As technology continues to advance, so does the world of music production. From analog recording to digital recording, the process of making music has undergone many changes over the years. One of the biggest changes has been the introduction of computers into music production. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of computers in music production, from the early days of MIDI to the modern digital audio workstations (DAWs) used by today’s producers.
Early Days of MIDI:
The first computers used in music production were not capable of recording audio, but rather they were used for controlling electronic instruments through a system called MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface). The first MIDI protocol was developed in 1981 and allowed for the transfer of data between electronic instruments and computers. This allowed for greater control over the sounds produced by electronic instruments and paved the way for computer-based music production.
One of the first notable music productions to use MIDI was the album “The Pleasure Principle” by Gary Numan, released in 1979. The album featured heavy use of synthesizers and electronic drums, all of which were controlled by computers using the MIDI protocol.
Early Computer-Based Recording:
In the 1980s, computer technology began to advance rapidly, leading to the development of digital audio recording. The first digital audio workstations (DAWs) were introduced, allowing for the recording and editing of digital audio on computers. One of the first notable DAWs was the Synclavier, introduced in 1977. The Synclavier was a digital synthesizer that also had the ability to record and edit digital audio.
Another early DAW was the Fairlight CMI (Computer Musical Instrument), introduced in 1979. The Fairlight CMI was a groundbreaking instrument that allowed for the recording and editing of digital audio on a computer. The instrument was used on many notable productions of the time, including the song “Beat It” by Michael Jackson and the album “Invisible Touch” by Genesis.
Here are the computers used in the very beginning of music production:
- The Synclavier – Introduced in 1977, the Synclavier was a digital synthesizer that had the ability to record and edit digital audio.
2. The Fairlight CMI – Introduced in 1979, the Fairlight CMI was a groundbreaking instrument that allowed for the recording and editing of digital audio on a computer.
3. Roland Jupiter-8 Synthesizer – Used in the recording of the album “Rio” by Duran Duran in 1982.
4. Roland TR-808 Drum Machine – Also used in the recording of the album “Rio” by Duran Duran in 1982.
5. Atari (Not the video game) – The Atari ST computer was one of the early computers with built-in MIDI capabilities that were widely used for music production in the 1980s. The Atari ST was introduced in 1985 and quickly became popular among musicians and producers due to its low cost, ease of use, and MIDI compatibility. Its built-in MIDI ports allowed for direct connection to MIDI-equipped instruments and devices, making it a popular choice for sequencing and controlling synthesizers, drum machines, and other electronic instruments. Why did the musician choose an Atari computer for their music production? Because it had built-in MIDI capabilities and didn’t play games (LOL)… except for MIDI-controlled ones!
The Rise of Home Recording:
As computer technology continued to advance, the cost of recording equipment began to decrease. This led to the rise of home recording studios, where musicians could record and produce their own music using a computer and a few pieces of equipment. One of the first notable home recording productions was the album “Rio” by Duran Duran, released in 1982.
The album was recorded using a Roland Jupiter-8 synthesizer and a Roland TR-808 drum machine, both of which were controlled by a computer using the MIDI protocol.
The Digital Revolution:
In the 1990s, the digital revolution took hold of the music industry. Computers became more powerful, and software developers began to create digital audio software that allowed for the recording, editing, and mixing of digital audio on a computer. This led to the widespread adoption of DAWs, which are now the primary tools used by music producers and engineers.
One of the most popular DAWs of the 1990s was Pro Tools, introduced in 1991. Pro Tools was a groundbreaking software program that allowed for the recording, editing, and mixing of digital audio on a computer. The software was used on many notable productions of the time, including the album “OK Computer” by Radiohead.
Today’s Modern DAWs:
Today, there are many different DAWs available for music production, each with their own unique features and capabilities. Some of the most popular DAWs include Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, Luna, and FL Studio. These programs allow producers and engineers to record, edit, and mix digital audio on a computer, using a wide variety of software instruments and effects.
The evolution of computers in music production has transformed the way we create and produce music. From the early days of analog recording to the modern era of digital production, computers have been at the forefront of innovation in music. As technology continues to advance, it’s likely that we’ll see even more groundbreaking developments in music production. One thing is for sure, though: computers will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of music production.