What is meaning of EWI?
EWI stands for "Electronic Wind Instrument". It's a type of electronic musical instrument designed to be played similarly to a wind instrument (like a saxophone or flute) but it produces sound through electronic synthesis rather than traditional acoustics. EWIs are usually designed to be played with a breath sensor (for controlling dynamics like volume and intensity) and finger controls (to change pitch and modulation), often using a variety of keys or pads similar to those on a saxophone or other wind instruments.
Key Features of EWIs:
1. Breath Control: The player blows into the instrument to create a sound, and the intensity of the breath influences the volume and expression of the sound.
2. Finger Controls: These instruments have touch-sensitive pads or buttons (sometimes like a saxophone, flute, or keyboard) to alter pitch and modulation.
3. MIDI Capability: EWIs can often be used as **MIDI controllers**, which means they send digital data (MIDI signals) to other devices, like a computer, synthesizer, or DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), to produce sounds or control music software.
How an EWI Works:
- Breath Sensor: The player blows into the mouthpiece, and the breath is sensed to control the dynamics (volume, vibrato, etc.). The breath sensor usually detects how hard or soft the player blows into the instrument, affecting how the sound is played.
- MIDI Output: Like other MIDI controllers (such as a keyboard), an EWI sends MIDI signals to other devices. These signals tell the receiving device (like a synthesizer or DAW) what pitch was played, how long it was played, how hard it was played (velocity), and other data that can shape the sound.
- Sound Production: An EWI doesn’t generate sound on its own (unless it has an internal sound module). Instead, it sends MIDI data to a computer or synthesizer, which then produces the actual sound. The instrument can simulate different wind instruments, but the sound quality depends on the sound libraries or synthesizers used.
In short, an EWI is a digital wind instrument that allows wind players to control and create music through MIDI. It offers the expressiveness of a traditional wind instrument but combines it with the flexibility and sound options of modern electronic music production tools.
Vangoa, a brand known for its musical products. The Vangoa EWI is an excellent option for anyone looking to explore electronic wind instruments on a budget. While it may not have the same level of sound fidelity or sophisticated keywork as high-end models from Roland or Yamaha, it offers a solid performance for beginners and MIDI enthusiasts. Its affordability, flexibility as a MIDI controller, and customizable features make it a valuable tool for music producers and wind instrument players alike.
Recommend Vangoa EWI series:
1. Vangoa EWI-100 Black
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C1GC5K5Y
Electric wind instrument 100 includes
2*removable and washable silicone nozzles
1*USB cable
1* portable cloth case
1* 3.5mm wired earphone
Vangoa's digital wind instrument 100 offers 10 built-in tones, including saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and violin, with MIDI connectivity for endless tones via apps or DAWs. It features two fingerstyle modes, touch-sensitive sound holes, and adjustable blowing sensitivity for dynamic sound. The portable design includes a speaker output and headphone jack for private practice. With a 800mAh rechargeable battery, it provides up to 4 hours of playtime, offering flexibility for practice and performance anywhere.
Vangoa EWI-100 Black review video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm8uMNXWa9c
Sarah says:
I love its responsiveness to breath control and the realistic recorder fingerings, though there are some creative tweaks for notes like C# and E flat. The three-octave range is great, and the touch-sensitive pads make it easy to play. The Bluetooth feature is handy for playing along with backing tracks, and the adjustable sensitivity, reverb, and volume settings offer plenty of customization. While the sound is pleasant overall, there’s a bit of latency and distortion at higher volumes. It’s a great tool for beginners or casual players, though I wouldn’t recommend it for serious classical practice because of the differences in fingerings.
2. Vangoa EWI-S55 Black
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CTCP9PKB
Electric wind instrument S55 includes
2*removable and washable silicone nozzles
1*USB cable
1* portable cloth case
The Vangoa S55 digital wind instrument features 13 built-in tones, including alto saxophone, soprano saxophone, morin khuur, and suona, with MIDI connectivity to Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows for endless tone possibilities. It offers a speaker output for an authentic playing experience and a headphone jack for private practice. Powered by a 800mAh rechargeable battery, it provides up to 4 hours of playtime. The compact, portable design includes two fingerstyle modes, a touch-sensitive sound hole, and three adjustable blowing sensitivities for dynamic, expressive play.
Vangoa EWI-S55 Black review video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9_9ooszDP0&t
SaxTution says:
At just $69, the Vangoa S55 may seem like an unlikely competitor to high-end digital saxophones from brands like Roland and Yamaha, but it actually holds its own in terms of features. While it doesn’t replicate the exact feel or sound of an acoustic saxophone, it’s a capable MIDI wind controller, offering features like breath sensitivity, Bluetooth, USB-C connectivity, and a built-in speaker. The main limitation is its basic keywork, which lacks the complex mechanisms of a real saxophone. Despite this, it’s a solid choice for beginners or composers looking for an affordable MIDI wind instrument. While not suitable for professional live performances, it's great for learning, practicing, and creating MIDI compositions on a budget.
3. Vangoa EWI-MAE-02 Black/White
http://amazon.com/dp/B0DFGSN6TQ
http://amazon.com/dp/B0DFGYWXVX
Music Enlightenment Set
1 x Digital Wind Instrument
2 x Removable Mouthpieces
1 x Neck Strap
1 x Type-C Charging Cable
1 x Instruction Manual
Vangoa mini electronic wind instrument offers 35 tones, covering a wide range of instruments from pianos and violins to bagpipes and synthesizers, perfect for various music styles like classical, pop, and rock. It features three fingerings—“Hulusi” for folk, “Saxophone” for jazz, and “Flute” for melodious tunes—mimicking traditional and modern sounds. Touch-sensitive buttons allow for seamless tone and key changes, enabling pitch bends and other effects during play. With Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in 2W speaker, and a 3.5mm jack for headphones or external speakers, it ensures versatile playability for both private practice and live performances. The 1200mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 4 hours of playtime, making it perfect for outdoor gigs or on-the-go sessions.
Vangoa EWI-MAE-02 White review video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YSxulTVVV8
Floyd Steinberg says:
The Vangoa Aerophone MA02 is an electronic wind instrument with a built-in synthesizer and MIDI controller functionality. It comes with a variety of built-in sounds and is easy to use for casual players, but it has some limitations. The USB port placement interferes with playability. Despite this, the build quality is solid, and it’s easy to set up. The sounds can be useful, especially for home practice or jamming with friends, but professionals may find the instrument lacking, especially with the excessive auto-vibrato and a few weak sound samples. While it’s priced higher than beginner models, its extra features and improved hardware could make it worth the investment for those seeking more flexibility, especially as a MIDI controller.
Here is a comparison of the three EWI versions from Vangoa, which may help you choose the perfect one for yourself.
