Ancient Wood Wind Instrument Shaped Like An Egg

Great egg crate!

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.

* Using for vocal recordings * Like that Hi Z instrument jacks are on front * Inserts for compressor and/or EQ are great * The huge variety of digital output options at this price are unmatched * Very clean sound * It does take some experimentation to get a good output level on it, but I got it * User Manual could be better, but at least it has one!

Like all K&M stands, this properly supports the instrument, is built out of durable materials, and folds up to a compact size. K&M makes the best stands for woodwinds on the market-I use them exclusively.

and it is wood.

Like a pilot's mouthpiece. stops wind and breath effectively. No complaints. For those who can't envision what size 3/8 is, it's huge, grab a ruler. See if it works for your needs. You won't be hiding this in plain sight.

Like them a lot. Decent ANC for an airline flight, not the best in wind. Long battery life with the case.

Like everything B & H sells it was delivered on time and packed well. This compact wind screen fits my Rode directional mic snugly and brings down any room reflection.

An excellent product, as always. And I have an ancient printer!

*knock on wood* so far so good.