Akai EWI 4000s
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Akai EWI4000s
MIDI Wind Controller Info Page
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Click
Banner to buy your Akai EWI4000s from THE Wind Controller Experts
Akai EWI. Patchman Music is proud to announce the Akai EWI4000s MIDI Wind Controller. This newest wind controller from Akai is one of the most exciting advancements in the area of MIDI wind controllers to come along in years. Needless to say Patchman Music sells, supports, and repairs the EWI4000s in the US. Buy the Akai EWI 4000s here.
Now
with OS Version 2.3! All new EWIs purchased from Patchman
Music include Version 2.3 (or later) pre-installed, calibrated,
and tested! Version 2 and later operating systems also includes
a special EVI
Fingering Mode designed for brass and EVI players by
Patchman Music's own Matt
Traum! Now for the first time ever, woodwind players and
brass players can play the SAME INSTRUMENT simply by selecting
the appropriate fingering system. Click
here for complete details.
The Akai EWI-4000s offers many groundbreaking new features to the EWI such as battery power, MIDI IN and MIDI OUT jacks directly on the instrument, Octave and Hold modes, and a BUILT-IN Analog Modeled Synth with digital effects! Yes, that's right- you can now just plug in a pair of headphones and play anytime, anywhere. No longer is an external sound module required! Of course the EWI4000s can still be used with external MIDI synths via the MIDI OUT jack. Patchman Music offers numerous wind controller soundbanks and patches that can be used with the EWI4000s. We are very excited about this new windsynth controller and we know you will be as well.
If you are interested in purchasing a new Akai EWI4000s, contact The Wind Controller Experts at Patchman Music to order. Click here for details.
Matt
Patchman Music
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Listen
to the incredible new Patchman Music EWI4000s Volume 1 soundbank
Click here to download the Version 2.3
Manual Addendum .pdf. (1 meg)
Video of Steve Tavaglione playing the EWI4000s with the Kontakt softsynth
Video of Bob Mintzer playing the EWI4000s with the YellowJackets
Video of Jeff Kashiwa playing the EWI4000s with a Boss Looper Pedal
Download the latest EWI4000s OS, PDF manuals, and manual addendums from Akai here
UniQuest EWI4000s Mac OSX 10.4.8 Fix Instructions
.pdf
Instructions for uninstalling UniQuest and reinstalling via the
1.01 installer (available below)
UniQuest
EWI4000s v1.01 Installer for Mac OSX (40.2 megs)
This newer Mac OS version of the EWI4000s Editor fixes the installation
problem for OS X10.4.8 users. Also see new editors below!
EWI4000s
Factory Bank
If you want to re-load the factory sounds into your EWI4000s,
here they are in .BNK format for the EWI4000s Editor (zipped
file).
NEW
EWI4000s EDITORS Akai has released new versions of the EWI4000s
editors. These have been re-written to work with Intel Macs (OS
X 10.4.x) and newer Windows XP and Vista OS systems (also can
run on Win 2k). Look for the "Vyzex" files.
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The
Akai Professional EWI4000S is a newly designed electronic wind
controller. This expressive musical instrument incorporates several
improvements in the development of MIDI / Synth instrument capabilities.
The EWI4000S windsynth has many of the long sought after controls and functions that are necessary for expressive performance. While these benefits have been proven by its predecessors, 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 features make playing the EWI4000S easier than any other electronic wind instrument.
With the sound module and the instrument integrated into one product, players no longer need to be tethered to a sound module. By using MIDI and audio wireless transceivers, EWI-4000S players can move freely on the stage as they play. 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.
Brass players as well as woodwind players can now enjoy playing the same instrument! The Akai EWI4000s is the first wind instrument in history to be playable by both woodwind and brass players. The EWI4000s features the innovative EVI fingering system designed for the EWI by Patchman Music's Matt Traum.
The internal sounds of the EWI4000S are based on a virtual analog synth sound module that is very responsive to the player's nuance. And Patchman Music's upgraded sounds are even better. With easily accessible controls for breath, vibrato, glide time, and bend width, users can adjust the settings of the EWI4000-S to their specific playing style. You can send multiple MIDI messages via breath control to send expression and aftertouch control messages.
The EWI4000S offers some new performance control features as well, such as the Octave Key. When you activate the Octave mode, you get an automatic doubling of notes 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 sostenuto capability!
Besides
being a great wind controller, you also get a first-rate synthesizer.
The EWI4000S wind synthesizer has new synthesis features that
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 that allows you to
change from 2 to 4 pole filters.
The EWI4000S's new noise generator and a dedicated Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) add more realism to your playing, emulating breath noise.
The EWI4000S has a new sweep function, which 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 EWI4000S 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 ships with a computer editor program to allow users to customize their sounds ahead of time for live performance. This editor ships standard in both Windows and Mac versions. 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 new, state-of-the-art Electronic Wind
Controller. This one of a kind instrument contains an industry
first internal sound source. With multiple functions previously
unavailable to wind players, the EWI4000S windsynth pushes the
envelope of MIDI / Synth capabilities and is available at an
affordable price.
Applications/Customers
Live and Studio Performance
Electronic Woodwind and Brass Players
Dimensions And Weight
26.39" (L) x 1.73" (W) x 2.71" (H). Weight
with battery: 2.13 lbs
Key Features
- Touch sensitive keys and octave rollers for quick responsive playing
- Optional EVI Fingering Mode for Brass / EVI players designed by Patchman Music's own Matt Traum!
- Sensitive breath sensor for expressive dynamics
- Built-in Analog Modeling Synth sound module
- Chorus, Delay, and Reverb effects built-in. ALL can be on at the same time!
- Built-in MIDI IN and MIDI OUT for use with external MIDI sound modules
- PC and Mac Editor software included for editing internal sounds
- Lightweight, portable design with battery power
- The latest
OS adds TONS of new features. Click
here for details.
Comparison to the EWI3020 / EWI3000
Controllers
As you can see in the image below, the EWI4000s FEELS almost identical to the EWI3020 and EWI3000 controllers. The distance between keys and hands is practically the same. Additional length in the end of the horn is added for the batteries and new features.
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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 EWI4000S. 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
HOLD key for playing second note while sustaining first note
CONNECTIONS
1/4" phone jack: unbalanced
Headphone Output: 1/8" stereo jack
MIDI Out x 1, MIDI In x 1
AC Adaptor input for optional MP9 AC Adaptor
Cable Holder to prevent cables from slipping off the EWI4000S during performance
POWER
Battery powered using 4 AA batteries
Optional MP9-II AC Adaptor
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Q. Where can I hear the new EWI4000S?
A. The stock sounds are passable, but if you want to hear what the EWI4000s is REALLY capable of, download this 4 minute MP3 audio demo (3.8megs) of the Patchman Music Volume 1 EWI4000s soundbank. This demo takes the EWI4000 to a whole new level of playability, dynamic response, and timbral variation. The demo showcases over 35 of the 100 new sounds from the soundbank recorded direct from the EWI4000s audio out. Complete information on this soundbank is here.
Q. What is the difference between the new EWI4000S and previous Akai EWI products?
A. There are many similarities between the EWI4000S and its predecessor the EWI3020. The biggest difference is that the EWI4000S doesn't require an external sound module. All of the components such as the synth, MIDI input and output, and audio output are built-in on the EWI4000S.
Q. Are there internal sounds in the EWI4000S?
A. Yes, the EWI4000S has a built-in analog modeling synthesizer that was developed to be responsive to an electronic wind instrument.
Q. Can I edit the sounds of my EWI4000S on a computer?
A. Yes, and then you can save the settings into the EWI4000S's memory for instant recall. You can also upgrade the sounds with these.
Q. How many sounds are in the EWI4000s?
A. The EWI4000S holds 100 patches internally. All 100 patches are user editable.
Q. What factory patches are included in EWI4000s?
A. There is a list of the factory patches here.
Q. How can I upgrade the sounds in the EWI4000s?
A. Patchman Music offers an all-new professional quality soundbank for the Akai EWI4000. Click here for complete details and an audio demo. This soundbank takes the EWI4000s to a completely new level.
Q. Can I use my computer and external MIDI modules with
the EWI4000S?
A. Yes, the EWI4000S can be used to trigger MIDI modules directly. By adding a USB to MIDI converter, you can trigger sounds in your computer directly from the EWI using the instrument's MIDI output. For highly realistic sounds, we recommend adding a TURBO VL70-m available here. For a list of other MIDI modules that work well with a wind controller (when appropriate patches are loaded in) see this.
Q. What is the price of the new EWI4000S? When can I get one?
A. The manufacturer's suggested retail price is $999 US but Patchman Music sells them discounted here.
Q. Can I use the the EWI4000S with my current MIDI sound modules?
A. Yes simply by using the built in MIDI OUT on the EWI4000s. Patchman Music offers numerous soundbanks designed for use with wind controllers such as the EWI4000S. Click here for details. Patchman Music also offers an amazing new soundbank specifically designed for the EWI4000s.
Q. Can I use the the EWI4000S with older Akai EWI sound modules?
A. Absolutely! You can connect the EWI4000S to other MIDI synths via its MIDI OUT jack as described above (except the EWV2000 which does not have a MIDI IN jack). The EWI4000s does not have a CV output jack. The older EWI sound modules are no longer in production.
Q. I am a Brass / EVI player. Can I play the EWI4000S?
A. Yes! The Akai EWI 4000s includes an innovative new EVI brass-style fingering mode designed by EVI player Matt Traum. For the first time in history, both woodwind AND brass players can play the same wind instrument with totally different fingering systems simply by changing one parameter! The brass-style EVI fingering mode lets EVI and brass players play the EWI4000s with minimum effort. Click here for complete details.
Q. What if I don't want to use the internal synth and just control my MIDI synths via MIDI?
A. Simple, just don't plug anything into the 1/4" Out or Headphone jack. Doing this will disable the internal synth and also extend the battery life. The EWI's MIDI output is still active and the instrument can be used as a standard MIDI wind controller.
Q. Can I go wireless with the Akai EWI4000s?
A. Yes. There are two ways to go- AUDIO wireless or MIDI wireless. Each type requires the proper hardware. If you simply want to send the audio signal from the EWI's internal synth, then you can use any standard voice or guitar type wireless system. If you want to send the MIDI signal wireless and control MIDI synths remotely, then you will need a wireless MIDI device such as the highly recommended Midi Jet Pro.
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"I would enthusiatically encourage you to deal with Matt at Patchman- he is a great musician and a very reliable businessman. No other company could match his customer support." - Sam Zambito Mechanical Soul, Pioneering EVI player and EWI programmer for Michael Brecker
"Well, Matt. Here I sit a few hours after receiving the EWI from you. I have peed myself, cr*pped my pants, and I am still giggling like a schoolgirl. The EWI arrived on time and undamaged. I had it fired up in a matter of minutes and was on my way. No adjustments were needed and the patches sound great. It will take some time to figure out it's quirky playing nuances and the MIDI programming, but I am already a lot further ahead than where I thought I would be. Thank you SO MUCH for making this such an easy experience! I have been through gear acquisition nightmares before and I was REALLY nervous about this one. Since half the cost of this instrument was my birthday gift, my Dad asked who this guy was we would be purchasing it from. As he is an old hot-rodder and racer, I told him not to worry. 'This guy is the Carroll Shelby of EWIs' was my exact quote. Of course, I had no idea if that was the situation. But at least it put his mind to rest. Now I know that bold statement was true. You truly rock, man. I hope for your continued success. When I am ready for the Turbo 70, I'll let you know. Your very happy customer."
"I absolutely LOVE this thing!! VERY well built, and it just feels like such a quality, solid piece of gear. And it is every bit as responsive as the original, if not a bit more so. I'm extremely happy with my decision to purchase one from you, and very glad that you're around to answer questions. Many thanks."
"Matt, My EWI4000s came in Monday and I am thrilled. I haven't been able to put it down and my saxophones are suffering. The EWI exceeded my expectaions in every way, I'm going to have to pick up a VL70-m pretty quick now. Thank you for the great service, quick shipping, and awesome product."
"Matt, got my EWI a few days ago, and haven't put it down since! Thanks so much for the extremely friendly customer service! I never really was very good with electronics before, but it was so simple to get it setup and ready to play! Thanks again for everything."
"Hey Matt. I bought an EWI from you recently and just wanted to give you some feedback. It's all good. What a wonderful instrument this is! And your sounds- are absolutely first rate. The EWI is an extremely expressive instrument. Great vibrato, pitch bend up/down, glide function- all so expressive. Anyway, I just wanted to be sure to thank you for a great product and great service. I expect before too much longer I will be buying another EWI as a backup. I'm a jazz player but with the EWI I'm now rehearsing with a classical flute player with the North Carolina Symphony. Very exciting for me- new music, new venues. My first exposure to wind controllers was in Boston in 1975 when I was teaching at Berklee. Saw a Lyricon in a music store and thought 'man- what a great idea'. Now I'm sitting here with this new EWI- it has come so far! Fantastic- Thanks again Matt."
"Matt, I got the Akai 4000s with your Vol. 1 soundbank. Absolutely F'n awesome. That's all I have to say. Thank you for all of your help with everything. It's nice to know that there are still people out there that still care about their customers."
"Hey Matt! Thanks so much for the very fast delivery and Patchman bundle of the Akai EWI4000s that I ordered from Patchman. Everything came as ordered and I'm having a blast messing around with this great instrument. As a guitar player, I've found that the EV1 'brass' settings work a lot better for me than the standard sax or factory fingerings. I'm VERY happy with this purchase. Keep up the good work at Patchman Music, and I'll be recommending your site to anybody I'll come across who's interested in a synth woodwind MIDI instrument!"
"Matt: The EWI is utterly phenomenal. Your program patches are truly remarkable and a definite must! I cannot understand how such a product (this also applies to the VL70-m) can go to market without this kind of programming in the first place. THANKS!!! This is in the process of transforming my musical horizons. To master the instrument I am working out on some Bach partitas straight and with a jazz accent. I can hardly believe my ears. The expressive potential is astounding. I shall be coming back to you soon for the looper. And thank you once again. Why doesn't everyone have a EWI?"
"Recieved it Tuesday!! Thank you!! Pretty wild instrument. Love it so far. Being a sax player, this opens up a whole new world for me. So far so good. Not really a tough adjustment to learn. Just wanted to thank you for setting it up with the new patches and the settings to get my feet wet right out of the box,....very cool!! Many Thanks."
"Hello Matt, I received the AKAI EWI4000s I ordered from you. My my my, very well done I must say. I am on my third set of batteries so I went out tonight and got two sets of rechargeables and a charger so I don't get stuck without. The power to the house has gone out twice in the last month and it is amazing how calming being able to sit down and play through the head phones is, making the waiting through otherwise exasperating situations almost pleasant. LOL Okay!!! I love it and I can't stop playing!!! I have taken to playing a lullaby before bed. My wife (so far) is amused."
"Matt, I've been a geographic bachelor with two kids since receiving my EWI, so sorry for the delay in letting you know I got my EWI. First of all thanks for the extra quick shipping. I actually got it before the weekend which was a really nice treat. I'm glad that I bought the patches and had you set up the EWI for me. The patches that you've made are definitely a nice addition over the stock sounds. I'll most likely want to go with the VL70-m that you've hot-rodded. I just wanted to thank you and let you know that I'm very, very happy. Best of luck!"
"Matt, Got the AKAI EWI4000s from Patchman on Friday, and I have already gone through 2 sets of batteries! I absolutely love it! I am a school teacher, and my students think it's the coolest thing! I love playing it, and my wife appreciates that I can play it with headphones. And, your custom patches are awesome!!!"
"Hi Matt- Just wanted to drop you a line to say thank you for the EWI4000s I recently purchased from you. The tones are really nice, I am having an absolute blast playing this thing. Thank you very much, I will definitely recommend you to anyone interested in buying an EWI!"
"Matt, Thanks for the quick reply. I am very satisfied with everything that I bought from you. Can't wait to hook up the VL70 and try those patches. With the great service that you have given, anything I need for my EWI instrument(s future) WILL be bought at Patchman Music. Thanks again."
"Matt, Received my EWI today, and I'm totally blown away. I improved by a factor of 10 when I set it to use SAX mode fingering (thanks for the included addendum!) ;-} It amazes me how expressive the sounds are, and how sensitive the controller is to the least nuance of breath control. By the way, the cello is awesome - and so are the clarinets [in your upgraded Volume 1 soundbank]! The latter was my first instrument, but I haven't had one in years and have really been missing it. I guess I'll have to re-think that smear in 'Rhapsody in Blue' as well - I'm playing with the slide/glide bar..."
"Thanks Matt! I'm really excited.. I'm in the process of recording an album and I can't wait to enter more deeply into the windsynth world. I'm glad you guys exist and make it so easy to start out on the right foot. I really appreciate the hard work you have put into providing more sounds on the Yamaha module and the Akai 4000s and look forward to taking full advantage of the added flexibility using them live and in the studio. Thanks for being such a great resource!"
"Thanks for all the great work you do for the wind controller community. I just brought my 4000s to a rehearsal for the 1st time with your patches and the whole band loved it. They told me to start playing the EWI more. It added so much more to the sound of the group. Thanks again."
"Matt, Thanks!!! I have had my EWI for a couple weeks now and I can't stop playing it! I am really having a lot of fun playing it and learning all about it. I also purchased a Boss RC-2 Loop Station and it is really fun to play through that. You can do some great things and have rhythm to play with etc. I am really glad I purchased the instrument, your soundbank and everything. It was quite an investment, but well worth it. Thanks again!"
"Matt... Received the EWI. It's fantastic! Many thanks!"
"This thing is AWESOME! I honestly think it plays better than the old 1000, and doesn't seem to be nearly as sensitive to fingering glitches as the older one. And did I say PHAT?? Holy cow, this thing sounds nice! I'm ecstatic!! Thanks."
"Hi Matt, The EWI arrived yesterday. Thanks for the quick shipment and for adjusting the unit. It worked great right out of the box. I'm finding it very easy to use. Thanks again for the great service!"
"Matt, just a note to let you know I got the EWI4000s last week and everything works great. I'm really glad I went though you and had the machine setup by someone experienced. As a sax player with no previous experience it has been nice spending my time playing the instrument and learning how and what techniques transfer well and which don't instead of trying to set the instrument up."
"Hey Matt- Absolutely loving the 4000s. I am SO happy to be playing music again. And I am very pleased with the versatility that an EWI offers a 'Dad'. Life changes, and sometimes we aren't able to always do what we used to do... But with the onboard sounds, battery power, headphone- I can do this just about anywhere, anytime!"
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AKAI PROFESSIONAL DEBUTS NEW EWI4000S WIND CONTROLLER
Expressive Performance and Internal Sounds Combine for Ease of
Use
Cumberland, RI - September 2005 Akai Professional, the name synonymous with innovation in electronic musical instruments, proudly introduces the new EWI4000S Wind Controller. Recognized worldwide for their expressive performance capabilities, this newest addition to the EWI family incorporates numerous enhancements to its overall design as a wind controller, and adds an integrated analog modeling synthesizer optimized for wind control, dedicated MIDI In and Out ports, an audio output, new performance functions, internal effects processing, and computer software for editing one's sounds-all at an unprecedented price.
With its internal dual voice analog modeling synthesizer, the new EWI4000S is now a self-contained performance instrument. This synthesizer features two voltage-controlled oscillators (VCO)-with an individual volume control- that incorporate sawtooth, triangle, square, and pulse width waveforms. Further, the voltage-controlled filters (VCF) enable changing from 2- to 4-pole filters. With a new noise generator, the EWI's VCF adds greater realism to one's playing by emulating breath noise. This on-board synthesizer also incorporates a new sweep function that is considerably more effective than a conventional envelope generator. As one changes the force of their playing, the sweep parameter alters the shape of the sound.
As a controller, the new EWI4000S excels. This exciting new instrument provides easily accessible controls for breath, vibrato, glide time, and bend width-enabling players to adjust the instrument's settings to their specific playing style. Further, the EWI can transmit multiple MIDI messages via breath control to send expression and aftertouch information to external sound generators. With its new Octave Key, which creates an automatic doubling of notes one octave below the note being played, it's easy to create rich, full musical timbres. And as an industry first, the new EWI4000S features a Hold Mode that sustains a note while enabling one to play around that note-making the EWI4000S the first EWI with sostenuto capability.
No self-contained controller/synthesizer is complete without signal processing, and the EWI4000S does not disappoint. The first EWI to ever offer built-in signal processing, the EWI4000S provides reverb, delay, and chorus effects to sweeten one's sound.
With all its internal capabilities, the new EWI4000S also includes sound editing software to extend the instrument's capabilities even further. Available for both Mac and PC, this software enables players to customize their sounds prior to live performance. All of the edited programs can be stored inside the EWI4000S and settings can be recalled instantly during one's performance.
Akai Professional CEO Jack O'Donnell commented on the new EWI4000S, "The new EWI4000S elevates Akai Professional's EWI Series to its highest level of performance ever. This is an exciting and tremendously expressive instrument that wind players have been eagerly awaiting."
With a suggested retail price of $999, Akai Professional's new EWI4000S Wind Controller further confirms the company's leadership in versatile products for the creative musician.
Since 1984, Akai Professional products have been a staple of modern music both in the studio and on stage. With intuitive design and cutting edge features, Akai Professional is one of the world's most influential manufacturers of musical electronics. For more information, visit www.akaipro.com.
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This page was last updated Wednesday, May 7, 2008.
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