The Fairlight CMI (Computer Musical Instrument) was a groundbreaking digital synthesiser, sampler, and workstation that transformed music production from its release in 1979. Developed by Peter Vogel and Kim Ryrie in Sydney, Australia, the Fairlight CMI was the first commercially available instrument to integrate digital sampling, synthesis, sequencing, and computer-based music editing in a single system. It became synonymous with the sound of the 1980s and had a lasting influence on how music was created and produced.
Fairlight Series I (1979)
The first Fairlight, known as Series I, introduced 8-bit digital sampling with a maximum sample rate of 24 kHz and 8-voice polyphony. Its unique additive synthesis engine allowed users to create complex sounds by combining harmonics. However, its most innovative feature was the ability to sample real-world sounds and play them chromatically across a keyboard.
The system featured a graphical interface operated by a light pen, letting users visually edit waveforms – a novel concept at the time. Storage was handled by 8-inch floppy disks, and it included an alphanumeric keyboard and a QWERTY keyboard for control.
Despite its technical limitations by today’s standards – low resolution sampling and a rather noisy audio output – the Series I represented a massive leap forward. Early adopters included Peter Gabriel, who was among the first to showcase its potential on his third solo album.
Fairlight Series II and IIx (1982–1983)
The Series II, launched in 1982, improved significantly on the original. It offered sampling rates of up to 32 kHz and provided better sound quality with less noise. The system continued to support 8-bit sampling but introduced expanded software capabilities.
The most significant advancement was the introduction of Page R, one of the earliest graphical sequencers. Page R simplified the sequencing process by allowing users to compose music using visual patterns and blocks rather than coding sequences, making the system accessible to non-programmers.
The Series IIx, introduced in 1983, added MIDI support and SMPTE time code synchronisation, making it easier to integrate into complex studio and live performance setups. The IIx also featured expanded storage and memory, allowing users to work with larger sample libraries.
Fairlight Series III (1985)
The Series III, released in 1985, was a major overhaul of the system. It featured 16-bit sampling with variable rates up to 100 kHz, offering far superior sound fidelity. The polyphony was expanded to 16 voices, and the system provided more RAM (up to 14MB), enabling longer and higher-quality samples.
It also included the CAPS (Computer Audio Production System), a suite of professional digital audio editing tools that brought the Fairlight into the emerging world of digital audio workstations (DAWs). The Series III supported SCSI drives for faster and larger data storage and introduced an improved graphical interface.
The Series III cemented the Fairlight’s role as a professional tool for music producers and film composers. It was used extensively by major artists like Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Stevie Wonder, and Herbie Hancock. Its orchestral samples and unique textures became defining elements of many 1980s productions, including Trevor Horn’s work with Frankie Goes to Hollywood and Art of Noise.
Fairlight CMI 30A (2011)
In 2011, Fairlight released the CMI 30A to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original CMI. The 30A combined the look and feel of the original Series IIx with modern technology, including a touchscreen interface, contemporary connectivity options, and the ability to run legacy Fairlight software alongside modern plug-ins. It featured updated hardware that could handle contemporary sampling and processing demands while preserving the characteristic workflow of the original.
The Fairlight Legacy
The Fairlight CMI was a revolutionary instrument that ushered in the digital sampling era. While its early models were prohibitively expensive, the Fairlight became a staple in high-end recording studios and among top artists. It reshaped music production, film scoring, and sound design, influencing the development of later sampling technologies and DAWs.
Today, the Fairlight CMI is celebrated as one of the most significant innovations in the history of electronic music. Its pioneering approach to sampling and sequencing remains influential, and its legacy can be heard in countless classic records from the 1980s and beyond.
