Trumpets are the highest register in the brass family and are among the oldest instruments available. Digital trumpets are electronic devices that imitate the sound of a real trumpet using prerecorded sounds. Keyboards, midi devices, and recording software plug-ins are just a few of the popular digital trumpet devices.
Almost all digital keyboards have trumpet effects built in. For live performances, the best digital trumpet device is a keyboard. On the prerecorded settings list, the trumpet will be one of many channels. A variety of brass sounds are available to the user. At various octaves, each key on the keyboard will represent a different trumpet note. Digital keyboards are reasonably priced new and can be found used for even less, but they rarely come with a keyboard stand.
Another option for creating digital trumpet sounds is to use midi devices. Typically, these are modified keyboards that connect to a Mac or PC via a standard USB port. Rotating knobs, long-throw faders, and snap back buttons are all common examples. These devices are more expensive than keyboards, and the higher-end models can be prohibitively expensive. Musicians can get them from major music stores as well as online sources.
For digital trumpet sounds, drum pads are a great midi source. These pads are made up of four to twelve squares that can be triggered with a drumstick. Prerecorded trumpet sounds, ranging from a B-flat trumpet to a traditional C orchestra trumpet, are frequently used. They trigger sounds in a similar way to a keyboard, but with far fewer trigger points.
Used music stores are an excellent place to look for a digital trumpet. Used keyboards and midi devices are almost always available in these stores. They don’t sell used recording software, but they do occasionally have it in stock.
Prerecorded sound packages are frequently included with studio recording software. Almost all of these packages include Trumpet sounds. The notes on a keypad can be used to play a digital trumpet, but it is preferable to use a musician’s keyboard plugged into the computer to trigger the notes. A USB or firewire cable can be used to connect these devices.
An MDT, or Morrison Digital Trumpet, was recently released. The MDT looks like a traditional trumpet, but because it’s entirely electronic, it gives musicians a lot more sound options. The MDT, for example, has a ten-octave range, and musicians can use other instruments like a clarinet, saxophone, or guitar.
One of the main advantages of the digital trumpet is that it does not require the musician to be a trumpet player in order to achieve trumpet sounds for their performances or recordings. For a quick resolution to finding brass sounds, many studio musicians prefer to use digital trumpets. The sound quality, on the other hand, isn’t always as good or as authentic as that of a real trumpet.