In 1975, The Fairlight CMI (“Computer Musical Instrument”) began humbly enough: in a basement in Sydney, with $400 to start the company. By the mid-‘80s, the sampler and digital synth was a must-have tool for deep-pocketed recording artists and engineers. Then, by the turn of the next decade, it was well on its way to being obsolete. For the Fairlight, though, obsolescence didn’t equal irrelevance – the behemoth instrument, famous for its monochrome-green computer screen and light pen, helped set music production on a path toward software sequencing, sampling and sound editing. On this edition of Instrumental Instruments, Jordan Rothlein explains the enduring appeal of this iconic machine, featuring interviews with Fairlight co-creator Kim Ryrie, Art of Noise member JJ Jeczalik and Ghostly International producer Com Truise. Plus, get deep on the instrument’s inner workings with longtime Fairlight devotee Tim Curtis.
