Akai
EWI SOLO
Info

Akai EWI SOLO Wind Controller Info Page

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Akai EWI SOLO. Patchman Music is happy to announce the latest EWI from AKAI PROFESSIONAL- The Akai EWI SOLO - the first EWI with a built-in speaker and OLED display. The EWI SOLO also features a rechargable 12 hour battery, multiple playing modes, premium sound content featuring 200 sounds, and an audio input so you can play along with your backing tracks!

Standalone Performance - Woodwind & Brass instrumentalists will appreciate EWI Solo's completely untethered performance capability with the EWI-SOLO's new built-in speaker calibrated for the most natural sound reproduction to recreate every subtle nuance of the instrumentalist's performance. When fused with an internal, rechargeable long-life lithium-ion battery for 12+ hours of uninterrupted play time, EWI Solo is perfect for practice and impromptu performances anywhere, anytime.

Hundreds of Sounds Included - Akai Professional's EWI series has a reputation for sounds that inspire creativity and guarantee multi-genre application right out-the-box. EWI Solo is no exception with 200 premium onboard tones that react immediately to even the most subtle of inflections. From luscious, evolving synth pads to an authentic, sultry jazz clarinet, every genre is covered with an expertly curated catalogue of exclusive tones. EWI Solo's ultra-responsive mouthpiece, with a breath sensor and bite sensor, precisely controls volume and pitch dynamics for uncompromising response. Combine this with dedicated FX controls to add Reverb, Delay and Chorus, plus editing facilities for Pitch, Tuning and Dual LFOs, and EWI Solo provides everything you need to shape your signature sound. Here is a link to info on the free sound editor for the EWI SOLO.

Connect for More Control - Whether it's practice, live performance or studio recording, EWI Solo's arsenal of connectivity options provide complete hookup flexibility. Delve into a world of software instruments with EWI Solo's USB-MIDI connectivity. Connect directly to PA systems with the 1/4-inch output. Practice privately, at any hour, with the 1/8-inch headphone output. Users can even connect a playback device to the EWI via the 1/8" aux input to play along with a backing track.Whatever your needs, EWI Solo delivers.

Building Upon a Legend - EWI mainstays from Akai Professional's flagship EWI5000 are also thoughtfully included for optimal performance capability. Octave rollers instantly shift the note key's range, effortlessly changing the playable register. Users can add portamento using the conveniently located glide plate. Get exactly the expression needed with an adjustable pitch bend plate. Musicians can even save any program edits and recall them on the fly with the handy Favorites feature.

Familiar Technique - For Woodwind and Brass instrumentalists, no additional fingering technique is needed. EWI Solo adapts to all main fingering styles at the twist of a dial, offering Standard EWI fingering, Sax style fingering, flute, oboe, saxophone and EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) fingering modes.

EWI SOLO Sound Editor

Expand your creative capabilities with the EWI SOLO Sound Editor software. This custom software editor is a powerful platform for manipulating EWI SOLO's sound library on your Mac or PC. Connect EWI SOLO to your computer via USB and then you can make changes to the settings in the Akai EWI-SOLO. Then, store your edits directly in your EWI SOLO for a customized instrument library that's ready to perform whenever you are. Here is a link to info on the Akai sound editor for the Akai EWI SOLO.

Patchman Music offers numerous wind controller soundbanks and patches that have been specially programmed to respond to your breath. Click here for a list of all the wind controller soundbanks that we offer for various synths and soft synths can be controlled with the Akai EWI SOLO. 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 EWI SOLO, contact The Wind Controller Experts at Patchman Music to order right away! Click here for details.

Matt
Patchman Music

EWI SOLO FEATURES & SPECIFICATIONS

• Multiple selectable fingering systems including EWI, Sax, Flute, Oboe, EVI/Brass (The EVI fingering system was adapted from Nyle Steiner's EVI system to the EWI form factor by Patchman Music's own Matt Traum)
• 200 onboard premium acoustic and synth sounds. Click here for list of the 200 Factory sounds.
• A free downloadable Editor is available from the akaipro.com website. Here is a link to info on the Akai sound editor.
• 4 Favorites Banks each containing up to 25 of your favorite sounds for quick and easy access
• Built-in speaker calibrated for the most natural sound reproduction experience. This speaker sounds very nice!
• A gorgeous high resolution OLED display for easy viewing of presets & parameters
• 12+ hours of play time using the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery (charging adapter is included)
• An EWI first! A new F# key has been added. Sax players will love this!
• USB port for USB-MIDI connection and battery charging
• Numerous parameters allow you to customize the response to your playing style
• Mouthpiece: Air-pressure level sensor and bite sensor
• Note Keys: 14 touch sensors (including the new F# key)
• Octave Rollers: 6 mobile, 2 fixed touch sensors (7-octave range)
• Plates: 1 pitchbend, 2 ground
• Three Internal Digital Effects (can be used simultaneously)- Reverb, Chorus, and Delay
• Included in the box from Patchman Music you will get the amazing EWI SOLO updated to the latest greatest firmware OS, tested, calibrated by Matt Traum and ready to play out of the box. Also in the box you will get the Akai Neck Strap, USB Charging Adapter, USB Cable, Mouthpiece Cap, Quickstart Guide, Safety & Warranty Info, Software Download Card, and Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery.
• Inputs / Outputs: USB port, 1/4" (6.35mm) TRS line output, 1/8" (3.5mm) TRS headphone output, 1/8" (3.5mm) TRS auxiliary input
• Dimensions (width x depth x height): 30.12" x 3.00" x 3.24", 76.5 cm x 7.6 cm x 8.2 cm
• Weight: 1.79 lb.
• Click here for the User Manual, additional info, and downloads

In addition to these frequently asked question about the Akai EWI SOLO, Patchman Music offers an extremely helpful Wind Controller FAQ here

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

A: No, the EWI SOLO has a different architecture than the EWI4000s or EWI5000 or any other synth. Soundbanks are not cross-compatible between EWIs.

Q: Will Patchman Music release new sounds for the EWI SOLO?

A: We currently do NOT offer a soundbank that loads inside the EWI SOLO but we offer a huge library of sounds for various external MIDI synths and soft synths that can be controlled with the EWI SOLO. (These sounds do not load inside the EWI SOLO, but instead they load into external MIDI synths and softsynths.)

Q: Can I load my own samples into the EWI SOLO?

A: No. This is not possible as of the current EWI SOLO OS. Click here for list of the 200 sounds that are included in the EWI SOLO.

Q: Can I connect the EWI SOLO to my laptop or desktop Mac or PC?

A: Yes! Simply use a standard USB cable to connect the EWI SOLO directly to your Mac or PC. There are many soft synths that can run on your Mac or PC that can be used, but keep in mind that to get the expected breath response from your soft synth you need to be using patches in the soft synth that were specially designed respond to your breath. Patchman Music offers numerous soundbanks that were designed to be controlled with a wind controller or breath controller. When using a soft synth with your EWI SOLO, be sure to select the EWI USB as your Input device in the MIDI settings of the soft synth / virtual instrument / VSTi / or host software.

Q: Can I connect the EWI SOLO to my MIDI synths with a legacy 5 pin MIDI cable?

A: Since the EWI SOLO has a USB output and not a MIDI output, you will need an additional "USB to MIDI HOST" device such as the Kenton USB MIDI Host MKII, or similar type device to interface between the EWI SOLO and the MIDI synth. Note that a regular USB to MIDI interface will NOT serve as a Host Device. You need a specialized USB to MIDI Host device such as the Kenton unit for this purpose.

Q. Can I control soft synths with the Akai EWI SOLO?

A. Yes, you can use any other soft synth (or MIDI hardware synth) with the EWI-SOLO 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 EWI-SOLO sends. Most synths and softsynth patches are designed for keyboard type controllers which is very different from what a wind controller requires. 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. What are the differences between the EWI SOLO, EWI5000, EWI4000s, and the EWI USB models?

A. The EWI SOLO, EWI5000, EWI4000s, and EWI USB are made for slightly different purposes. One is not intended to replace the other. The EWI SOLO is a self contained complete wind controller with 200 sample-based sounds and a built in speaker. The EWI SOLO is the only Akai wind controller that features the built in speaker and a high resolution display. The EWI SOLO has one bend sensor whereas the other models have two bend sensors. The EWI SOLO have an additional F# key that the others do not have. The EWI5000 and EWI4000s feature 5 pin MIDI jacks. The EWI SOLO and EWI USB have only a USB connectivity (not 5 pin MIDI). There is no built in wireless capability with the EWI SOLO. Since the EWI SOLO and EWI4000s each have a 1/4" audio output jack, it is possible to use a third party wireless audio system, such as those used by guitarists, with them. The EWI5000 ships with a wireless audio system.

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 discontinued 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 running 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 of the 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 EWI SOLO, EWI5000, and EWI4000s. The EWI USB lacks the glide strip found on the EWI SOLO, EWI5000, and EWI4000s- though it is possible to assign one of the bend sensors or the bite sensor to send glide (MIDI CC#5) on the EWI USB. 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 EWI SOLO, EWI5000, and EWI4000s have 8 rollers offering about an 8 octave range. The EWI SOLO, EWI5000, and EWI4000 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 EWI SOLO?

A. Yes. The EWI SOLO 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 to some degree. There are 200 factory sounds built into the EWI SOLO. These sounds include sampled sounds from traditional acoustic instruments as well as synth sounds. A complete patch listing is located here.

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

A. The EWI SOLO has only a USB port for controlling external synths.

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

A. Yes, to some degree. A patch editor is available for the EWI SOLO. Here is a link to info on the Akai sound editor for the EWI SOLO. Many parameters are also editable right from the EWI SOLO itself using its data wheel and OLED display. Patchman Music also sells a variety of specially programmed wind controller soundbanks for various external MIDI synth modules and soft synths that can be controlled with the EWI SOLO. A complete list of the Patchman Music wind controller / breath controller soundbanks is here.

Q. Where can I get an Akai EWI SOLO?

A. Patchman Music sells the Akai EWI SOLO discounted, tested, and professionally calibrated and updated 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 EWI SOLO with the older Akai EWI sound modules?

A. If you want to connect the EWI SOLO to a MIDI synth that has a MIDI IN jack you will need to use a special "USB to MIDI HOST Device" as discussed above. But the EWI SOLO 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.

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

A. Yes! The Akai EWI SOLO 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 EWI SOLO with minimum effort. Order your EWI SOLO 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 EWI SOLO?

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

Q. Can I go wireless with the Akai EWI SOLO?

A. Wireless audio capability is not provided out of the box with the EWI SOLO, but since there is a 1/4" audio output jack on the EWI SOLO it is possible to use a wireless audio system such as those used by guitarists. For wireless USB, users have reported that the Yamaha Yamaha UD-BT01 and others have reported to have used the (out of production) PUC+ for wireless Bluetooth MIDI. But powering these can be an issue to deal with. Learn more about this and many other things at the excellent Patchman Music Wind Controller Forum.

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

A. The EWI SOLO's Lithium Ion battery can last up to 12 hours.

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

Yes. The EWI SOLO can be used with an Apple iPad and the Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit as well as a powered USB hub. The EWI SOLO, though it is internally powered with its Lithium Ion battery, requires a powered hub because it charges from the USB port. The iPad battery cannot provide enough power to charge the EWI SOLO. Additional information on connecting to an iPad or iPhone is in the wind controller faq here. 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.

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!

Specifications are subject to change without notice

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