Request for sample audio/video

[gk1089]

Hey Michael!
Thank you for the tutorial and details for a DIY version of EWI in the form of REMI. It was something I kept looking for time and again since I saw some videos on EWI a few years ago.

The tutorial would benefit greatly if you could post some sound samples of what REMI can achieve. I understand that being an electrical/MIDI instrument, a lot depends on the software being used. But still having a general idea about responsiveness and, if possible, a comparison with the professional EWIs out there would be very nice.

I intend to take this project up and learn a thing or two on the way. I will certainly reach out when I get stuck again.

Thank you very much again.

Cheers!

[M-J-Bauer]

Hello GK,

Thanks for your interest in my "REMI" project.

The sound depends on the synthesizer (hardware or software) into which the EWI controller is plugged. However, I plan to make some (better) sample sound clips produced with a REMI 2 connected to the REMI Synth (posted elsewhere on GitHub).

The REMI project is still a work-in-progress. I have planned various improvements including pitch-bend (MMA8452 motion sensor) and PCB designs for REMI 2 and the PIC32 synth.

Regarding the pro's and con's of REMI 2 compared to commercial EWI controllers...

For starters, REMI 2 has a much lower cost (excluding labor to build it!), lighter weight (~200g) and it's simpler (having only recorder-like fingerings). Since the design is open-source, makers can customize it to their preferences. Even without firmware modification, several player options and preferences are easily settable using a PC connected to the USB port.

Things I don't like about commercial EWI's (apart from the higher cost) -- but other players might regard as desirable: Many are bigger and heavier (Akai, Roland); most have a complex sax-like keying system (albeit customizable). The Akai's have a quirky "octave roller" system and the "user interface" (for setting options, etc) has poor ergonomic design.

On the plus-side, most high-end EWI's have a "bite sensor" in the mouth-piece which adds to musical expressiveness. Also, some provide wireless connectivity (audio and/or MIDI) which is great for on-stage gigs.

Special note on the Artinoise "Re.corder": The price is still too high for the prime target market (school kids); it looks and sounds like a toy. Sure, it has Bluetooth connectivity for use with external synth's, but MIDI BLE has a reputation for excessive latency, i.e. slow response to fingering and breath control. The Re.corder just doesn't have the look and feel of a "real" musical instrument.

MJB