Keith McMillen, electronic instrument builder (QuNexus, K-Board Pro…) and inventor has passed away at the age of 67, RIP.
It’s time to pack for the weekend and then this. Sad news arrived from the US. Keith McMillen, electronic instrument builder and inventor, has died at the age of 67.
He was best known in the electronic music scene for his expressive MIDI controllers QuNeo, QuNexus, K-Bow, and the recent K-Board Pro. McMillen also had a keen interest in developing new technologies. It worked, for example, on expressive control tech, led to OSC, MPE, and MIDI 2.0
Before starting his own company Keith McMillen Instruments, he was also active in other companies. In 1979, he was a modern violin maker at Zeta Music.
Then, he became a researcher and vice president at Gibson Guitars, where he founded the R&D lab G-Wiz. He developed a groundbreaking music instrument control language that evolved into the Open Sound Control (OSC) protocol.
Today, this technology lays the foundation for MPE and MIDI 2.0. A person who still strongly influences the music tech world of today.
Keith McMillen RIP
The PR team of his company, “Keith McMillen Instruments,” has published an obituary on the website.
Keith McMillen, a pioneering force in audio and music technology, passed away this week leaving behind a legacy of innovation and a profound impact on the music industry. Born July 10, 1957 in Bermuda, Keith dedicated his life to revolutionizing how live interactive music is played and experienced.
A passionate advocate for the intersection of technology and music, Keith’s academic foundation was laid at the University of Illinois, where he earned a BS in Acoustics under the mentorship of James Beauchamp. He further honed his skills in classical guitar and composition under the guidance of Herbert Brun, Scott Wyatt, and Sal Martirano. Over the years, Keith developed MAPPS, an integrated computer composition, notation, and performance system that became the bedrock of his group TrioMetrik.
Keith’s professional journey began in 1979 when he founded Zeta Music, a company that would become synonymous with the modern violin. His revolutionary electronic instrument designs set new standards in the music industry, creating a market that continues to influence musicians today.
In 1992, as Vice President at Gibson Guitars, Keith founded G-WIZ, an R&D lab where he developed ZIPI, a groundbreaking musical instrument control language that evolved into the Open Sound Control (OSC) protocol and lay the foundation for MPE and MIDI 2.0.
In 2005, Keith founded Keith McMillen Instruments, a company that quickly became known for its cutting-edge approach to musical technology using patented Smart Fabric sensors. Keith established the company to bring his innovative vision to life, and under his leadership KMI introduced groundbreaking products that combined Smart Fabric with musical artistry, including the K-Bow, QuNeo, QuNexus and K-Board Pro. These instruments, recognized for their versatility and advanced capabilities, reflected Keith’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what was possible in music technology. His work through the company solidified his reputation as a pioneer in the field and left a lasting impact on the music industry.
In 2014, Keith founded BeBop Sensors with a mission to expand Smart Fabric applications into the fields of wearable sensors and haptics. This led to the development of several products and patents, including virtual reality gloves and insole sensors. This work inspired Keith to form Sensible Robotics, a new company where Keith focused his full attention on Making Robots Feel Better™ by using Smart Fabric to develop robotic skin.
Keith McMillen’s work exemplified a lifelong commitment to exploring how computer intelligence and user interface can enhance and expand musical performance. His passing is a great loss to the world of music and technology, but his innovations and achievements will continue to inspire and shape the future of both fields.
My deepest condolences to his family and the whole KM Instruments team. Thank you for all the inventions and products you have created in your career. RIP
More information here: Keith McMillen Instruments
Keith probably doesn’t get enough praise for the things he accomplished. I’ve used a couple of the products and they’re pretty good. At least far more interesting than what other companies (with way more capital) have produced. Sad that he past so early but I hope the company will continue and bring forward more great innovative products. RIP