Most Helpful Customer Reviews
|
|
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best MIDI Wind Controller on the market, August 28, 2009
This is the MIDI Wind Controller that functions most like a real saxophone, flute, or clarinet. But it is unlimited in what it can control, as it sends only MIDI data to any device that can receive it. It's only partially accurate that it must be plugged into a tone generator. Plugging it into a MIDI interface, such as a MOTU MIDI Time Piece AV or cheaper models (check for MOTU products), enables it to be used to control any MIDI device in the network, as well as playing directly into a digital audio workstation such as Digital Performer, Logic, or Pro Tools.
The WX5 is the current state of evolution that started with the old Lyricon of the 1970's, then the WX-7 of 1987, the WX-11 of the early 1990s, and finally the WX-5. The WX-5 shows that Yamaha learns from their mistakes. It has the most sophisticated control of all of them, allowing the player to send several types of MIDI data, with many, many options in how you can use it. It can be run by battery or by AC adapter. It can also be used with a Yamaha tone generator that's made for it, with which it needs only to be plugged into the unit, which provides power. I do not recommend the Yamaha tone generator for it, even though many people think they are wonderful. Instead, I use the many fantastic sample libraries or modeled instruments such as Wallander Instruments, which makes you feel like you're playing real instruments. These run on your computer, with the WX-5 plugged into a MIDI interface. While WX5 and Wallander Instruments are a perfect match, you can also use the WX5 to control Garritan Personal Orchestra, Vienna Symphonic Library, and many, many more. It's not limited to melodic instruments. You can control percussion, ethnic instruments, and even piano samples. Anything that receives MIDI.
The instrument feels more like a sax than competing instruments like the EWI, and it enables you to produce real vibrato with a lip-sensor behind the "reed," in addition to pitch bends (or other data sends) with a thumb-wheel. It offers many alternate fingerings not possible with acoustic instruments, which helps smoothness when crossing the 7 octaves of its performance range. (that range can be raised or lowered to handle the entire MIDI 128-note range, seven octaves at a time.) It's all very adjustable, but the manual is absolutely necessary, and should be read carefully to learn all the possibilities. This is a great instrument. I'm a professional musician of over 35 years pro experience, and I played a small role in the evolution of modern MIDI instruments and their control. Put simply, it has been my goal since the 1980s to be able to perform an entire orchestra that sounds indistinguishable from the real thing. With the WX5, that is now possible, thanks to the many great MIDI sample libraries out there.
I've tried many MIDI controllers, but only the WX5 delivers the level of control that I desire. It is almost like playing my real instruments. Bear in mind, this requires practice. If you are not a musician, this is not a toy that you can pick up and play instantly. It takes years of practice, just like any other instrument. Of course, if you already play saxophone very well, and if you're technically inclined, the WX5 will be almost instantly usable. You can't go wrong with this instrument if you are determined and know what you're getting into. (MIDI is a big field!) This is a fantastic product at a reasonable price.
Shooshie
|
|
|
2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Endless Possibilities, March 28, 2008
If you are a woodwind player, you may find the addition of this wind synth to you instrument collection to be very valuable. This instrument will not work at all unless it is connected to a tone generator.
|
|
|
|
