Akai Professional EWI4000S | Electronic Wind Instrument MIDI Controller with Built-In Sound Module, Headphone Jack & MIDI I/O

**Updates belowThis is a true professional synthesizer, much better and more expressive than a keyboard type controller.Since I prefer the real orchestra instrument sounds, I would have gone with the EWI5000 which has sampled sounds. However, the lead time was longer than I wanted to wait, and everyone was out of stock. That worries me that there might be a reliability reason for manufacturing delays.I am able to use software sampled orchestra instruments on my iPad mini 3, but the expression is limited compared to what should be on the EWI5000.If I did I again, and I knew there were not any reliability issues, I would wait a month for the EWI5000. Yet, I am thrilled with the EWI4000s; it is a great synthesizer.*Update: A year later, I would stick with the 4000s - I really love it! (But I would love to have both!)**Update: two years later, this EWI4000s is my favorite instrument out of the dozens I own. If I had to have limits on which instruments to own, I would choose keyboard 1st, then guitar 2nd because of versitility with groups; but as far as expression, nothing is as fun as this EWI! When you have money you've got to buy SWAM "The Saxophones" and then, later SWAM Cello. Even if you have the real accoustic instruments, these VSTs give you so much midi control with instantly usable full expression sample sounds that it's worth having. For live performance, use your Selmer, etc, but for recording, EWI+SWAM is much better!

I got mine today . No sound . Messed around with volumes , watched videos , read instruction manuals . NO SOUND. Had to dink around with the settings . Got Volume but it’s not good for people who have had some breathing issues - so making the settings adjustment worked . I use light reads on my two other wood winds and on this , it this took some tweaking to get close to the simulating light reeds . Also it takes some getting used to to get the octave switch over using the rollers . I practiced with the instrument for about 5hours . I believe if I spend a month practicing every other day I can master it , Smooth transition between the octaves is my current issue . Connected it to my yamaha 88 key and it midis quite nicely . I have the the MAudio midi controller for my panel pc and will link it up with that soon . Not entirely happy with this purchase ...better instructions would help .

Hi, all.This is an expensive instrument.Most of the demos I heard around the internet sounded great. . .The EWU4000s ships with a terrible bank of sounds, however.There are no specific instruments: no trumpets, no trombones, no clarinets, saxes, guitars. . .just weird synthesized sounds.So, if you want to play the instrument and have good sounds, you'll have invest another [...] for a banks of sounds. The only place that sells EWI4000 sound presets is [...].Tech support: Akaipro tech support is pretty bad. Waits range from 3-20 minutes. I called to ask what their recommendation is about the sounds. The guy there said, "Uh, hang on, let me see." He came back ande said we don't sell presets. I asked him if he has a recommended source for sounds. Again he said, "Uh, just a minute." He eventually came back with the [...] site.As far as help at the Akaipro website, forget it. There are no instructions, no help, nothing.The manual is pretty bad, too. My EWI came with a Japanese language manual, but it did have an English manual in PDF format.Bottom line? EWI4000s is well made, and I'm sure it will sound good once I get some decent sounds in it.Buy one and you're on your own.PS Power Adapters won't be available until February, Akai says.

I bought this for my husband for Christmas. He is a a flute and penny whistle player, and the EWI4000S is a dream come true for him. It's got many features that allow him to play as though it is a true wind instrument, but it's actually a synthesizer. I highly recommend purchasing the patches that are available (from an outside vendor), also, as they expand the instruments capability. My husband had a bit of trouble with the device behaving unpredictably (some kind of temporary glitch) but that seems to have resolved. The manual misses a few steps here and there, but there are forums online that can help you overcome any deficiencies in the manual. We highly recommend this instrument. He's addicted to it now.

It's a fantastic instrument that will greatly extend your musical palette.As a horn player in a band, you will be able to fill in some parts that would normally be required by the keyboardist.If you have the appropriate patch, you can make the EWI sound like almost anything.There is a bit of an adjustment period for using the octave key (slider?) but it doesn't take too long to get it sorted.Your technique needs to be clean and accurate or this will highlight any flaws in sloppy technique.It will allow you to be a more versatile musician and able to contribute more in a band/ensemble setting.

Having played a variety of wind instruments I was disappointed to find the Akai had non-moveable keys which complete circuits by touch. The instrument does not feel like a wind instrument but a brick covered with buttons. The in-built sounds are reasonable but I could not get any feel out of playing it for a month. I have mine up for sale and am looking at a Yamaha WX5 as a replacement.

New to electronic wind instruments. It takes a bit of getting used to it but the more I play it the more I want to play it.

Great instrument, however, there is a large learning curve to master all the possibilities of this wind controller. There is a newer model (5000). This one still suits and will more than meet the needs ofany musician.