Wind Speed Instrument And Unit

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 is a fantastic multipurpose instrument that exudes quality from the moment it is unpacked. I have trusted thousand dollar gear mounted to this unit and have not once had a failure. The grip is fantastic and will clamp firmly to anything that can fit within the jaw. The varied attachments make attaching a camera, flash unit, umbrella, extension, a ball head, etc. a breeze. The price is fantastic for how versatile this tool can be. In some instances, it can even double as a tripod.

This is a perfect little unit for Sennheiser mics which need phantom powering, especially for owners of wireless lav or instrument mic which let you turn them into wired lav or instrument mic. (or vice-versa)

This unit has seemed to speed up my overall connection speed and has made everything a bit snappier

Can’t beat this little instrument for the money!

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

This was an amazing product that helped us exponentially when creating our short film. Regardless of the wind speed and the distance from our Taskcam, this product picked up the best sound possible. We would definitely use this product again.

I have to say these things were a life saver on a shoot I was just on. Not only did they resist high wind speed and keep their shape, but they are light as a feather. Something that will stand the test of time! Good Purchase.

Frames are quite expensive for what they are, but for the speed and ease on set they will be money makers. Using two in a book light for a sit-down interview travel kit (their head is usually best at 3' off the floor). Works perfectly with the one edge tied together, indoors without any wind, no stands or sandbags required. The 6x6 will for sure need support on each side if used outdoors or overhead, but being such a light frame, wind is your biggest hidden safety worry, not just supporting a heavy butterfly frame. Contacted a local film rag maker, and they are sewing up lots of custom options for me that are 1/2-2/3rds the cost of the Chimera or TRP branded ones off B&H. Just an FYI if you have a good shop locally and need to get a bunch. (BestFilmServices in Vancouver BC is amazing, adding Velcro loops to tighten the long edges and corners, with elastic for quick set ups as well.)

I purchased this unit and a DLX Universal Shock Mount with camerca shoe for use on my Panasonic AG-HMC 70 HD camcorder. I purchased this unit after purchasing a Sennheiser MK 400 stereo shotgun mike. The Sennheiser could not stand up to the wear and tear of recording among a group of news who were all elbows who managed to rip the microphone from its shock mount twice. The ECM-674 produces way better sound. However, I am forced on many occasions to use the camera's built in attenuators because the unit is picking up way too much sound. However, this is a great advantage when the source is soft with low sound levels. Works well with either a AA battery or with phatom power provided by camera. You definitely need the shock mount with camera shoe. In the wind, the microphone picks up wind noise. The wind screen helps, but it is not perfect.