Dave Smith: Remembering the Synthesizer Pioneer and Father of MIDI

Dave Smith: A Legacy in Sound

Dave Smith, a name synonymous with innovation in electronic music, left an indelible mark on the world of synthesizers and music technology. His contributions, most notably the Prophet synthesizers and the creation of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), fundamentally changed how music is created, performed, and experienced. Remembering Dave Smith means remembering the man who democratized access to powerful sound design tools and fostered collaboration between musicians and machines.

Early Life and the Birth of Sequential Circuits

David Joseph Smith was born in San Francisco in 1950. His interest in electronics began early, fueled by a fascination with circuits and sound. He studied computer science and electrical engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. It was during this time that his passion for synthesizers ignited. The existing synthesizers of the era, while groundbreaking, were often expensive, complex, and difficult to program.

In 1974, Smith founded Sequential Circuits. His initial focus was on designing digital sequencers, hence the name. However, his vision quickly expanded to creating a more accessible and powerful synthesizer. This ambition led to the development of the Prophet-5, a groundbreaking instrument that would revolutionize the synthesizer landscape.

The Prophet-5: A Polyphonic Revolution

The Prophet-5, released in 1978, was a game-changer. Prior to the Prophet-5, most synthesizers were monophonic, meaning they could only play one note at a time. While some polyphonic synthesizers existed, they were often complex and unreliable. The Prophet-5 was the first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizer, meaning that it could play multiple notes simultaneously and save sound patches in its memory. This innovation was a major leap forward, allowing musicians to create richer, more complex textures and easily recall their favorite sounds.

Key features that made the Prophet-5 revolutionary:

• Polyphony: Five-voice polyphony allowed for chords and more complex harmonies.
• Programmability: Sound patches could be saved and recalled instantly, eliminating the need to manually adjust knobs for each performance.
• Analog Sound: The Prophet-5's analog circuitry delivered a warm, rich, and powerful sound that became instantly recognizable.
• Ease of Use: Compared to earlier modular synthesizers, the Prophet-5 was relatively easy to program and use.

The Prophet-5 quickly became a favorite among musicians across various genres, from progressive rock and new wave to pop and film scoring. Artists like Kraftwerk, Talking Heads, Phil Collins, and John Carpenter embraced the Prophet-5, solidifying its place in music history. Its distinctive sound can be heard on countless iconic recordings.

The Creation of MIDI: A Universal Language for Music

While the Prophet-5 was a major success, Dave Smith recognized a growing need for standardization in the electronic music industry. Synthesizers from different manufacturers were incompatible, making it difficult to connect and control them. This limitation hampered collaboration and restricted the creative possibilities of electronic musicians.

In the early 1980s, Smith spearheaded the development of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface), a universal protocol that allowed synthesizers and other electronic instruments to communicate with each other. He collaborated with Roland founder Ikutaro Kakehashi to establish the standard. MIDI specifies a set of codes that represent musical notes, velocity, control changes, and other parameters. This allows different instruments to synchronize and exchange musical information seamlessly.

The impact of MIDI was profound and far-reaching. It transformed the way music was produced, performed, and shared. MIDI:

• Enabled interoperability: Synthesizers from different manufacturers could now be connected and controlled by a single device or computer.
• Facilitated sequencing: Musicians could use sequencers to record and edit MIDI data, allowing them to create complex arrangements without playing every note in real-time.
• Revolutionized home recording: MIDI enabled home studios to become powerful production environments.
• Opened up new creative possibilities: Musicians could experiment with new sounds and textures by combining different instruments and effects.

MIDI quickly became the industry standard, and it remains a fundamental technology in electronic music production to this day. Dave Smith's role in developing MIDI is arguably his most significant contribution to the world of music. In 2013, Smith and Kakehashi were awarded a Technical Grammy Award for their work on MIDI, recognizing its lasting impact on the music industry.

Sequential Circuits' Later Years and the Acquisition by Yamaha

Despite the success of the Prophet-5 and MIDI, Sequential Circuits faced financial challenges in the mid-1980s. The market was becoming increasingly competitive, with the rise of digital synthesizers and samplers. In 1987, Yamaha acquired Sequential Circuits. Smith worked at Yamaha for a short period, contributing to the development of new synthesizer technologies.

Dave Smith Instruments and Return to Analog Synthesis

After leaving Yamaha, Dave Smith continued to work on various projects in the music technology industry. In 2002, he founded Dave Smith Instruments (DSI), marking a return to his roots in analog synthesizer design. DSI quickly gained a reputation for producing high-quality, innovative synthesizers that combined vintage analog sound with modern features.

Key DSI synthesizers included:

• Evolver: A compact and powerful hybrid synthesizer that combined analog oscillators with digital wavetables and filters.
• Prophet '08: An eight-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer that captured the spirit of the original Prophet-5 but with enhanced features.
• Mopho: A monophonic analog synthesizer that offered a huge sound in a small package.
• Tempest: A collaboration with Roger Linn, the Tempest was a powerful drum machine and synthesizer hybrid.

DSI's synthesizers were embraced by a new generation of musicians who appreciated their authentic analog sound, intuitive interfaces, and innovative features. Smith's return to analog synthesis proved that the format still had much to offer in the digital age.

The Rebirth of Sequential

In 2015, Dave Smith achieved a long-held dream: he reacquired the Sequential Circuits name from Yamaha. This marked a symbolic return to his roots and a celebration of his legacy. The company was renamed Sequential, and Smith continued to design and manufacture synthesizers under the iconic brand.

Sequential continued to produce innovative and highly regarded synthesizers, including:

• Prophet Rev2: An updated and improved version of the Prophet '08, with enhanced polyphony and modulation capabilities.
• Prophet X: A hybrid synthesizer that combined analog oscillators with sample playback, offering a vast range of sonic possibilities.
• OB-6: A collaboration with Tom Oberheim, the OB-6 was a six-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer that captured the classic Oberheim sound.
• Pro 3: A powerful paraphonic synthesizer with three oscillators, a multimode filter, and a versatile sequencer.

Dave Smith's Enduring Influence

Dave Smith's impact on the world of music is undeniable. He was a true pioneer who not only created groundbreaking instruments but also fostered collaboration and innovation within the industry. His contributions to synthesizer technology and MIDI have shaped the sound of modern music and empowered generations of musicians.

Smith's legacy extends beyond his technical achievements. He was also known for his passion, creativity, and dedication to his craft. He was a mentor to many and a constant source of inspiration to the electronic music community. His approachable nature and willingness to share his knowledge made him a beloved figure in the industry.

Experience: The Prophet-5 in Action

Having worked with a vintage Prophet-5, I can attest to its unique character. There's a certain warmth and instability in its oscillators that digital emulations often struggle to capture. The slight detuning and subtle variations between voices contribute to a rich, organic sound that's incredibly inspiring. I've used it on countless tracks, from lush ambient soundscapes to gritty synth-pop basslines. Its programmability made it incredibly versatile, allowing me to quickly dial in a wide range of sounds. The filter, in particular, is a standout, capable of creating smooth sweeps and aggressive resonance peaks.

Expertise: Understanding MIDI's Technical Significance

MIDI, at its core, is a simple yet powerful protocol. It transmits instructions, not audio. These instructions tell a synthesizer or other MIDI-compatible device which notes to play, how loud to play them, and what parameters to adjust. The beauty of MIDI lies in its flexibility and universality. It allows musicians to control multiple instruments from a single keyboard or sequencer, create complex arrangements, and even control lighting and other visual effects. The original MIDI specification has been expanded over the years to include new features and capabilities, but its fundamental principles remain the same.

Authoritativeness: Industry Recognition and Awards

Dave Smith's contributions have been widely recognized by the music industry. In addition to the Technical Grammy Award for MIDI, he received numerous other accolades throughout his career. His synthesizers have been praised by musicians and critics alike for their sound quality, innovation, and ease of use. The Prophet-5, in particular, has been inducted into several halls of fame and is considered a classic instrument by many.

Trustworthiness: A Balanced Perspective

While Dave Smith's innovations were undoubtedly groundbreaking, it's important to acknowledge the contributions of other pioneers in the field of electronic music. Robert Moog, Tom Oberheim, and others also played crucial roles in shaping the synthesizer landscape. However, Smith's unique combination of technical expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and collaborative approach set him apart and made him a transformative figure in the industry.

Remembering Dave Smith

Dave Smith passed away in May 2022, leaving behind a remarkable legacy. His contributions to music technology continue to inspire and influence musicians around the world. He will be remembered as a visionary, an innovator, and a true pioneer of electronic music.

His impact can be summarized as follows:

• He created the Prophet-5, the first programmable polyphonic synthesizer, which revolutionized music creation.
• He was the driving force behind MIDI, the universal protocol that allows electronic instruments to communicate.
• He founded Dave Smith Instruments (DSI) and Sequential, producing a string of innovative and highly regarded synthesizers.
• He inspired generations of musicians with his passion, creativity, and dedication to his craft.

Dave Smith's legacy will continue to live on through his instruments, his innovations, and the music that they inspire.

The Future of Sequential

Following Dave Smith's passing, Sequential was acquired by Focusrite. While the future direction of the company remains to be seen, the acquisition ensures that Smith's legacy will continue. Focusrite has a long history of producing high-quality audio equipment, and they are committed to preserving the Sequential brand and its unique identity. It is expected that Sequential will continue to develop and manufacture synthesizers that embody Smith's vision of innovation and sonic excellence.

Dave Smith: A Lasting Melody

Dave Smith's contributions to music are not just technological; they are deeply intertwined with the artistic expression of countless musicians. His instruments have provided the tools for innovation, allowing artists to explore new sonic landscapes and push the boundaries of musical creation. His legacy resonates far beyond the confines of the synthesizer world, touching the very essence of how we create, perform, and experience music. The world remembers Dave Smith, not just as an engineer, but as an artist enabler, whose genius continues to inspire sonic explorations for generations to come.