A Flat Minor Wind Instrument

I must admit, the first time I unboxed the instrument, I was amazed at the build quality. It has some heft, the keys are properly and ergonomically placed and you know Akai really took their time to perfect this wind controller. But as a long time saxophone player, the first time I actually played some scales, I was quite disappointed - it didn't feel like a saxophone. I was beginning to regret my purchase and thought about exchanging it for the WX5. So I gave it a few more days. Days turned to weeks, and I am beginning to appreciate this instrument. Keep practicing those scales, breathing with the mouthpiece and you realize how this is such an amazing wind controller. I made a mistake thinking that this is a replacement for a saxophone in an apartment situation. In reality, you should think about how this instrument can be an extension to your musical endeavors. The possibilities you can do with the sounds and playability are endless. There are a few usable synths prebuilt, but I suggest using the Akai EWI 5000 Editor to really play and edit your sounds then save it to the user bank. Also there are synths out there that can be used if you plug the EWI as just a midi wind controller; unfortunately you can't upload other synth sounds into the controller. Definitely give it some time to get used to the instrument especially moving from one octave to another. Keep practicing and you'll appreciate that there's hardly any moving parts here. I was opposed at it first since horns have that tactile and key feedback. But with the touch sensitivity, it really felt I was playing an instrument from the future. Again, you just have to get used to it - think about when mobile phones shift from physical keyboards to the modern phones we have today. And here I am today still keeping my purchase and writing a review. I thank Akai for making a top-notch wind controller and continuing the support for the modern electronic wind musician.

The RODE WS7 definitely helped us out getting clean audio on some outdoor interviews. Minor wind noise is no longer a worry with this on – plus it looks pro!

I own a Ram tough-claw and have used various other clamps, such as the super clamps and IMO this is by far the best. It holds a variety of shapes very securely, including flat objects which many other clamps aren't so good at.The example objects shown here and on the manufacturer website are near the realistic limits, it might hold a 60 mm round object, but not a 60 mm flat object for example. It is also easier to screw down nice and tightly. The knob has never got in the way in my experience. The rubber in the claws does a good job, although it does sometime leave behind some sort of residue which can easily be cleaned off. In terms of attachment points, I find the 3/8 male thread is best. This thread is longer than I feel it should be, but that's a pretty minor issue. All the female threads are on the actual clamping parts, so depending on what its clamped too, they are more likely to be obstructed or angled slightly. These issues are pretty minor, and overall I think its an excellent, versatile clamp.

Can’t beat this little instrument for the money!

Fine instrument, does what it should do and more. I recommend it.

Wind bad, this good. Keep wind out.

It's a good quality instrument that I like so much

Very steady for this heavy instrument.

Theres a nice improve from last Minor III on sound fidelity and battery duration that makes minor IV the best companion!!! Thanks Marshall!!!

If the wind is blowing, you just got to have it.