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Akai EWI5000 Wireless MIDI Wind Controller Info Page

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Akai EWI. Patchman Music is proud to announce the Akai EWI5000 Wireless Electronic Wind Instrument. This newest MIDI wind controller from Akai is one of the most exciting advancements in the area of MIDI EWI wind controllers to come along in years. Needless to say Patchman Music sells, supports, and repairs the Akai EWI 5000 in the US. Buy the Akai EWI 5000 here. Our very own Matt Traum was on the team that developed the EWI5000 and other EWI models. Matt is also personal wind controller tech for Bob Mintzer, Judd Miller, Steve Tavaglione, and many others!

All new EWIs purchased from Patchman Music include the latest OS pre-installed, calibrated, and tested! Note that the EWI-5000 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 EWI5000 also includes Flute and Oboe fingering options as well!

The Next-Generation Wind Instrument

EWI5000, the latest addition to the EWI series, combines innovative instrument design, wireless connectivity, and a 100 patch sound library by SONiVOX to create the most expressive and versatile wind instrument available to today's musicians. Building upon the legacy of the original Electronic Wind Instrument, Akai Professional created EWI5000 with the same objective in mind- deliver unprecedented musical expression to wind players everywhere. Experience the next generation in wind-performance technology with an instrument that's built for the contemporary player.

Performance Freedom

With 2.4GHz low-latency wireless connectivity, EWI5000 empowers you to perform freely with a dynamic performance instrument in hand. It supports stereo wireless audio and includes a receiver for instant mobility on the stage or in the studio. EWI5000 also supports wired audio and MIDI connections for integrating with additional external performance and production hardware. Plus, its powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, so you can take EWI5000 with you and play it anywhere.

Unparalleled Expression

For precisely controlling volume and pitch dynamics, EWI5000 features an ultra-responsive mouth piece with an air-pressure level sensor and bite sensor. In addition, eight dedicated precision dials allow you to adjust instrument or effect parameters on the fly; tweak Filter, Reverb, Chorus, LFO, Breath Amount, Bite Amount, Semitone Tuning, and Fine Tuning for a sound that's as expressive as your playing.

Multiple Finger Modes

EWI5000 is a powerful instrument that expands the performance capabilities of woodwind and brass musicians alike. With support for multiple playing styles, its interface can be switched to flute, oboe, and saxophone fingering modes. An EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) Mode is also included for brass players. Whether you're a classically trained flutist looking for a modern instrument, or a seasoned EWI player looking for finger-position flexibility, EWI5000 has you covered.

Hook It Up

USB-MIDI connectivity and a 5-pin MIDI output enable you to expand your sonic pallet by controlling software synths, virtual samplers, or traditional MIDI modules. EWI5000 comes with a built-in 1/4" output for connecting it directly to PA systems and a 1/8" headphone output for practicing privately. A USB cable and wall adapter are included to recharge battery power via USB or wall power.

Any Sound For Any Performance

EWI5000 comes loaded with more than 3GB of built-in high-quality sounds designed by SONiVOX, a leading creator of premium virtual instruments and software synthesis technologies. These instruments span across just about every music genre and put traditional orchestral sounds (e.g. horn, brass, and woodwind) and non-traditional sounds (e.g. progressive synths, basses, and leads) at your fingertips.

EWI5000 Sound Editor

Expand your creative capabilities with the EWI5000 Sound Editor software. This custom software editor is a powerful platform for manipulating EWI5000's sound library on your Mac or PC. Connect EWI5000 to your computer via USB; call up any instrument from the library; and use the filter, two LFOs, pan knob, tune control, and multiple envelopes to tweak it into something entirely new. Then, store your edits directly on your EWI5000 for a customized instrument library that's ready to perform whenever you are.

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Akai Professional, creators of the original EWI, announce the EWI 5000, the most expressive and versatile wind instrument in the world. EWI 5000 includes an array of advanced features, including digital 2.4GHz ultra-low-latency wireless connectivity, a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 hours, and more than 3GB of built-in traditional and progressive sounds from SONiVOX, a leading creator of premium virtual instruments and software synthesis technologies.

"We've created EWI 5000 to address the needs of today's modern wind players, and we’re especially excited to see what modern musicians can do with it to push the boundaries of wind instrument performance," said Dan Gill, Akai Professional Product Manager. "Calibration is automatic and setup is easy. EWI 5000 is a smart instrument. It automatically adjusts to your playing style and offers authentic sounds, wireless convenience, rechargeability, and the expressive freedom EWI is known for."

EWI 5000 comes loaded with more than 3GB of top-quality sounds, including traditional horn, brass, and woodwind sounds, plus progressive synths, leads, and other non-traditional sounds. EWI 5000 includes 12 touch-sensitive metal keys on its top and an 8-wheel thumb-controlled octave roller on the bottom. An EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) Mode is included for brass players, and EWI 5000 also includes eight control knobs for tweaking Filter, Reverb, Chorus, LFO, Breath Amount, Bite Amount, Semitone Tuning, and Fine Tuning. Both USB MIDI and 5-pin MIDI are onboard for controlling software synths or traditional MIDI modules. A 1/4" output to connect to an amplifier or PA and an 1/8" headphone output for silent practice are included. EWI5000 charges via USB or wall power and also includes a USB cable, wall adapter, wireless receiver, and a neck strap. Patchman Music offers numerous wind controller soundbanks and patches that can be used with the EWI5000. 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 EWI5000, contact The Wind Controller Experts at Patchman Music to order right away! Click here for details.

Matt
Patchman Music

EWI5000 FEATURES

• Authentic wind-instrument performance and response with next-generation music technology
• Wireless stereo audio for onstage freedom (receiver included)
• 3GB of onboard, world-class acoustic and synth sounds created by SONiVOX. Click here for the 100 patch list.
• Up to 6 hours of play time using the rechargeable lithium-ion battery (charging adapter included)
• 8 precision dials for quickly tweaking instrument and effect parameters
• USB port for USB-MIDI connection and battery recharging
• 1/4" audio output and 1/8" headphone output

EWI5000 GENERAL SPECS

• Authentic wind-instrument performance and response for the digital era
• Sound Library: 3GB of acoustic and synth sounds developed by SONiVOX
• Automatically calibrates and adapts to the player's style
• Wireless stereo audio for on-stage freedom. Receiver included
• Mouthpiece: Air-pressure level sensor and bite sensor
• Note Keys: 13 touch sensors
• Controls: 8 instrument and effect precision dials
• Octave Rollers: 6 mobile, 2 fixed touch sensors (8-octave range)
• Plates: 2 pitchbend, 2 ground
• Dimensions of EWI5000: 2.4" x 26.6" x 1.7"
• Weight: 1.98 lb
• Includes neck strap, charger, USB Cable, wireless receiver

WIRELESS RECEIVER

• Stereo Wireless Audio (2.4GHz)
• Dimensions: 2.4" x 4.8" x 3.6"
• Weight: 0.29 lbs

EFFECTS

• Three Internal Digital Effects (can be used simultaneously)- Reverb, Chorus, and Delay

CONNECTIONS

• Inputs / Outputs: (1) USB port, (1) 5-pin DIN MIDI output, (1) 1/4" (6.35mm) TRS line output, (1) 1/8" (3.5mm) TRS headphone output
• MIDI Connectivity: USB-MIDI and 5-Pin MIDI output
• Wireless Connectivity: Stereo Wireless Audio (2.4GHz). The wireless receiver has two 1/4" audio outs for stereo audio. It also has a USB jack for connection to a computer providing digital stereo audio. (The USB jack on the wireless receiver does not provide MIDI data- only audio.)

POWER

• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery charged via USB port (charges with included USB cable or wall adapter)

REQUIREMENTS (For Editing Patches etc...)

• Macintosh: Intel Mac with Mac OS X 10.7, 10.8, or 10.9; 2 GB RAM
• PC: Windows 7 or Windows 8; 1 GHz processor or faster; 1 GB (32-Bit) and 2 GB (64-Bit) RAM

In addition to these questions, Patchman Music offers an extremely helpful Wind Controller FAQ here

Q: Can the EWI4000s sounds or sounds from other synths be loaded into the EWI5000?

A: No, the EWI5000 is a sampled based synth with a completely different architecture than the EWI4000s or any other synth. Soundbanks are not cross-compatible between EWIs.

Q: Will Patchman Music release new sounds for the EWI5000?

A: The EWI5000 is what it is - it is wonderful, but you cannot change its built-in sounds in any dramatic way - at least not as of the current OS in the EWI5000. We currently do NOT offer a soundbank that loads inside the EWI5000 but we offer a huge library of sounds for various external MIDI synths and soft synths. (These sounds do not load inside the EWI5000, but instead they load into external MIDI synths and softsynths.)

Q: Can I load my own samples into the EWI5000?

A: No. This is not possible as of the current EWI5000 OS. Click here for list of the 100 sounds that are included in the EWI5000.

Q. What are the differences between the EWI5000, EWI4000s, and the EWI USB models?

A. The EWI5000, EWI4000s and EWI USB are made for slightly different purposes. One is not intended to replace the other. The EWI5000 is a sample-based instrument which is optimized for realistic type sound emulations. It is self-contained, has wireless audio, and MIDI and USB outs. The EWI4000s is completely self-contained and contains a built-in analog modeling type synth so it is super-expressive but not really designed for emulations and realistic type sounds. The EWI USB is simply a USB controller designed to control softsynths inside a computer. The sounds it comes with are mostly emulative but there are a variety of softsynths available that make a huge variety of sounds. See below for some recommended wind controller soft synth soundbanks from Patchman Music. Since the EWI USB does not have built-in sounds, it must be connected to a computer or a USB to MIDI interface at all times in order to be of use. All three EWI models can also be used to control other external synths and softsynths with additional connections. Patchman Music offers a large library of such sounds. Physical differences are as follows: The EWI USB is noticeably lighter and smaller than the EWI4000s and EWI5000. The EWI USB lacks the glide strip found on the EWI4000s and EWI5000- though it is possible to assign one of the bend sensors or the bite sensor to send glide (MIDI CC#5). The EWI USB also cannot send program changes from the controller and it has less pitch range. The EWI USB has 4 rollers offering about a 5 octave range. The EWI4000s and EWI5000 have 8 rollers offering about an 8 octave range. The EWI4000s and EWI5000 feature extra 2 side keys (OCT and HOLD) that can be used for various functions such as playing two notes at once. More info is in the Wind Controller FAQ here.

Q. Are there internal sounds in the EWI5000?

A. Yes. The EWI5000 has a built-in sample-based sound generator. You can also connect it to PC or Mac running a softsynth or external MIDI synths to edit the sounds. There are 100 factory presets built into the EWI 5000, numbered 00 through 99. These sounds are more than 3GB of multi-sampled patches created by SONiVOX, including synth sounds as well as acoustic sampled sounds from traditional wind instruments. A complete patch listing is located here. There are 100 user presets in the EWI 5000, numbered 00 through 99. The sound library in the EWI 5000 are multisampled stereo patches.

Q. Are there MIDI or USB ports on the Akai EWI5000?

A. Yes, the EWI5000 has a USB port as well as a MIDI OUT port.

Q. Can I use my MIDI synth modules with the EWI5000?

A. Yes, the EWI5000 can be used to control MIDI modules via its MIDI OUT port. Patchman Music sells a variety of specially programmed wind controller soundbanks for various MIDI synth modules. A complete list is here.

Q. Can I edit the sounds of my EWI5000 on a computer?

A. Yes, but only minor edits can be made. A patch editor is included with the EWI5000. Many parameters are also editable right from the EWI5000 itself. Patchman Music sells a variety of specially programmed wind controller soundbanks for various external MIDI synth modules and soft synths that can be controlled with the EWI5000. A complete list of the Patchman Music wind controller / breath controller soundbanks is here.

Q. Is it possible to rename a program or backup a program to computer?

Currently, patches are stored in the unit, not on the computer and there is no patch storage transfer possible.

Q. Can I use soft synths with the Akai EWI5000?

A. Yes, you can use any other soft synth (or MIDI hardware synth) with the EWI5000 but keep in mind that the results you get will likely not be good until you reprogram the patch in your softsynth/synth to respond properly to the data the EWI5000 sends. Most synths and softsynth patches are designed for keyboard type controllers which is very different from what a wind controller requires. Of course, Patchman Music offers a huge library of wind controller soundbanks that are ready to play properly "right out of the box". Additional general info on this important subject is in the Wind Controller FAQ.

Q. Where can I get an Akai EWI5000?

A. Patchman Music sells the Akai EWI5000 discounted, tested, and professionally calibrated by Matt Traum here. Matt's clients comprise all the top wind controller players in the world including Michael Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Tom Scott, Jeff Kashiwa, Steve Tavaglione, Judd Miller, etc... Matt is also personal wind controller tech for Bob Mintzer, Judd Miller, Steve Tavaglione, and many others!

Q. Can I use the EWI5000 with the older Akai EWI sound modules?

A. Well, you can connect the EWI5000 to any MIDI synth that has a MIDI IN jack. But the EWI5000 cannot be plugged into the proprietary EWI connector found on the front of the older EWI modules such as the EWV2000, EWI3000m, EWI3020m, and EWI3030m. But the EWI5000 can connect to the latter 3 models via their MIDI IN jacks. (The EWV2000 does not have a MIDI IN jack.)

Q. I am a Brass / EVI player. Can I play the EWI5000?

A. Yes! The Akai EWI5000 includes an innovative EVI brass-style fingering mode designed by EVI player Matt Traum which is based on Nyle Steiner's EVI. 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 EWI5000 with minimum effort. Order your EWI5000 from Patchman Music and Matt can set it up for EVI fingering for you! Click here for complete details on the Akai EVI fingering system.

Q. I am an Oboe and Flute player. Can I play the EWI5000?

A. Yes! In addition to the classic EWI fingering and sax fingerings on the EWI5000, the Akai EWI5000 also includes Flute and Oboe fingering. More info and a fingering chart are in the EWI5000 manual available from Akai's website here.

Q. Can I go wireless with the Akai EWI5000?

A. Yes! The EWI5000 includes a STEREO audio wireless system (but not wireless MIDI)! If you also want to have wireless MIDI capability to control external MIDI synths, Patchman Music sells the amazing Midi Jet Pro USB here. The wireless function of the EWI 5000 is for audio only. MIDI is not transmitted wirelessly to the receiver. The USB port on the EWI 5000 allows MIDI transmission to the computer. The USB port on the wireless receiver is for electrical power only. With the wireless receiver connected to the computer, it can be selected as an input device in the computer DAW program.

Q. What are the wireless specifications of the EWI 5000?

The EWI-5000 uses a 2.4 ghz RF connection for its wireless audio. The maximum range is about 50 feet, depending on environment. The wireless connection passes stereo audio to the two 1/4" balanced outputs on the wireless receiver.

Q. What is the maximum continuous operation time when the EWI-5000 is fully charged?

A. The EWI5000's 3.7V Lithium Ion battery can last up to thirteen hours when using Line Out, and over six hours when using it wirelessly.

Q. How long does it take to charge the EWI 5000?

It takes about two hours to fully charge the Akai EWI5000s when using the included USB wall charger. The EWI 5000 will also charge when connected to a powered computer USB port.

Q. How do I adjust the Sensitivity?

The EWI 5000's sensitivity can be adjusted by doing the following:

Press and hold the LEVEL button. Use the Hold/interval buttons to adjust the volume to about 66-75. Under the control cover above the display, rotate the BREATH knob to the right until you see the SETUP light come on. Note this value. This should occur about 70-75, but individual units will vary. Rotate this back about 10 numbers or so from the value noted previously. Press and hold the TRANS button. Rotate the BREATH knob to about 30-50 on the display. You may desire to set the value a little higher or lower depending on your tastes. Extremely high values can cause strange sound artifacts such as choppy sounds on soft notes. NOTE: Both steps 2 and 3 should be completed together in this sequence to optimize the sensitivity.

Q. Can I use the EWI 5000 with an iPad?

Yes. The EWI 5000 can be used with an Apple iPad and the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit as well as a powered USB hub. The EWI5000, though it is internally powered with the 3.7 V Lithium Ion battery, requires a powered hub because it charges from the USB port. The iPad battery cannot provide enough power to charge the EWI5000. If you are looking for wind controller or breath controller sounds for the iPad, Patchman Music offers some amazing wind controller soundbanks for the Propllerhead THOR softsynth and the Korg iM1 softsynth. Be sure to check here for news on other wind controller soundbanks for various hardware MIDI synths and soft synths from Patchman Music.

Q. Are the audio jacks on the EWI 5000 receiver balanced or unbalanced?

The jacks on the wireless receiver are mono balanced (TRS).

Go MIDI Wireless!! If you wish to control other synths with the Akai EWI5000 yet maintain your freedom and not use wires, check out the amazing MidiJet Pro USB Wireless MIDI system available in the USA from Patchman Music! This a device that sends MIDI data through the air! Michael Brecker loved it and so will you. We've tested it with our wind controller systems. We use it! We sell it! Click here for complete details

 

"Matt Thanks for the awesome quick service. Big Fan.. My new EWI5000 is stunning to look at. Thanks so much... consider me a loyal customer!!!"

"Hi Matt, The EWI5000 and the rest of the gear I ordered has arrived safe and sound! I've started messing around with the instrument, and while I can tell I have a bit of a learning curve to overcome, this has got to be the coolest thing on the planet! I love it. The possibilities of using this instrument in musical theater settings (where I tend to specialize as a performer) are truly endless. I double the acoustic reeds, but once I get this instrument down I can essentially add a whole bunch more to the list of possible sounds, especially in those situations where a full orchestration has been reduced to few players (an unfortunate reality of the business these days). Thanks again for your excellent service and GREAT support."

"Thanks to Matt @ Patchman Music for his great work. My EWI5000 played perfectly right out of the box. I purchased this model previously at another major vendor and returned it because the EWI wasn't set up right and the vendor knew absolutely nothing about the product. Patchman Music is definitely THE place to buy all wind controller related gear!"

"Hi Matt, The EWI 5000 arrived and I easily plugged in and started playing. Simply amazing. Your Midas touch has created the gold standard for wind controllers once again! Playability, expressiveness, and the low latency are fantastic. And being free of cables is a dream come true at last. Thank you and Akai for making it happen! Play On."

PATCHMAN MUSIC sound design creations and products can be heard throughout the world on TV and radio, on stage and in studio recordings with the finest talents in the music business including Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, Tom Scott, Bob Mintzer (Yellowjackets), Paul "Wix" Wickens (Paul McCartney's Keyboardist and Music Director), Jeff Kashiwa (The Rippingtons), Nyle Steiner, Mike Phillips (Stevie Wonder), Ricky Martin, Kirk Whalum, Courtney Pine, Bobby Read (Bruce Hornsby), Fred Jackson (American Idol Band), Dave Mathews Band, Dino Soldo (Lionel Richie, Beyonce, Elton John, LeAnn Rimes, Tower of Power, Ray Charles), Edwin McCain, Freddie Ravel (Earth, Wind, & Fire), Andy Hamilton (George Michael, Duran Duran, Paul McCartney, Dexy's Midnight Runners), Michal Urbaniak (Miles Davis), Michael Bolton, Oscar Peterson, Norbert Stachel (Tower of Power), Jon Anderson (Yes), Manheim Steamroller, Jaared (Peter White), Ed Calle (Arturo Sandoval), Tim Cappello (Ringo Starr), Dianna Ross, Scott Kinsey, The Tonight Show Band, Korn, Lenny Price (Earl Klugh), Ron Blake (The Saturday Night Live Band, Christian McBride, Joey DeFrancisco), Simply Red, Hammer, Jeffrey Osborne, Mark Douthit, Rob Mounsey (Grammy nominated producer, arranger, synthesist for Michael Franks, Paul Simon, Eric Clapton, Donald Fagen), Luis Miguel, Brian Simpson, Frankie Vallie, Randy Crawford, Daryl Dragon (Captain & Tennille), Marshall Allen (Sun Ra Arkestra), Richie Havens, James Brandon (Mickey Gilley), Dan Preston (Luis Miguel), Paul Taylor, Jimmy Haag (Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, Wayne Newton), Ringling Brothers, The Berklee College of Music, The Eastman School of Music, Stephane Chausse (Michel Legrand), Gil Melle, and numerous other top professionals worldwide!

HARNESSING THE POWER OF WIND:

AKAI PROFESSIONAL INTRODUCES THE WIRELESS EWI 5000

With an entire orchestra of sounds built in, EWI 5000 gives wind instrumentalists a new level of expression and includes the latest in wireless connectivity plus a 12-hour rechargeable battery.

Cumberland, RI - January 23, 2014 - Akai Professional, creators of the original EWI, announce the EWI 5000, the most expressive and versatile wind instrument in the world. EWI5000 includes an array of advanced features, including digital 2.4GHz ultra-low-latency wireless connectivity, a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts up to 12 hours, and more than 3GB of built-in traditional and progressive sounds from SONiVOX, a leading creator of premium virtual instruments and software synthesis technologies.

"We've created EWI 5000 to address the needs of today's modern wind players, and we're especially excited to see what modern musicians can do with it to push the boundaries of wind instrument performance," said Dan Gill, Akai Professional Product Manager. "Calibration is automatic and setup is easy. EWI 5000 is a smart instrument. It automatically adjusts to your playing style and offers authentic sounds, wireless convenience, rechargeability, and the expressive freedom EWI is known for."

EWI 5000 comes loaded with more than 3GB of top-quality sounds, including traditional horn, brass, woodwind, plus progressive synths, leads, and other non-traditional sounds. EWI 5000 includes 12 touch-sensitive metal keys on its top and an eight-wheel thumb controlled octave roller on the bottom. An EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) Mode is included for brass players, and EWI 5000 also includes eight control knobs for tweaking Filter, Reverb, Chorus, LFO, Breath Amount, Bite Amount, Semitone Tuning, and Fine Tuning. Both USB MIDI and 5-pin MIDI are onboard for controlling software synths or traditional MIDI modules. A 1/4-inch output to connect to an amplifier or PA and an 1/8-inch headphone output for silent practice are included. EWI 5000 charges via USB or wall power and also includes a USB cable, wall adapter, wireless receiver, and a neck strap.

Akai Professional will unveil EWI 5000 in Hall A, Booth 6700 at the 2014 NAMM Show, January 23-26 in Anaheim, California. For more information, visit www.akaipro.com.

Specifications are subject to change without notice

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