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FAQs

  1. What is the P.H.I.?
    The P.H.I. is a MIDI controller with a form that is inspired by the traditional steelpan. It is essentially what the electronic keyboard is to the pianist.

  2. What do I get when I purchase a P.H.I.?
    When a P.H.I. is purchased the customer receives a free stand (collapsible), touch screen, dome case and stand case, MIDI cable and TRS cable.

  3. Where will I be able to purchase a P.H.I. when they are on sale?
    P.H.I.s will be available at local musical supplies stores such as Simon's. It will also be available from online retailers, Panadigm's online store and sales agents. You can also contact sales@panadigm.com for further information.

  4. Will there be other ranges of the P.H.I. such as double seconds and bass?
    No. There will only be one interface of the P.H.I., which consist of 36 notes (remember the P.H.I. is not to replace the traditional steelpan but to provide more opportunities for the pannist). However, all ranges of steelpan can be played on the P.H.I. and there are also authentic pan tones which will allow the musician to sound like any range of steelpan from any pan tuner such as Bertie Marshall and Guppy Brown.

  5. What tones can be played on the P.H.I.?
    The P.H.I. enables any tone to be played on a single interface. All ranges of steelpan can be played such as tenor, double second, cello and bass. Users can also access traditional instrument tones through General MIDI (GM). Non-traditional tones such as sound effects (pops, claps and vocals) and trini percussion instruments (bottle and spoon, iron and cowbell) can be accessed on the P.H.I.

  6. What are the uses of the P.H.I.?
    • The P.H.I. can be used for musical performances. It allows the pannist to access different tones outside of the authentic pan tones such as piano, guitar, sitar, violin and trumpet.
    • The P.H.I. can be used for recording. Through the MIDI capabilities of the P.H.I. it makes recording, composing, sequencing and scoring much easier than with the traditional steelpan.
    • The P.H.I. can be used for teaching. Through the use of software developed by Panadigm Innovations Ltd it makes learning to play steelpan and the P.H.I. much easier. Students can also learn the sound of various instrument tones on one interface.

  1. Is the P.H.I. a pan?
    No. It is a MIDI Controller with the interface of a tenor steelpan.

  2. Of what material is the P.H.I. made?
    The dome is currently fiberglass, whereas the stand is aluminum.

  3. How many notes does the P.H.I. have?
    The P.H.I. consists of 36 notes, which is 3 full octaves.

  4. What is the note layout of the P.H.I.?
    The note layout is the circular 4ths and 5ths (spider web layout) that was popularized by Anthony Williams. Therefore, once ones knows their music theory or can play tenor steelpan, there is a zero learning curve when playing the P.H.I.

  5. What can I use to play the P.H.I.?
    The P.H.I. can be played with regular mallets that are used to play tenor steelpan or fingers according to the user's preference.

  6. Where is the P.H.I. manufactured?
    All the parts of the P.H.I. are assembled in Trinidad and Tobago by locals. Research and development of the P.H.I. has been conducted at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine and production takes place at Trincity Industrial Estate, Macoya.