MIDI Association Open Meeting At NAMM 2025
Open Meeting Youtube Video
Presentation Slides From The Meeting
Windows MIDI Services Customer Preview 1
Today, we’re releasing the latest version of Windows MIDI Services to the Windows Insider Canary Channel, fully enabled for anyone to evaluate. We recommend this for technical users (as with any Canary release) and not for production use because we will have bugs.
You can learn more about the Insider release here.
The Windows Insider blog post details what’s in this release and in the associated Windows MIDI Services App SDK. Here are some more details.
The Windows Insider Canary Channel is provided for testing and evaluation on non-production PCs. Please see the Windows Insider blog post for additional information about the Canary Channel.
What’s in the box?
This Windows Insider release includes our new MIDI 2.0 and MIDI 1.0 class driver (kindly funded by AMEI and developed by AmeNote in partnership with Microsoft), the WinMM (MME) redirection driver and code, and the new Windows Service and its transport and transform plugins. It includes everything you need to be able to try existing MIDI 1.0 apps and devices, and to verify that they work as expected. It’s representative of how we’ll ship in mainstream Windows later this year.
MIDI 1.0 benefits with this release:
Every MIDI device is now multi-client, even for existing applications and devices. You do not need vendor drivers to enable more than one application to use a MIDI device.
MIDI Port names are now better. We’ve surveyed many MIDI devices in market and come up with algorithms which provide better port and endpoint names for these devices. But there will always be exceptions. If you see those, please report them to us on GitHub (developers) or on our Discord Server (everyone else)
Devices using the new USB MIDI 2.0 Class driver have faster data transfer. The USB MIDI 2.0 class driver uses faster data transfer mechanisms even for MIDI 1.0 devices. (If your MIDI 1.0 device is not picked up by the new driver, and is class-compliant, you can manually assign usbmidi2.sys to the device. We’ll post instructions for this in the future)
The new features are backwards compatible with your existing apps and devices USB MIDI 2.0 devices and USB MIDI 1.0 devices are both usable from the WinMM (MME) APIs in a MIDI 1.0 capacity.
Everything here works on Intel/AMD x64 as well as Arm64 devices
Here’s the WinMM backwards-compatibility in practice. Most apps you have today using WinMM MIDI 1.0 will work with the new service. If you find apps which do not, please do let us know (see how to report bugs/info below)
You can learn more about the Insider release here.
The Windows Insider blog post details what’s in this release and in the associated Windows MIDI Services App SDK. Here are some more details.
The Windows Insider Canary Channel is provided for testing and evaluation on non-production PCs. Please see the Windows Insider blog post for additional information about the Canary Channel.
What’s in the box?
This Windows Insider release includes our new MIDI 2.0 and MIDI 1.0 class driver (kindly funded by AMEI and developed by AmeNote in partnership with Microsoft), the WinMM (MME) redirection driver and code, and the new Windows Service and its transport and transform plugins. It includes everything you need to be able to try existing MIDI 1.0 apps and devices, and to verify that they work as expected. It’s representative of how we’ll ship in mainstream Windows later this year.
MIDI 1.0 benefits with this release:
Every MIDI device is now multi-client, even for existing applications and devices. You do not need vendor drivers to enable more than one application to use a MIDI device.
MIDI Port names are now better. We’ve surveyed many MIDI devices in market and come up with algorithms which provide better port and endpoint names for these devices. But there will always be exceptions. If you see those, please report them to us on GitHub (developers) or on our Discord Server (everyone else)
Devices using the new USB MIDI 2.0 Class driver have faster data transfer. The USB MIDI 2.0 class driver uses faster data transfer mechanisms even for MIDI 1.0 devices. (If your MIDI 1.0 device is not picked up by the new driver, and is class-compliant, you can manually assign usbmidi2.sys to the device. We’ll post instructions for this in the future)
The new features are backwards compatible with your existing apps and devices USB MIDI 2.0 devices and USB MIDI 1.0 devices are both usable from the WinMM (MME) APIs in a MIDI 1.0 capacity.
Everything here works on Intel/AMD x64 as well as Arm64 devices
Here’s the WinMM backwards-compatibility in practice. Most apps you have today using WinMM MIDI 1.0 will work with the new service. If you find apps which do not, please do let us know (see how to report bugs/info below)
Pete Brown
Microsoft and MIDI Association Executive Board Chair
The MIDI Association NAMM 2025
NAMM Show Summary from Alana from MIDI Card
MIDI 2.0 Announcements at NAMM 2025
Yamaha Montage M and special versions of Cubase 14 and Windows running MIDI 2.0
New Rhodes Piano is MIDI 2.0 ready
SAE Mexico and MIDI In Music Education
Arcana and Bettermaker Accessibility Demo
MIDI Innovation Award Booth
StudioLogic Announces MIDI 2.0 Support
“The SL mk2 takes a leap into the future with MIDI 2.0. Unlock the full potential of your music with greater resolution, richer dynamics, and unprecedented precision. It’s not just MIDI; it’s music at its most expressive.”StudioLogic
MIDI Association Member Booths At NAMM 2025.
Analog Devices
Avid
Amenote and Azotech
Audio Modeling
The NAMM Show 2025 has come to an end, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with how it turned out! We had the privilege of showcasing—and, even better, letting people experience—the magic of our instruments.
But the absolute highlight? The return of the legendary, one and only Stevie Wonder! Watching and hearing him play our SWAM instruments was truly extraordinary—a moment we’ll cherish forever.
But the absolute highlight? The return of the legendary, one and only Stevie Wonder! Watching and hearing him play our SWAM instruments was truly extraordinary—a moment we’ll cherish forever.
Audio Modeling
Bitwig
Bitwig Connect 4/12
More Than An Audio Interface
Bitwig Connect 4/12 is a class-compliant, 4‑in/12‑out CV- and MIDI‑enabled audio interface with monitor- and DAW-control functionalities and a unique Bitwig Mode.
Your Ultimate Studio Sidekick
Connect is a three-in-one audio/MIDI interface, monitor and DAW controller. Six mode buttons allow its 360°, touch-sensitive dial to adjust interface parameters or control software. It can set input gain, regulate the volume levels for two sets of monitors and your headphones, or even move the playhead and control any Bitwig Studio parameter with exceptional resolution.
The front panel gives you immediate visual feedback, with accurate input and output meters and a ring of 32 RGB LEDs around the dial to visualize parameter values and automation data. Plus, gain settings are accessible and saved within Bitwig Studio, so you can pick up right where you left off next time you open it.
More Than An Audio Interface
Bitwig Connect 4/12 is a class-compliant, 4‑in/12‑out CV- and MIDI‑enabled audio interface with monitor- and DAW-control functionalities and a unique Bitwig Mode.
Your Ultimate Studio Sidekick
Connect is a three-in-one audio/MIDI interface, monitor and DAW controller. Six mode buttons allow its 360°, touch-sensitive dial to adjust interface parameters or control software. It can set input gain, regulate the volume levels for two sets of monitors and your headphones, or even move the playhead and control any Bitwig Studio parameter with exceptional resolution.
The front panel gives you immediate visual feedback, with accurate input and output meters and a ring of 32 RGB LEDs around the dial to visualize parameter values and automation data. Plus, gain settings are accessible and saved within Bitwig Studio, so you can pick up right where you left off next time you open it.
Bitwig
Bome
Casio
Digitaize
Embodme- Erae Expressive Controller and Looper
Erae 2 is a polyphonic MIDI controller and looper crafted for immersive live performances. Elevate your musical compositions and take full command of your hardware synthesizers, modular setups, and software instruments with unmatched precision. Engineered for exceptional sensitivity and limitless customization, Erae 2 sets a new standard in electronic music. Step into a new Erae in electronic music
embodme
Groove Synthesis
The 3rd Wave Advanced Wavetable Synth was created out of our love for the classic wavetable synths of the past — and a desire to update and improve on that concept. It’s a powerhouse of real depth and beauty, yet it’s simple to use.
Groove Synthesis
Hotone
Icon Pro
Kawai
Korg
Kurzweil
Native Instruments
Nektar
Novation
Nonlinear Labs
The C15 is an instrument for the performing musician, designed for playability and detailed sound editing. The embedded digital synthesis engine is based on phase modulation, a comb filter, and a feedback structure giving the C15 a unique character and creating crisp, organic, and complex sounds.
As a dedicated real-time instrument, the C15 provides high-resolution dynamic response and extensive sound design possibilities. The C15 is self-contained with dedicated haptical controls, but it can also be extended with a graphical user interface on any WiFi-enabled device running a browser.
As a dedicated real-time instrument, the C15 provides high-resolution dynamic response and extensive sound design possibilities. The C15 is self-contained with dedicated haptical controls, but it can also be extended with a graphical user interface on any WiFi-enabled device running a browser.
Medeli
Melbourne Instruments
Introducing a truly unique motorized MIDI controller, unlike anything seen before. Rethink software and hardware interactions via fully assignable motorized touch-sensitive knobs, user definable haptics for detailed control, high-res screens providing easy-to-read labels for every control, and internal memory with storage for over 8,000 possible assignments.
Powerful, compact, and portable, Roto-Control features three main modes of operation: MIX, PLUGIN and MIDI with Motion Recorder.
Powerful, compact, and portable, Roto-Control features three main modes of operation: MIX, PLUGIN and MIDI with Motion Recorder.
Melnbourne Instruments
MIDIPlus
Oaktone
Rhodes
Rock, Paper, Scissors
Robkoo
Roland
Roli
The smart piano that teaches you to play
Forget frustrating lessons and endless repetition — say hello to the light-up piano that learns with you. Paired with the ROLI Learn app, ROLI Piano’s 49 full-size, glowing keys light your way to success through lessons with real teachers, engaging musical games, and an ever-growing library of contemporary and classic hits.
Forget frustrating lessons and endless repetition — say hello to the light-up piano that learns with you. Paired with the ROLI Learn app, ROLI Piano’s 49 full-size, glowing keys light your way to success through lessons with real teachers, engaging musical games, and an ever-growing library of contemporary and classic hits.
Roli
Snapdragon
Synido
Taqs.im
SOLO: The Ultimate World Synth
Discover new creative possibilities with TAQS.IM SOLO, a powerful cross-platform virtual instrument plugin (compatible with PC, MAC, VST3, AU, and AAX) crafted to elevate your music. SOLO combines hybrid synthesis, microtonal scales, and authentic world music sounds, offering composers, producers, and musicians a unique palette to enrich their compositions with captivating global elements. Embark on a sonic journey and bring a world of inspiration to your music with SOLO.
Discover new creative possibilities with TAQS.IM SOLO, a powerful cross-platform virtual instrument plugin (compatible with PC, MAC, VST3, AU, and AAX) crafted to elevate your music. SOLO combines hybrid synthesis, microtonal scales, and authentic world music sounds, offering composers, producers, and musicians a unique palette to enrich their compositions with captivating global elements. Embark on a sonic journey and bring a world of inspiration to your music with SOLO.
Taqs.im
Yamaha
NAMM 2025 Wrap Up
Network MIDI 2.0 (UDP) Overview
Benefits of Network MIDI 2.0
Example of a networked MIDI studio:
Who can take Advantage of Network MIDI 2.0?
Who’s In? Network MIDI 2.0 at NAMM 2025
Specification Details for Developers
Which Devices and Applications can use Network MIDI 2.0?
Version 1.0: Simplicity
Three Sections
Section 1: Discovery
Section 2: Session
Section 3: Data Transmission
Possible Future Plans
Interested in adding Network MIDI 2.0 to your products
Pete Brown from Microsoft explains Network MIDI 2.0 to Sonic State
The MIDI Association At NAMM 2025
MIDI Association NAMM Booth Events Thursday, January 23
MIDI Association Lifetime Achievement Awards 2025
MIDI 2.0 Network (UDP) Transport Specification
TamiX interviews Innovative Chinese MIDI Companies
The Music Accessibility Special Interest Group
Riverside City College MIDI Jam
MIDI Association NAMM Booth Events Friday, January 24
Latest MIDI 2.0 Developments in Apple, Google, Linux and Microsoft Operating Systems
DAW Control Profile-Replacing Mackie control
Build Your Own Audio and MIDI Plug-ins Using JUCE
Plugin Formats Open Source Support for MIDI 2.0
MIDI 2.0 Piano Profile Progress Report
MIDI 2.0 Drum Profiles
MIDI In Music Education and SAE Mexico
MIDI Association NAMM Booth Events Saturday, January 25
MIDI Association Open Meeting
MIDI Innovation Awards 2024
Innovators Meetup with Rock Paper Scissors
Riverside City College MIDI Jam II
Stevie Wonder visits the MIDI Association at CES 2024
We had a special guest at our CES 2024 booth
MIDI Association NAMM 2024 Booth Schedule
Four Days Showcasing MIDI
The MIDI Association booth (Booth 10302 at the front of Hall A) at Winter NAMM 2024 is very different than our booths in years past.
It is larger with a 30′ by 30′ footprint. A 10′ by 30′ area will be divided into thirds with displays of MIDI 2.0 products, a MIDI Showcase stage for presentations/performances and an area focused on our MIDI In Music Education, Music Accessibility Standard and Interactive Audio Special Interest Groups. But 75% of the booth is dedicated to 50 seats each with a set of wireless headphones so people can come and comfortably watch and listen to presentations and performances.
We also have Booth 10604 which is a 10′ by 10′ booth shared between Intuitive Instruments who won the Commercial Hardware category in The MIDI Innovation Awards in 2023 and the other MIDI Innovation Award winners
- Audio Modeling- Camelot Pro
- Hitar- augmented guitar for percussive fingerstyle
- Netz-an immersive mixed reality musical instrument
- Sound Sculpture-an interactive musical instrument comprised of 25 location-aware cubes
Studio 108 is a small meeting space for private meetings during the show.
We are being helped again this year by Jennifer Amaya, Associate Professor of Music at the Riverside City College Coil School for the Arts and member of The MIDI In Music Education Special Interest Group.
We will have 70 students helping with all aspects of the booth including running the Yamaha TF3 digital mixer.
We have put together over 20 different presentations and performances highlighting the innovative power of creating music and art with MIDI.
Below is a listing of all the presentations we have planned. The list starts with a Youtube video summary of the each day’s events and then includes the details of each individual event.
Each day ends with a solo performance by one of the artists who performed in our MIDI@40 celebration at the April 2023 NAMM show on the Yamaha Grand Plaza stage.
Thursday, January 25
Friday, January 26
Saturday, January 27
Sunday, January 28
Full Four Day Schedule (3 minutes and 38 seconds)
MIDI Association Companies at NAMM
37 MIDI Association companies will have booths at the 2024 Winter NAMM show.
Many are in the MIDI showcase area, but there are plenty who are spread around the show in different areas including some of the larger companies like Avid, Steinway and Yamaha.
Here is an alphabetical list of The MIDI Association companies at the 2024 Winter NAMM show with their booth numbers.
The MIDI Association Plans for NAMM 2024
The MIDI Association is well under way with our plans for NAMM 2024.
We have a 30 ft x 30 ft booth where one third of the space is dedicated to MIDI Association product displays and a small stage for MIDI Association presentations and two thirds of the space is for seating.
We got good response to our survey and here are the results.
Are you attending the 2024 NAMM show?
Not surprisingly given the wide global reach of The MIDI Association website, only about 25% of the survey responders will be at NAMM in person.
But you can join us via the NAMM+ app and it’s free.
Just fill out the form below and in January, we will send you an NAMM+ invite.
At first glance it looks like the number of musicians is far greater than the number of developers who responded to the survey, but if you add all the different developer segments together it’s 102 musicians vs 57 developers.
Again to us that is not surprising given that right now, it is developers who need information on how to build new MIDI 2.0 products as we have just seen the first wave of MIDI 2.0 products available for musicians and artists to use.
For those of us who have attended lots of NAMM shows over the year, there are no surprises here.
Sunday always has bit lighter traffic then the other days.
How knowledgeable are you on the following topics
Okay, we admit it, we dig data.
So we will just share the results with you, but it definitely helped us to think about what topics we wanted to cover.
Enjoy a deep data dive!
You can scroll through the gallery to see the answers.
How interesting do you think presentations are on the following topics would be?
The MIDI@40 Exhibit at NAMM
The Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad is featuring a special exhibit dedicated to MIDI
The MIDI Association, Dr. Jonathan Piper and Moldover worked together to create a special exhibition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of MIDI. There were many people who contribute to this amazing project.
MIDI, or Musical Instrument Digital Interface, lets machines talk about music. In the same way that printed sheet music is a set of instructions telling a musician what to play—this note for this long and this loud, then that note, and so on—MIDI is a set of instructions letting machines understand what we want them to do and how to do it.
At its most basic, MIDI lets a controller—a device that a musician interacts with—send instructions to a synthesizer—a device that makes sound using electricity. Controllers can look like piano keyboards, but they can also be digital drum sets, electronic wind instruments, guitars, computer or smartphone apps, or nearly anything else that can send an electronic signal.
What’s more, synthesizers aren’t the only things that can get MIDI instructions. Computers can get and store instructions for editing or playback; recording devices can get instructions that keep them synchronized; lighting equipment, cameras, fountains, pyrotechnics, and more can get instructions telling them what to do and when.
And while its first instructions were sent over a specialized cable, MIDI now also travels via USB, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the internet to allow musicians and devices to communicate almost anywhere across the globe.
More than anything else, MIDI has enabled people to create new music, art, and experiences using new and traditional instruments and devices.
The exhibit focused on the themes of artistry, inclusivity and connectivity
The MIDI Timeline
One of the most popular parts of the MIDI@40 exhibit is a specially designed JamBox by Moldover. This is an installation with a number of MIDI controllers that are connected to a computer running Ableton and are programmed so that no matter what controller you hit and how you
Video tour of the MIDI@40 Exhibit
MIDI@40 Concert World Premiere
May 6 at 10 am Pacific on Youtube
The world broadcast premiere is scheduled for Saturday. May 6 at 10 am Pacific. Click on the Youtube link below to watch the trailer and signup for a notification.
The MIDI@40 Concert on the Yamaha Grand Plaza stage on Saturday, April 15 2023 celebrated the incredible possibilities created by MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) in the 40 years since its public introduction.
The musicians, composers and performance artists selected as MIDI brand ambassadors represent the beautiful diversity of cultures and people from all over the world and music from different genres and generations brought together by music and MIDI.
The MIDI Showcase at April NAMM 2023
There was a lot going on for the MIDI Association at April NAMM 2023 so this is a part of the series of articles covering NAMM April 2023 MIDI Association events.
27 MIDI Association companies participated in the MIDI Showcase at the April NAMM show and it was certainly the center of technology innovation at the show.
Here are some photos and short summaries of MIDI Association booths at the show.
Amenote
AmeNote was founded by MIDI 2 Working Group Chair Mike Kent and OS API Working Group Chair, Michael Loh.
They were showing off the Protozoa USB MIDI 2.0 prototyping hardware which along with the MIDI Workbench software tool created by Andrew Mee, chair of the MIDI 2.0 prototyping working group has been the set of tools all MIDI Association and AMEI members have been using to prototype and test MIDI 2.0 implementations.
Apple OS and Google Android already have MIDI 2.0 integrated into their operating systems and AmeNote was featuring an beta version of the Open Source Windows MIDI 2.0 driver they are developing.
AmeNote will make ProtoZOA available to all non-member developers after the MIDI Association publishes the newest updates to eight MIDI 2.0 core specifications that were approved in late March. AMEI is reviewing the specification and when approved , the speciations will be made available to the all developers and the public. That specification release is expected in early June 2023 and then the MIDI Association plans to make much of the code on the MIDI Association GitHub that has been developed by the members available under a permissive MIT license so anyone can use it to make their own MIDI 2.0 products. The plan is also to make the MIDI Workbench available as well.
At the same time AmeNote intends to make the Protozoa available for purchase to any developers (even non- MIDI Association members).
Non-Member Developer Price:
Standard ProtoZOA hardware with permissive license to source code for USB MIDI 2.0, MIDI-CI, MIDI 1.0/2.0 Translation, Universal MIDI Packet, UMP Endpoint, Function Blocks, and more: $290.
With Ethernet expansion: $320.
With Ethernet expansion and display: $350.
Analog Devices
Analog Device had working prototypes of their newest A2B development boards with more professional features and showed an A2B expansion board for Yamaha mixers.
Audio Modeling
SWAM, the award-winning virtual instrument software that delivers realistic and expressive virtual acoustic instruments, has been updated to version 3.7.0.
SWAM v3.7.0 Updates:
- Added search bar for preset lists, making it easier to find and select presets.
- Added latency compensation, ensuring accurate timing in performances.
- Rearranged MIDI preset list for improved workflow.
- Microtuning control by keyswitches, allowing for more expressive performances with customized tunings.
- Apple Silicon support for AAX plugins, providing native compatibility with Apple’s latest hardware in combination with the latest version of Pro Tools.
- VST3 on Windows now organized as a bundle, in compliance with the latest VST SDK guidelines.
- Note out-of-range warning to prevent unintended playing of out-of-range notes.
- Improved Bow Noise, Attack Noise for mid and low dynamics, and Note Off Release for Solo Strings, enhancing the authenticity and expressiveness of the instruments.
- Accessibility improvements for visually impaired and blind users, making SWAM products more inclusive.
Camelot, the powerful live performance and studio software for managing virtual instruments and effects, has been updated to version 2.2.4.
Camelot v2.2.4 Updates:
- Added Yamaha CK Smart Map, expanding the compatibility with Yamaha keyboards.
- Show blacklisted plugins feature for better plugin management.
- Show progress bar when importing songs and setlists
- Bug fixes
Anshun Music Machines
Anshun Music Machines
ASM was showing off their new 2.0 firmware for the full Hydrasynth line of products.
New features include: Expanded memory to 8 banks (49, Desktop, Explorer only); NEW modulation source, VOICE MODULATOR; OSC Bit reducer; LFO quantizer; ENV quantizer; LFO Step Advance; Global FX bypass; Increased Vibrato resolution; New Sustain pedal options including Sostenuto; more LED options; Glissando in glide options; Arp Range goes to 6 octaves; Arp Step Offset parameter; more Rand/Init shortcuts (all STEP LFO steps, Wavescan waves, Voice mod offsets), Local On/Off saved, and more.
Bome Software
At the Bome booth, founder Florian Bomers demonstrated how the Bome software and hardware products complement each other to form a MIDI network seamlessly connecting diverse devices. In addition to the BomeBox, the Bome Network software is now available on macOS, Windows, iOS, iPadOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi. All Bome products will also have more and more MIDI 2.0 functionality via updates.
“This year, the NAMM show was noticeably busier than last year”, reports Florian. “And in contrast to pre-Covid years, it seemed to me that there was even more professional interest in MIDI and MIDI 2.0 from attendees.”
As a special feature, Bome licensees Tribal Tools showed off their Kadabra instrument at the Bome booth: a futuristic wireless MIDI workstation.
Caedence
HipHop@50 Events at April NAMM 2023
At the 2022 June NAMM show, MIDI Association Executive Board member Lawrence Levine and President Athan Billias were invited to sit at the Broadjam table by MIDI Association supporter Roy Elkins. Roy’s Broadjam team is experts in running different kinds of voting for events. They handle the voting for the TEC Awards, The Academy of Country Music Awards and the MIDI Innovation Awards. Lawrence and Athan happened to be seated next to Brian Hardgroove, producer, drummer and bass player and member of the band Public Enemy.
After the TEC Awards, Brian, Lawrence and Athan ended up in a discussion that went late into the night about music, technology and culture. They immediately developed a bond and continued to meet regularly to share ideas on how music can be a positive force for change.
Soon their discussions turned to how 2023 would celebrate two unique anniversaries- MIDI@40 and HipHop@50.
That’s when their plans really kicked into overdrive.
HipHop@50 Sponsors
JOANNE CALITRI from the Montecito Journal recently did a great article about the HipHop@50 NAMM events and we wanted to quote some her article here.
Check out the full article at HipHop@50 at NAMM.
Hardgroove, a musician, record producer, and member of Public Enemy, is a highly respected NAMM presenter who brings A-List industry experts to his TEC Tracks. This year he also brought in Chuck D, the co-founder of Public Enemy, social activist, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Having Chuck D there ignited many new people to attend NAMM for certain.
In a phone interview with me, Hardgroove clarified,
“I have had a great relationship with NAMM for many years, and I am on the Les Paul Foundation Advisory Council.
When I heard that NAMM wanted to give a ‘nod to Hip Hop’ which is celebrating its 50th year, I decided to have Chuck D at my Black to the Future TEC Track to talk on the first 50 years of Hip Hop.
I went about raising the funds for that with Athan Billias and Lawrence Levine, who are members of The Midi Association, to cover the expense of bringing Chuck D to the show and provide a suitable honorarium.
We raised money under the banner of HIP HOP@50 from Roland, Shure, Pioneer DJ, Analog Devices, BASSBOSS, The Midi Association, and Spectrasonic Virtual Instruments.
While this is going on, my PR agent Caroline suggested to Pete Johnston, producer of the NAMM TEC Experience, to connect with me, which he did. Johnston said, since you’re bringing Chuck D here, we’d like to give him an award; however, there are no current NAMM awards that speak to his contributions.
I asked Pete to give me some time to come up with a proper award and its mission statement, which I did. The award is called the ‘Impact Music and Culture Award,’ to acknowledge the impact he has had on culture. I sent it to Johnston. NAMM made no changes to the awards name or mission statement, and then they sent an official notice to Chuck D to accept the award and he agreed. I presented it to him at the awards show Thursday.”
by JOANNE CALITRI, for the Montecito Journal
Thursday night TEC Experience
The TEC Experience at April NAMM was very different than previous TEC Award events. It was open to anyone with a NAMM badge and the NAMM Ballroom was packed with over 1800 people.
Host Larry Batiste reminded everyone of how HipHop was embraced by other genres of music-RUN-DMC’s use of Aerosmith’s “Walk this Way” is an obvious example as is Method Man and R&B artist Mary J. Blige, but there is also Chuck D’s 2015 collaborations with Archie Shepp (bet you didn’t see that coming!)
GrandMixer DXT was presented the “Hip Hop Innovator Award” for his innovation on the turntable by DJ Jazzy Jeff.
DXT’s work with jazz legend Herbie Hancock on “Rock It” is another example of how HipHop shaped both global culture and other musical genres.
Mike Relm created a fantastic mashup tribute to Hip Hop and HipHop gear including the Roland Rhythm Composer TR-808, Technics SL 2000 turntables, Gemini PreAmps, E-Mu Systems, Inc. SP-1200, MPC 3000 Pads, Ensoniq ASR10, Korg Triton pro music workstation, and Akai’s S950 sampler, the MPC60 and MPC60II.
This tribute fit perfectly with the MIDI@40 tribute to the founders of modern music production including Ikutaro Kakehashi from Roland, Tsutomu Katoh from Korg, Roger Linn from Linn Designs and Dave Rossum from EMU and Rossum Systems.
Chuck D and Hardgroove at the TEC Experience
DJs pay homage to the musicians, the artists, the name of the record, the songwriters, the musicianship. That is where we come from as DJ culture, to be able to explain to the world the beauty and gift of music.
The important factor is we had to know where these sounds came from. We knew that a DJ could be a band like Run DMC said, but you have to have the knowledge of the records. In this day I think it is disrespectful to make light of scholarship, because people just think they can be what they want to be by looking at a screen and think they’re a scholar too.
Scholars read everything, the good, bad and ugly – and then have a conversation about it. That is the same thing about technologists, DJs, and musicians – they can play anything but they process it to a point where you can dig it, pick it up and it’s palatable to your taste, and they spend time at it. They do the good, bad and ugly so they possibly can come up with something that can be a universal language. That’s the gift of music.
Where we’re going right now, Artificial Intelligence is not getting dumber. You look around and it looks like society is falling off into stupidity, and AI is coming on like a locomotive on nuclear steroids in outer space. I know, I’ve heard all the talk how music is this and musicians are that and we are being invaded. You’ve all seen the speed of data GPT, and it ain’t wack. Prince Rogers Nelson said, ‘Try your best to be on top of the technology or it will be on top of you.’
And one thing we know, you might not like, but everybody’s got the gadget in their pocket attached to their hip. How do we dance with it as musicians, artists, creators, technologists, DJs, bass players, guitarists, and people who say I don’t have to write this speech all I have to do is pour it in a GPT blender, how we deal with that? What’s the next two and three generations look like? That’s the challenge. It’s hard to challenge that when you’re drunk or high, AI is not on cocaine.
This is the turning point, we’re two years past the pandemic, what is 2024 looking like?
Let the music stay free. Peace.”
by Chuck D during his acceptance speech of the Impact Music and Culture Award
DJ Johnny Juice and Resonant Alien performing with Chuck D at the NAMM TEC Experience
Brian Hardgroove, DXT, Muz Skillings and Horace Alexander Young at NAMM
On Friday, over 500 people showed up for Chuck’s discussion on HipHop at a NAMM Tec Tracks session.
Here are some highlights.
Brian Hardgroove (BH): Why did Hip Hop last 50 years?
Chuck D (CD): We were more aware, and we knew Hip Hop was going to last over 50 years. It is a sight, sound, story style which has creativity, musicianship, dance culture and graffiti art culture. Most people don’t have a clear definition of Rap and Hip Hop; Rap is a vocal on top of music, it is a vocal platform.
BH: How does Hip Hop push the dial to move culture forward?
CD: We need more people like you! We need to stop the corporate spectacle that has become music. Be spectacular not a spectacle. Hip Hop has always been embracing, intelligent, genius, and had scientists who know the technology to engineer and produce it. In the U.S., music was the number one influencer of people and culture, now it is sports, which has used music in its platform to push its place forward. The airwaves used to be public, but corporations took that over. The last century we all had music in the crib, and musicians respected the music that came before us, we knew who wrote it, produced it, wrote the liner notes, and the engineers. Get out of your bubbles. Look at what other countries and cultures are doing with music, Hip Hop and Rap have been worldwide for a long time, and it started right here. Use your devices as tools, not as toys which is soc-med [social media]. Don’t let the tech make you stupid and lazy, manage your devices before they manage you. Things are moving fast in 2024 and 2026, and you need to stay awake, it’s the cheapest price you’ll have to pay.
BH: Tell us about being inducted into the Rock Hall of Fame.
CD: Rock Hall said for the TV show we have a younger person do the induction speech. I said we love what you do but we have our own plans how we are going to do this. We come from Black Music, we want to honor our heroes instead of somebody inducting us, we don’t think we’re the most important thing. We want Harry Belafonte to induct us or we’re not showing up. We’re honoring somebody who laid the groundwork for us to be here in the first place that America wants to forget quickly. We felt dignified and honored to honor our hero honoring us. You have to fight for what is right if you have the power to do so at that particular time. When it comes to the arts, there is a longer trail of what made it to be – instead of thinking it’s a bunch of bones we stand on. You’re recording music and making technology on the shoulders of unacknowledged giants. When I look at any screen, I think of Philo Farnsworth; he was one of the cats who realized people could look at a screen and you got TV, but he’s one of the names that got pushed to the back like thousands of unacknowledged heroes, which you can choose to honor. This is where the humanity of music, the arts, and culture unite us with similarities and knocks our differences to the side.
Resonant Alien performs on Saturday at the MIDI@40 concert
Resonant Alien performed on Saturday April 15th at MIDI@40 concert bringing the MIDI@40 and HipHop@50 celebrations together.
If you have the NAMM + app, you can still watch the MIDI@40 live stream and we will be rebroadcasting portions of the event soon.
In the meantime, here are images from the Resonant Alien graphic novel currently in development.
MIDI@40 and Hip-Hop@50 Anniversary Celebrations Await at The 2023 NAMM
The 2023 NAMM Show will celebrate two of history’s most impactful musical innovations: the 40th anniversary of MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) with MIDI@40 and the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, with Hip-Hop@50.
Each day of the show, which takes place April 13–15, in Anaheim, California, will offer the intertwined story of
hip-hop and MIDI, and the relationship between technology and music creation. Together, hip-hop and MIDI — as an underlying, enabling technology — have had a global impact in breaking down barriers and making music more accessible.
hip-hop and MIDI, and the relationship between technology and music creation. Together, hip-hop and MIDI — as an underlying, enabling technology — have had a global impact in breaking down barriers and making music more accessible.
In fact, MIDI drum machines, sequencers, synths, and turntables are at the heart of many of the iconic records that made hip-hop the cultural phenomenon that it is today.
As part of the MIDI@40 celebration, the MIDI Zone in the front of Hall A of the Anaheim Convention Center will celebrate a wide range of products and innovations using MIDI. In total, 30 companies will be displaying the latest in MIDI innovation, and The MIDI Association will be demonstrating MIDI 2.0, the most important upgrade to MIDI since its debut at The NAMM Show in 1983.
“MIDI@40 not only showcases all of the amazing MIDI products that have impacted music over
the past 40 years but also looks forward to the future with MIDI 2.0 products that will continue to
shape the way music is made for decades to come,Athan Billias, President of the MIDI Association
HipHop@50 Events At April NAMM
TEC Experience on Thursday night
Chuck D, the legendary leader and founder of rap group Public Enemy, social activist, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award winner, will be honored with NAMM’s Impact Music & Culture Award at The 2023 NAMM Show, being held April 13-15, in Anaheim, California.
The Impact Music & Culture Award was conceived by musician, producer and songwriter Brian Hardgroove as an opportunity to recognize individuals who move culture through the power of music. The award will be presented at NAMM for the very first time. Chuck D will be on hand to accept the award, presented at the TEC Experience on Thursday, April 13 from 6-7:30 p.m.
The recognition comes as part of The NAMM Show’s Hip-Hop 50 celebration, a curated slate of sessions and events throughout the conference that pay tribute to a genre of music that has greatly influenced culture, music, and music-making products.
“As an outgrowth of hip-hop culture, rap music has revolutionized popular music with an impact not seen since the emergence of rock and roll. One of hip-hop’s most influential artists is Public Enemy’s Chuck D,” shared Hardgroove, Public Enemy’s bassist and bandleader and founder of Resonant Alien. “I had the opportunity to watch Chuck up close and witness first-hand the impact he’s had on music fans worldwide. It will be an honor for me to present Chuck with the first Impact Music & Culture Award as part of this year’s TEC Experience at NAMM.”
As an outgrowth of hip-hop culture, rap music has revolutionized popular music with an impact not seen since the emergence of rock and roll. One of hip-hop’s most influential artists is Public Enemy’s Chuck.
I had the opportunity to watch Chuck up close and witness first-hand the impact he’s had on music fans worldwide.
It will be an honor for me to present Chuck with the first Impact Music & Culture Award as part of this year’s TEC Experience at NAMM.by Hardgroove, Public Enemy’s bassist and bandleader and founder of Resonant Alien.
Only You Can Set You Free:
Living Colour’s Muzz Skillings on the Making and Impact of ‘Vivid’ and ‘Time’s Up’
Muzz Skillings
Friday, April 14, 2023 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM · 1 hr. (America/Los_Angeles)
Streaming will start Friday, April 14, 2023 12:00 PM
204AB
In-Person & Livestream on NAMM +
Muzz Skillings is a multi Grammy Award-winning artist most widely known as the original bass player from Living Colour. He has also recorded and performed with Michael Jackson, Robert Plant, Elvis Costello among others. Born and raised in Southeast Queens, New York, he enjoyed the environment which enabled him to record and perform in the styles and genres of music such as Rock, Jazz, Jazz Fusion, Salsa, Merengue, Contemporary Gospel, and R&B.
He has also partnered with the United Nations, conceiving and developing their first Global Media Event to eradicate AIDS, and has written, narrated directed the NFL Films presentation of his not-for-profit organization, Audible For Autism, partnering with the NFL.
On Friday, Hip-Hop@50 will present “Chuck D on Hip-Hop@50.”
Hosted by Brian Hardgroove, the session will feature an in-depth conversation with legendary rapper and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame leader of Public Enemy, Chuck D. Come hear the history of this American cultural phenomenon through the lens of a legend that influenced the genre like no other.
MIDI@40 Educational Sessions
Wearable technology has had the promise and ability to usher music into a new era, letting us go beyond sound and enter into new multi-sensory experiences for both creators and audience members. But despite this potential, the question remains: Why are the music and entertainment industries not realizing and better showcasing these next-generation innovations?
Join A3E for a fascinating discussion on the intersection of creative imagination and technological innovation. A panel of experts will explore the ways in which wearable technology is transforming the entertainment industry, how it will expand artistic expression and create more inclusion for audience members, and how we can bridge the gap between artists and developers creating transformative collaboration opportunities.
On Friday, April 14, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m., A3E: Advanced Audio Applications Exchange will present “MIDI 2.0: What Developers Need to Know About Free Tools for Developing MIDI 2.0 Products and Apps.”
The panel discussion will feature members of the MIDI 2.0 working group, including Pete Brown, Florian Bomers, Mike Kent, and Andrew Mee as they discuss recent changes to the core MIDI 2.0 specifications and the MIDI 2.0 API on Apple, Google, Linux, and Microsoft operating systems.
They’ll also explain the tools that The MIDI Association is providing to all developers to help make MIDI 2.0 devices easier.
Immediately following the session, attendees can delve into “MIDI 2.0: What Musicians Need to Know About MIDI 2.0.” The panel session, featuring Craig Anderton, Brett Porter of Art and Logic, Michael Cain of Ekwe and artist Moldover, will introduce the new MIDI 2.0 products at The NAMM Show and provide an overview of what new MIDI specifications will mean to musicians, including MPE,
The MIDI@40 and Hip-Hop@50 celebrations will come together on Saturday, April 15 from 3–5 p.m. with an All Star concert
The MIDI@40 and Hip-Hop@50 celebrations will come together on Saturday, April 15 from 3–5 p.m. on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage with a performance by Resonant Alien, the new band featuring Brian Hardgroove and DJ Johnny Juice of Public Enemy and then an hour showcase of MIDI artists from around the world.
At Saturday’s anniversary celebration, lifetime achievement awards will be presented to (or posthumously honor) legendary music industry innovators who created the modern music production environment of synths, drum machines, and sequencers, including Bob Moog, Don Buchla, Ikutaro Kakehashi, Tsutomu Katoh, Roger Linn, Tom Oberheim, Alan Pearlman, Dave Rossum, and Dave Smith.
The musicians, composers and performance artists selected as MIDI brand ambassadors represent the beautiful diversity of cultures and people from all over the world and music from different genres and generations brought together by music and MIDI.
At Saturday’s anniversary celebration, lifetime achievement awards will be presented to (or posthumously honor) legendary music industry innovators who created the modern music production environment of synths, drum machines, and sequencers, including Bob Moog, Don Buchla, Ikutaro Kakehashi, Tsutomu Katoh, Roger Linn, Tom Oberheim, Alan Pearlman, Dave Rossum, and Dave Smith.
The musicians, composers and performance artists selected as MIDI brand ambassadors represent the beautiful diversity of cultures and people from all over the world and music from different genres and generations brought together by music and MIDI.
The afternoon event will be hosted by world champion juggler and MIDI power user Mark Nizer and will feature musicians, composers, and performance artists who represent the beautiful diversity of cultures and people from all over the world, along with music from different genres and generations brought together by music and MIDI.
The show will start with a movie scored by the first president of the MIDI Association and film and game composer, Jeff Rona.
Mike Garson (David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Smashing Pumpkins) will perform an improvised piano solo.
- Rick Feds and Cécile Delaurentis will be showing off the Embodme Erae Touch next generation MIDI Controller, Mimu gloves and the Ableton Push.
Mark Isham who has over 4 billion dollars in box office movie scores will perform music from some of his most popular soundtracks.
Jordan Rudess (keyboard player for Dream Theatre and developer of Geoshred) is working with a group of musicians from India and showing off the possibilities of MPE for expressive performance.
Myron McKinley is a pianist, producer, songwriter, programmer, and film score composer for large box office films and television shows.
Working extensively with the best in the industry, McKinley has toured with Grammy award winner Whitney Houston, Kenny Lattimore, Stanley Clarke, En Vogue, and has toured as the Musical Director for Philip Bailey, Cherokee, Doc Powell and Shai.Currently, for the last twelve years, McKinley serves as the Musical Director for Grammy award winners and pop music giants Earth, Wind and Fire while touring with his own incomparable band, The Myron McKinley Trio.
MIDI Innovation Awards judge Moldover (godfather of Controllerism) and Lula Mebrahtu are collaborating on a performance showing off DIY controllers.
The show will climax with a performance from The Ambassador of Soul, Ellis Hall.
Blind since the age of 18, Hall has written nearly 4,000 blues, gospel, and soul songs and performed with the likes of Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Herbie Hancock, Tower of Power, Bobby Womack, and Stevie Wonder.
A NAMM JAMM to close the April Show
The MIDI@40 and HipHop@50 celebrations are truly joined together musically in a finale written by Brockett Parsons, keyboard player for Lady Gaga where many of the performers from HipHop@50 and MIDI@40 will join the stage for a final JAMM at NAMM.
“The MIDI@40 and Hip-Hop@50 celebrations have come together in a perfect creative storm.
Hip-hop and MIDI have both made music more accessible to more people and changed our global music culture.
Brian Hardgroove, Resonant Alien and Public Enemy
Registration for The 2023 NAMM Show is now open.
Help Us Celebrate MIDI @40
Share what MIDI means to you on the 40th anniversary of MIDI
We have lots of great events planned at the April NAMM show, but we wanted to give everyone here a chance to join in the celebration.
We have created a Google form where you can upload a short video about what MIDI means to you.
We will collect and review these videos and then share the best of them (after NAMM as we are really busy preparing for the MIDI Showcase and the HipHop@50 and MIDI@40 events at NAMM.
Google Forms: Sign-in
Access Google Forms with a personal Google account or Google Workspace account (for business use).
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2023 marks the 40th anniversary of MIDI
The April 2023 NAMM show is going to be a very special event for the MIDI Association.
2023 marks the 40th anniversary of MIDI and we have been working closely with NAMM on special MIDI@40 events including:
- The MIDI Showcase at the front of Hall A
- A MIDI@40 exhibit at the NAMM Museum of Music Making
- A MIDI@40 concert on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Stage on April 15, 2023
You may have noticed a flurry of articles over the holidays from The MIDI Association.
We created stories about the key figures who helped create the modern music production environment (Alan Pearlman, Bob Moog, Don Buchla, Dave Smith, Ikutaro Kakehashi, and Roger Linn).
A it turns out many of those people were also influential in the creation of MIDI.
The MIDI@40 Concert on the Yamaha Grand Plaza Main Stage at the NAMM Show on Saturday, April 15 celebrates the incredible possibilities created by MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) in the 40 years since its public introduction.
During the anniversary celebration, the people who created the modern music production environment of synths, drum machines and sequencers will be honored with lifetime achievement awards for Alan Pearlman, Bob Moog, Don Buchla, Dave Smith, Ikutaro Kakehashi, Roger Linn, Tom Oberheim and Tsutomu Katoh.
The musicians, composers and performance artists selected as MIDI brand ambassadors represent the beautiful diversity of cultures and people from all over the world and music from different genres and generations brought together by music and MIDI.
We are creating a unique innovative experience to celebrate how MIDI has been connecting people and products since its debut at the 1983 Winter NAMM show.
More Playful Products with MIDI at NAMM 2022
Join MIDI Association President Athan Billias, artiphon’s Emma Supica and Oddball’s Pasquale Totaro for a discussion of playful (and round) products that use MIDI from the June 2022 NAMM show
Follow the bouncing ball as it sends out MIDI messages and learn how music teachers in Anaheim are getting kids to express their emotions with MIDI.
Playful Products with MIDI at NAMM 2022
Join MIDI Association President Athan Billias, Big Ear Games Aviv Ben-Yahuda , Playtronics’ Sacha Pas and Playtime Engineering’s Troy Sheets for a discussion of playful products that use MIDI from the June 2022 NAMM show.
Sorry, it took awhile to get this interview up. But it was an entertaining conversation. Just remembering how great it was to get everyone together at the June NAMM show has us looking forward to April NAMM 2023 and the 40th anniversary of MIDI!
The NAMM Foundation and the MIDI Association announce the Launch of The MIDI Fund
Los Angeles, CA – June 2, 2022
The NAMM Foundation and the MIDI Association are pleased to announce the MIDI Fund, a new donor-advised fund in The NAMM Foundation.
The MIDI Fund will support projects and programs that advance engagement in music-making and the varied and unique options to make, create and explore music made possible by MIDI, the Musical Instrument Digital Interface that allows musical instruments to connect to computers, tablets, cell phones, and each other.
For the past several years, the MIDI Association has delivered programs for the public benefit. Between 2020 and 2021, the MIDI Association raised $50,000 and donated that money to the Children’s Music Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides music therapy programs to children affected by chronic conditions or life-altering illnesses, to help them on their journey towards a better quality of life. The MIDI Association had planned to create its own 501(c)3 to focus on these and other projects for the public benefit.
However, at the recommendation of NAMM President and CEO Joe Lamond, and with the help of NAMM Foundation Executive Director Mary Luehrsen, establishing a new donor-advised fund enables the MIDI Association to avail itself of the considerable experience and administrative resources of the NAMM Foundation.
The first major project the MIDI Fund is focusing on is the development of a MIDI curriculum and certification program to raise awareness about MIDI in education at secondary and post-secondary schools, and for manufacturer and reseller staff members.
Current work includes: Establishment of standardized, readily/publicly available MIDI education content Creation, launch, and active management of a MIDI certification program
For more information about the MIDI Fund and to donate, please visit https://www.nammfoundation.org/donate.
We support MIDI In Music Education. Do you?
The MIDI Association Executive Board committed to funding the MIDI Fund with $25,000 and matching any donations made to the fund before June 30, 2022.
Ed Cannon, CEO of Zivix, makers of the Jamstick MIDI Guitars has pledged $5000 from the Cannon Family Foundation.
Roland has committed $3000 as a Platinum sponsor.
Steinberg has committed $1500 as a Gold Sponsor.
Casio and IK Multimedia have both pledged $750as Silver sponsors.
That is $11,000 in sponsor pledges matched by another $11,000 in matching funds from the MIDI Association bringing the current total funding of the MIDI Fund to $47,000.
But we are not done yet.
You can fill out the form below to commit to a founding MIDI Fund sponsorship and we will continue to promote your company and your products as we promote the MIDI Fund for years to come.
It’s easy for individuals to donate as well.
Go here. https://www.nammfoundation.org/donate
Click on the donate button. Enter an amount.
Right under the amount, you select where you want the donation to go.
Select the MIDI Fund.
The MIDI Association will match this donation one to one until June 30, 2022 and you will receive a receipt for your tax deductible donation.
$5000 Founding Sponsor
$3000 Founding Sponsor
$1500 Founding Sponsor
$750 Founding Sponsors
The June NAMM MIDI Zone Virtual Tour
NAMM puts MIDI on the map at the June NAMM show
We covered all the MIDI Association booths (10300, The MIDI Zone Lounge and Studio 108) in our last article and now it is time to dive into the booths of MIDI Association and AMEI members at the June NAMM show.
With NAMM’s cooperation, we were able to put together a solid block of MIDI Association companies all centered in the same physical area and even with a consistent look and feel.
Basically all of the companies you see in the picture below are MIDI Association members.
Amenote ProtoZOA USB MIDI 2.0 Prototyping Tool
Amenote had a number of products at the show that were all based off the core design of the ProtoZOA MIDI 2.0 prototyping tool.
ProtoZOA showing buttons that can send MIDI 2.0 messages.
Diagram of the ProtoZoa functions
ProtoZOAs lined up for testing and shipment to MIDI Association and AMEI members
ProtoZOA connected to an Analog Devices development board for testing MIDI 2.0 over A2B.
Amenote Booth
CAEDENCE IS SYNCHRONIZED PERFORMANCE AND PRACTICE CONTROL THAT GIVES YOU THE MOST OF WHAT YOU LOVE ABOUT MUSIC.
Everything sounds.
Bome Software creates software and hardware for music production on stage and studio. Our main focus is on MIDI control catering to customers like musicians, performers, lighting engineers, electronic DJ’s and many more.
Each of our products is designed to be as powerful as it is intuitive. With applications including MIDI Translator, Mouse Keyboard, SendSX, and our signature hardware, the BomeBox, we aim to arm our users with specialized tools that will make your next project easier while freeing up your creative side.
by Florian Bomer
Bome Software
Florian Bomers, Chair of the MIDI Association Network Transport Working Group
Florian answers questions about the Bome Box
The Bome Box has been updated to support MIDI 2.0 and Bome Software has signed the MIDI Association Logo Licensing Agreement
Pitch Innovations won last year’s MIDI Innovation Awards with their Fluid Pitch VST and won this year’s MIDI Innovation Awards in the Commercial Software category with Fluid Chords.
Artiphon announced the Orba 2 and continued to promote the OrbaCam software.
Orba 2
Adam McHeffy from Artiphon demonstrates the Orba 2 with sampling capabilities
The Artiphon booth was busy all three days of the show
PTZOptics – Pan, Tilt, Zoom cameras controllable by MIDI
Just before the show we announced that PTZoptics had added MIDI control to their PTZ cameras. It was definitely one of the areas of the MIDI Zone that got a lot of attention.
PTZOptics Brings MIDI Control to PTZ Cameras
New firmware update allows users to control a PTZ camera with any MIDI device Downingtown, PA – May 26, 2022. PTZOptics, leading manufacturers of affordable broadcast-quality robotic cameras, and the MIDI Association, the international stewards of MIDI technology, today announce a new frontier for MIDI control. In a joint project, rapidl…
https://www.midi.org/midi-articles/ptzoptics-brings-midi-control-to-ptz-cameras
Digitaize MIDI Violin
The Digitaize MIDI Violin was a revelation to many people who had not experienced it before. Digitaize Smart Instruments are bringing MIDI to traditional acoustic instruments with Bluetooth MIDI and Audio streaming, accelerometers and a wide variety of sounds and control.
Non Linear Synths
Founded in 2011 by Stephan Schmitt, Nonlinear Labs is dedicated to building advanced electronic instruments for performing musicians, focusing on playability, expressiveness, quality, and durability.
Embodme Erae Touch
The Embodme Arae Touch created a palpable buzz at the show as many people were attracted to sitting down and playing this unique instrument that you can play with your hands or with sticks.
Eon One Network
JamStick
The Jamstick booth was packed every minute of the show with people checking out the Jamstick Studio MIDI Guitar
Narrow Keys
MIDI 9 announced a new series of products call Narrow Keys which have a smaller key so that instead of 6.5 inches between octaves there is 5.5 inches.
We tried to make this virtual tour feel like you were strolling the aisles of the NAMM show so you could get a sense of the excitement and buzz that permeated the June 2022 NAMM MIDI Zone.
MIDI Association hosts multiple events and makes multiple announcements at June NAMM 2022
Behind the scenes at the NAMM Show 2022
The first day of set up for a trade show is always interesting because you get to see all the behind the scenes action. Like most trade shows in the US, Freeman is the company that provides all the infrastructure for the NAMM show from carpet to drapes to the AV gear in all the big halls like the Hilton Pacific Ballroom.
The NAMM show starts off looking like a big empty concrete room. The photo below was taken on Wednesday morning.
There was a Star Wars convention in Convention Center over the weekend before NAMM and they were late in getting loaded out so everything for the June NAMM was delayed. But the Freeman crews are all dedicated, professional trade show people and got everything caught up by Thursday morning.
Wednesday morning the NAMM show doesn’t look like much
Studio 108 before we created it
You can see how industrial everything looks. So how do you take a bland industrial space and create a vibe? Read on and find out.
Studio 108 before transformation
The MIDI Association 60 feet by 5 feet booth
The MIDI Association booth is in a great high traffic spot, but it is also oddly shaped being very long (60 feet) and very thin (5 feet).
So we divided the space into 5 distinct areas.
- MIDI 2.0 Prototyping
- The MIDI Innovation Awards
- MIDI In Music Education
- The MIDI Fund under the NAMM Foundation
- An ultra short throw projector running videos about the different areas and also demoing the PTZOptics MIDI controlled cameras and highlighting MIDI 2.0 over A2B from Analog Devices.
We also had Studio 108, a fully functioning video studio using MIDIable as the core platform and a separate MIDI Zone Lounge where people could relax and also write messages about Dave Smith, one of the founders of MIDI, who passed away unexpectedly just before the June NAMM show.
The MIDI Association Booth 10300
Studio 108
Studio 108 in action
Emma Supica from Artiphon, Sasha Pas from Playtronica and Pasquale Totoro from OddBall after their Studio 108 interview
Sonic State recording Mike Kent and Pete Brown in Studio 108
The MIDI Zone Lounge
Focus #1 – MIDI 2.0 Prototyping
This area had a number of devices that are being used for MIDI 2.0 prototyping including the Roland A88 MK II, the Embodme Erae Touch, the MIDI Workbench MIDI 2.0 Self Certification tool and Whirled Notes ( pictured on the iPAD).
Here is the video that we ran at NAMM explaining the current state of MIDI 2.0. None of the videos have audio as NAMM was simply too loud to be able to hear any voice overs.
Much of the focus at June NAMM 2022 was on the Protozoa MIDI 2.0 UMP Prototyping tool.
Just prior to NAMM, Amenote shipped out over 40 ProtoZOA units around the world to jump start MIDI 2.0 development.
The Amenote ProtoZOA also supports Analog Devices MIDI 2.0 over A2B, another major announcement at the NAMM show.
Groovesizer is an open source synth that has been modified to support MIDI 2.0.
Focus #2 – The MIDI Innovation Awards
We had many of the entrants to the MIDI Innovation Awards displayed at the booth. You can see the Jammy MIDI Guitar with some Ukranian flags around it. Jammy is based in Kviv and all of their staff are now either refugees or in the Ukranian army.
Tanya, who was the graphic designer for Jammy was on vacation in the US when the war broke out so we enlisted her to do all the graphics for MIDI Association NAMM booth with the help of volunteer “Art Director” and MIDI Association Exec Board member Lawrence Levine.
MIDI Innovation Awards Show Reel
Check out this short compilation of the highlights of the MIDI Innovation Awards and the announcement of the winners.
Focus #3 – MIDI In Music Education
The attendance at June 2022 NAMM was not as large as previous NAMM shows, but this was anticipated. What was interesting was the percentage of educators was far higher than before. We not only met with educators at the booth, but also participated in many educational sessions. In fact, all these Saturday A3E sessions had participants from the MIDI Association.
Members of the MIDI Association discuss opening new markets for Musical Instrument Companies, Developers and Musicians
Dan Leonard from Chapman University arranged for some of his music technology students to be at our booth helping guide people and scanning badges. Anita Xu, Clarisse Guevarra, Isabel Roney, and Hailey Leonard did an amazing job and really enjoyed the opportunity to participate in the NAMM show. They helped demo the MIDI Innovation Award entrants that were educationally focused like the Digitiaze MIDI Violin, the Oddball, the Artiphon Orba and Big Ear Games.
MIDI In Music Education video
Check out this short video that was played at NAMM to explain our MIDI In Music Education initiative.
A3E, NAMM and MIDI Association Reception with a musical performance by Jordan Rudess
On Saturday evening, we co-hosted an event where Jordan Rudess opened the show with a performance on Geoshred and then we thank all the entrants and winners of the MIDI Innovation Awards. Finally we also announced that with current pledges and matching donations from the MIDI Association, the MIDI Fund in the NAMM Foundation would start off with $47,000 of funding.
Jordan Rudess MIDI Innovation Awards Ceremony 2022
Focus #4 – The MIDI Fund of the NAMM Foundation
Los Angeles, CA (June 9, 2022)—The NAMM Foundation and the MIDI Association have announced the MIDI Fund, a new donor-advised fund in The NAMM Foundation, which launches with the initial development of a MIDI curriculum and certification program.
The MIDI Fund will support projects and programs that advance engagement in music-making and the varied and unique options to make, create and explore music made possible by MIDI, the Musical Instrument Digital Interface that allows musical instruments to connect to computers, tablets, cell phones and each other.
For the past several years, the MIDI Association has delivered programs for the public benefit. Between 2020 and 2021, the MIDI Association raised $50,000 and donated that money to the Children’s Music Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that provides music therapy programs to children affected by chronic conditions or life-altering illnesses, to help them on their journey towards a better quality of life.
The MIDI Association had planned to create its own 501(c)3 to focus on these and other projects for the public benefit. However, at the recommendation of NAMM president and CEO Joe Lamond, and with the help of NAMM Foundation executive director Mary Luehrsen, this move enables the MIDI Association to avail itself of the considerable experience and administrative resources of the NAMM Foundation.
The first major project the MIDI Fund is focusing on is the development of a MIDI curriculum and certification program to raise awareness about MIDI in education at secondary and post-secondary schools, and for manufacturer and reseller staff members. Current work includes the establishment of standardized, readily/publicly available MIDI education content and the creation, launch and active management of a MIDI certification program.
MIDI Fund Video
This next short video (again with no audio as it was used at NAMM) explains the deepening relationship between the MIDI Association and NAMM.
Tributes to Dave Smith
The NAMM show was bittersweet because just before NAMM, Dave Smith, one of the acknowledged founders of MIDI passed away at the age if 72. He was planning on being at the show to celebrate the release of a new Oberheim instrument. Tom Oberheim and Dave had been friends and competitors for many years. It is somewhat unique to the world of synths and MIDI, that companies can compete, but the people who lead those companies are close friends.
Bob Moog and Dave Smith did as much to shape the musical instrument industry as Leo Fender and Les Paul.
We are looking forward to working closely with NAMM to celebrate the 40th anniversary of MIDI at the April 2023 NAMM Show in Anaheim.
NAMM President Joe Lamond and MIDI Association President Athan Billias
Stay tuned for part 2 of our NAMM report where we focus in on MIDI Association member booths!
MIDI Association Offers a Full Schedule Leading up to NAMM 2022
Saturday, May 21 MIDI In Music Education webinar with Craig Anderton
Anaheim, CA – May 18, 2022… The MIDI Association has been working furiously behind the scenes over the past year, and we’re ready to showcase the results, kicking off a series of events leading to the NAMM Show in June.
It all begins Saturday, May 21, celebrating “May is MIDI Month” with a Music Education Webinar featuring Craig Anderton, who’s played Carnegie Hall, written 45 books on music technology, and lectured around the world for more than four decades.
His talk on “Music, MIDI, and the Art of Inspired Instruction” will open your eyes to the exciting future of music education.
Join us online Saturday May 21 at 10 am Pacific, 1 pm Eastern and 6 pm London at:
Saturday, May 28 MIDI Innovation Awards Show 2022 with LJ Rich
On Saturday, May 28, tune in to the MIDI Innovation Awards Show, hosted by renowned synthesist and BBC Click host LJ Rich. A panel of judges from music and technology sectors will review and select winners in multiple categories from among a compelling range of MIA finalists. You can register for the MIDI Innovation Awards show at https://midi.activehosted.com/f/41
Join us online Saturday May 28 at 10 am Pacific, 1 pm Eastern and 6 pm London at:
Visit us in Hall A at the MIDI Association Booth 10300, the MIDI Zone Lounge at 10203 and on line from Studio 108 at NAMM
Join us in person at the NAMM Show or virtually at NAMM + from June 2 through 5 at the Anaheim Convention Center, where more than 35 MIDI Association member manufacturers will be exhibiting.
The MIDI Zone, located just inside the entrance to Hall A, will be home to not only the main MIDI Association booth (10300), but also Studio 108, and the MIDI Zone Lounge (Booth 10203) as well as dozens of MIDI Association companies in the NAMM MIDI Showcase.
MIDI Association A3E Session June 4 at NAMM
Also at the show, the MIDI Association will be joining with A3E, the music and entertainment technology developers group, for some future-focused educational sessions, including:
- Instruction, Tools & Trends: New Technologies & Applications for Artists & Content Creation – Shevy Smith (Ultimate Playlist), Erin Barra (Arizona State University), Emma Supica (Artiphon), and Lee Whitmore (Focusrite) – June 4, 12:00 pm, Room 202A
- The Evolving and Colliding Worlds of Music, Film, Streaming & Social Media Content Creation – Emelie Olsson (Corite), Michael Bell (Spotify), Jeff Rona (Liquid Cinema), Athan Billias (MIDI2Marketing) – June 4, 1:00 pm, Room 202A
- Interactive Audio Design: Expanding Your Sound & Music Tool Belt for Games & Interactive Media – Chase Bethea (Composer and Chair of the Interactive Audio Special Interest Group of the MIDI Association), Cody Matthew Johnson (Empiria), Nuno Fonseca (Sound Particles), Adam Fligsten (Silen Audio) – June 4, 2:00 pm, Room 202A
- Advanced Audio Applications: Opening New Markets for Musical Instrument Companies, Developers and Musicians – Athan Billias (MIDI2Marketing), Mike Kent (AmeNote) – June 4, 4:00 pm, Room 202A
One of the most sought-after tickets at NAMM is an invitation to the MIDI Association, A3E, and NAMM for a cocktail reception on June 4 at 5:00 pm, Room 202A, featuring a live performance from Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater), as well as the MIDI Innovation Awards presentation ceremonies.
Looking forward to seeing you online at the web events in the next two Saturdays and then in person or virtually at NAMM.
The MIDI Association at NAMM’s Believe In Music Week 2021
NAMM is all virtual this year!
Every major event in the history of the MIDI Association has happened at Winter NAMM.
Whether it was the first introduction of MIDI at the 1983 NAMM to the adoption of MIDI 2.0 at the NAMM 2020, the NAMM (the National Association of Music Merchants has always been a part and a partner in our shared journey together.
At Winter NAMM we always hold a joint meeting between The MIDI Association and AMEI (the Japanese Association of Musical Electronics Industry) which oversees the MIDI spec in Japan. We also hold our Annual General Meeting where the MIDI Association corporate members meet, adopt new specifications and discuss plans for the next year.
This year is different because NAMM is holding an all virtual event called Believe In Music. The event opens on Monday, January 11, 2021 but most of the events take place the week of January 18.
We decided to try to keep thing as normal as possible so here is the schedule of MIDI Association events for Believe in Music week.
MIDI Association Sessions at Believe In Music
MPE is a relatively new MIDI specification, the universal protocol for electronic music. MPE allows digital instruments to behave more like acoustic instruments in terms of spontaneous, polyphonic sound control. So players can modulate parameters like timbre, pitch, and amplitude — all at the same time.
Join Audio Modeling, Keith McMillan Industries, moForte and ROLI and other MPE companies in an exploration of MIDI Polyphonic Expression.
Profile ConfigurationMIDI gear can now have Profiles that can dynamically configure a device for a particular use case. The MIDI Association has adopted our first Profile – Default Controller Mapping and is considering Profiles for Orchestral Articulations, Drawbar Organ, Guitar, Piano, DAW Control, Effects and more.Property ExchangeWhile Profiles set up an entire device, Property Exchange messages provide specific, detailed information sharing. These messages can discover, retrieve, and set many properties like preset names, individual parameter settings, and unique functionalities. For example, your recording software could display everything you need to know about a synthesizer onscreen, effectively bringing hardware synths up to the same level of recallability as their software counterparts.
Property Exchange will bring the same level of recallability that soft synths have to hardware MIDI products
When MIDI first started there was only one transport- the 5 Pin Din cable.But soon there were many different ways to send MIDI messages over USB, RTP, Firewire, and many more cables and transports. But none has been more transformative than MIDI-BLE because it allows you to send MIDI wirelessly over Bluetooth freeing products and performers from the restriction of being tethered to a cable. Join Aodyo, CME, Novalia, Roland, Quicco, Yamaha, and other BLE companies in a discussion of the benefits of BLE-MIDI.
DJ Qbert’s BLE MIDI Interactive Album Cover by Novalia
MIDI 2.0 is bi-directional and changes MIDI from a monologue to a dialog. For example, with the new MIDI-CI (Capability Inquiry) messages, MIDI 2.0 devices can talk to each other, and auto-configure themselves to work together.
Higher Resolution, More Controllers and Better Timing
To deliver an unprecedented level of musical and artistic expressiveness, MIDI 2.0 re-imagines the role of performance controllers, Controllers are now easier to use, and there are more of them: over 32,000 controllers, including controls for individual notes. Enhanced, 32-bit resolution gives controls a smooth, continuous, “analog” feel. New Note-On options were added for articulation control and precise note pitch.
MIDI 2.0 has MIDI 1.0 inside it making translation back and forth easy
MIDI 2.0 at the 2020 NAMM Show
Calendar of MIDI Events at NAMM 2020
Thursday January 16
Who: MMA and CMIA Members plus invited guests
What: Meeting with the Chinese Musical Instrument Association (CMIA) to discuss promotion of MIDI at Music China 2020
When: Thursday, January 16 • 9 AM- 10 AM
Where: Contact the MMA at info@midi.org.
Who: All NAMM Attendees
What: MIDI Manufacturers Association Booth
When: Thursday, January 16 • 10 AM- 6 PM
Where: NAMM Booths 9701 and 9700
Friday January 17
Who: All NAMM Attendees
What: MIDI Manufacturers Association Booth
When: Friday, January 17 • 10 AM- 6 PM
Where: NAMM Booths 9701 and 9700
Who: Open to All NAMM Attendees
What: A3E Workshop
Strategic Overview and Introduction to MIDI 2.0
When: Friday, January 17th • 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: The Hilton: Level 4: Avila 6
This Friday session will teach you about the Future of MIDI! The developers of MIDI 2.0 technology will describe the features and benefits enabled by MIDI-CI (MIDI Capability Inquiry), Profiles, Property Exchange, and MIDI 2.0 Protocol. This is an introductory presentation. There is a “MIDI 2.0 for Developers” Saturday presentation with more in-depth details.
When you leave the session, you will know the answers to these questions:
• What features of MIDI 2.0 enable more musical expression?
• What features of MIDI 2.0 improve my workflow?
• How does MIDI 2.0 Protocol differ from MIDI 1.0 Protocol?
• What will a MIDI 2.0 system look like (wiring, topology, architecture)?
• How will my MIDI 1.0 and MIDI 2.0 products work together as 1 system?
Saturday January 18
Who: Management of the MMA and AMEI (Association of Musical Electronics Industry, the Japanese MIDI organization
What: MMA and AMEI management meeting
When: Saturday, January 18 • 8 AM- 10 AM
Where: Anaheim Marriott Newport Beach / Rancho Las Palmas Room
Who: All NAMM Attendees
What: MIDI Manufacturers Association Booth
When: Thursday, January 16 • 10 AM- 6 PM
Where: NAMM Booths 9701 and 9700
Who: Open to All NAMM Attendees
What: A3E Workshop
Update for Windows Music Creation App Developers
When: Saturday, January 18th • 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Where: The Hilton: Level 4: Avila 6
• How is Windows doing?
• What’s this I hear about Linux on Windows?
• What about MIDI?
• How is the app model evolving?
Join Pete Brown to learn about the latest for Windows Developers, with a focus on current changes that impact or help developers working on DAWs and other music creation apps.
Who: Open to All NAMM Attendees
What: A3E Workshop
MIDI 2.0 for Developers, a Technical Deep Dive
When: Saturday, January 18th • 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Where: The Hilton: Level 4: Avila 6
Following on the topics presented in the Friday “Strategic Overview and Introduction to MIDI 2.0” session, this Saturday session focuses on implementing MIDI 2.0 in products.
Developers will learn about:
• MIDI-CI (MIDI Capability Inquiry): the foundation for MIDI 2.0 features
• Profiles: using standard configurations or your own custom
• Property Exchange: using JSON with Get and Set for device control
• Protocol: new MIDI 2.0 messages, format and the Universal MIDI Packet
• Timestamps, Transports, Translation, and more.
• Compliance and the new MIDI logo
• MMA prototyping tools and GitHub
Sunday January 19
Who: MMA and AMEI members only
What: MIDI Manufacturers Association AGM Breakfast
When: Sunday, January 19 • 7:30 AM- 8:45 AM
Where: Anaheim Marriott Grand Ballroom J&K
Who: MMA and AMEI members plus invited guests
What: MIDI Manufacturers Association Annual General Meeting
When: Sunday, January 19 • 9:00 AM- 9:50 AM
Where:
Anaheim Marriott Grand Ballroom Grand Ballroom G&H
Topics:
- Introduction of new MMA management
- MIDI 2.0 Specifications Update
- MIDI 2.0 Logo and Marketing Update
- The MIDI Association/May is MIDI Month 2020 Update
Elections:
– Executive Board Members (Directors) – Technical Standards Board Members
How to RSVP to attend the AGM Open Session
If you would like to attend the MIDI Manufacturers Association Annual General Meeting, please click on the link below and fill out this RSVP form. We will send you an email confirming if your request to attend has been granted as there is limited space.
Who: MMA and AMEI members plus invited guests
What: MIDI Tools and MIDI 2.0 Prototyping
When: Sunday, January 19 • 1:30 PM- 3:00 PM
Where: Anaheim Marriott Grand Ballroom Grand Ballroom G&H
MIDI 2.0 Tools:
- A MIDI 2.0 Compliance WorkSheet for determining which MIDI 2.0 features you support
- MIDI 2.0 Scope — an open source application (C++/JUCE) to aid in development/debugging of MIDI 2.0 channel voice message transmission and reception. Includes a permissively licensed JUCE User Module that implements the new protocol’s messages.
- Online MIDI-CI Work Bench to test MIDI-CI, Profiles and Property Exchange using Web MIDI
- MIDI-CI Work Bench- A Standalone Electron Application for a more complete MIDI 2.0 environment. This workbench uses UMP internally and translates MIDI 1.0 (including MPE) to and from MIDI 2.0
MIDI 2.0 Demo:
A Demo by AMEI companies Korg, Roland and Yamaha showing three different prototypes recieving MIDI 2.0 messages.
How to RSVP to attend the MIDI Tools and MIDI 2.0 Prototyping Session
If you would like to attend the MIDI Manufacturers Association MIDI Tools and MIDI 2.0 Prototyping Session please click on the link below and fill out this RSVP form. We will send you an email confirming if your request to attend has been granted as there is limited space.
10 Innovative Companies Share MMA booth 9701 at NAMM 2020
MIDI is at the center of the NAMM Synth Showcase
For the past few years, the MIDI Manufacturers Association’s booth has been located right by the main entrance to Hall A in the Anaheim Convention center in an area called the Synth Showcase. We actually host two booths.
Booth 9700 is the MIDI Manufacturers Booth where MMA board members are available to discuss the latest in MIDI technical specifications and plans for The MIDI Association community of people who work , play and create with MIDI.
Booth 9701 is where we host a number of small innovative MIDI companies. This year there are 10 shared MIDI booth partners.
14bitMIDI
For composers and producers using Steinberg’s Cubase® or Nuendo®, 14bitMIDI created “SHERLOCK”, a VST® plugin where the user can customize buttons to trigger over 6000 available commands. No need for scripting or programming, just select one of the 192 available buttons and assign it to a command from the menu. Done! Additionally, there are 16 CC faders available for controlling various parameters.
Additionally, there are 16 CC faders available for controlling various parameters.
Unique Trackslider and Timeslider allow for quick navigation through even the biggest orchestral templates or recording sessions. Users can even use own graphics for the buttons, save all the settings as a regular .vstpreset, control the plugin with a regular mouse, touch screen or externally via MIDI and because this is a VST plugin, SHERLOCK will be saved and opened as part of the session like any other plugin. Of course both OS platforms, Mac and PC are supported.
As a smaller sized version of SHERLOCK there is also his sidekick WATSON with 48 buttons and the same set of powerful functions.
Come to the MMA booth 9701 to see them both in action!
Bome Software -Everything Sounds
Bome Software creates software and hardware for music production on stage and studio. Their main focus is on MIDI control catering to customers like musicians, performers, lighting engineers, electronic DJ’s and many more.
Bome™ Software is a small team of professional software developers creating powerful applications since 1996.
Florian Bömers is an active member of the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) and member of the MMA’s Technical Standards Board participating in the standardization process of MIDI 2.0.
CRIMSON TECHNOLOGY, Inc.
Creativity for Everyone by Innovation
”R.C voice” is a technology that changes a human’s voice into a specific character’s voice in real time with machine learning, which is developed by CRIMSON TECHNOLOGY, Inc. in partnership with Prof. Toda Tomoaki at the Information Technology Center, Nagoya University.
What is AI voice conversion technology “R.C. voice” ?
R.C.voice is voice conversion technology that can change your voice into a specific character’s voice in real-time. R.C.voice consists of Metamorphone Voice Learning System and Metamorphone Voice Conversion System.
Voice Learning System analyses the feature and timing from parallel data including character’s voice and original speaker’s voice, and constructs a voice conversion model by machine learning for the next process.
Based on the voice conversion model, the Voice Conversion System makes a filter for the speaker’s voice, and changes the voice into the other character’s voice. The latency is about 100 ms (almost real-time).
Kaz Hikawa, the CEO of Crimson Technologies is also the Chairman of the MIDI Standard Committee of the Association of Musical Electronics Industry (AMEI), the organization that oversees MIDI standardization in Japan.
Imitone -play any instrument with your voice.
Explore and create music with only a microphone.simply sing or whistle to control any music software as if you are playing the notes
imitine is a tool anyone can use to learn, to create, to play.
imitone translates your voice into MIDI, the language of digital music.
As you sing into your microphone, imitone’s unique technology will detect musical notes and instantly play them.
This can be used to control almost any music app or digital instrument.
imitone also understands humming, whistling and most instruments.
SIPARIO EXPANDED
SIPARIO is a MIDI router designed to be at the center of a keyboard setup in order to always have the sounds ready to use. The musician creates his own lineup of tracks (SCENES) and within each programs the sounds. During the execution the player passes from one configuration to another either by pressing on the touch display, or in sequence, by pressing the pedal connected to SIPARIO or through the backlit button that is located on the front of the device. In every moment the musician decides what to play and from which keyboard, by programming splits and layers among different sources. Programming is done without the use of a PC and through the touch display. Now in the expanded version.
Hardware:
– 1 programmable input pedal
– 1 programmable backlit button. – 1 pitch wheel
– 1 USB-HOST MIDI port
– 5 MIDI IN
– 5 MIDI OUT
– Display touch
ENJOY: MIDI CV CONTROLLER
ENJOY is a controller that combines the analog CV world with the digital MIDI.
Digital Side: connect Enjoy to the computer via USB and interact with your DAW or virtual instruments. Generate MIDI pitch and control change like expression, volume, filter cut off, by moving the joystick or pushing the pedals.
Analog Soul: control your analog synths by connecting the CV outputs and generate modulation signals and LFO. Convert MIDI notes to analog levels gate, pitch and velocity. All cv’s can be modulated by joystick, pedals or from MIDI messages like control changes coming from devices connected through the USB.
Hardware:
– 1 joystick lever
– 2 input expression pedal
– 1 input sustain pedal
– 1 USB-B port for power (5V) and MIDI (to HOST). – 3 output stereo jacks (6 analog cv)
– 3 notication led
– 1 push button
M-Live-MERISH 5: The live machine
M-Live produces Merish5: the stand alone device dedicated to reading, archiving and playing digital Backing Tracks. Includes the possibility to edit audio files with separate tracks with MTA files (the format designed by M-live). It reads and plays files with extension .wav / .aac / .ogg / .flac / .aif / .au, also with the included Plug in Prompter which allows to be connected with such devices as tablet or smartphone to view lyrics and chords of the played songs in a remote way from more points on the stage.
Merish5 is a player capable of reading Backing Tracks in any format: Midi File, Audio, Video, Multitrack Audio. Merish5 includes a sound generator with over 500 sounds and 58 drumkits. Merish5 has a connection via Wi-Fi for downloading Midi Files and Audio files from the Web. It connects to a Smart Device (Tablet or Cellular Phone) to interact through dedicated Apps. Merish5 is the ideal sequencer for small bands and one man bands who want to play in public without a computer.
Motifn-Code Music
Code music in Javascript that orchestrates synths in your favourite DAW. Or start having fun right away with the built-in synths.
The tutorials in Motifn are interactive, so you can play with the examples as you go.
Quicco Sound
Introducing mi.1
mi.1 wirelessly connects MIDI devices to iPhone and iPad. Simply connect the mi.1 to your digital piano’s MIDI ports.
The mi.1 interfaces directly to your iOS CoreMIDI applications.
Step Audio | Patented Pedals ™
Deep in the Oregon Cascades, Step Audio creates programmable MIDI devices that expand your sonic potential.
PedalBoards should be simple and creative tools. Step Audio builds bomb-proof gear that’s easy to use.
Consistent with that philosophy, Step Audio has three products: STATUS. Riff-Step and a revolutionary new patented MIDI controller to be unveiled at Winter NAMM 2020.
STATUS™ is a powerful MIDI Display, Clock, and Mapper that adds tremendous functionality to any MIDI rig.STATUS can be quickly programmed using online interfaces or on the device.
Riff-Step™ takes the DigiTech Whammy, the most popular pitch-shifting pedal of all time, and multiplies its sonic potential. Riff-Step lets you hear notes that aren’t normally available on the Whammy, then sequence those notes into elegant harmonies and improbable riffs.
Step Audio designer and builder, Bill Wardlow, has been a MIDI super-enthusiast since the mid-80’s.Over the years, Bill played in numerous bands, and programmed loads of MIDI gear including drum machines, sequencers, and samplers. As head of pedal company Molten Voltage, Bill saw the immense potential for MIDI-controlled guitar effects early-on.In 2011, he developed a line of MIDI control chips (PedalSync) that sparked the recent explosion in MIDI-enabled guitar effects.
In 2016, Bill founded Step Audio | Patented Pedals to put his multiple patents to use and create MIDI devices exactly as he envisioned.
Programmer, pedal sculptor, and absolute perfectionist, Bill insists that Step Audio devices not only perform flawlessly, but that they stand up to the abuse of touring professionals.
Learn more at StepAudio.net
Road-ready MIDI Machinery™, designed and built in Oregon, USA by Step Audio.
Tangible Instruments
Improvise, compose, perform.
The notes you select from the one octave keyboard instantly create a looping sequence. Unlike a step sequencer, Arpeggio does not limit you to a set number of notes in your sequence. Add rests into your melody and adjust note lengths, tempo, octave, portamento, and swing.
Save your melodic phrases as they are created into one of 512 memory banks. They can be chained together to create more complex melodies.
Visit Us at Booth 9701 during Winter NAMM 2020 January 16-19
For more details on MIDI 2.0 at NAMM 2020, check out this link.
MIDI 2.0 at the 2020 NAMM Show –
Calendar of MIDI Events at NAMM 2020 Thursday January 16  Who: MMA and CMIA Members plus invited guests  What: Meeting with the Chinese Musical Instrument Association (CMIA)  to discuss promotion of MIDI at Music China
2019 Winter NAMM Show MIDI Highlights!
The NAMM Show is the pulse of the music industry. The 2019 Winter NAMM Show lived up to expectations with 115,000+ attendees and 2,000 exhibiting member companies. Most notable, there was a 14% increase in international participants, boosting the global importance of The NAMM Show. It’s always a pure delight to attend the Winter NAMM Show. This year’s event from January 24 to 27, exceeded all of my expectations. The expanded Anaheim Convention Center hosted a dynamic array of brands, special events set to live music, celebrity appearances, and interviews with the world’s top musical innovators, artists, and professionals, along with educational sessions tied to today’s trends
I was pleasantly surprised to discover 20+ booths side-by-side featuring an array of new MIDI products and applications. To see 35 photos of these booths and their unique MIDI products, go to: http://jalbum.net/a/1917003. In addition, there were numerous booths located throughout the convention center with MIDI-driven products from prominent manufacturers such as Avid, MakeMusic, Yamaha, Roland and others. Here are some highlights of the new MIDI products presented at this year’s show:
Bome Software displayed its flagship software, Bome MIDI Translator Pro, and the BomeBox, a MIDI translation and processing box. The box connects and routes MIDI devices connected via its USB host, MIDI DIN, and Ethernet connectors as well as via the built-in wireless network. New firmware adds support for translating computer (HID) keyboards and number pads to MIDI. Bome Software also announced that it has started prototyping the MIDI 2.0 protocol, which is currently being developed by the MIDI Manufacturers Association.
Bome Software GmbH & Co KG
Petra-Kelly-Str. 15
80797 München, Germany
Amtsgericht München HRA95502
http://www.bome.com
AirTurn BT200S is a durable and tactile wireless footswitch for creating proprietary keyboard, audio, and MIDI commands that control your tablet, computer, phone, or other Bluetooth devices.
AirTurn Inc.
1668 Valtec Lane
Unit G
Boulder, CO 80301
http://www.airturn.com
music.iLuv is an augmented-reality social music application for creating, practicing and performing in groups such as classroom, virtual classroom, private or public groups of childrern or adults who want to make music regardless of their background or skill level. The music.iLuv application uses MIDI technology in multiple areas. The software can provide live feedback to users during MIDI instrument practice sessions. Users can merge their MIDI and audio tracks and play with 3D virtual bands, orchestras and ensembles.
music.iLuv
2 N. 1st Street, Suite 500
San Jose, CA 95113
650-704-9457
Mukikim announced their new Studio Piano and New Studio Drums. These MIDI compatible instruments offer more advanced electronics with a built in speaker powered by a lithium rechargeable battery.
MukikiM LLC Robert@mukikim.com
6812 W Calumet
Milwaukee, WI 53223
www.mukikim.com
Piano de Voyage is a digital piano keyboard fully focused on portability. Its modular design makes it the ideal travel companion for keyboardists looking for a full-size keyboard they can carry in a cabin bag or a small backpack.
Piano de Voyage
pianodevoyage.com
KAGURA is a revolutionary digital instrument that lets you make music simply by gesturing. A computer and a web camera are all you need. From professional musicians to beginners, everyone can create original songs and performances easily.
Shikumi Designs
https://www.kagura.cc/
The Counterpoint Calculator is a plugin for all major DAWs. This tool helps composers speed up their compositional process. It allows users to write a short motif, specify the harmonic sequence of the piece of music and, from there the plugin composes the rest of the notes.
Digitrax Entertainment
6520-D; Chapman Hwy
Knoxville, TN 37920
www.DigitraxEntertainment.com
The Effigy Control Pedal is a programmable MIDI controller, playable and responsive enough for keyboardists’ pitch bend and mod wheel work, allowing the player’s comping (left) hand to stay on the keys where it belongs.
Effigy Labs
6005 Pinto Circle
Plano, TX 75023
https://effigylabs.com/effigy-control-pedal/effigy-control-pedal
BandLab is a free, easy-to-use, all-in-one, social music creation platform with more than 5 million active users creating new music and collaborating all over the world. With BandLab for Education, the company is bringing its award-winning music creation features to classrooms in order to empower teachers and their students with everything they need for collaborative and fun learning. Nothing to patch or install – BandLab’s FREE cloud-based platform works on Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chromebooks.
Band-in-a-Box is a landmark accompaniment generator since 1988 for authentic sounding backtracks for songwriting, learning and teaching and music production ranging from country to jazz to rock with over 6,500 different musical styles to use, augment, create and perform from. Prominent new features include a 64-bit (32-bit version included) and a VST DAW Plugin. This is a separate application that works directly inside your DAW (Cakewalk, Reaper, Pro Tools PreSonus etc.) to generate styles. RealTracks, RealDrums, Multi-Riffs and more.
PG MUSIC INC.
29 CADILLAC AVE
VICTORIA BC V8Z 1T3
CANADA
https://www.pgmusic.com/
EarMaster improves the way music theory and ear training is learned at home and in music schools by offering musicians interactive daily practice routines. Nominated at the 32nd NAMM TEC Awards, EarMaster is currently available on PC, Mac, and iPad. It includes audio-to-MIDI technology, MIDI I/O and SoundFont playback support. EarMaster Cloud educational solution enables music schools to easily integrate it into teaching programs.
EarMaster ApS
Egaa Havvej 21
8250 Egaa
Denmark
https://www.earmaster.com/
R.C voice is a technology that changes a human’s voice into a specific character’s voice in real time using machine learning. R.C.voice is available for Windows and for macOS.
CRIMSON TECHNOLOGY, Inc.
Phone: +81-50-3816-7190
Fax: +81- 03-6805-2367
email：voice@crimsontech.jp
https://crimsontech.jp/?lang=en
About the Author
John Kuzmich, Jr., Ph.D.
John Kuzmich, Jr. Ph.D. is a veteran music educator, jazz educator and music technologist who has taught on five continents. Dr Kuzmich won five Gold Medals as a band director at the World Music Contest in Kerkrade, Netherlands. His music talents are wide-spread as an accomplished conductor, performer, clinician, author, technologist and educator making him a creative music studio teacher for every level of student.
Top Ten MIDI Products of Winter NAMM 2018
Best New MIDI Products of Winter NAMM 2018
The Washington Post coverage of NAMM was all about MIDI controllers (you can skip the ad after 15 seconds)
DISCOVER ELK’S KEY FEATURES
ELK is a Music Operating System (MOS).
It allows musicians to:
- UPGRADE their instruments adding new sounds and features
- CONNECT musical instruments to external hardware and to the broader Internet
- SHARE instantly their performances online
ELK also allows hardware companies to move away from dedicated chips and use standard CPUs with no compromise in terms of low-latency, performance
and scalability.ELK makes it incredibly easy for software developers to port existing software for use in embedded environments, essentially allowing them to run the same code on
desktop , mobileand embedded systems.
3
by MINDMusicLabs
Camelot Software- Booth 10502- In our quick poll, Camelot Pro won Best of Show!
The website doesn’t provide a lot of information yet, but we got a sneak preview and Camelot is pretty awesome. It integrates hardware synths, softsynths plugins and allows you to integrate everything you need for live performance in one piece of software including lyrics, Chords
Our favorite feature? Take any multi-timbral 16 channel tone generator( like a Yamaha Montage
Expressive E TOUCHÉ -Booth 11007
Control your sound with a sensitive approach.
Play intuitively with any synthesizer.
Explore as yet undiscovered sonic territories.
Touché is the next step
on your creative journey.
1
by Expressive E
Although the Touche has been out for awhile, it’s hard to get your hands on one. If you are at Winter NAMM 2018 this is your chance!
MIDI Manufacturers Association Booth 10200, 9701
Maybe we are biased, but we think there are a bunch of
Winter NAMM 2016 MIDI Minutes
If you had a minute to tell us what MIDI means to you, what would you say?
At the Winter NAMM show 2016, we wanted to capture what people felt about MIDI. Thanks to Lawrence and Mick Levine we were able to capture people’s instant reaction to the question- What does MIDI mean to you? It is amazing how articulate and passionate people are about MIDI. Check out some random people at NAMM talking about MIDI. Make sure to check out former Keyboard editor Stephen Fortner in MIDI Minute 3!
The MIDI Association at Winter NAMM 2016
We had a great NAMM show in 2016. The MMA booth was really busy with constant demos by Quicco, Bome and Kagura from Shikumi Designs.
All of the Tec Track panels we hosted were well attended. The Executive Roundtable: Keyboards and Virtual Instruments — with Craig Anderton, Jordan Rudess, Mike Martin, Jimmy Landry, Roger Linn, Ralph Goldheim, Athan Billias and Stephen Fortner featured a lot of people who were instrumental (pun intended) in moving MIDI forward.
There were several demonstrations at the Annual General Meeting of the MIDI Manufacturers Association. Here are a few of the highlights. Jordan Rudess of Dream Theatre showed how expressive MPE could be in the right hands at the MIDI Manufacturers Association afternoon sessions on Sunday.
The MMA has established an MPE working group and is planning on moving forward quickly to define the specification. MPE is also featured in the GEOShred, the OS application developed by Jordan and MoForte. We also got a quick private demo of that from Jordan at the show.
Unique MIDI Controllers at NAMM 2016
There were a lot of very unique MIDI controllers at NAMM this year. One of the trends was products using the new Bluetooth Low Energy MIDI specification that the MIDI Manufacturers Association finalized this year.
Korg’s nanoKONTROL is a light-weight and compact mobile MIDI controller and the nanoKEY a keyboard that both feature BTLE MIDI and are battery operated and can connect wirelessly with your iPhone/iPad or Mac/Windows.
Yamaha showed two products that let you add BTLE MIDI to your current MIDI products.
- The UD-BT01 adapter lets you connect devices with a USB TO HOST terminal to iOS devices and Mac.
- The MD-BT01 adapter lets you connect instruments with MIDI IN/OUT terminals to iOS devices and Macs
These should also work with Android Marshmallow devices as Marshmallow supports BTLE MIDI. At the MIDI Matters panel at 2016, Pete Brown from Microsoft also mentioned that it is on the roadmap for Windows 10.
There were some really unique MIDI Controllers at the show. Here is one that got a lot of attention, Tribal Tools’ Kadabra..
“KADABRA Is a smart innovative wireless musical instrument that makes the impossible – intuitive. There are 24 capacitive copper pipe keys carved into the lower part of the body, flanked by smart multicolored LED lighting. The upper section is home to 12 control buttons, three thumb buttons and three pressure sensors, six utility buttons and a wheel encoder. Up to 16 different sounds can play simultaneously and motion sensors allow the player to control different parameters or produce specific sounds/effects with sharp or flowing movements. Kadabra has A long range wireless technology with zero latency, Dedicated software for computers which can sync with stand-alone VST instruments, MIDI devices or digital audio workstations over MIDI.
Tribal Tools aims to release the Kadabra in the second half of 2016”
Zoom showed the ARQ Sequencer, Drum Machine & Synthesizer. ARQ is a drum machine, sequencer, synthesizer, looper, and MIDI controller with a built-in accelerometer. It’s wireless Bluetooth Ring Controller let’s you control the internal sounds and sequences as well as other MIDI devices.
We’d like to thank all our media partners including Sonic State, Harmony Central, Synthtopia, New Bay Media and Sound on Sound for all the great coverage of The MIDI Association launch.
NAMM 2016: Introducing The MIDI Association
An inclusive global community for anyone who works, plays, or creates with MIDI
MMA @ The 2013 NAMM Show
MIDI Creators and Innovators Panel
Featuring: Dave Smith, George Duke, Tom Oberheim, Alan Parsons, Jordan Rudess, Craig Anderton. For 30 years, MIDI has been at the forefront of music technology even as musical trends change. Watch a star-studded panel of MIDI instrument designers and musicians talk about the past, present, and future of MIDI with MMA CEO/President Tom White.
MIDI 30th Anniversary Exhibit
Here’s how we celebrated the incredible history of MIDI at 2013 NAMM:
- We recreated the 1983 MIDI launch with the first two MIDI keyboards, the Roland Jupiter-6 and Sequential Prophet 600, connected via MIDI.
- We displayed historical documents about the development of MIDI and the MMA, and some well-known MIDI products from the past.
- We displayed some of the latest products using MIDI technology, and gave attendees the opportunity to jam with each other.
- We used a 30 year-old Commodore 64 as a MIDI sequencer for an iPad (running AniMoog)
C64 meets iPad
2013 Booth Photo (“Present”)
2013 Booth Photo (“Past”)
1983 NAMM Photo
- We handed out nearly 5000 “MIDI 30 Years” commemorative pins, and five lucky people people seen wearing the pins received prizes, including one Gibson Les Paul Standard Grand Prize.
MMA Annual General Meeting 2013
The Annual General Meeting of MMA Members began with a General Session at 9:00 am for members and invited guests, followed by a closed (members-only) Technical Session at 10:00 am.
MMA Status Report
MMA President Tom White explained how MMA’s mission is providing for interoperability of MIDI products, and explained the various technical proposals and business development projects being managed by MMA on behalf of the industry.
- HD Protocol
- MMA AVBTP Payload Types – The new IEEE AVB Transport Protocol specification (IEEE-1722) includes a reference to MMA for specifications now under development that define the transport of MIDI and HD Protocol.
- Updated MIDI Electrical spec – A proposal for MMA to publish a new circuit diagram using current components and practices and allowing for 3.3V power supplies.
- IEC MIDI Specification – A proposal is under consideration to submit some portion of the MIDI Specification to IEC for standardization, to improve recognition as a standard by emerging countries.
- Universal SysEX ID for iOS OMAC – A proposal to improve communication among iOS music apps.
- MIDI Home Control Specification – A proposal to provide interoperability among home A/V devices.
- Web MIDI API – The web standards organization (W3C) has developed technology to enable browser-based audio apps, including support for MIDI input/output. Florian Bomers (Bome Software) presented an overview of the Web MIDI API, and encouraged MMA members to advocate for browser support.
- Bluetooth LE – Tom mentioned a few companies interested in using this technology for MIDI.
- Logo and Trademark Protection – MMA is working with AMEI in Japan and CMIA in China to prevent dilution of the meaning of “MIDI” in China caused by registered marks being used on non-MIDI products.
Tom also reported on MMA’s “MIDI Makes Music” promotional campaign for 2013, and the Technical Grammy to be awarded February 9th to Dave Smith and Ikutaro Kakehashi for the invention of MIDI.
Following the General Session the MMA members discussed each active technical proposal in more detail.
NAMM Museum Of Making Music Celebrates 30th Anniversary of MIDI
MIDI 30th Anniversary Exhibit Display highlights historical significance of the communication interface in music making
Carlsbad, CA (December 3, 2013) — Commemorating 30 years of facilitating the creation of music, MIDI technology debuts a display at the Museum of Making Music that will be on exhibit now through 2014 at NAMM headquarters in Carlsbad, CA. The display invites Museum patrons to experience Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) technology personally, using a touch screen interface and a fun-to-play YouRock Guitar. YouRock donated the interactive instrument, which effectively demonstrates the versatility of MIDI technology when applied to an instrument. The display also incorporates early MIDI-compatible synthesizers, keyboards and MIDI-enabled instruments to illustrate the early manifestations of the technology over the years.
“The NAMM Museum of Making Music’s mission is to celebrate the accomplishments and impact of the music products industry,” said the Museum’s executive director Carolyn Grant. “Few innovations in recent years have as far-reaching an effect as MIDI has had on our world. We are excited to share its history with our visitors and to encourage them to learn about MIDI not only through words and pictures, but through hands-on experience.”
This innovative and groundbreaking communication interface protocol that makes music more accessible and gives musicians a vast array of expressive tools, was first demonstrated at the NAMM Show in 1983. Originally developed for composing and creating music, MIDI technology has evolved in the last 30 years to include applications for computers, cell phones, interactive games, and other electronic products. MIDI was awarded a coveted Technical GRAMMY Award in 2013.
“MIDI dramatically changed music-making 30 years ago when two competing manufacturers enabled their electronic keyboards to ‘talk’ to each other,” said Tom White, President/CEO of the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA). “MIDI makes it possible for musicians to do more by giving them control over multiple instruments (and sounds) at one time, and by enabling computers (including some tablets and smart phones) to record, edit, and notate musical performances,” he said. “This exhibit shows the evolution of MIDI products, and demonstrates why MIDI will continue to have a significant impact on the musical instrument business in the future.”
MIDI applications have become increasingly ubiquitous in the writing and performance of popular recorded music. MIDI-equipped electronic keyboards (aka “synthesizers”), computers using sequencers and digital audio workstations, digital drums, strings, guitars and other MIDI-enabled instruments continue to make creating a broad spectrum of music accessible to more musicians and composers.
About The Museum of Making Music
The Museum of Making Music shares the dynamic history of the music products industry from its beginnings at the turn of the 20th century to today. Through unique exhibitions and interactive experiences, it inspires visitors of any age to explore the underlying connections between people, instruments and music, and fosters active music making as a path to enrichment and understanding. Visit the museum’s website at www.museumofmakingmusic.org or call 760-438-5996.
Media Contact: B.J Morgan
bjm@museumofmakingmusic.org
760 438 8007 x170