About 35 years after the introduction of the MIDI 1.0 standard, instrument makers voted unanimously on January 18 to adopt the new MIDI 2.0 standard.
MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol intended for communication and synchronization between electronic musical instruments, computers and other electronic devices, regardless of manufacturer.
The MIDI protocol does not transmit an audible signal, but messages that contain information about the pitch and volume of a note, as well as a timing signal that determines the speed - tempo - of a track.
Appeared 35 years ago by Dave Smith and Ikutaro Kakehashi, who were even awarded for it. The MIDI 1.0 standard is the biggest advance in music technology in decades, as it managed to give a common language to all music-producing machines. The new MIDI 2.0 standard brings two-way communication and a bunch of new features, while remaining compatible with the old MIDI 1.0. Companies such as Roland, η Native Instruments, η Korg και η Yamaha are members of the MIDI Manufacturers Association.
The change was not a flash in the pan as the problems from its development technology had already accumulated. For example, the 5-bit DIN cables used in the 80s could no longer handle high-resolution audio. The solution is provided by the new MIDI 2.0 standard which can handle any digital cable connection you would like to use. It allows much more accurate timing and much higher resolution, upscaling messages from seven bits up to 32 bits.
Such as notes Reverb.com, there's still room for improvement, such as multi-device networking, but this move represents a huge upgrade over the old standard and will be useful for those trying to make an album to win Grammy, be it in their bedroom, or a fully equipped studio.
