Wind Stock 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.

Helps reduce some wind noise above and beyond the stock foam wind screens

Best Hollowbody low wind windscreen. BandH needs stock these. Unfortunately they rarely have them. I could only but half a pair this time.

For wind protection, it does the job well, a huge improvement over any stock foam. Rycote build quality is excellent. This product will last. The fit is great on all mics I've used, snug, and doesn't introduce it's own noise. It's far larger than a foam screen, increasing the chance of your mic being seen by the camera that it's mounted on. Take a look at your rig before purchasing. Don't expect hurricane-proof results. You'll need a blimp for any critical sound on breezy days. But this is the best realistic option for on-camera shotguns.

Rode's video mike is great at getting sound from a distance but the stock foam cover doesn't work well for wind above slow breeze. This deadcat kills virtually wind noise, and the smooth lining, small velcro tab make for easy removal when you go back inside. Used it for a wedding at the top of a ski mountain while storm blew in from 8 miles out. The guests could scarcely hear the mothers, but the mic and deadcat gave me great sound for the DVD. If you plan to record outside - and you will - get a deadcat. WAY cheaper than a sound guy...

i love that this is entirely replaces the stock foam cover. My previous windshield just covered the foam but it still let wind through in the gaps. Since this replaces the cover entirely, it does a much better job of blocking wind noise.

Can’t beat this little instrument for the money!

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

Wind bad, this good. Keep wind out.

It's a good quality instrument that I like so much