Last Wednesday (1), information appeared confirming the situation. death of instrument designer Dave Smithknown to be MIDI pioneer and Founder of the Sequential Synth brand, selling various types of synthesizers. In fact, many musicians such as The Cure, Hot Chip, Duran Duran among other bands paid tribute to Smith after learning of his death.
Smith became known in the ’80s after developing synthesizers for several bands of the time and even some newer bands, such as Radiohead, which used one of the instruments from the “Kid A” album. So far, the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Midi’s father
“We are saddened to share the news of Dave Smith’s passing. We are heartbroken, but it does not take us much comfort to know that on the road he is doing what he loves most among family, friends and artists.”
Dave Smith founded Sequential in 1977, he was 24 years old and changed the world after the release of the Prophet-5, the planet’s first programmable polyphonic synthesizer – the device can also be considered the first musical instrument to be used with a microprocessor.
In 1980, working with great personalities like Roland founder Ikutaro Kakehashi and sound engineer Tom Oberheim, Dave Smith created the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI). Back then, technology was revolutionary because it was a new language and allowed instruments from different brands to communicate with each other.
“So sad to hear of Dave Smith’s passing, he started Sequential Circuits from the early ’80s that made some of the most iconic synthesizers to date… Invented MIDI!!! Prophet-5 is one of the greatest synths ever made, He will never be forgotten A great guy and a great friend,” Cure keyboardist Roger O’Donnell said on Twitter.
So sad to hear of Dave Smith’s death, he founded Sequential Circuits, which made some of the most iconic synths from the early 80’s to date… MIDI invented!!! Prophet 5 is one of the greatest syntheses ever made, it will never be forgotten. A wonderful person and a valuable friend.
– Roger O’Donnell (@RogerODonnellX) June 2, 2022
Source: Tec Mundo
