Development and Adoption of MIDI (1981–1985)

1. AES paper proposes a universal synth interface

   Oct 1, 1981Labels: Dave Smith, Chet Wood, AES

   • Dave Smith bio
   • MIDI wiki

2. Major manufacturers begin joint standard discussions

   Oct 1, 1981Labels: Roland, Ikutaro Kakehashi, Yamaha

   • MIDI wiki
   • Japan tech history

3. Winter NAMM talks fail to reach consensus

   Jan 1, 1982Labels: Winter NAMM, manufacturers

   • MIDI history

4. The name “MIDI” is adopted

   Jun 1, 1982Labels: MIDI, Dave Smith

   • MIDI history

5. Keyboard magazine publicly announces the MIDI concept

   Nov 1, 1982Labels: Keyboard magazine, Robert Moog

   • MIDI history
   • MIDI wiki

6. Prophet-600 manual documents early MIDI design

   Dec 1, 1982Labels: Prophet-600, Sequential Circuits

   • MIDI history

7. Yamaha DX7 accelerates mainstream MIDI adoption

   Jan 1, 1983Labels: Yamaha DX7, Yamaha

   • DX7 wiki
   • MIDI org DX7

8. First public MIDI demo at Winter NAMM

   Jan 21, 1983Labels: Winter NAMM, Prophet-600, Roland Jupiter-6

   • MIDI history

9. Summer NAMM showcases early MIDI-equipped products

   Jun 18, 1983Labels: Summer NAMM, manufacturers

   • MIDI history

10. Japanese MIDI Standards Committee (JMSC) is formed

    Jun 29, 1983Labels: JMSC, Japanese manufacturers

    • MIDI history

11. International MIDI Association and MIDI 1.0 spec (Aug 5)

    Aug 5, 1983Labels: IMA, MIDI 1

    • MIDI history

12. Summer NAMM decision launches the MIDI Manufacturers Association

    Jun 1, 1984Labels: MMA, Summer NAMM

    • MIDI history
    • MIDI wiki

13. MMA meeting sets goal of complete MIDI 1.0 documentation

    Feb 1, 1985Labels: MMA, Winter NAMM

    • MIDI history

14. MIDI 1.0 Detailed Specification published at Summer NAMM

    Jun 1, 1985Labels: MIDI 1, MMA

    • MIDI history
    • MIDI wiki