Akai EWI3020M

An analog monophonic rackmount synthesizer module designed to pair with Akai wind controllers.

Overview

The Akai EWI3020M is an analog monophonic synthesizer in a 2U rackmount case. Akai built it as the sound engine for the EWI3020 wind controller. It also works as a standalone analog synth module with 100 factory preset sounds, and a MIDI keyboard can control it. The design is modular, with real analog circuitry, tuned for expressive wind playing. It was part of Akai's dedicated line of wind synthesis systems and is now out of production.

Specifications

Type	Analog Monophonic Synthesizer Rackmount Module
Sound Source	2 VCOs
Preset Sounds	100 Factory Preset Sounds
Form Factor	2U Rackmount
Control	Compatible with Akai EWI3020 wind controller; can also be controlled by MIDI keyboard
Back Panel Features	Inputs for foot switch control of Sub Oscillator, and CV control of LFO speed, Filter, and Bend

Design

The EWI3020M uses real analog circuitry and a modular design. It works as an analog modeling synthesizer module made to partner with Akai's wind controllers. Modifications include a switchable triangle wave on Oscillator A and an available bandpass filter upgrade. Third parties offer enhanced soundbanks.

Context

The EWI3020M was part of Akai's dedicated wind synthesis system. It pairs with the EWI3020 wind controller to make a complete performance setup. It belongs to a product family that includes the EWI3030m, a digital variant, and it precedes later integrated models like the EWI SOLO.

Market

A used set including the AKAI EWI3020 and EWI3020M module with cable and manual was listed for C $835.43 on eBay Canada. The unit is out of production and turns up on used markets including Reverb and eBay.