Box Shaped 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.

What I like about the Ruggard products are the simplicity of the box-shaped designed and with functional dimensions of length, width and depth. There are just enough nice-to-haves without going into excess. I first measured my equipment and determined that this unit would be ideal. My first Ruggard bag was much smaller and provided to me as a complimentary item with a previous camera order. I still use this bag and have enjoyed it from day one.

This bag is a must have for any oddly shaped items that are not box/rectangular shaped. This means c-stands/light stands/tripods/etc. Makes loading up a cart a bit easier.

I use the Stage box nake for small church music instrument (Guitar, piano, keyboard, E drum, 4 mic), it works great and strong.

Another quality moog instrument. The choice of voices adds to the fun and the capability to choose scale, root note and amount of pitch correction makes it playable out of the box, and allows the player to hone their technique without frustration. Internal speaker makes it fun and available to play without much set up. It could have been housed in a simple box, but instead it is in a spaceship housing that is theremin appropriate. I ordered mine in the winter after seeing reviews from NAMM, and it's been worth the wait.

If anyone in your band wants more me control of their in-ear foldback for both their vocals and an instrument (or two instruments), then this is THE box for them! Ok so it costs more than the 2 channel competition, but this has the essential 3rd channel the others lack, plus an integral stereo DI box, so the total cost is much the same. What is really nice is the way it can be set for mono or stereo inputs on both the instrument channel and the main foldback. The cct diagram even contains instructions to convert the mic channel for line level inputs. A really useful box, and a much better buy in real terms than the competing products, for use by real musicians!

The audio quality of ATH-M50x headphones exceeds my expectations. I use them for monitoring myself while playing accordion and sax. They give adequate isolation from the instrument so that I can hear very well through the microphone (with its volume turned down) placed in front of the instrument, and know what the audience would hear. They are not heavy and hold my head comfortably. I'd recommend them to a friend. In addition, B&H had an open box item that was in same as new, unopened box, so I was able to get them at a discount. And as advertised, they were same as new.

Can’t beat this little instrument for the money!

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

8/8 would buy $ head shaped mic again