OVERVIEW:

EWI stands for Electronic Wind Instrument. The EWI USB is an electronic wind instrument controller with a sound-generation source that plays through Aria software rather than from internal sounds. Its integrated USB 2.0 interface uses Aria Player Software to connect with either a PC or MAC computer, then converts fingering, breath, bite, finger pressure, and other playing information into control signals that the computer identifies and plays back. The EWI USB detects this wind pressure with the breath sensor and expresses the change in sound volume and character, depending on how you blow. Aria is configured for beginners, but advanced players can still customize it for their own specifications. EWI USB sends out MIDI information over a standard USB connection, so an experienced MIDI user can explore its other applications. Aria Player is also able to record your EWI USB through the software and save it to your computer. The EWI USB is most commonly played like a saxophone, however it offers various fingering mode configurations including a traditional Electronic Wind Instrument, flute, oboe, and a Brass Electronic Valve Instrument. Each EWI USB includes a programmed sound library consisting of over 80 unique orchestral, concert band, jazz band, and synthesizer sounds.

DIRECTIONS:

Load the Aria Player Software DVD included in the package contents into your computer’s CD/DVD drive. The setup window will open automatically.

Click on Setup and install the Software.

Connect the EWI USB into your computer’s USB 2.0 port using the included USB cable.

When installation is complete, open the software by either finding the application in the Program Files folder if you have a PC, or in the Applications folder if your have a MAC.

Select Preferences under the Tools menu.

Under MIDI Devices check the appropriate box titled “EWI USB” or “USB Audio Device”

Secure the neck strap to the Neckstrap mount on the EWI USB.

Place it around your neck and hold the EWI USB vertically in front of you and with your mouth on the mouthpiece.

Place your left thumb on the back side of the EWI USB, between any two rollers and over the Ground Plate. To shift the EWI USB octave range up or down, slide your thumb up or down across the rollers. Only the two in the middle will roll. The ones on the top and bottom are fixed. Remove your thumb from the lowest roller to shift it down an additional octave. Remove your thumb from the highest roller to shift it up an additional octave.

Place your right thumb on the Pitch Bend Plates near the bottom of the back side of the EWI USB. By touching your thumb to either of these plates, you can move the pitch of the note you are playing up or down. Touch the Bend-Up Plate to raise the pitch or the Bend-Down Plate to lower it.

Place the mouthpiece lightly in between your lips with your teeth and exhale so your breath is passed through both sides of your mouth.

Consult the fingering charts included for how to play Note Keys.

FEATURES:

Electronic wind instrument controller

Plug-and-play USB connection to Mac or PC

Custom Aria Player software, contains wind instrument sounds

Multiple fingering modes: sax, traditional EWI, flute, oboe, and EVI brass

Expandable sound palette

Removable, dishwasher-safe mouthpiece

PROS:

Affordable

Easy-to-use

Sound library included

Multiple instruments in one.

Various options for MIDI

CONS:

Fingering Chart is difficult to follow.

Needs computer speakers or an amplifier to hear sound.

A bit buggy depending on your computer’s processor.

FINAL VERDICT:

Very affordable instrument for beginners and advanced players alike. But don’t be fooled young padawans. Aria software won’t come with lessons, key note tutorials or the like. If you’ve never picked up a wood instrument then I’d venture to take a few lessons first before jumping the gun. For the more advanced guys it doesn’t give you sound or play back vibration like a real instrument. It’s not really fair to expect it from an instrument as affordable as this but either way if you’re used to it, it’s just a friendly reminder. It’s neck strap can be a bit troublesome and the “removable mouthpiece” is actually attached with a screw. Adding a better way to remove it other than going to my tool shed after every session could be an ideal upgrade. I found it to be much easier to learn to play than a traditional instrument but it was hard to get used to. The breath pressure more than usual and accumulates spit a lot easier. The built in sound generator is basically as decent as you might expect. Because it is essentially a controller, you can use it for programs such as Logic and GarageBand as well which is a great plus. Overall, it’s a “worth a try”, “you get what you pay for” kind of deal.



SPECIFICATIONS:

Mouthpiece: air-pressure level sensor & bite sensor

Note Keys: 13 touch sensors

Octave Rollers: 2 mobile, 2 fixed touch sensors

Bend Plates: 2 touch sensors

Ground Plates: 2 touch sensors

MIDI Output Channels Over USB: 1

Dimensions: 23 1/8” x 2 3/4” x 2 ¾”

Weight: 1.3 lbs

Power: ~100mA, 5V via USB

Terminals: 1 slave connector (MIDI over USB)

MINIMUM SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

Mac: OSX

PC: Windows XP or Vista

USB 2.0 port