Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 10 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (20)
$899.00
Guitar Center
3.5 (7)
$899.00
Amazon
4.2 (271)
$899.00 New
$678.00 Used (Very Good)
Reverb
4.0 (5)
$628.43 New
$289.15 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (6)
$899.00
zZounds
4.0 (2)
$899.00
B&H
4.7 (7)
$899.00
Thomann
4.4 (92)
$611.00 $609.00 $2.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£555.00

Average Price: $782

Standard/Professional

$500

$1501+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 7 merchants for "Akai Professional EWI 5000". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unleash your creative potential with the Akai Professional EWI 5000, a revolutionary wireless electronic wind instrument designed for the modern musician. This next-generation instrument combines innovative design and a rich sound library from SONiVOX, providing an unparalleled level of musical expression. Tailored for both woodwind and brass players, the EWI 5000 offers multiple fingering modes, including flute, oboe, saxophone, and EVI (Electronic Valve Instrument) modes, ensuring a perfect fit for every playing style.

Experience the freedom of performance with low-latency 2.4GHz wireless connectivity, allowing you to move freely onstage or in the studio without being tethered by cables. The EWI 5000 also supports traditional wired connections for both audio and MIDI, making it a versatile tool for any setup. With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, you can play for up to six hours on a single charge, giving you the freedom to perform anywhere.

The EWI 5000 is equipped with an ultra-responsive mouthpiece featuring air pressure and bite sensors, providing precise control over volume and pitch dynamics. Additionally, its eight dedicated precision dials allow for real-time tweaking of instrument and effect parameters, including filter, reverb, and chorus settings. The built-in 3GB sound library offers a wide array of sounds, from traditional orchestral instruments to cutting-edge synths and basses, all ready to inspire your next performance.

Key Features:

  • Wireless 2.4GHz stereo audio with low-latency for stage freedom
  • 3GB of onboard acoustic and synth sounds by SONiVOX
  • Multiple fingering modes: flute, oboe, saxophone, and EVI
  • Ultra-responsive mouthpiece with air pressure and bite sensors
  • Eight precision dials for effect and instrument parameter control
  • USB-MIDI and 5-pin MIDI connectivity
  • Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with up to 6 hours of playtime
  • Includes USB cable, wall charger, neck strap, and wireless receiver

Owner's manual

Akai Professional EWI 5000 User Manual

Product specs

Type MIDI Wind Controller
Number of Keys 13
Type of Keys Touch Sensors
Other Controllers Mouth Piece with Air Pressure Level, Bite Sensor
Effects Types Filter, Reverb, Chorus, Tuning, LFO
Outputs 1 x 1/4" (audio out)
MIDI I/O Out/USB
USB 1 x Type B
Other I/O 2.4GHz Wireless Receiver
Software 3GB Sound Library
Hardware Requirements - Mac Intel Processor, 4GB RAM minimum
Hardware Requirements - PC 1.5GHz Processor or Faster, 4GB RAM minimum
OS Requirements - Mac OS X 10.8.5 or later
OS Requirements - PC Windows 7 SP1 or later
Power Supply Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery Charged via USB
Height 26.6"
Width 2.4"
Depth 1.7"
Weight 1.98 lbs.

FAQs

How does the Akai Professional EWI 5000 connect wirelessly?

The Akai Professional EWI 5000 uses a 2.4GHz wireless receiver for a cable-free playing experience, allowing you to connect it easily to PA systems or computers without physical constraints.

What kind of sound library does the Akai Professional EWI 5000 offer?

The EWI 5000 comes with a 3GB sound library, providing a wide range of sounds and tones suitable for various musical genres, from orchestral to electronic music.

Can the Akai Professional EWI 5000 be used with a computer?

Yes, the EWI 5000 can be connected to a computer via USB, allowing it to send MIDI messages and charge its battery, making it versatile for both live performances and studio work.

What type of power supply does the Akai Professional EWI 5000 require?

The EWI 5000 features a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can be charged via USB, providing convenience and portability for extended playing sessions.

What are the key features of the Akai Professional EWI 5000's mouthpiece?

The EWI 5000's mouthpiece includes an air pressure level sensor and a bite sensor, allowing for expressive control over dynamics and articulation, similar to traditional wind instruments.

PMT Liverpool

PMT Liverpool

Akai EWI 5000 Wireless Wind Instrument Review

Video thumbnail for Akai EWI 5000 Wireless Wind Instrument Review by PMT Liverpool

Akai EWI 5000 Wireless Wind Instrument Review

PMT Liverpool

PMT Liverpool

Reviews

PROS

  • Wireless audio offers freedom on stage

  • Battery life is reliable with proper maintenance

  • Includes a variety of internal sounds, some very usable in live settings

  • Better responsiveness and expressiveness with MIDI compared to previous models

  • Compatible with external MIDI devices for expanded sound options

  • USB port for connectivity to DAWs

  • Built like a tank, durable construction

  • Supports multiple fingering configurations for ease of transition from traditional wind instruments

  • Allows for silent practice or live performance versatility

  • Adjustable settings and presets via included editor

CONS

  • Significant delay when changing patches, affecting live performance

  • Onboard saxophone patches sound unauthentic

  • Limited programmable options compared to previous models

  • Automatic program change on power-up can be inconvenient

  • Some internal sounds not suitable for professional use

  • Embouchure adjustment needed as there's no reed

  • Lack of technical support from AKAI for troubleshooting

  • Battery issues (code 88) can render the unit unusable

  • Battery compartment design makes battery replacement difficult

  • Learning curve and finger sensitivity require adaptation time

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Akai Professional EWI 5000.

Features and functionality

  • The EWI 5000's onboard sounds are preset at low volume levels (-10 to -20 dB), requiring manual adjustment for proper sound evaluation.

    Source
  • The Sylphyo offers only 35 sounds but provides unique expression possibilities through a right thumb slider, enhancing user creativity.

    Source
  • The device lacks the ability to export settings as a backup, making resets cumbersome and requiring manual note-taking for restoration.

    Source
  • The EWI 5000 is considered optimal for simulating oboe, clarinet, and soprano sax sounds due to its body type, which may not appeal to alto saxophonists.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • SWAM instruments on iOS provide more realistic acoustic sound emulations compared to the EWI 5000's onboard sounds.

    Source
  • The EWI 5000 can function effectively as a MIDI controller, allowing it to control both soft synths via USB and desktop synths with a MIDI cable.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Roland AE-20 is recommended for those who prefer onboard sounds and a saxophone key layout over the EWI 5000.

    Source
  • The Yamaha VL70m and MU100R are recommended for better sound palettes, specifically when equipped with the VL Plug-In Card for wind synthesis.

    Source
  • The Akai EWI 5000 is noted for its touch-sensitive keys, contrasting with the physical button keys of Roland AE models, which some prefer for tactile feedback.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users find the EWI 5000's breath control preset values unreasonably set, complicating initial usage.

    Source
  • Some owners find the bite sensor challenging, as it sometimes performs unexpected actions due to improperly set MIDI CC messages.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • The EWI 5000 requires extensive adjustment, with some users spending several days setting up due to a confusing manual and difficult editor interface.

    Source
  • Some owners highlight the initial setup complexity, recommending resources like specific YouTube tutorials and PDFs to streamline configuration for MIDI control.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Switching from a TRS to a TS cable can resolve volume issues due to phase cancellation, significantly enhancing the audio output.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • External sound modules like the Yamaha MU100R can be integrated for a superior range of voices, utilizing wireless audio and MIDI capabilities.

    Source
  • When used as a MIDI controller, a wireless MIDI adapter enhances the EWI 5000's functionality, offering flexibility and convenience in performance settings.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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