The EWI 4000S Wind Instrument by Akai is a big step forward in the development of MIDI controllers and synthesizer instruments. It offers customizable sax-style fingering with advanced controls and functions for expressive performance and makes a number of higher-end synth features available. For more information on fingering options, download the Fingering Chart PDF below.Most significant is an onboard sound module so you no longer have to play tethered. By using MIDI and an optional wireless transceiver, you can move freely onstage and switch between stored programs from the instrument. Its internal sounds are based on a virtual analog synth sound module and are very responsive to nuances of your playing. Breath, vibrato, glide time, and bend width are easily adjusted to suit your musical style, and you can send multiple MIDI messages via breath for expression and aftertouch changes.There is also an octave key and mode that automatically doubles below the note you play, a Hold Mode which sustains a note while you play around it. It has 2 oscillators with separate volume controls, and a voltage controlled filter that can go from 2 to 4 pole filters. The EWI 4000S improves breath noise emulation and also has sostenuto.The EWI 4000S also has a sweep function that is more effective than typical envelope generators. By changing the force of your playing you can alter the sweep parameter to give dynamic shape to your sound.To keep controls to a minimum, the EWI 4000S comes with a MAC/PC editor program on which to customize your sounds. You can store edited programs and recall settings instantly during performance.
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