The MIDI EVI is a custom made instrument that is hand built by Nyle Steiner.  It is a self-contained, trumpet-style MIDI controller which outputs MIDI directly from the controller thus eliminating the need for an additional interface box. The body of the MIDI EVI looks a lot like the EWI to EVI conversions do. Note that the MIDI EVI is completely built "from scratch"; there is no need to send Nyle an EWI for conversion! Nyle has developed a custom printed circuit board which makes the production of the MIDI EVI much easier.

The MIDI EVI has a MIDI OUT jack right on the body of the instrument so it connects directly to a MIDI synthesizer or sampler directly. You no longer have to lug around an Akai EWI sound module such as the Akai EWI3020m or EWI3030m for CV to MIDI conversion. Just connect the MIDI EVI to a well designed wind controller synth and you are ready to go. The MIDI EVI can be powered by an internal 9 volt battery, an external "wall wart", or remotely through the MIDI cable. The operating system is updateable by simply swapping a ROM chip.

In response to breath, the MIDI EVI can transmit any combination of the following MIDI controllers; Breath Control (controller #2), MIDI Volume (controller #7), MIDI Expression (controller #11), and Aftertouch. You can send any combination of these controllers or even all four simultaneously if you wish!

Velocity can be set to transmit a fixed value, a defined fixed value, or it can be variable in response to tonguing. Velocity response and breath response is superb as would be expected since Nyle makes each breath sensor by hand.  In addition to the breath sensor, the mouthpiece also includes a bite sensor that sends Portmento Time (MIDI controller #5).  Program Changes can be sent directly from the MIDI EVI by the use of special fingering and sensors. You can either increment or decrement through patches or you can directly send any patch number.

Polyphonic playing is now a reality! The MIDI EVI features a powerful Slur Sustain Mode which allows polyphonic playing. Slur Sustain Mode allows you to build on-the-fly chords just like a pianist. There are also various parallel interval modes available whereby parallel intervals and octaves can be played easily.

Transposition, MIDI transmit channel selection, and overall MIDI Volume are available as well. These are all programmable in real time on the MIDI EVI via special fingerings.  Additionally there is an All Notes Off feature plus a special MIDI diagnostic mode that aids in setting up the MIDI EVI.

Available via the right hand pinky finger, there is a Pitchbend x1/2 sensor which reduces the pitchbend levels by 1/2. This sensor is also use in programming the MIDI EVI.  Nyle also implemented an extra MIDI controller that is user implementable. It is currently capable of sending Mod Wheel data. This feature is still being explored. Look for more on this feature in the future.

If you are interested in obtaining a MIDI EVI, contact Nyle directly via email at lenyr@earthlink.net to arrange to get on the waiting list.  The wait time can be substantial, but it appears to be worth it.  The cost is $750 and Nyle requires a 50% deposit.

You can read some user comments about the MIDI EVI at Patchman Music's page dedicated to this instrument.

You can see more photos of the MIDI EVI in the image gallery.  Photos on this page are ©1999 Patchman Music.

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