Akai EWI5000 Wireless Electronic Wind Controller/Synthesizer

Not just a MIDI wind controller, the EWI5000 comes loaded with 3 GB of acoustic and synth sounds -- plus a built-in digital wireless system for playing live!

$899.00

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    $74.92
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    $112.38
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    $149.83
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    $224.75

Akai EWI4000S Wind Controller

No longer available at zZounds
Add a human touch to your sound with this super-expressive wind controller from Akai. The ESI4000S includes a built-in analog modeling synth and MIDI output.

The Akai Professional EWI4000S is a electronic wind controller that controls standard MIDI gear via MIDI output, and also features a built-in synthesizer for stand-alone use (unlike its cousin, the Akai EWIUSB). Use the EWI4000S to perform with a woodwind-like interface, as opposed to standard keyboard or drum controllers, and use your breath to create very expressive melodies. You can even customize the instrument on your Mac or PC with included software. This musical tool incorporates several improvements in the development of MIDI/Synth instrument capabilities.

Features:

- Touch sensitive keys and Octave roller for quick and responsive playing
- Sensitive breath sensor for expressive dynamics
- Built-in Analog Modeling Synth sound module
- Built-in MIDI output for use with sound modules
- PC and Mac Editor software for internal sounds
- Lightweight and Portable Design with Battery power

The EWI4000S has many of the long sought after controls and functions that are necessary for expressive performance. These benefits have been proven by its predecessors, but the EWI offers these features at a much lower price. There are several improvements to the design as well, such as having a built-in sound module, direct MIDI IN and Out, and other updated operating functions. These functions make playing the EWI4000 easier than any other electronic wind instrument.

With the sound module and the instrument all in one product, players no longer need to be tethered to a module. By read more using MIDI and audio wireless transceivers, EWI4000S players can move freely on the stage as they are playing. The user can easily switch between programs on the EWI4000S directly with a dedicated Program selection button, or use the note keys to select stored patches.

The internal sounds of the EWI4000S are based on a virtual analog synth sound module that is very responsive to the player's nuance. With easily accessible controls for breath, vibrato, glide time, and bend width, users can adjust the settings of the EWI4000 to their specific playing style. Also you can send multiple MIDI messages via breath control to send expression and aftertouch control messages.

The EWI4000S also offers updated performance control features as well, such as the Octave Key. When you activate the Octave mode, you will get an automatic doubling of notes at one octave below the note you are playing. There is also a Hold Mode, which holds a note that you select enabling you to solo around that note. This is the first EWI with a sostenuto capability!

Besides being a great wind controller, you also get a first-rate synthesizer. The EWI4000S' synthesis features were not available on previous EWI's. The internal analog modeling synth has two voltage controlled oscillators (sawtooth, triangle, square with pulse width waveforms) with individual volume control. The voltage controlled filter has a feature which allows you to change from 2 to 4 pole filters. The EWI4000S's noise generator and a dedicated VCF add more realism to your playing, emulating breath noise.

The EWI4000S' sweep function works more effectively than a typical envelope generator. As you change the force of your playing the sweep parameter will alter the shape of the sound. The synth contained inside has a LFO (low frequency oscillator) specifically for the voltage controller filter modulation. This LFO affects vibrato as you use the bite sensor. The EWI4000 also has built-in effects, a first for Akai EWI products, such as Reverb, Chorus and Delay to thicken or double-up your solos.

Since it would difficult to put all the knobs and buttons on the EWI-4000 that are needed to adjust the various parameters, the EWI4000S will come with a computer editor program to allow users to customize all their sounds ahead of time for live performance. This editor will come standard for Windows and Mac computers. All of your edited Programs can be stored inside the EWI4000S so you can recall your settings instantly during your performance.

The EWI4000S is Akai's state-of-the-art Electronic Wind Controller. This one-of-a-kind instrument contains an industry-first internal sound source. With multiple functions the EWI4000S pushes the envelope of MIDI/Synth capabilities and is available at an affordable price.
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Sound Generator:
Analog Modeling Synth
Preset Sounds with 2 VCO + 2 VCF, Dual Voice Analog Modeling
Basic direct editing capability on the EWI4000. PC and Mac editing software included for extensive sound editing

Effects: Chorus, Delay, Reverb

General:
2 Digit 7 Segment LED Program Display
Shows program number when the Program Change sensor is touched
Standard accessories: 32MB Compact Flash Card, Power cable
Hold key for playing second note while sustaining first note

Connections:
1/4 in. phone jack- unbalanced
Headphone Output 1/8 in. stereo jack
MIDI Out x1, MIDI In x1
AC Adaptor input
Cable Holder to prevent cables from slipping off the EWI4000S during performance

Power: Battery power using AA batteries or optional AC Adaptor

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 401-658-4032
Web: http://www.akaipro.com/support

Akai EWI4000S Wind Controller/Synth

The Akai Professional EWI4000S electronic wind controller incorporates several improvements in the development of MIDI/Synth instrument capabilities.

Features:

- Touch-sensitive keys and Octave roller for quick and responsive playing
- Sensitive breath sensor for expressive dynamics
- Built-in Analog Modeling Synth sound module
- Built-in MIDI output for use with sound modules
- PC and Mac Editor software for internal sounds
- Lightweight and Portable Design with Battery power

The EWI4000S has many of the long-sought-after controls and functions that are necessary for expressive performance. These benefits have been proven by its predecessors, but the EWI offers these features at a much lower price. There are several improvements to the design as well, such as having a built-in sound module, direct MIDI IN and Out, and other updated operating functions. These functions make playing the EWI4000 easier than any other electronic wind instrument.

With the sound module and the instrument all in one product, players no longer need to be tethered to a module. By using MIDI and audio wireless transceivers, EWI4000S players can move freely on the stage as they are playing. The user can easily switch between programs on the EWI4000S directly with a dedicated Program selection button, or use the note keys to select stored patches.

The internal sounds of the EWI4000S are based on a virtual analog synth sound module that is very responsive to the player's nuance. With easily accessible controls for breath, vibrato, glide time, and bend width, users can adjust the settings of the EWI4000 to their specific playing style. Also you can send multiple MIDI messages via breath control to send expression and aftertouch control messages.

The EWI4000S offers performance control features as well, such as the Octave Key. When you activate the Octave mode, you will get an automatic doubling of notes at one octave below the note you are playing. There is also a Hold Mode, which holds a note that you select enabling you to solo around that note. This is the first EWI with a sostenuto capability!

Besides being a great wind controller, you also get a first rate synthesizer. The EWI4000S' synthesis features were not available on previous EWIs. The internal analog modeling synth has two voltage controlled oscillators (sawtooth, triangle, square with pulse width waveforms) with individual volume control. The voltage controlled filter has a feature which allows you to change from 2 to 4 pole filters.
The EWI4000S's noise generator and dedicated VCF add more realism to your playing, emulating breath noise.

The EWI4000S' sweep function works more effectively than a typical envelope generator. As you change the force of your playing the sweep parameter will alter the shape of the sound. The synth contained inside has a LFO (low frequency oscillator) specifically for the voltage controller filter modulation. This LFO affects vibrato as you use the bite sensor. The EWI4000 also has built-in effects, a first for Akai EWI products, such as Reverb, Chorus and Delay to thicken or double-up your solos.

Since it would difficult to put all the knobs and buttons on the EWI-4000 that are needed to adjust the various parameters, the EWI4000S will come with a computer editor program to allow users to customize all their sounds ahead of time for live performance. This editor will come standard for Windows and Mac computers. All of your edited Programs can be stored inside the EWI4000S so you can recall your settings instantly during your performance.

The EWI4000S is Akai's state-of-the-art Electronic Wind Controller. This one-of-a-kind instrument contains an industry-first internal sound source. With multiple functions the EWI4000S pushes the envelope of MIDI/Synth capabilities and is available at an affordable price.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (39 ratings)
Submitted October 10, 2007 by a customer from hotmail.com

""Thanks Akai" -M Brecker"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Very satisfied. Unique, the best on the market, I will cote Michael Brecker "Thanks Akai"
Sound
It Sounds like 90% of sounds you hear in movies and tv.
Features
Complete, even batteries.
Ease of Use
At first its like any other wind instrument...not as easy as it seems but if you have any experience learning any musical instrument you will soon realize that its perfectly fine to do some research and spend a few weeks working on it before you take it out to your next gig. (It does help improve posture and dexterity on other woodwinds instruments. That's a plus)
Quality
Its solid, no worries, you are not going to break any keys. It looks good, civilians love it as well as musicians.
Value
Definitely. Its a valuable tool for the price. Given the importance and demand of the business today. EWI players are capable of doing what no other midi instrument can. Price is right.
Manufacturer Support
Have not used yet.
The Wow Factor
A nice addition to my setup. A plus in every way.

Musical Background:

Active Musician

Musical Style:

Jazz, Funk, Gospel
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