Portable 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.

[This review was collected as part of a promotion.] This keyboard is portable. Light comes with a bag to carry the instrument in. The pedal and headphones are nice touch for playing without disturbing other people. I have played endlessly with the number of keys to make different sounds. And what a value for a beginner.

This is the perfect item for powering clip-on instrument microphones or PZM's, especially when recording to a portable digital recorder with built in XLR jacks. Good Luck finding another model at this low price...

The 18x50 binocular is a powerful and portable instrument. When coupled with the image-stabilization capability I was able to see galaxies, double stars and so much more than I had expected. It has been my main observing tool for several years. It continues to amaze me with it's power and portability.

For outstanding clarity and resolution in a portable (hand-held) instrument nothing compares to these binoculars - period. I guess that's why they were standard kit on the Space Shuttle and ISS. While a little bulky, this is more than compensated by the viewing experience. They would continue to sell at twice the price.

Very good quality sound. I used it in a windy parking lot, no wind noise at all. Very portable For small form cameras

Simple set up and take down, extremely portable. Adjustable yet solid, cameras no longer shake when the wind blows. Durable.

Blocks wind very well and ver portable. Works for a few different size small mics. Good to have if you are flowing from inside to outside shooting. Quickly covers mic and easy to take off and fits in pocket.

Can’t beat this little instrument for the money!

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