Yamaha MCS2 Control Station

Missing performance wheels on your MIDI instrument? Yamaha's MIDI Control Station could solve your expression problems, as Simon Trask reveals.

Having explored the history and development of wind synthesizers in our September issue, record producer and wind player extraordinaire John L. Walters compares and contrasts the Akai EWI and Yamaha WX7. Are they the instruments that wind players have been longing for? Find out inside.

Wind Controller

Yamaha's WX7 MIDI wind controller has already attracted the attention of professional sax players like Courtney Pine. Man Jumping saxophonist Andy Blake gets his second wind.

Wind Synthesisers

AKAI EWI and YAMAHA WX7 wind synths compared. John L. Walters blows down both of the new MIDI controllers.

Nyle Steiner and Sal Gallina Interviewed

As wind synthesis gains momentum we sent Nick Armington and Lars Lofas out to track down and talk to the men responsible for the design of the Yamaha WX1 and Akai EWI.

A History of Wind Synthesizers

Could the wind of change be upon us? MIDI has already given guitarists and drummers the means to control electronic sounds, and the launch of the Akai and Yamaha wind controllers now allows woodwind and brass players to join in. John L. Walters takes a general look at the historical development of wind synthesizers, and the Akai and Yamaha products in particular.