The Digital Revolution: Music & Devices (1980-1989)

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Questions and Answers

What significant impact did the digital revolution in music during the 1980s have?

It shifted focus towards more traditional music production methods.

It made music videos irrelevant to artists' careers.

It increased the emphasis on visuals alongside music. (correct)

It completely eliminated the need for visuals in music.

Which of the following was a characteristic of The Police's musical style?

Heavy reliance on electronic synthesizers.

Strictly followed the pop music norms of the 80s.

Influences from punk, reggae, and new wave. (correct)

Inspiration solely drawn from classical music.

What was a defining feature of the Prophet 5 synthesizer?

It was released as the first digital synthesizer.

It featured advanced sampling capabilities for its time.

It was the first 5-voice analog synthesizer from Sequential Circuits. (correct)

It was the first 16-voice analog synthesizer.

Which album by The Police was released in 1983 and won a Grammy?

Synchronicity Signup and view all the answers

What type of instrument is the Ensoniq Mirage?

An 8-bit sampler. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following digital devices was one of the first digital drum machines?

Linn LM-1 Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant cultural development during the Digital Revolution of the 1980s?

The birth of Synth Pop Signup and view all the answers

Who designed the LM-1?

Roger Linn Signup and view all the answers

What distinguished the LinnDrum from the Linn LM-1?

It was a more affordable version of the LM-1. Signup and view all the answers

Which format became standard during the Digital Revolution in terms of music media?

Cassette tapes and CDs Signup and view all the answers

Which genre of metal is characterized by big hair and big ballads?

Glam Metal Signup and view all the answers

What key element helped popularize the 80's metal genre?

MTV Signup and view all the answers

Which producer is known for producing 'Hysteria' by Def Leppard?

Mutt Lange Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of a tool commonly used in 80's metal music?

Digital Synthesizers Signup and view all the answers

Which artist collaborated with Mutt Lange on the album 'Come On Over'?

Shania Twain Signup and view all the answers

What is a hallmark of Thrash Metal?

Fast, hard, and aggressive style Signup and view all the answers

Which instrument is highlighted in the production of Peter Gabriel's album 'So'?

Fairlight CMI Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the British heavy metal scene of the mid-70s is accurate?

It paved the way for multiple popular genres. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following bands is associated with Glam Metal?

Motley Crue Signup and view all the answers

In what year was Peter Gabriel's album 'So' released?

1986 Signup and view all the answers

Which recording studio is known for producing the album 'Thriller'?

Westlake Recording Studio Signup and view all the answers

How many Grammy nominations did Quincy Jones achieve during his career?

80 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use of the Shure SM7B microphone?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following artists featured on 'Thriller'?

Paul McCartney Signup and view all the answers

What feature of the Lexicon PCM42 contributes to its use in music production?

Up to 2.4 seconds of delay time Signup and view all the answers

What significant role did Bruce Swedien play in Quincy Jones' productions?

Preferred engineer Signup and view all the answers

Which microphone was Bruce Swedien's choice for Michael Jackson's vocals on 'Thriller'?

Shure SM7B Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the control rooms at Westlake Recording Studio?

Acoustically standardized design Signup and view all the answers

Which album is recognized as Prince's magnum opus?

Purple Rain Signup and view all the answers

What technology was first introduced by Eventide in 1975?

H910 Signup and view all the answers

Which artist collaborated with Ladysmith Black Mambazo on their 1986 album?

Paul Simon Signup and view all the answers

Who engineered Prince's album 'Purple Rain'?

Susan Rogers Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following instruments is not listed as one of Prince's tools?

Yamaha NS-10 Signup and view all the answers

Which brothers are known for their work primarily in rock music recording?

Tom and Chris Lord-Alge Signup and view all the answers

What significant achievement did Paul Simon's 'Graceland' win?

Grammy Album of the Year Signup and view all the answers

What instrument was used frequently throughout Paul Simon's 'Graceland'?

Synclavier Signup and view all the answers

Which album was NOT mixed by Bob Clearmountain?

4 by Foreigner Signup and view all the answers

What is the common characteristic of the instruments listed as part of Prince's technology?

They are all synthesizers or electronic instruments. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable characteristic of the Roland TR-808?

It was fully programmable. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Roland TR-808 considered significant in music history?

It dominated 80’s hip-hop and influenced modern music. Signup and view all the answers

What year did the MIDI protocol begin to be demonstrated publicly?

1983 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following artists is NOT mentioned as having a song that features the TR-808?

Drake Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the first usage of MIDI?

It was demonstrated using a Prophet-600 and a Roland instrument. Signup and view all the answers

What type of sounds was the Roland TR-808 initially criticized for?

Being unrealistic. Signup and view all the answers

What was the commercial fate of the Roland TR-808 after its release?

It was initially a commercial flop. Signup and view all the answers

Which company collaborated with other manufacturers to create the MIDI protocol?

Korg Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

The Digital Revolution: Part I (1980-1989)

Digital devices became mainstream
Many new digital products emerged including synthesizers, drum machines, samplers, and signal processors
Cassette tapes and CDs became standard formats
Hip-hop gained cultural traction
Synth-pop emerged
Heavy metal and the LA music scene developed
New dance music styles emerged
The first digital audio workstations (DAWs) were introduced
MTV (Music Television) became a significant platform

Linn LM-1

Released in 1980
Designed by Roger Linn
A fully programmable digital drum machine
Fewer than 1000 units were produced
Used acoustic drum samples
8-bit, 35k samples
Used by many artists including Prince and Michael Jackson

LinnDrum

Released in 1982
More affordable version of the LM-1
Became popular
12 tracks
56 user-programmable patterns
Real drum samples

Roland TR-808

Manufactured from 1980-1983
Fully programmable
Commercial flop (did not see initial sales appeal)

MIDI

Musical Instrument Digital Interface
Developed in 1981 by Dave Smith
Facilitated communication between digital music instruments
Collaborated with other manufacturers
Standardized the protocol
Published in August 1983
Changed music production forever

Other Notable Artists and Events

Numerous artists and bands of the era are highlighted
Key albums and tracks are referenced
Noteworthy producers, engineers, and studios of the 1980s musical scene are mentioned

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Description

Explore the significant advancements in digital music technology during the 1980s. This quiz covers iconic devices like the Linn LM-1, LinnDrum, and Roland TR-808, as well as the cultural impact of MTV and emerging music genres. Test your knowledge of the digital innovations that shaped modern music.