Apart from this crowning achievement in analog synth innovation, Smith also made a mark in digital music technology.
In 1982, frustrated by a lack of standard communication between different types of synths, Smith worked with Tom Oberheim, Ikutaro Kakehashi of Roland and representatives from Korg, Yamaha and Kawai to develop a common communication protocol for computers and synthesizers from varying manufacturers. Smith dubbed the protocol “MIDI” (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) and created the first MIDI synth later that year, the Prophet-600. The following year, at the January 1983 NAMM show, the Prophet-600 and a Roland Jupiter 6 were successfully connected and performed together. It marked the first time synthesizers from different manufacturers integrated with each other.
MIDI revolutionized the craft of electronic music production, standing strong as the “universal language for electronic instruments” to this day. It’s the reason a myriad of DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations), controllers and keyboards can seamlessly integrate with each other. Smith, alongside Kakehashi, won the Technical Grammy in 2013 for their work bringing MIDI to life.
Smith’s synths impacted generations of musicians across the gamut, like Dr. Dre, Radiohead, Madonna, Michael Jackson and John Carpenter. But modern electronic dance music producers owe a lot to Smith’s creations too. Many have taken to social media to pay tribute, like Flying Lotus, Richie Hawtin, Nina Kraviz, Skream and more.
The Sequential team has opened an email inbox for all to share thoughts and memories. We at EDM.com express our sincere condolences to the family, fans, friends, and loved ones of Dave Smith.