Akai EWI4000S (2006)
A MIDI wind controller with onboard analog modeling synthesis, introduced at Winter NAMM 2006.
Overview
The Akai EWI4000S is a MIDI wind controller, introduced at Winter NAMM 2006. It belongs to the EWI (Electric Wind Instrument) family, which Nyle Steiner originally conceived in the late 1970s. This model is the first wind instrument playable by both woodwind and brass players. It has an onboard analog modeling synthesizer tuned for wind control, with two voltage-controlled oscillators. Fingering is Electronic Valve Instrument (EVI) style. Three main groups of external controls affect sound, response, and feel, starting with four white buttons on the body. Expressive performance mapping is supported for sax, keyboard, flute, and other configurations.
Specifications
| Dimensions | 26.39" (L) x 1.73" (W) x 2.71" (H) |
| Weight | 1.9 lbs (without batteries) |
| Batteries | 4 AA |
| Connectivity | MIDI input and output, audio output |
| Synth engine | Analog modeling synthesizer with two voltage-controlled oscillators |
| Fingering system | Electronic Valve Instrument (EVI) |
| Manufacturer's suggested retail price | $999 US |
Design
The EWI4000S puts the synth engine, MIDI input and output, and audio output in a single unit. It was designed to respond to breath and finger control, and the components are arranged for both woodwind and brass playing techniques. It has four white external control buttons and supports customizable expression mapping.
Context
The Akai EWI4000S is the larger sibling to the EWI USB and EWI SOLO models. It carries on Nyle Steiner's Electric Wind Instrument, with Akai manufacturing and developing the line. Patchman Music handled warranty repairs for Akai while the instrument was in production.
Market
A current used listing offers the EWI4000S for $507.98 or best offer. Some players report MIDI connectivity problems, with intermittent disconnections. Others praise the build quality and breath sensitivity. It has been noted to handle finger moisture better than competing models like the Midi EVI.
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