Rocktron was founded in 1983 by Bob Waller and Jim Chowning as a producer of top quality signal processing, amplification and effects. Rocktron’s first hit product was the HUSH noise reduction lineup. In 1984 the company introduced the first compressors, preamps, enhancers, effects and controllers with built-in noise reduction, along with the first footswitchable rack mount compressors. 1985 saw the introduction of the first touch-sensitive, digitally-controlled multi-effects preamp. In 1989 Rocktron provided the first factory-produced Bradshaw switchers.

In the 1990s Rocktron developed preamps that included Artist presets: the ProGap provided presets from Steve Lukather and Allan Holdsworth. In 1992 they introduced the first 24 bit DSP effects processor with the Intellifex. This was followed by the first preamps with on-board speaker simulation, the first DSP processor based on analog stomp box sounds, the first digital effects processors without annoying “drop-outs”, and the first digital noise reduction. They also brought to market the first power amps with “reactance” and definition.

In the year 2000, Rocktron was sold to GHS Corporation, famous for its GHS Strings. This led to a short move from the northern suburbs of Detroit to Battle Creek, Michigan. Bob Waller remains the division President/General Manager and thus the brand is still under the care and guidance of an original founder. Jim Chowning continues to serve music retailers in both technical support and sales roles.

Source: Rocktron website (4 December 2019)