expand the dynamic range of any audio program by a constant factor. It will expand previously compressed material or compress material with excessive dynamic range. may be used in any situation where dynamic range must be compressed to meet limitations of recording equipment or listening environment or expanded to rectify the effects of previous compression.
1977
Made In Germany
The Revox B77 is a ¼-inch reel-to-reel recorder released in 1977, known for its robust build, high-fidelity sound, and precise tape handling. It features a three-motor drive, Revodur heads, and real-time monitoring, with multiple speed variants and Dolby noise reduction options. Widely used in professional and home studios, it remains one of the most iconic analogue tape machines ever made.
1977
Heart
Barracuda by Heart stands out not only as a highlight from their second album, Little Queen (1977), but also as a defining anthem of 1970s rock music. Its success at the time was immediate, propelling Heart into the spotlight and establishing them as a force in the rock genre. The song’s aggressive guitar riff and […]
Engineered by: Mike Flicker, Buzz Richmond, Winslow Kutz
Mixed by: Chris Wonzer
Produced by: Mike Flicker
1977
Supertramp
Give a Little Bit is a popular song by the British rock band Supertramp, originally released in 1977 as the lead single from their album Even in the Quietest Moments…. Written primarily by Roger Hodgson, the song became one of the band’s signature hits and has remained a staple of classic rock radio since its […]
Engineered by: Russel Pope
Mixed by: Geoff Emerick
Produced by: Supertramp
1977
Made In U.S.A.
The dbx 3BX is a state-of-the-art dynamic range expander that enhances audio quality by dividing the sound spectrum into three frequency bands. Utilising advanced RMS detectors and voltage-controlled amplifiers, it individually expands bass, midrange, and treble, ensuring pristine sound clarity and preserving musical integrity even in the most complex compositions.
1977
Made In U.S.A.
The dbx 110 is an innovative device that enhances stereo systems by addressing the limitation of reproducing deep bass frequencies below 50 Hz. It samples low-frequency fundamentals, generates these signals an octave lower, and mixes them back in at controllable levels. This results in a rich, deep bass experience, similar to that of a live performance.
1977
Made In Japan
The Pioneer RT-707 is a compact, high-performance 4-head reel-to-reel tape deck featuring auto-reverse playback, direct-drive capstan, and a 3-motor transport system. With independent left/right recording, pitch control, dual-speed operation, and selectable bias and EQ, it offers professional-grade functionality in a domestic format. Renowned for its reliability, precision engineering, and enduring design, the RT-707 remains a highly respected and collectible deck from the golden era of hi-fi.
1977
Made In Japan
The Sony PCM-1, launched in September 1977, was Sony's first consumer PCM processor, setting the standard for digital audio devices despite its high price of 480,000 yen and limited sales of around 300 units worldwide.
1977
Linda Ronstadt
As a teenager in the late 1970s I would often DJ for my parents’ parties and the most requested track was Linda Ronstadt’s Poor Poor Pitiful Me. Written by Warren Zevon, the song never failed to get everyone dancing and I still remember those nights every time I hear it. That personal connection is one […]
Engineered by: Val Garay
Mixed by: Val Garay assisted by Mark Howlett
Produced by: Peter Asher
1977
Made In U.S.A.
The DeltaLab DL-4 TIMELINE is a studio quality special effects processor designed for the professional musician to use in live performances. The DeltaLab DL-4 is a derivative of their highly successful DL-2 ACOUSTICOMPUTER which brings total performance to the performing musician previously attainable in very expensive delay lines.
1977
Made In U.S.A.
The Urei LA-4 Compressor/Limiter can reduce the dynamic range of an audio signal, making it more consistent and balanced. The Urei LA-4 Compressor/Limiter can also limit the maximum level of the signal, preventing distortion and clipping.
1978
Made In Japan
The Roland DC-30 Analog Chorus-Echo is a vintage Japanese multi-effect unit combining rich BBD-based echo and chorus with stereo outputs, dual inputs, and extensive remote control options. Known for its warm analogue tone and flexible live performance features, it remains a sought-after classic for musicians and producers.
1978
Made In Japan
The Roland DC-50 Digital Chorus, released in 1978, is a desktop chorus and hall echo unit combining warm analogue BBD chorus with early digital echo. Designed for vocals and instruments, it offers simple controls, flexible inputs, and a rich, spacious sound that remains sought after for its classic late-70s Roland character.
1978
Made In U.S.A.
The MXR Thirty-One Band EQ is a professional-grade graphic EQ introduced in the late 1970s, offering precise tonal control for studio, live sound, and broadcast applications. With 31 frequency bands spaced one-third of an octave apart and a ±12 dB adjustment range, it allows for detailed sound shaping, feedback reduction, and room correction. Its rugged 19-inch rackmount design, high-quality faders, and connectivity options - including 6.35 mm jacks and XLRs - ensure durability and compatibility.
1978
Made In U.S.A.
The MXR Dual Fifteen Band EQ offered precise two-channel frequency control with bands set two-thirds of an octave apart for greater accuracy, particularly in the midrange. Each channel had its own level control, with a ±12dB range per band, housed in a rugged 19-inch rackmount design with quarter-inch connections.
1978
Made In Germany
The first point of make clear about the Dynacord DRS 78 is that it is a digital echo and reverb system in a three-rack unit high enclosure. Besides giving a very wide range of reverb and echo effects it produces above all true and absolutely natural reverb effects as they have been obtainable so far only in studios or in cathedrals.
1978
Made In U.K.
The AMS DMX 15-80S is a true stereo microprocessor controlled digital delay line. Originally designed to meet specifications laid down by the British Broadcasting Corporation for equipment to be supplied to them, it offers two completely independently delayed channels with precisely controlled delay times.
1978
Made In U.S.A.
The Lexicon 224 digital reverb announced in 1978 is the kind of stuff legends are made of. It is without a doubt the most admired and desirable reverb of the Lexicon line-up. It may be 45 years old now, but the Lexicon 224 is still in use today at many studios regardless of its limited bandwidth, and is loved by so many engineers, that they will only replace it when it dies. If it dies...
1978
Made In U.S.A.
The Ursa Major SPACE STATION is an advanced signal processor using time delay techniques to transform a mono source into a new, stereo, output signal. It is as different from earlier delay units as the complex reverberant sound of a room is from a single repeat of a sound slapping off a wall.
1978
Made In Japan
The Sony PCM-1600 was the first commercially available professional 16-bit digital audio processor for two channel mastering with the first machines delivered in April of 1978.
1978
Eddie Money
I have been a fan of Eddie Money’s music since my mid-teens when Two Tickets to Paradise was a hit here in Australia. This song has remained a favorite of mine and has made me appreciate his later albums such as Nothing to Lose and Can’t Hold Back. Although Baby Hold On was the first […]
Engineered by: Andy Johns
Mixed by: Andy Johns
Produced by: Bruce Botnik
1978
Made In U.S.A.
The dbx 100 Boom Box: revolutionising your audio experience by restoring the missing low-frequency bass in your favourite recordings. Say hello to a new dimension of sound fidelity and depth.
1978
Made In U.S.A.
The dbx 1BX is a compact audio processor renowned for its ability to enhance audio clarity, depth, and richness, making it an essential tool for musicians, sound engineers, and audiophiles seeking to elevate their listening experience.
1978
Made In U.S.A.
The dbx 2BX is a dynamic range expander that enhances the audio quality of recordings and broadcasts by restoring their original dynamic range. It reduces background noise and revitalizes both loud and quiet passages, breathing new life into old records and FM broadcasts. This makes the dbx 2BX a valuable addition for audiophiles looking to enrich their home music systems.