Unfortunately, today it has been revealed that Dave Smith, famous musician responsible for the creation of the MIDI format, has died at the age of 72. Although this name may not be recognized, his contributions played a very important role in shaping the music industry of the last 50 years.
One of Dave Smith’s greatest contributions was Sequential Circuits’ Prophet 5, the first microprocessor-controlled synthesizer, as well as multi-timbral synthesizers. In 1985 he founded Sequential, a company focused on the development of computer-based audio equipment.. However, two years later it closed its doors, since, in his own words, it reached this market much earlier than necessary.
Fortunately, Smith didn’t give up, eventually becoming the president of Seer Systems, the company that developed the first fully software-based synthesizer packaged as a PC application. Although over the years he has been in charge of innovating in this market, his greatest contribution to the music industry was the creation of the MIDI standard (Musical Instrument Digital Interface).
It enables effortless interconnection and communication between musical instruments, computers, and other electronic equipment. The MIDI system carries data that specifies musical notation, pitch, and velocity/intensity.. Also control signals for musical parameters including dynamics, vibrato, 2D panning, cues, and clock signals that set and synchronize tempo between multiple devices.
Although MIDI was originally introduced in 1982, it only took a year to standardize, and to this day it is used. In this way, there is no doubt that the legacy of Dave Smith will not be lost, and his work will continue to be a fundamental part of musical creation.
Rest in peace, Dave Smith.
Via: Pitchfork