4. History

The history of controllers extends back to the origins of modern musical instruments. The changeover to "controllers" cannot be pinned down to a single moment (isn't a piano keyboard a controller, too?), but the term itself is intimately connected with the MIDI-interface's origin in 1983. Only after Dave Smith had developed this protocol did it become possible to control synthesizers, drum modules, etc. through connected devices (=controllers). At first, this option was restricted to two identically constructed synthesizers connected to each other directly by cable MIDI. Later it became possible - and popular - to control drum modules, samplers, effect devices etc. remotely. The simple in-out MIDI connections were replaced by MIDI processors, mostly in 19 format, that were capable of routing and processing 8x8 MIDI channels simultaneously. The huge keyboard "fortresses" players contstructed around themselves in the 1980s became more manageable - and better playable! Today, radio transmission controllers are available, obviating even the need for cables.

While technology has changed in leaps and bounds, it is interesting to know that MIDI is still THE standard in data transmission thanks to its great reliability and sheer prevalence. This holds true even though the data rate is incredibly low for contemporary standards, and despite glitches or delay being all too frequent occurrences when large amounts of MIDI data are transferred. Yamaha's XG-MIDI or Roland's GS-MIDI were intended to improve this, but were successful only with manufacturers. Everyone else still goes in for good ol' MIDI.