MIDI 2.0 prototyping in the works, 35 years after launch of the first version

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In a blog post last Friday, the MIDI Manufacturers Association (MMA) together with the Association of Music Electronics Industry (AMEI) announced prototyping of MIDI 2.0.

Musical Instrument Digital Interface or otherwise commonly referred to as MIDI is a digital protocol used for recording and playing back music. It was originally designed for musical keyboards but was soon enough adopted to be used in computers. MIDI was also used in phone ringtones. The protocol was first released in 1983.

Now, the MMA and in association with AMEI have settled on the specifications and features for the next generation of the music recording protocol and have named it MIDI 2.0. These two companies are now working together in order to develop prototypes based on a co-developed draft specification. There will be a ‘plugfest’ in Winter NAMM 2019 between some MIDI 2.0 prototypes to test compatibility. Some of the participating companies are Google, Yamaha, Roland, and Steinberg.

The prototyping will continue through this year as the involved associations work together on launch plans of the new protocol. This includes developing a new logo and self-certification programs for both MMA and AMEI member organizations. However, during the prototyping phase, the specifications for MIDI 2.0 is exclusive to MMA and AMEI members.

MIDI 2.0 brings auto-configuration, new DAW/web integrations, extended resolution, increased expressiveness, and tighter timing. While adding the new features, they will also strive to maintain backward compatibility. The new specifications will join the current MIDI specifications when they are finalized and will be available as a free download on the MIDI website.