1980s

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1981

The MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) protocol is defined, a standard for communication between electronic musical instruments, synthesizers and computer music.

1982

The first Compact Disc (CD) is marketed, developed jointly by Philips and Sony.

1986

DAT (Digital Audio Tape) appears.

1989

The first Sound Blaster sound card appears on the market, for many years the de facto standard for playing audio on a PC.