This guy`s really got his head screwed on the right way when it comes to demos. Never heard a presentation so professional, should have been payed by Akai. I`ll be looking out for you Stef.
Thank you for making this video. I loved the way you compared traditional instruments with the synth versions. I have not seen anyone else do that. You are obviously an incredible musician.
I've had mine since early March, and I am loving it a ton. It's my first proper wind synth after testing an aerophone go and realizing the Akai was more what I'd be wanting. I'm more of a hobbyist just playing for fun, and because I'm in an apartment I love being able to pop headphones in and practice whenever, vs playing a loud alto sax and worrying about the neighbors (played sax all through school, then dropped off it after college and am just now getting back into playing). I think it is an excellent "learner EWI" type student model instrument, with a bit more room to grow than the USB with the menu system that's not as intimidating as the 4000 and 5000's clock screen navigation. I do hope that it ends up being quite popular, if for no other reason than to incentivize Akai into making a newer, more modern "Pro" model, with the perks of the SOLO (OLED SCREEEN! and the menu, bent neck, longer neck strap loop, etc.) and an onboard sound engine more akin to the older 4000s and closer to that form factor, probably without the speaker and maybe with 5 pin and USB midi together with the 1/4in line out to easily access any and every potential setup, and the top pitch bend plate being added back on. Just my thoughts, love your work!
Thanks for the comparisons! Very enlightening. I'm not a huge fan of the EWI sounds as they are, but I can definitely see the advantages to using an EWI for DAW recording, esp if you're a wind instrument player.
I have had an EWI SOLO for half a year now, and I'd say, it's generally worth the price. It's stupidly easy to learn (I'm primarily an oboist so I come from a very different world than most EWI players, but I still hadn't any trouble getting used to it) but it has its own limitations. About the "hardware": fast tonguing and double tonguing, due to the mouthpiece's shape and dimensions, are very difficult, even with the most responsive patches. Regarding the synth and patches, again, you get what you pay for. I ended up saving 40 different Patches on my favourites, after "tuning up" most of them. Some patches (like all the saws and a couple of others) do tend to produce "pops and cracks" noises when played in the mid-high octaves). I sometimes went around this problem by adjusting the cutoff filter to +10 or +20, but it's a compromise between partly eliminating this issue and at the same time making those patches even less responsive. For me that's a huge no-go, since the "raw" sound of those patches are my absolute favourite ones. But then again, the EWI solo costs about 200€ more than the EWI USB, which doesn't have an internal synth at all. So by having 200 patches in the SOLO, you are basically paying 1€ pro patch. You get what you pay for. Since I'm not planning any serious studio sessions with it, and instead almost only want to use it live, responsiveness "out of the box" without the aid of an external synth is paramount to me, and that's why I am thinking about switching to a Roland ae-20 or 30, though I still have to try those first. The SOLO just doesn't feel "right" most of the time.
As a Solo owner and a former sax man: Quick, impromptu music with a solo is very easy. The built in speaker lets you play "now." Plug is a battery powered speaker or amp and you can rattle your fillings, set up time is about as long as it takes to assemble a sax, adjust the reed, get it warmed up, actually, My Solo is faster to get good sound out of than my sax was. I don't use the pitch-blend plate at all. I do it all with breath, and you can use your bite as well. I need to have that thumb rest to hold the EWI. My choice, purely subjective. You forgot the aux input. I use a very simple metronome/beat box app and play it through my solo for practice. It's great. I eventually want to play better backing tracks through the Solo, all at once, live. My emphasis is on playing live in public. Nothing touches a solo in this application. As for studio work? It's okay for an amature. But then, the real star in the Studio is the VST. Also, I believe the patches for the "real" instruments are loops of digital recordings, making the solo more like a mellotron than a Moog.
I agree with buying from patchman. I bought a 4000s with the Yamaha vl70 synth using the patchman sounds on both. Patchman does it right when buying from Matt. Also I paid full price and do not work for patchman.
This is why I like my EWI 4000s, because you can load your own soundbanks into it via the VYSEX patch editor. IMO, Patchman's soundbank is a MUST have for any 4000s owner.
Aerophone AE-20 player here I think the Roland patches sound much more accurate for the natural instruments. Can't really compare the synth patches as they are pretty different between Akai and Roland. I think there is a place for both in performance art though.
Thanks for the video. I'm torn between the Roland AE-10G and this thing. As a keyboard player, the one directional pitch bender is almost a deal breaker for me.
I've done some reading that with the bite sensor/some fiddling with the software you can get a slight pitch bend up, but not the same as the plates on the 4000/5000. The glide plate only triggers portamento it seems.
Hey Robert, you're a legend! Thanks so much for watching and commenting. The WX7 and the Lyricon are two instruments that I've never had access to but would desperately love to try out. Both of the, seem like they have a much better mouthpiece design than the ewi. Putting pressure on a reed never bothered me, but I could never bring myself to bite down on the Akai mouthpiece. It would be like biting a recorder for me. Thankfully, I'm pretty happy with the NuRAD thumb controls which includes an extra little lever for vibrato. I've always wondered this about the mouthpieces for the Lyricon, and also the WX series: Do you have to maintain constant lip/jaw pressure to keep the instrument in tune, like a sax or other reeded instrument?
@@StefHaynes no, it is not a vibrating reed, it is a pitch bend lever operated with your lip. You can set it to bend up , loose lip or down tight lip. As for the expressive possibilities, like I told my fellow reed man , Mike, do you kiss your wife when you go home or rub thumbs?
@@StefHaynes I started out using the Lyricon tight lipped with an octave pitch drop but since changing over to midi and the WX-7 I play loose lipped with a step of bend up
Thanks for the video, really enjoyed it. Im looking at a really good shape EWI 5000 used but like new for cheaper than the Solo. I know it might be a no brainer to go for it but its been a good 15 years since I played the sax, and have been looking at EWIs for a long time. Seeing as I have no experience with these types of instruments between the 5000, Solo or even other options (ae-05) would picking up the 5000 be a good move I know there will be a learning curve for fingering, but it seems to be an instrument that is go high build quality. thanks for your input!
Hi! If you've got a good price on a good instrument, then I say go for it. It will take a little bit of time to get used to the touch sensitive keys and the octave rollers, but it's no more difficult then learning the saxophone. I've had my EWI 5000 since 2014 and it's still going strong. I did have an issue with my octave rollers a few years back but I was able to fix that by cleaning them.
@@StefHaynes Ok great thanks for getting back tome! Im happy to hear that you still think the 5000 is a valid option in 2022. Its getting harder to find reviews for the 5000 now that the solo and Roland options are out. If I can get that 5000 I am looking at then I figure Im getting the onboard sounds that I am looking for and a decent midi controller to start experimenting with as well.
@@StefHaynes Ya thats what Ive read and heard so far, however, it seems to have the wireless audio (but not midi) and the midi 5 pins which could be interesting later down the road as I have some friends that play with making music. Apart form the speaker which I dont really need, as I want to listen with headphones, it seems like the 5000 would be great as a controller for my future experiments. Im just hoping its the right direction as the ae-05 and ae-10 seem to also have a little bit more modern features I like.
Thank you so much for this video!! This is hands down the best EWI breakdown I’ve ever seen. I am not nearly as experienced as you, but have enjoyed my EWI USB for 3 years now. I’ve been contemplating getting a Solo because I don’t always want to be tethered to my computer, and I appreciate the greater range the solo seems to offer. I was just wondering, if you connect the Solo to an amp or good external speakers, can you here the lower octave notes better / does it sound significantly better than the built in speaker? If it has to be connected to the computer to sound better because of the soft-synth options, is there much advantage over the EWI USB? Thank you!!
Hi, thank you for your comment! Connecting to a good amp or speaker will make the low notes sound better because the speaker will be able to represent the low frequency information coming from the internal synth. This might make all the built in sounds slightly richer, but not by a lot. If you connect the Solo to an amp, then you'll just be tethered to the amp instead of to the computer. Getting a 5000 could be an option, as it has wireless audio (no wireless MIDI unfortunately) but that's pretty expensive and, in my opinion, not worth it for the built in sounds, which are the same if not worse than the Solo's. Both instruments have the same built in SONIVOX sound engine and even share a significant number of presets. I'd recommend looking into a wireless MIDI solution. That would not only be cheaper than a new EWI, but it would also allow you to continue using the softsynth sounds you already have. I use a PANDA MIDIBEAM and I think it works really well. CME is also creating a wireless MIDI transmitter that works via Bluetooth, but I'm not sure when it will be released. Here's the pre-order page. www.cme-pro.com/widi-uhost-2021-preorder/
Agree with going wireless. Yamaha UD BT-01 works great with an EWI USB - just need to power it through a little rechargeable battery. Then you can use phone or pad apps as well as your pc / Mac. Makes it very portable.
@@StefHaynes The speaker/amp you use is important. I have a powerwerks P-40, very clean, and it helps on the bottom end a lot. I got the p-40 because I can set in under my chair, making it easier to play with a group. I also have a vintage Peavy I bought at an antique store. The bass on the Peavy will knock your socks off. (Yes, I need a trailer to haul it. It's worth it.) When I run my Alto Sax patch through the Peavy, I feel like I'm back with my big band on tour.
I'd definitely consider doing a review of it at some point! The thing about the NuRAD and its brother the NuEVI is that they're made by one person, and he's got a super long wait list. Last I checked it was over a year long. Also I think prices are a little up in the air based on the cost of materials and what not. I'd email the creator for more details! In a nutshell though, I love the size and weight, built in wireless midi, and the fact that, unlike the Akai instruments, I could just get the parts I need to make any repairs instead of having to buy a whole new instrument.
@@StefHaynes I tried to order the NuRad but there's a 2 year wait, so my next choice is the Roland Aerophone Pro. How do you feel about that one? (I'm a former flute player and this is my first foray into electronic wind instruments)
@@perletz I've never played one! They look really good though. Definitely a serious contender in the wind controller world. Wish I could try one and provide my opinion. I have yet to hear a performance on an aerophone that matches the virtuosity that I've heard from an EWI, but it may just be a matter of time. It hasn't been around nearly as long.
Hello, I like your channel so far! I have bought an EWI Solo as my first wind instrument, and I learn with the integrated speaker: I can play some simple melodies so far. The problem is that I know NOTHING about electronic music, so I have no clue about how to start with that midi stuff and all. What should I buy to start with? I don't mind you advising me to buy your samples ;) This is basically a call to help, because I find its expressivity underwhelming so far
Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the club! I'll for sure recommend my patches... they're very synthesizer-y, but definitely expressive. If you want to learn how they're made, check out this video: th-cam.com/video/9WR8b0LwB-o/w-d-xo.htmlsi=9LBlAljtwmaiPkRs Also, highly recommend learning about MIDI... I'm gonna recommend this video for now: th-cam.com/video/IoUtshlzCTo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=RStUI1bIrTiMmPnU Learning about MIDI will help you to achieve any goals you may have with this instrument... after all, it is a MIDI controller! Best of luck.
@@StefHaynes Wow, that's both much more complex and more simpler that I'd imagined. So, IIUC, to start with, I could just plug my EWI to a MIDI app on my computer, load the samples in it, and read the info from the EWI? But I assume the fun is to have more complex setups, like having the wind synth and some other stuff (for the battery or whatever) plugged to the computer which mixes everything together and outputs it to an amp.
@@ZAWARUD00 yeah, that's pretty much the gist of it! I'd be careful about using the word "sample" tho. A sample typically refers to a short clip of audio, whereas typically what you'd use with a synthesizer is a "patch" or "preset" which is more like a recipe for creating a certain sound. Synthesizers can be stand-alone apps, like Vital, Surge, Respiro, etc, but some of them are plugins, meaning they need to be hosted inside a digital audio workstation (DAW), like Garageband or Reaper. But yeah, configuring these synthesizers to work with an EWI (which is a bit of an unusual, niche instrument, compared to keyboard) can be challenging/confusing, so to make life easier, synth nerds like me will sell presets that are designed to work with an EWI with minimal configuration required. I think my Surge presets are the easiest to set up, so consider picking them up if you like the sound: th-cam.com/video/VfZS_o5rkdk/w-d-xo.html Best of luck to you... the world of digital audio can be daunting but take it slow and have fun!
Thanks. I've gotten several now to try out. Also can you cover settings as a topic? I've messed around a bit but it's all new to me. My main instrument is flute so I guess I'm trying to set it up as such. And what about blowing? It's not really an instrument that needs to be blown into. It's like learning a whole new instrument. Thanks ❤️ for your videos. 🙂
I wore out my 5000 too. Looking at what to replace it with… another 5000 ,at a lower price than it was when I paid $1400, - I see new ones for $1099 or less now. It is a better instrument than the Solo, it seems. Q - is the setup on the Solo as versatile ass the setup on the 5000? Kind of complex, difficult, on the 5000,, but once familiar, I think it is ok.
Not quite as versitile, just because it's missing 5 pin midi out, and pitch bend up. But otherwise it's pretty much the same. A lot of the same internal sounds, and same usb connection
Hello. I can't understand why the Akai ewi Solo, as well as all Roland ae models, lack an analog 5 pin midi out connector? I prefer to use analog sound midi modules, as the built-in sounds are far from quality... Can I convert usb to midi using for example "Doremidi" usb in-out midi Interface host box between Akai ewi Solo and analog sound midi module? If this is not possible, what other solution do you have to fix this problem? And another important detail: I think it would have been necessary to make the speaker removable! This would solve all artificially created problems: mobility during transportation, using a compact case, inserting the speaker only during practice and taking it out during a concert performance ... I'm sure everyone who has Akai ewi Solo will agree with me. Thank you 😊
Bonjour que pensez-vous du mooer wi100 wind instrument, je vois aucune vidéo sur cette instrument je ne comprends pas pourquoi, mooer est pourtant une marque connu dans le monde de la Music , merci et bonne continuation l’ami 👍👍👍 personnellement j’aimerais bien avoir le R1 mais pas de distributeur en France c’est bien dommage
Just got an EWI solo. I been liking it. However, after playing it for about an hour I tried to power it off. Now in the display window I'm getting a message that says "Shutting down...It is OK to release the power button now. I'm not pressing anything. I can't turn it on or off. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks
It's pretty much the same. The breath sensor on the solo has more configuration options in terms of sensitivity and offset, and that can make a slight difference I guess. But in my experience, you'll get used to whatever instrument you use the most, and the relative lack of breath sensor customization on the 5000 never bothered me.
@@StefHaynes Thanks for the answer. I think I am leaning more towards the 5000 because of the midi out, to have the possibility to connect it wirelessly through an external bluetooth midi adapter. Cheers.
Hello. I wanted to ask because I would like to give myself a gift and buy Ewi solo. I just don't know, because there is also an ewi 5000 version and I'm wondering which one to choose. Is the solo better, has more functions and fingerings than the ewi 5000. What is the difference between both models? Regards.
I just bought the ewi solo how did you record the sound from the intrument?? I'm not a musician so i really have zero base of knowledge. I want to listen the music from the computer and my instrument how should i do it?
Congrats for the video. I have a question, Maybe you can help me. Is it possible use the “Ewi Solo” with a vocoder pedal? Actually my question is about a setting to make sound continually with out breathing. I know it’s possible on 5000s, but i can’t found this information on Ewi solo user guide. Thanx ✨
Hey yeah, totally possible! I've done this. My EWI Solo is on loan right now so I can't verify the method, but I'm pretty sure you just turn the breath sensitivity to max.
Thank you for this video. I have a question: if the battery is low you can play EWI solo with USB? Or it need always a full battery? What happens to the battery when EWI solo is connected to usb? thank you again
Yes, you can certainly play it while it's charging via usb! When connected via USB, the battery will charge if there is enough power to charge the battery. So if you connect your EWI directly to a laptop, it might have a data connection flowing to your laptop, but chances are it won't charge. If you connect it to your laptop via a powered USB hub, then it will charge.
@@StefHaynesIn this case Which software can i use to link EWI SOLO with outside sounds and use it like MIDI controll? and not use internal sound of EWI solo?
@@leocastano6966 well I think if you watched the video and decided that it was right for you, you can be pretty confident in that choice! I tried to be very thorough, haha. Enjoy your new instrument!!
@@GaryR55 Right? I just don't get why Akai made this. Akai...the ones who made THE EWI for so long. The one Michael Brecker played. They make the EWI Solo.....ugh.....
Hi, i’m almost buying the Ewi solo. I did a search and I can’t found a bag. Do you know some soprano sax bag possible to carry the Ewi solo? Thanks again man ✊🏽
Too big because it integrates everything in a single instrument. If AKAI didn't have technologies to minimize the sound module part, they could've separated it from EWI part. I feel like AKAI EWI has not evolved much since the 80s.
@@StefHaynes It's so hard to find a electronic instrument that can do a believable tenor sax. Do you have any recommendations? Since covid started, I've been learning just about every instrument I can get. Favorite being the tenor sax, but i hate carrying it around due to its size. The weight is fine but the bulk of it just makes it a nuisance .
@@Umadbro681 Yeah absolutely. The EWI is great as a controller, as long as it's controlling something other than it's internal sounds (in my opinion). A good hardware solution are the Dynasample modules. The creator is a saxophonist and has put an incredible amount of work into making them flexible and realistic instruments. I plan to make a few videos about the XO Mini when I have a bit more time this summer. Some great software solutions include the Kontakt libraries by VG (vgtrumpet.com/product/vg-tenor-sax/) or the Audiomodeling SWAM instruments audiomodeling.com/
@@StefHaynes Awesome. Thanks a lot. I'll keep a lookout for your new vids as well. I've been using wooden bamboo ''sax''s for playin around with lately. A lot of fun, but no where near a real sax. Just checked out that link. Wow that does sound pretty great!
Hopeless sounds (in the age of physical color modeling, wading into sampling makes less and less sense). The built-in loudspeaker is only suitable for fun. The 6.5mm jack output is mono instead of stereo. Fingering is only a decima (and only an octave for flute fingering), which limits the music and forces unnecessary and irritating excessive use of octave rolls. Approx. 30 years ago YAMAHA released the WX-5 wind driver, which with a dedicated VL-70m sound module (with physical sound modeling) is for me an example of how wind instruments should be made to this day. Someone who does not compare to the above-mentioned Yamaha model, will not understand that AKAI EWI SOLO is just crap for a child's play.
To me this is a bizarre creation, the speaker sounds poor which was inevitable. Your demo of the sounds showed that many of the sample instruments sounded like a concertina, and the synth sounds are utterly horrible! It's more like a strange children's toy from a bygone age.
This guy`s really got his head screwed on the right way when it comes to demos. Never heard a presentation so professional, should have been payed by Akai. I`ll be looking out for you Stef.
Thank you!
Doing research into buying an EWI and stumbled across this video, would just like to congratulate you on the amazing quality of this video, thanks.
thank you!
Great review! That $15 EVI-NER VST blew the internal EWI sounds out of the water!
Thank you for making this video. I loved the way you compared traditional instruments with the synth versions. I have not seen anyone else do that. You are obviously an incredible musician.
I've had mine since early March, and I am loving it a ton. It's my first proper wind synth after testing an aerophone go and realizing the Akai was more what I'd be wanting. I'm more of a hobbyist just playing for fun, and because I'm in an apartment I love being able to pop headphones in and practice whenever, vs playing a loud alto sax and worrying about the neighbors (played sax all through school, then dropped off it after college and am just now getting back into playing). I think it is an excellent "learner EWI" type student model instrument, with a bit more room to grow than the USB with the menu system that's not as intimidating as the 4000 and 5000's clock screen navigation. I do hope that it ends up being quite popular, if for no other reason than to incentivize Akai into making a newer, more modern "Pro" model, with the perks of the SOLO (OLED SCREEEN! and the menu, bent neck, longer neck strap loop, etc.) and an onboard sound engine more akin to the older 4000s and closer to that form factor, probably without the speaker and maybe with 5 pin and USB midi together with the 1/4in line out to easily access any and every potential setup, and the top pitch bend plate being added back on. Just my thoughts, love your work!
Thanks for the comparisons! Very enlightening. I'm not a huge fan of the EWI sounds as they are, but I can definitely see the advantages to using an EWI for DAW recording, esp if you're a wind instrument player.
Thank you for this clear and honest review .
Superb comments and excellent sound comparisons. Thank you.
Greatest review ever !!! Standing ovation
thank you sir
Awesome review!!! I like the tenor sax sound!!! Thank you
Stef please get a new ewi5000. Nothing beats it on all levels. I love mine, and am on my second- which I’m taking better care of.
I have had an EWI SOLO for half a year now, and I'd say, it's generally worth the price. It's stupidly easy to learn (I'm primarily an oboist so I come from a very different world than most EWI players, but I still hadn't any trouble getting used to it) but it has its own limitations. About the "hardware": fast tonguing and double tonguing, due to the mouthpiece's shape and dimensions, are very difficult, even with the most responsive patches.
Regarding the synth and patches, again, you get what you pay for. I ended up saving 40 different Patches on my favourites, after "tuning up" most of them. Some patches (like all the saws and a couple of others) do tend to produce "pops and cracks" noises when played in the mid-high octaves). I sometimes went around this problem by adjusting the cutoff filter to +10 or +20, but it's a compromise between partly eliminating this issue and at the same time making those patches even less responsive. For me that's a huge no-go, since the "raw" sound of those patches are my absolute favourite ones.
But then again, the EWI solo costs about 200€ more than the EWI USB, which doesn't have an internal synth at all. So by having 200 patches in the SOLO, you are basically paying 1€ pro patch. You get what you pay for. Since I'm not planning any serious studio sessions with it, and instead almost only want to use it live, responsiveness "out of the box" without the aid of an external synth is paramount to me, and that's why I am thinking about switching to a Roland ae-20 or 30, though I still have to try those first. The SOLO just doesn't feel "right" most of the time.
I’m thinking about getting an Ewi. It’s great to hear your comments and realize that there are a couple of deal breakers for me.
Thank you! What are your deal breakers?
As a Solo owner and a former sax man:
Quick, impromptu music with a solo is very easy. The built in speaker lets you play "now." Plug is a battery powered speaker or amp and you can rattle your fillings, set up time is about as long as it takes to assemble a sax, adjust the reed, get it warmed up, actually, My Solo is faster to get good sound out of than my sax was.
I don't use the pitch-blend plate at all. I do it all with breath, and you can use your bite as well. I need to have that thumb rest to hold the EWI. My choice, purely subjective.
You forgot the aux input. I use a very simple metronome/beat box app and play it through my solo for practice. It's great. I eventually want to play better backing tracks through the Solo, all at once, live.
My emphasis is on playing live in public. Nothing touches a solo in this application. As for studio work? It's okay for an amature. But then, the real star in the Studio is the VST.
Also, I believe the patches for the "real" instruments are loops of digital recordings, making the solo more like a mellotron than a Moog.
Well put, thanks for commenting! And thanks for mentioning the aux input, I can't believe I forgot about it!
Can you make diaphragm vibrato? I do my vibrato this way on ocarina and I wonder if the ewi can pick it up ?
Great review sir. Great playing too.
Very thorough review. Thanks!
Why in the world doesn’t Akai get Patchman to voice their EWIs. The EWI4000s is AWESOME with their upgraded soundbank.
I agree with buying from patchman. I bought a 4000s with the Yamaha vl70 synth using the patchman sounds on both. Patchman does it right when buying from Matt. Also I paid full price and do not work for patchman.
This is why I like my EWI 4000s, because you can load your own soundbanks into it via the VYSEX patch editor. IMO, Patchman's soundbank is a MUST have for any 4000s owner.
Aerophone AE-20 player here I think the Roland patches sound much more accurate for the natural instruments. Can't really compare the synth patches as they are pretty different between Akai and Roland. I think there is a place for both in performance art though.
Thanks for the video. I'm torn between the Roland AE-10G and this thing. As a keyboard player, the one directional pitch bender is almost a deal breaker for me.
well the USB and the 5000 are always an option!
I've done some reading that with the bite sensor/some fiddling with the software you can get a slight pitch bend up, but not the same as the plates on the 4000/5000. The glide plate only triggers portamento it seems.
Hi. Great channel. Why not Roland Aerophones? Keys?
Stef, superkool🎷...thank you man🤙
Enjoyed your review! Great job!
Great job my friend
Excellent information and playing. The recording quality could be better though. Overall very good.
really nice playing man. Is it tricky to nail the time? Or am I hearing latency?
Get a Yamaha WX-7 lip bend is essential! I’ve been playing wind controllers since the Lyricon, that’s 45 years.
Hey Robert, you're a legend! Thanks so much for watching and commenting.
The WX7 and the Lyricon are two instruments that I've never had access to but would desperately love to try out. Both of the, seem like they have a much better mouthpiece design than the ewi. Putting pressure on a reed never bothered me, but I could never bring myself to bite down on the Akai mouthpiece. It would be like biting a recorder for me. Thankfully, I'm pretty happy with the NuRAD thumb controls which includes an extra little lever for vibrato.
I've always wondered this about the mouthpieces for the Lyricon, and also the WX series: Do you have to maintain constant lip/jaw pressure to keep the instrument in tune, like a sax or other reeded instrument?
@@StefHaynes no, it is not a vibrating reed, it is a pitch bend lever operated with your lip. You can set it to bend up , loose lip or down tight lip. As for the expressive possibilities, like I told my fellow reed man , Mike, do you kiss your wife when you go home or rub thumbs?
@@robertzantay5923 Ah gotcha! Thank you. Do you typically have it set to bend down or to bend up?
@@StefHaynes I started out using the Lyricon tight lipped with an octave pitch drop but since changing over to midi and the WX-7 I play loose lipped with a step of bend up
Awesome review!
Thanks for the video, really enjoyed it. Im looking at a really good shape EWI 5000 used but like new for cheaper than the Solo. I know it might be a no brainer to go for it but its been a good 15 years since I played the sax, and have been looking at EWIs for a long time. Seeing as I have no experience with these types of instruments between the 5000, Solo or even other options (ae-05) would picking up the 5000 be a good move I know there will be a learning curve for fingering, but it seems to be an instrument that is go high build quality.
thanks for your input!
Hi! If you've got a good price on a good instrument, then I say go for it. It will take a little bit of time to get used to the touch sensitive keys and the octave rollers, but it's no more difficult then learning the saxophone. I've had my EWI 5000 since 2014 and it's still going strong. I did have an issue with my octave rollers a few years back but I was able to fix that by cleaning them.
@@StefHaynes Ok great thanks for getting back tome! Im happy to hear that you still think the 5000 is a valid option in 2022. Its getting harder to find reviews for the 5000 now that the solo and Roland options are out. If I can get that 5000 I am looking at then I figure Im getting the onboard sounds that I am looking for and a decent midi controller to start experimenting with as well.
@@mathewbinder happy to help! Jsyk, onboard sounds are very similar to the EWI solo's, so just don't get your hopes toooo high. Great controller tho
@@StefHaynes Ya thats what Ive read and heard so far, however, it seems to have the wireless audio (but not midi) and the midi 5 pins which could be interesting later down the road as I have some friends that play with making music. Apart form the speaker which I dont really need, as I want to listen with headphones, it seems like the 5000 would be great as a controller for my future experiments. Im just hoping its the right direction as the ae-05 and ae-10 seem to also have a little bit more modern features I like.
@@StefHayneshow would you compare the onboard ACOUSTIC instruments to SWAM?
Thanks for this
Thank you so much for this video!! This is hands down the best EWI breakdown I’ve ever seen.
I am not nearly as experienced as you, but have enjoyed my EWI USB for 3 years now. I’ve been contemplating getting a Solo because I don’t always want to be tethered to my computer, and I appreciate the greater range the solo seems to offer. I was just wondering, if you connect the Solo to an amp or good external speakers, can you here the lower octave notes better / does it sound significantly better than the built in speaker? If it has to be connected to the computer to sound better because of the soft-synth options, is there much advantage over the EWI USB? Thank you!!
Hi, thank you for your comment!
Connecting to a good amp or speaker will make the low notes sound better because the speaker will be able to represent the low frequency information coming from the internal synth. This might make all the built in sounds slightly richer, but not by a lot.
If you connect the Solo to an amp, then you'll just be tethered to the amp instead of to the computer. Getting a 5000 could be an option, as it has wireless audio (no wireless MIDI unfortunately) but that's pretty expensive and, in my opinion, not worth it for the built in sounds, which are the same if not worse than the Solo's. Both instruments have the same built in SONIVOX sound engine and even share a significant number of presets.
I'd recommend looking into a wireless MIDI solution. That would not only be cheaper than a new EWI, but it would also allow you to continue using the softsynth sounds you already have. I use a PANDA MIDIBEAM and I think it works really well. CME is also creating a wireless MIDI transmitter that works via Bluetooth, but I'm not sure when it will be released. Here's the pre-order page. www.cme-pro.com/widi-uhost-2021-preorder/
Agree with going wireless. Yamaha UD BT-01 works great with an EWI USB - just need to power it through a little rechargeable battery. Then you can use phone or pad apps as well as your pc / Mac. Makes it very portable.
@@jefften1938 Nice I didn't know Yamaha made one as well! Very cool.
Absolutely, same as with every EWI that has a line output. Same is true of the Roland AE series.
@@StefHaynes The speaker/amp you use is important. I have a powerwerks P-40, very clean, and it helps on the bottom end a lot. I got the p-40 because I can set in under my chair, making it easier to play with a group. I also have a vintage Peavy I bought at an antique store. The bass on the Peavy will knock your socks off. (Yes, I need a trailer to haul it. It's worth it.) When I run my Alto Sax patch through the Peavy, I feel like I'm back with my big band on tour.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the Nurad you mentioned. I can’t even find a price for that one so I assume it’s pricey!
I'd definitely consider doing a review of it at some point! The thing about the NuRAD and its brother the NuEVI is that they're made by one person, and he's got a super long wait list. Last I checked it was over a year long. Also I think prices are a little up in the air based on the cost of materials and what not. I'd email the creator for more details!
In a nutshell though, I love the size and weight, built in wireless midi, and the fact that, unlike the Akai instruments, I could just get the parts I need to make any repairs instead of having to buy a whole new instrument.
Thanks for this informative video. Did I see briefly a vid of you - or someone - playing the NuRad?
that was me! definitely my go to wind controller
@@StefHaynes I tried to order the NuRad but there's a 2 year wait, so my next choice is the Roland Aerophone Pro. How do you feel about that one? (I'm a former flute player and this is my first foray into electronic wind instruments)
@@perletz I've never played one! They look really good though. Definitely a serious contender in the wind controller world. Wish I could try one and provide my opinion.
I have yet to hear a performance on an aerophone that matches the virtuosity that I've heard from an EWI, but it may just be a matter of time. It hasn't been around nearly as long.
Hello, I like your channel so far! I have bought an EWI Solo as my first wind instrument, and I learn with the integrated speaker: I can play some simple melodies so far. The problem is that I know NOTHING about electronic music, so I have no clue about how to start with that midi stuff and all. What should I buy to start with? I don't mind you advising me to buy your samples ;)
This is basically a call to help, because I find its expressivity underwhelming so far
Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the club! I'll for sure recommend my patches... they're very synthesizer-y, but definitely expressive.
If you want to learn how they're made, check out this video: th-cam.com/video/9WR8b0LwB-o/w-d-xo.htmlsi=9LBlAljtwmaiPkRs
Also, highly recommend learning about MIDI... I'm gonna recommend this video for now: th-cam.com/video/IoUtshlzCTo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=RStUI1bIrTiMmPnU
Learning about MIDI will help you to achieve any goals you may have with this instrument... after all, it is a MIDI controller! Best of luck.
@@StefHaynes Wow, that's both much more complex and more simpler that I'd imagined. So, IIUC, to start with, I could just plug my EWI to a MIDI app on my computer, load the samples in it, and read the info from the EWI?
But I assume the fun is to have more complex setups, like having the wind synth and some other stuff (for the battery or whatever) plugged to the computer which mixes everything together and outputs it to an amp.
@@ZAWARUD00 yeah, that's pretty much the gist of it! I'd be careful about using the word "sample" tho. A sample typically refers to a short clip of audio, whereas typically what you'd use with a synthesizer is a "patch" or "preset" which is more like a recipe for creating a certain sound.
Synthesizers can be stand-alone apps, like Vital, Surge, Respiro, etc, but some of them are plugins, meaning they need to be hosted inside a digital audio workstation (DAW), like Garageband or Reaper.
But yeah, configuring these synthesizers to work with an EWI (which is a bit of an unusual, niche instrument, compared to keyboard) can be challenging/confusing, so to make life easier, synth nerds like me will sell presets that are designed to work with an EWI with minimal configuration required. I think my Surge presets are the easiest to set up, so consider picking them up if you like the sound: th-cam.com/video/VfZS_o5rkdk/w-d-xo.html
Best of luck to you... the world of digital audio can be daunting but take it slow and have fun!
Can you talk about the neck strap you are using in this video PLEASE?😁
Protec!
Thanks. I've gotten several now to try out. Also can you cover settings as a topic? I've messed around a bit but it's all new to me. My main instrument is flute so I guess I'm trying to set it up as such. And what about blowing? It's not really an instrument that needs to be blown into. It's like learning a whole new instrument. Thanks ❤️ for your videos. 🙂
I wore out my 5000 too. Looking at what to replace it with… another 5000 ,at a lower price than it was when I paid $1400, - I see new ones for $1099 or less now.
It is a better instrument than the Solo, it seems.
Q - is the setup on the Solo as versatile ass the setup on the 5000? Kind of complex, difficult, on the 5000,, but once familiar, I think it is ok.
Not quite as versitile, just because it's missing 5 pin midi out, and pitch bend up. But otherwise it's pretty much the same. A lot of the same internal sounds, and same usb connection
Hello.
I can't understand why the Akai ewi Solo, as well as all Roland ae models, lack an analog 5 pin midi out connector? I prefer to use analog sound midi modules, as the built-in sounds are far from quality... Can I convert usb to midi using for example "Doremidi" usb in-out midi Interface host box between Akai ewi Solo and analog sound midi module? If this is not possible, what other solution do you have to fix this problem? And another important detail: I think it would have been necessary to make the speaker removable! This would solve all artificially created problems: mobility during transportation, using a compact case, inserting the speaker only during practice and taking it out during a concert performance ... I'm sure everyone who has Akai ewi Solo will agree with me.
Thank you 😊
Hi! As far as I know using a USB to MIDI converter box should work just fine! I'm pretty sure many people do it
Bonjour que pensez-vous du mooer wi100 wind instrument, je vois aucune vidéo sur cette instrument je ne comprends pas pourquoi, mooer est pourtant une marque connu dans le monde de la Music , merci et bonne continuation l’ami 👍👍👍 personnellement j’aimerais bien avoir le R1 mais pas de distributeur en France c’est bien dommage
Thanks for this video! Can the onboard sounds be recorded at the same time as the midi output?
Yes!
@@StefHaynes thanks. Great to know 👍
Just got an EWI solo. I been liking it. However, after playing it for about an hour I tried to power it off. Now in the display window I'm getting a message that says "Shutting down...It is OK to release the power button now. I'm not pressing anything. I can't turn it on or off. Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks
Hey sorry for the late response! I think the best move is to take out the battery if this happens
@@StefHaynes Hey Stef, I did that but thanks for the info. Your videos are great!
Hi. How does this compare to the 5000 solely as a midi controller? Does key response/feel as well as the sensors have any significant differences?
It's pretty much the same. The breath sensor on the solo has more configuration options in terms of sensitivity and offset, and that can make a slight difference I guess. But in my experience, you'll get used to whatever instrument you use the most, and the relative lack of breath sensor customization on the 5000 never bothered me.
@@StefHaynes Thanks for the answer. I think I am leaning more towards the 5000 because of the midi out, to have the possibility to connect it wirelessly through an external bluetooth midi adapter. Cheers.
Hello. I wanted to ask because I would like to give myself a gift and buy Ewi solo. I just don't know, because there is also an ewi 5000 version and I'm wondering which one to choose. Is the solo better, has more functions and fingerings than the ewi 5000. What is the difference between both models? Regards.
I just bought the ewi solo how did you record the sound from the intrument?? I'm not a musician so i really have zero base of knowledge. I want to listen the music from the computer and my instrument how should i do it?
Hope this helps! th-cam.com/video/V94vuIPNkFI/w-d-xo.html
Anyone: is it normal that when I set the slider to “portamento”, it only affect the sound at hand if I touch the slider while selecting the sound?
When you plug it into an amp or audio interface to a computer is the speaker silenced?
I believe so, yes!
Congrats for the video. I have a question, Maybe you can help me. Is it possible use the “Ewi Solo” with a vocoder pedal? Actually my question is about a setting to make sound continually with out breathing. I know it’s possible on 5000s, but i can’t found this information on Ewi solo user guide. Thanx ✨
Hey yeah, totally possible! I've done this. My EWI Solo is on loan right now so I can't verify the method, but I'm pretty sure you just turn the breath sensitivity to max.
@@StefHaynes thanx ✨
Can u show me how to use the ewi5000 I have one n don't know how to use it
Thank you for this video. I have a question: if the battery is low you can play EWI solo with USB? Or it need always a full battery?
What happens to the battery when EWI solo is connected to usb? thank you again
Yes, you can certainly play it while it's charging via usb! When connected via USB, the battery will charge if there is enough power to charge the battery. So if you connect your EWI directly to a laptop, it might have a data connection flowing to your laptop, but chances are it won't charge. If you connect it to your laptop via a powered USB hub, then it will charge.
@@StefHaynesIn this case Which software can i use to link EWI SOLO with outside sounds and use it like MIDI controll? and not use internal sound of EWI solo?
@@leocastano6966 glad you askled! th-cam.com/video/HFEdBZGvF8I/w-d-xo.html
@@StefHaynes thanks, i have bought akai ewi solo... I hope it was the right choice... :S
@@leocastano6966 well I think if you watched the video and decided that it was right for you, you can be pretty confident in that choice! I tried to be very thorough, haha. Enjoy your new instrument!!
The aerophone pro has the speakers up top. It still sounds stupid through the speakers.
For sure! Smalls speakers can only do so much. At least the one on the Aerophone doesn't add too much to the size! (I think)
@@StefHaynes No, but it is sorta pointless to have them on there.
Yep. If you're going to use the on-board sounds and the built-in speaker, you might as well buy a Casio Digital Horn.
@@GaryR55 Right? I just don't get why Akai made this. Akai...the ones who made THE EWI for so long. The one Michael Brecker played. They make the EWI Solo.....ugh.....
What is the best numbers for bite sensor and breath sensor
Hi, i’m almost buying the Ewi solo. I did a search and I can’t found a bag. Do you know some soprano sax bag possible to carry the Ewi solo? Thanks again man ✊🏽
Anything built for soprano is gonna be too small... I used to keep mine in a lawn chair bag
@@StefHaynes Thanx again ✊🏽
One question? The garritan ewi usb soundbank can it be used for the solo?
Yes! It can be used with any digital wind instrument.
@@StefHaynes Thanks. In your opinion is it any good?
I've been looking for an ewi solo but can't find one online or in any store! How long did it take after ordering to arrive?
About 10 months!
Hopefully you can find a used one somewhere.
"took my local music store a while to get it" Haha yes I'm still waiting on mine 2 months later 🙃
It was an 8 month wait for me!
My K10 does not seem to be working. Best way to fix that?
Figured it out...pilot error....love the videos
@@jerrydonato1738 glad to hear (on both counts!)
All the video looking at a small black dot on the right down in the wall….
Too big because it integrates everything in a single instrument. If AKAI didn't have technologies to minimize the sound module part, they could've separated it from EWI part. I feel like AKAI EWI has not evolved much since the 80s.
If anything, it's de-evolved since the 4000s...
Try doing a factory reset (Not!) Good luck...save your
$$$....IMHO brought one & went belly up already...support ??? Where?
Your video looks like a photo taken from 1940.
You're not wrong 😂
@@StefHaynes It's so hard to find a electronic instrument that can do a believable tenor sax. Do you have any recommendations? Since covid started, I've been learning just about every instrument I can get. Favorite being the tenor sax, but i hate carrying it around due to its size. The weight is fine but the bulk of it just makes it a nuisance .
@@Umadbro681 Yeah absolutely. The EWI is great as a controller, as long as it's controlling something other than it's internal sounds (in my opinion). A good hardware solution are the Dynasample modules. The creator is a saxophonist and has put an incredible amount of work into making them flexible and realistic instruments. I plan to make a few videos about the XO Mini when I have a bit more time this summer. Some great software solutions include the Kontakt libraries by VG (vgtrumpet.com/product/vg-tenor-sax/) or the Audiomodeling SWAM instruments audiomodeling.com/
@@StefHaynes Awesome. Thanks a lot. I'll keep a lookout for your new vids as well. I've been using wooden bamboo ''sax''s for playin around with lately. A lot of fun, but no where near a real sax.
Just checked out that link. Wow that does sound pretty great!
Hopeless sounds (in the age of physical color modeling, wading into sampling makes less and less sense). The built-in loudspeaker is only suitable for fun. The 6.5mm jack output is mono instead of stereo. Fingering is only a decima (and only an octave for flute fingering), which limits the music and forces unnecessary and irritating excessive use of octave rolls.
Approx. 30 years ago YAMAHA released the WX-5 wind driver, which with a dedicated VL-70m sound module (with physical sound modeling) is for me an example of how wind instruments should be made to this day. Someone who does not compare to the above-mentioned Yamaha model, will not understand that AKAI EWI SOLO is just crap for a child's play.
A strong but valid opinion! Yeah I can't until people start building actually good synthesizers into these instruments...
To me this is a bizarre creation, the speaker sounds poor which was inevitable. Your demo of the sounds showed that many of the sample instruments sounded like a concertina, and the synth sounds are utterly horrible!
It's more like a strange children's toy from a bygone age.
Thx a lot for this very useful video and congrats for your amazing playing!