AKAI Professional EWI Solo User Manual

1. Overview

The AKAI Professional EWI Solo is a next-generation electronic wind instrument designed to combine the expressive capabilities of traditional acoustic wind instruments with modern digital features. It offers a standalone playing experience with a built-in speaker and rechargeable battery, along with extensive sound options and connectivity for various musical applications.

This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting your EWI Solo.

Figure 1: The AKAI Professional EWI Solo, a sleek black electronic wind instrument.

2. What's Included

Verify that all items listed below are present in your package:

• EWI Solo Electronic Wind Instrument
• Mouthpiece Cover
• Li-ION Battery (pre-installed)
• Neckstrap
• Quickstart Guide
• Software Download Card
• Safety and Warranty Manual
• USB Cable

3. Key Features

The EWI Solo offers a range of features designed for expressive performance and versatility:

• Standalone Operation: Digital wind instrument with 200 built-in premium acoustic and synth sounds.
• USB MIDI Controller: Connects via USB-MIDI for software instrument MIDI control.
• Extended Playtime: Over 12 hours of play time using the internal rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
• Built-in Speaker: Calibrated for natural sound reproduction, allowing for practice anywhere.
• OLED Display: Easily view presets and parameters for intuitive navigation.
• Multiple Outputs: Includes 1/4" audio output for PA systems and 1/8" headphone output for private practice.
• Auxiliary Input: 1/8" auxiliary input for playing along to external audio sources.
• Responsive Mouthpiece: Features air-pressure and bite sensors for precise control over volume and pitch dynamics.
• Integrated Effects: Dedicated FX controls to add Reverb, Delay, and Chorus.
• Sound Editing: Facilities for Pitch, Tuning, and Dual LFOs to shape your signature sound.
• Fingering Modes: Supports flute, oboe, saxophone, and EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) fingering modes.
• Expressive Controls: Octave rollers, glide, and pitch bend plates for enhanced musical expression.

Figure 2: The EWI Solo functions both as a standalone electronic wind instrument and a versatile USB MIDI controller.

Figure 3: The EWI Solo offers self-contained convenience with its long-lasting rechargeable battery and built-in speaker, making it highly portable.

4. Setup

4.1 Charging the Battery

The EWI Solo comes with a pre-installed rechargeable lithium-ion battery. Before first use, ensure the battery is fully charged. Connect the included USB cable to the EWI Solo's USB port and the other end to a USB power adapter (not included) or a computer's USB port. The charging indicator will show the charging status.

A full charge provides over 12 hours of continuous play time.

Figure 4: The EWI Solo ready for use, showcasing its sleek design.

4.2 Powering On/Off

To power on the EWI Solo, press and hold the Power button located on the instrument until the OLED display illuminates. To power off, press and hold the Power button again until the display turns off.

4.3 Connecting to External Devices

• Headphones: For private practice, connect 1/8" (3.5mm) headphones to the PHONES output.
• Amplifiers/PA Systems: For amplified sound, connect a 1/4" (6.35mm) cable from the LINE OUT to your amplifier or PA system.
• Auxiliary Input: To play along with external audio, connect a device (e.g., smartphone, tablet) to the AUX IN using a 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo cable.
• USB-MIDI: Connect the EWI Solo to a computer via the USB port for use as a MIDI controller with software instruments and DAWs.

Figure 5: The EWI Solo features various connectivity options including headphone, line out, auxiliary in, and USB ports.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Navigating Sounds and Settings

The EWI Solo features an intuitive OLED display and navigation buttons. Use the main encoder dial and surrounding buttons to browse through the 200 onboard sounds, adjust parameters, and access various settings.

Figure 6: The OLED display provides clear visibility of presets and parameters, making navigation straightforward.

5.2 Playing the Instrument

The EWI Solo's mouthpiece is equipped with an air-pressure level sensor and a bite sensor, allowing for dynamic control over volume and pitch. Experiment with different breath pressures and bite intensity to achieve desired expressive nuances.

The instrument supports various traditional wind instrument fingerings, including flute, oboe, saxophone, and EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) modes. Select your preferred fingering mode via the settings to match your playing style.

Figure 7: The ultra-responsive mouthpiece and dedicated FX controls allow for extensive sound shaping.

5.3 Applying Effects and Editing Sounds

The EWI Solo includes built-in effects such as Reverb, Delay, and Chorus. These can be applied and adjusted directly from the instrument's controls. Additionally, advanced editing facilities for Pitch, Tuning, and Dual LFOs are available to customize the onboard sounds to your preference.

5.4 Expressive Controls

Utilize the octave rollers to quickly shift the pitch range, and the glide and pitch bend plates for smooth transitions and expressive bends between notes. These controls enhance the dynamic and melodic capabilities of your performance.

Figure 8: Detailed view of the EWI Solo's feature-packed design, highlighting its various controls and outputs.

5.5 Official Product Video

Watch the official product video for a visual guide on the EWI Solo's features and capabilities:

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the exterior of the EWI Solo. Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Mouthpiece: The mouthpiece can be removed for cleaning. Wash it with mild soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and allow it to air dry completely before reattaching.
• Storage: Store the EWI Solo in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Use the mouthpiece cover when not in use to protect it.
• Battery Care: For optimal battery life, avoid fully discharging the battery frequently. If storing for an extended period, charge the battery to about 50% and recharge every few months.

7. Troubleshooting

• No Sound:
  • Ensure the EWI Solo is powered on and the volume is turned up.
  • Check headphone or line out connections.
  • Verify that a sound preset is selected and not muted.
• Instrument Not Responding:
  • Check battery level and recharge if necessary.
  • Restart the EWI Solo by powering it off and on again.
  • Ensure proper fingering and breath technique are applied.
• Connectivity Issues (USB-MIDI):
  • Verify the USB cable is securely connected to both the EWI Solo and your computer.
  • Check your computer's device manager or audio/MIDI settings to ensure the EWI Solo is recognized.
  • Install any necessary drivers or software as indicated on the software download card.

For further assistance, refer to the comprehensive Safety and Warranty Manual or visit the Akai Professional support website.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

The AKAI Professional EWI Solo comes with a manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to the included Safety and Warranty Manual for detailed information regarding warranty coverage, terms, and conditions.

For technical support, product registration, or additional resources, please visit the official Akai Professional website or contact their customer service department.

You can also find more information and support at the Akai Professional Store on Amazon.