The Sounds: Multi-Effects
Listen to the machines: Click on the picture to play the sound demo.
EMS Synthi Hi-Fli
Guitar multi effects (*1973)
There is hardly any other vintage effects device that stirs such a lot of controversy even among die-hard enthusiasts. To many collectors, this is a mythical dream come true, to others it rather resembles a toilet seat – which goes not only for its looks but also for the sounds it produces.
EMS Synthi Hi-Fli
Guitar multi effects (*1973)
Sequential Circuits Pro-FX / Model 500
Modular Multi Effects (*1982)
The name of Dave Smith, founder of Sequential Circuits, and his greatest creation, the Prophet 5 synthesiser, should ring a bell or two with every synthesiser enthusiast, no matter what age. A little-known footnote in SCI’s history is Smith’s venture into the realm of effects devices which went by more or less unnoticed by synthesiser enthusiasts and studio owners alike.
Sequential Circuits Pro-FX / Model 500
Modular Multi Effects (*1982)
Eventide SP2016 Signal Processor
Digital Reverb / Multi-effects (*1981)
In 1981, Eventide came up with this infamous effects device which is still enjoying a reputation as being one of the best digital reverbs ever – not only for American-style R 'n' B album recordings. And, almost en passant, the SP2016 was the first real multi-effects processor of all times.
Eventide SP2016 Signal Processor
Digital Reverb / Multi-effects (*1981)
Publison Infernal Machine 90
Stereo Audio Computer (*1984)
What do exceptional musician Prince, hit-single factory Stock, Aitken, Waterman, German producers Harold Faltermeyer and Michael Cretu as well as various wealthy American Hip Hoppers have in common? They all share(d) a strong affection for a device which calls itself an infernal machine.
Publison Infernal Machine 90
Stereo Audio Computer (*1984)
Eventide H3000 Ultra Harmonizer
Digital Multi Effects (*1987)
Eventide's H3000 counts as one of the most successful studio effects devices of all times. There is hardly any album production from the 1990s on which the H3000 is NOT audible in some way or other. Conceptually, it was (and still is) highly innovative, and it saved the day for Eventide who were heading for a fall at that time – and has firmly put them back on the map!