Akai EWI USB Wind Instrument Sythesizer Controller
 Regular Price: $499.00 | |
Product Details
Dear visitor! This website has been designed to help you find THE BEST PRICE. When you are ready to buy, your payment will be processed through one of the most TRUSTED SUPPLIERS directly. |
| Not what you're looking for? Try smart custom search: |
Customer Review
Incredible wind controller!
I have used the Yamaha WX7, WX5, EWI-3020, EWI-4000s and this newest instrument, the EWI-USB. Not only is this instrument an incredible bargain at under $300 but it is much simpler to setup and use than all of the other wind controllers.You do not have to mess around with 6 or 7 little knobs or screw adjusted controls in order to get this instrument set up to play properly.In my opinion the EWI-USB has better dynamic range than the other wind controllers, plus it does not require an additional cable to connect with an optional power supply nor, because it gets its power via the USB connection, does it need batteries.It includes a very nice selection of acoustic intrument samples (software synthesizer sounds) from the Garritan "Jazz and Big Band", and the Garritan Personal Orchestra package (it has a subset of sounds from these packages).Some people prefer the Yamaha WX5 wind controller because it has mechanical keys which move, unlike...
Top to learn more
Another Opinion
After seeing an extremely negative review on the Akai EWI USB I had to chime in. I've been composing for years with a Yamaha WX5 and have grown accustomed to scoring with wind controllers - there's nothing like the performance you can get from them. After dealing with waning support on older wind controllers and specialized accessories and dead batteries all the time I finally jumped onto the Akai mainly to simplify things via USB and up to date software support. I don't regret it one bit. The keys lack action which takes a little getting used to, but this is now my go to instrument. For the price I completely recommend it for anyone with wind instrument experience looking to get a more natural sounding performance out of their digital work.And of note - I primarily work in Cubase and have never had any software issues with this. It's treated as a standard USB keyboard with the wind data simply sending extra controller information.
Top to learn more
Fantastic Instrument
I was apprehensive about buying a wind controller, as I've played good old fashioned woodwinds and brass all my life. However, I was shocked to find how expressive and emotive one could be using an electronic controller like this. The EWI comes with a nice library of sounds out of the box, some are better and more natural than others. My experience with the setup and software was great, it worked flawlessly on my MacBook (2.5 Intel Core 2 Duo). I installed the software and plugged in the EWI, restarted and was up and playing in minutes.The hardest aspect for me to adjust to was the octave scroller. If you go to the Akai site and look at the images, you'll see metal rollers that allow you to switch between multiple octaves. It took a few days to be able to run through material without accidentally shifting octaves, and at times was extremely frustrating. But now, it's no longer an issue.The other issue, is that the EWI's mouthpiece has a very restrictive...
Top to learn more
Product Description
EWI USB is an electronic wind instrument for musicians looking for an easy-to-play, easy-to-use controller. Akai Professional’s decades of experience in wind and electronic music instruments are rolled into our most user friendly — and most affordable — EWI ever. PREMIUM PEDIGREE Akai Professional is the first name in electronic wind instruments. For over 20 years, Akai Professional has studied the art of playing saxophone, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, and other traditional winds, and developed electronic wind instruments that enable wind players to enjoy the same expressive control as in an acoustic instrument. We designed EWI USB to give wind players the expressive musical capabilities previously found only in much more expensive instruments. PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE EWIs are the only choice for serious wind players looking to make music electronically. While EWI USB is easy and fun to use, it’s also powerful, flexible, and most importantly reliable enough for use on stage and in the studio by professional musicians. COMPUTER CONTROL EWI USB is the most flexible EWI because it harnesses your computer to generate its sounds. Its USB interface means that all you need is nearly any Mac or PC and the included EWI USB software, and you’re ready to practice, perform, create, and record with a full collection of wind instrument sounds. Aria Player software was produced specifically for use with EWI USB, providing wind players with an unprecedented level of expressive control. LARGE SOUND PALETTE You get over 75 different orchestral, concert band, jazz band, and synthesizer sound sets expertly recorded and programmed by Garritan, renowned for its ultra-realistic instrument sound libraries. MULTI MODE EWI USB offers multiple fingering modes including sax, traditional EWI, flute, oboe, and EVI (brass), so whether you’re just starting out as a woodwind student or an old pro wind player, you’ll find EWI USB easy to play. EWI USB is designed for you to spend your time playing music; not learning technology. SURPRISING AFFORDABILITY Historically, electronic wind instruments have fallen into two different categories: high-end, professional instruments and toys. EWI USB breaks the price barrier, bringing professional quality, expressive control, and a studio-ready sound library to a price the professional-wind-instrument world has never seen. Discover the world of expression that only wind instruments can offer with EWI USB. Top to learn more
Generally quite pleased
Fun, Easy to use, but meant for pros