|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 262 |
For anyone thinking of buying an EWI windcontroller check out these prices. No, I'm not a shill for this vendor, as you probably know from my prior postings. EWI-USB for $218 EWI-4000s for $510 http://www.musiciansfriend.com/search?sB=r&Ntt=akai+ewiA new EWI-5000 is introduced today at NAMM? Is this why the prices on current EWI's are so good? Or possibly because things are slow right now. This new model has 8 octave keys, USB and wireless all in one package plus built in sounds from Sonivox (have not heard them, but I'm not too optimistic about the realism). No idea of the price. http://www.gearslutz.com/board/namm-2014...instrument.html
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 262 |
Forgot to add that the EWI5000 is MIDI & USB, both. I watched a NAMM demo with the internal sounds and the few that I heard were, as expected, kazoo level.
I just found a price for the EWI5000 at Sweetwater $799 (list $999) but nothing shipping until Spring 2014.
Last edited by Dan Tong; 02/04/14 07:25 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
Dan, How much are you getting out of each EWI purchase?  Your first post on this was almost 2 weeks ago with no response or interest and now we have a “bump” from you. Just wonderin’.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,572
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,572 |
I have no concerns about Dan Tong's posts. He has a long and solid record of commenting about sounds in general and wind controllers in particular. I am grateful for his posts and look forward to learning more about the new EWI. I would not have known about it this early without his posts.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,251 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,572
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,572 |
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
Dan has been posting since 2007 about EWIs. I was posting about my first EWI around the same time. We may have even exchanged a few posts back then. Later, Ray
Dan, do you think the 5000 is a big improvement over the 4000s? My 4000s still looks brand new and is still in great working shape.
Last edited by raymb1; 02/04/14 08:42 PM.
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,572
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,572 |
Depending on the answer to your question, Ray, the sale price on the 4000s could be a nice bargain.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 262 |
Hey Guys, Thanks for the notes of confidence. I'm afraid I don't have anymore inside knowledge about the EWI5000 than what I already found on one or two websites. The biggest unknown feature is the claim that this model: "Automatically calibrates & adapts to the player's style" What does this really mean? The 4000s has a number of analog knobs to set the calibration and some such as the two knobs (one for setting the breath threshold (at which you start hearing a sound, the other for setting the dynamic range) for the basic response calibration/settings are interactive (you set one, then the other, which then may change the firs setting etc.) can be a bit tricky. In contrast the EWI-USB, does this basic calibration/setting automatically. Perhaps the EWI5000 has the same automatic calibration/setting as the EWI-USB. As for the second part about "adapts to players style", I can't even speculate. I would be surprised if the EWI5000 produced better "sounds" with the very same external synth patches than the EWI-4000s, or that it would be in some way more "responsive". Therefore,I would expect that it is simply a matter of having improved features such as: 1 Wireless connectivity (receiving unit is included in the unit price) which is extremely handy for live players on a gig. No tripping over wires. Separate wireless systems are quite expensive. 2 No need for battery or external AC adapter when connected to a computer when using USB connection, since you get both a MIDI and a USB connection all built in to the unit. If you're happy with the EWI-4000s and are not ready to commit suicide unless you have new features of the EWI5000 I wouldn't rush out to buy the newer model. We won't be able to say much until we get some expert reviews from someone who uses the EWI-4000s and can give us a detailed comparison with the EWI5000. I note that Patchman Music is now also offering the EWI5000 (pre-order) for $799 inc free shipping http://www.patchmanmusic.com/ewi5000.htmlI highly recommend buying from him because he has unmatched expertise with EWI's and it's always great to support small businesses over large corporations in my opinion. I personally have no interest in the internal sounds unless they come up to the quality of samplemodeling. Unfortunately the daydream of having those great sounds built is probably unrealistic because I would guess that the computing power of the CPU in the EWI5000 is not up to task, and it would require special software to implement. However, I recognize that some people like the synth sounds of the type in the EWI-4000 and therefore the EWI5000 samples that I heard on a youtube demo. Hope that helps,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
I listened to Mike Phillips on you tube doing the demos. Not too bad. Hopefully Patchman Music will post samples soon of all the sounds. What appeals to me right now is the wireless capability. Wonder if Patchman will come out with a set of his sounds for the 5000. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,716
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,716 |
I listened to Mike Phillips on you tube doing the demos. Not too bad. Hopefully Patchman Music will post samples soon of all the sounds. What appeals to me right now is the wireless capability. Wonder if Patchman will come out with a set of his sounds for the 5000. Later, Ray Apparently the wireless pertains only to the internal sounds. If you want to wirelessly control external sounds you will need to add another $450 USB for a MIDI wireless system, see here: http://www.patchmanmusic.com/ewi5000.htmlScroll down to the bottom of the page.
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
Patchman has a set of sounds that replace the internal sounds of the 4000s. I was just wondering if he was going to do the same for the 5000. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 262 |
I listened to Mike Phillips on you tube doing the demos. Not too bad. Hopefully Patchman Music will post samples soon of all the sounds. What appeals to me right now is the wireless capability. Wonder if Patchman will come out with a set of his sounds for the 5000. Later, Ray Apparently the wireless pertains only to the internal sounds. If you want to wirelessly control external sounds you will need to add another $450 USB for a MIDI wireless system, see here: http://www.patchmanmusic.com/ewi5000.htmlScroll down to the bottom of the page. At first I thought that your interpretation was incorrect. I had assumed that the wireless receiver was used to transmit either audio or the MIDI output to the wireless receiver which had a USB port in the back (never shown in any photos). However a closer reading on the Sweetwater Specs says: "Wireless audio for on-stage freedom (includes receiver)" So, I'm afraid you are correct, and I am incredibly disappointed. What an incredible shortsighted stupid decision on Akai's part. It would not have been much more trouble to allow wireless MIDI transmission in addition to audio, along with sticking a USB port on the receiver. Thanks for pointing this out Mario!
Last edited by Dan Tong; 02/09/14 01:41 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,716
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,716 |
Dan, I am also disappointed! If it had wireless MIDI built in I would have ordered one tomorrow!
OK, a random thought;
Why does toilet paper need a commercial? Who's not buying it?
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
http://www.patchmanmusic.com/WindControllerBanks.htmlIf I'm reading this correctly, it looks like Patchman has an internal sound bank to replace the stock sound bank of the 5000. Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 38,502 |
Hey Ray,
Recently made an EWI guy kind of miffed when I plugged my old Yamaha Breath Controller into the old Yamaha KEYBOARD and proceeded to trade licks with him.
We were in Eb.
Using the keyboard like that, with the Breath Controller for the note initiations and etc. was able to take advantage of all those Black Key tricks, the "automatic pentatonic" thang - while my man was over there fingering his butt off.
Kind of made me wish that some of my more modern keyboards would have that Breath Controller input on 'em.
But technology is indeed catching up, have you heard any of the YouTube demos of the brand new Tyros 5 and its intelligent articulation algos? Whoop.
--Mac
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,610 |
Will check out the Tyros 5. Meanwhile, still practicing my 4000s. Lots of fun with BIAB as my backup trio! Later, Ray
Asus Q500A i7 Win 10 64 bit 8GB ram 750 HD 15.5" touch screen, BIAB 2017, Casio PX 5s, Xw P1, Center Point Stereo SS V3 and EWI 4000s.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 262
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 262 |
You can now find some useful comparison's of the EWI5000 and the EWI-4000s, but mostly it is about the built in sound module and nothing that I could find about the midi control differences. All 100 built in sounds of the EWI5000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjaAj0eRlr4Of all the sounds I think the Jazz Flute and the Harmonica are the best, but they all pale compared to samplemodeling sounds which requires a computer hookup, and comes at additional cost. Excellent detailed overview and comparison of 5000 vs 4000s buttons, built in sound handling etc. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlEPqqV9MKoThe EWI-5000 allows you to play the built in sounds wireless, but does not allow wireless MIDI, but you can connect to a computer via MIDI, or better yet through the USB output (thus saving you from having to purchase an additional MIDI interface box, in case you don't already have one. If I was in the market for a Windcontroller I would get the EWI5000, since it costs not too much more than the EWI-4000s. The EWI-USB is a real bargain, but the configuration software (for setting dynamic range, vibrato levels etc. is totally broken and Akai has refused to fix it). As far as Yamaha windcontrollers vs Akai EWI look at this and see what you think: http://www-acad.sheridanc.on.ca/~degazio/AboutMeFolder/MusicPages/EWI-WX5.html I have played WX7, WX5, all of the EWI except the EWI5000 and always felt the EWI's were more expressive. Samplemodeling is currently working on string instruments, the first of to be shipping,is the Viola. Check out my soundcloud page link below.
Last edited by Dan Tong; 03/28/16 02:59 PM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,742
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 3,742 |
EWI 4000s Lessons https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL12916D17A2497E8D for those of us new to these instruments
Lenovo YOGA 900 Window s 10 Home 64bit M4 pro Mac mini 1tb HD 24GB mem casio wk7500 presonus audiobox i2 usb interface
casio wk-7500
biab & realband 2025 everything pk both with Current builds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 303
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 303 |
3 things:
1. Thanks Dan for this thread. I've had an interest in this for many years because someone who I have great respect for was adamant that this is the best way to create realistic string lines (using samples). Also my keyboard has a wind controller input.
So I've read wind controller threads for years ("Notes" has contributed to many) but I've never pulled the trigger (money and time).
2. Thank you pghboemike for the youtube links! My situation exactly; I'm their target audience.
3. I've started another thread about Mac's post; I didn't want to hijack your thread, Dan.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,221
Posts802,043
Members40,070
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean