In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the first soundfonts emerged, primarily used in MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) files. These early soundfonts were relatively simple, containing a limited number of sounds, often with a characteristic "General MIDI" (GM) sound. The GM standard, introduced in 1991, defined a set of 128 sounds that every MIDI device should be able to produce. This standardization led to the widespread adoption of soundfonts in various applications, including video games, demos, and early electronic music productions.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the first soundfonts emerged, primarily used in MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) files. These early soundfonts were relatively simple, containing a limited number of sounds, often with a characteristic "General MIDI" (GM) sound. The GM standard, introduced in 1991, defined a set of 128 sounds that every MIDI device should be able to produce. This standardization led to the widespread adoption of soundfonts in various applications, including video games, demos, and early electronic music productions.