What is the history of the MIDI format?
MIDI was introduced in 1983. It was developed in co-operation between the major music industry electronic instrument manufacturers including Roland, Yamaha, Korg and others. No one ever dreamed the kinds of sounds that could be created and accessed using such a powerful communications protocol. The MIDI protocol allows electronic devices (usually synthesizers, but also computers, light show controllers, VCRs, multi-track recorders, etc.) to interact and work in synchronization with other MIDI compatible devices. Using a master controller device such as a keyboard, one can play or trigger sounds from other electronic devices remotely. This eliminates the need for one keyboardist to perform with nine or ten keyboards around him. He can play all the keyboards through one, simply by connecting them using MIDI. The other keyboards can be off-stage; he never has to touch them, yet he can play them. The best analogy for MIDI is to liken it to the linking of two computers via modems. The same
