Akai EWI SOLO (2020)
A standalone wind controller with built-in sounds, speaker, and OLED display, designed for portable performance.
Overview
The Akai EWI SOLO is a portable electronic wind instrument (EWI) introduced in August 2020 as the latest model from AKAI PROFESSIONAL. It stands out as the first EWI with a built-in speaker and OLED display, enabling completely untethered performance without external modules or amplification. It features 200 premium onboard sounds derived from the flagship EWI5000, with immediate response to subtle breath and bite control. Designed for woodwind and brass players, it supports multiple fingering modes including classic EWI, sax, flute, oboe, and an EVI brass-style mode developed by Matt Traum based on Nyle Steiner’s EVI.
With its internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery providing over 12 hours of play time, the EWI SOLO is optimized for practice and impromptu performances anywhere. It includes dedicated FX controls for reverb, delay, and chorus, plus editing capabilities for pitch, tuning, and dual LFOs. A free sound editor is available from Akai for deeper customization.
Specifications
| Sounds | 200 sounds |
| Battery | internal, rechargeable long-life lithium-ion battery for 12+ hours of uninterrupted play time |
| Display | beautiful OLED display |
| Speaker | built-in speaker |
| Audio Input | 1/8" aux input |
| Headphone Output | 1/8-inch headphone output |
| Line Output | 1/4-inch output |
| USB Connectivity | USB-MIDI connectivity |
| FX Controls | dedicated FX controls to add Reverb, Delay and Chorus, plus editing facilities for Pitch, Tuning and Dual LFOs |
| Sensors | ultra-responsive mouthpiece, with a breath sensor and bite sensor |
| Playing Modes | multiple playing modes |
| Octave Rollers | Octave rollers instantly shift the note key's range, effortlessly changing the playable register. |
| Glide Plate | portamento using the conveniently located glide plate |
| Sound Editor | Akai also has provided a free sound editor for the EWI SOLO. |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 765 x 76 x 82 mm |
| Weight | 800 g |
| Polyphony | dual note polyphony |
| Controls | touch sensitive keys, octave rollers, a glide strip |
| Fingering Modes | classic EWI, sax, flute, oboe, and EVI brass-style fingering |
| Included Accessories | Includes USB cable |
Design
The EWI SOLO is the first EWI with a built-in speaker and OLED display, making it the most portable model in Akai's lineup. Its speaker is calibrated for natural sound reproduction, and it operates as a standalone instrument with an onboard sound generator. The ultra-responsive mouthpiece includes both breath and bite sensors, while touch-sensitive keys, octave rollers, and a glide plate provide expressive control. It inherits core performance features from the flagship EWI5000, including multiple synth engines and premium sound content.
Context
The EWI SOLO builds upon Akai’s EWI legacy, positioned below the flagship EWI5000 but incorporating many of its core capabilities. It succeeds earlier models like the EWI USB and EWI 4000s, offering enhanced portability and self-contained performance. Marketed as a modern evolution of the EWI line, it targets performers and educators seeking a compact, battery-powered wind controller with immediate playability and minimal setup.
Market
As of 2026, the EWI SOLO remains available through authorized dealers like Patchman Music. While original pricing varied between $499 and $549, current market prices range from $410 to $699 depending on retailer and condition. Some users have reported intermittent power issues, dropped notes, and connectivity problems, though no widespread failure patterns are documented. Patchman Music confirms they repair Akai EWIs, indicating ongoing service support.
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