Akai Professional EWI 5000

The Ewi 5000 is an extremely versatile professional sounding piece of kit and can be used at any level despite the price tag which is fairly modest. It gets four stars because of the poorly documented manual information. In my opinion it does not have enough usable and inspiring sounds, just 100 of which I only really like a handful. I had to seek out and buy the old 1990's Yahama VL70-m sound module to compensate. This issue seems to have been addressed in the design of the newer EWI Solo which supposedly has 280 patches.

Also unlike its predecessor the Ewi 4000, the Ewi 5000 has been stripped of its capacity to upload into it new sound patches. It seems the manufacturers felt it was better to create your own sounds rather than buy them from external vendors. Its onboard sound library of patches has been given a little more adaptability and accessibility by including the capacity to modify a copy of the internal pre-set library within a separate user library with an additional 100 banks. This is done using the supplied dedicated software program. But dont be fooled!!, this is only great if you know anything about Synthesizer programming (Which most people don't). I discovered that programming a synthesizer in itself is a science that is studied at university level. You can however order from Bernie Kenerson's website (mizmor@sc.rr.com) for under $40.00 (USD) a set of predefined settings for the user interface that modifies and improves each of the Ewi's various internal sounds and also gives some inkling to approaching synthesizer programming by example. The user manual is poor with regard to this and does not explain how/where to start. In fact like most manuals it is generally useless with regard to getting started. If not for Alistair Parnell's detailed and very useful series on Youtube I would still be in the dark.
I like the fact that it has multiple connectivity modes but dont bother with the wireless transmitter, This is outdated technology which has already been superseded. Besides it has to be powered so its not really wireless. I use one of those tiny Harley Benton Transmitters a lot more efficient with a greater range.

- I use it for 2 weeks
- I already have the 4000S

what I love most:
- New sounds (particularly trumpets and organ, excellent keyboards)
- Rechargeable battery
- Binding without son

what I like least:
- No manual in French as detailed EWI 5000 has the potential to change many parameters, missing a video tutorial to setup,

- The software utility is not sufficiently explained while he has many possible settings

- Small bug a few seconds to change her,
- Sensitivity potentiometer is poorly calibrated in the software akai ewi5000 (for settings with the mouse)
- Overall, the beast seems underused in bank donation level (no strings / strings, no good big bass)

-the production looks strong - but pricey ..
- Disappointed at first, and then the more I tame (the standard settings), the more I love it! Now I do not regret this purchase.
- I encourage AKAI us to update and develop the tutorial section for sounds whose origins settings are very "average"

I took possession yesterday, so the view will inevitably be published in the coming days ...
It complements my EWI4000S that I use daily for over 4 years (and so I know pretty well). This will make a reference.
First impression (check), it seems lighter.
The grip is the same. The beak seems a bit harder but after two hours of play, I do not know the difference.
Sounds internally have not fooled me. May be that the editing, you can get something a little more interesting. Akai has figured the trick since 5000 has two banks of 100 tones (a + preset a User). However, it must wait until I provide a PC with Windows 7 because no program for XP ... It's a little nerd ...
The transition from one sound to another is not smooth: It takes a few seconds to load the new sound (bug ???) and HF "wins" during those few seconds. The sound is chopped, almost as if the samples were struggling to load ...
HF precisely. Talk. It outputs the audio (it was specified at the outset). But damn! MIDI would be more than welcome. Not until 6000, Mr. Akai?

Expressive side, there, I admit that there is a real difference between the 4000s and 5000 can be accessed at very fine adjustments for breath (breath) and pressure (cock) with many parameters. It can transmit aftertouch plus a wealth of continuous controllers (I will give details when I will control all that correctly). Anyway, the 5000 is much more expressive (connected to my Yamaha PLG150-VL) the 4000s (I now hear the "Growl" of saxes and I better check the "breath" on flutes).

So hot, most are: expressiveness, mobility in audio mode (HF), configuration of the nose (and also keys), effects (many controllable parameters on the reverb, chorus and delay).
Cons: No noon HF, no XP software, means internal sounds very ...