Midi Wind Instrument

The previous review was the only negative one I've seen on the web, and it seems misinformed. The product is not advertised as needing or having a driver on cd. It worked right away with no extra work, creating its own MIDI setup on my computer. BUT, (1) you have to pay attention to the MIDI connector colors (plug the red one into your instrument's MIDI OUT port), AND (2) do some MIDI setup on your instrument (e.g. local control=OFF for playback). Finally, (3) it's not an audio cable, it's a midi cable, so understand the difference. It carries MIDI signals for music software, not sound for recording.

I like wind instruments. This is that and so much more. Nice features make playing sound like the real thing. Tried it all but haven't used it as a midi controller yet

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.

easy to use and works flawless. Can also work with only one MIDI connection (midi out).

Can’t beat this little instrument for the money!

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

A good Midi interface device to connect the keyboard with the PC through MIDI ports and use Midi apps.

This little Midi Box is a welcome addition to my Midi Configuration Studio needs. At first I was reluctant to purchase it because I felt it was a bit expensive for a Midi Interface... but it is worth it. Here's why Pros Excellent Build Quality, solid top grade materials and it looks good Works without the need for driver installation, so easy plug and play 8 Standard 5 Pin Midi Ports Plus 3 USB 3.0 Ports and a USB Host Port which gives me lots of options for all of my gear Automatic signal detection is great. Allows each MIDI port to work as an input or output LED Indicator Lights let you know what's going on In Standalone (without a computer) there are 3 modes with a dedicated Mode Selector, 1 Midi In to 7 Outs, MIDI thru and MIDI merge configurations You can use it as a Stand Alone or USB Host mode Ships with USB Cable and 5V Power Supply, yes they include a power supply! Cons Price but NOT really this is one well built, powerful Midi Interface that is loaded with Connection and Interface Options. I think it is worth the money for what it offers.

This is a deceptive little synth, it is not a toy and can be used in a Musicians rig, but it's main short coming is the touch keyboard, so if you got a Midi keyboard, use it (Note: you will need a Type A 1/8 Midi adapter cable to utilize the midi capability) the Korg software is pretty good to access the deeper functions, but the sound is the big deal here, it sounds beefy & the built in effects are top notch, and with full midi support you will be using this with your DAW, drum machines etc. it is fun and easy to put together, really worth the price.

Wind bad, this good. Keep wind out.