The
philosophy behind the design of the MDT has been to create
an instrument that not only looks and feels fantastic but
is made from the highest quality materials and is built
to last.
Some
of the MDT's impressive design features are outlined below.
The
Valves, which are stainless steel shafts running in a CNC
machined Acetal block, never need lubrication and will outlast
the valves on your brass trumpet. Valve sensing is achieved
by breaking an invisible light beam rather than physical contacts,
to avoid any wearing parts. Springs and pads are regular trumpet
items to create a familiar feel.
Opposing
Rare Earth magnets are used as springs in the pitch bend levers
to attain an exponential torque feedback and a smooth feel.
The levers can also be adjusted to suit varying thumb sizes.
Breath
sensing is achieved using an extremely sensitive piezo pressure
transducer that measures very small relative changes in pressure.
This combined with smart mathematical algorithms implemented
in the processor allows the MDT to boast the fastest breath
response out of all known wind controllers on the market.
The
MDT is controlled with the use of two very powerful mini computers
(microcontrollers). These are both flash devices, which can
be upgraded while in the instrument and also write information
to their own flash, allowing user presets to be saved permanently.
Controlling
the octaves on the MDT is achieved using a series of tactile
buttons on the left side of the trumpet. This technique gives
the player the ability to jump between 4 octaves of range
instantly and by pressing another button a total of 10 can
octaves is achieved. This "keypad" can also be assigned
to various MIDI functions e.g. patch change, volume control
etc.
With
three independent right hand thumb controllers and two switches
plus five breath sensor controllers, the MDT has the unbelievable
expressive capability to send an amazing TEN MIDI controllers
as well as variable velocity in response to your tonguing!
The
high quality finish of the MDT is achieved with the aid of
a sophisticated laser cutting system, also designed by Steve
Marshall. Virtually all metal parts on the MDT including valves
and mouthpiece are stainless steel. High grade Acetal is used
for the valve block due to its inherent frictionless characteristics
and as a result sticky valves are a thing of the past.
Unlike
almost all other wind controllers, the MDT comes with a custom
aluminum hard-shell case for protection. Hand assembled using
high density laser cut foam and black crushed velvet gives
the MDT the protection it needs for many years or use.
More
Reasons Why To Play The MDT
An
MDT can be a "one person horn or string section".
An
MDT is easier to play- i.e. no embouchure needs to be
maintained to produce a professional quality tone.
Some
people find that they simply do not have the time to maintain
their "chops" on an acoustic instrument and
an MDT is more in tune with their lifestyle.
Complete
volume control is a simple twist of a knob. This means
that horn players can play in small venues (i.e. quiet
restaurants) without having to change their playing style.
Others like the fact that they can play a wind controller
into a pair of headphones and not disturb others while
practicing late at night or in an apartment.
Others
find that they can explore amazing new sounds never before
possible on any acoustic wind instrument.
The
MIDI data generated by mdt can be recorded and manipulated
in a MIDI sequencer. This opens up unlimited possibilities.
The
"Show Business Appeal" is very attractive. Audiences
are naturally intrigued by the MDT. They do get attention!
Lots
of musical organisations such as worship groups and theatre
productions find that purchasing a wind controller system
saves them money buy allowing their resident musicians
to cover parts that would normally require extra players.
Many
simply find the technology cool and exciting and want
to enjoy it