Digital standard for interconnecting musical instruments and other music technology devices
In the early 1980s, a groundbreaking technological innovation named MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) emerged, revolutionising the world of music. The protocol was developed primarily through collaboration between Ikutaro Kakehashi of Roland and Dave Smith of Sequential Circuits, with major manufacturers adopting MIDI technology rapidly. By 1983, MIDI-compatible instruments were already hitting the market.
MIDI has since become a cornerstone in digital audio workstations (DAWs) and remains a vital tool in modern music production. Its open architecture encourages widespread adoption in the music world, fostering interoperability among digital musical instruments.
One of the key advantages of MIDI is its efficiency. MIDI files take up much less space when compared to audio files, facilitating easier sharing and distribution. This has been instrumental in the democratisation of music production, allowing artists to collaborate and share their work more seamlessly.
MIDI functions as a communication protocol, conveying musical instructions rather than audio. MIDI messages consist of note timings, velocity and aftertouch pressure, and pitch bend, allowing for a high degree of expressiveness and control. The through port functionality allows for multiple devices to be daisy-chained together, further enhancing its versatility.
While MIDI is unable to encode vocal sounds or spoken language, restricting its applications to instrumental music, it has proven to be an invaluable tool in the creation of countless melodies and compositions. Each MIDI file carries a extension and has historical significance in music, serving as digital instructions for musical compositions.
The development of USB-to-MIDI interfaces has made it easier to connect MIDI devices to computers, bridging the gap between traditional and digital music production. Furthermore, System Exclusive (SysEx) messages extend MIDI's capabilities, allowing for specific features and functions unique to devices.
MIDI's enduring impact can be seen in the continued use of the protocol in modern music production. From its humble beginnings in the early 1980s to its widespread adoption today, MIDI continues to be a cornerstone in the digital music revolution. With its open architecture and versatile capabilities, MIDI remains a vital tool for musicians and music producers alike.
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