In addition to playing with many bands, both large and small, I have a solo act playing my own recordings of original music where I play not only brass instuments acoustically, but wind controllers as well (Akai EVI primarily, but this post applies to EWI's as well as all Yamaha wind controllers like the WX-5).

Many of us wind players play emulations of all types of instruments - reeds, woodwinds, strings (basses to violins, guitars, etc), flutes, harmonicas, other brass instruments (such as trombones and tubas) and more. As well, we can play the full variety of synthetic voices that can be controlled via breath - an endless variety indeed.

Have you tested your systems with wind controllers? I was about to upgrade my current powered 2-way speaker system to try to get a more realistic sound as 3-way powered systems have become more commonplace. But I must tell you that since I was introduced to your new PAS late last week, I get less and less sleep! If I read & understand correctly - accuracy (something I am MOST interested in) from the lowest lows to the highest highs - the full spectrum of sound - if truly possible from this lightweight system. (You might know that my EVI has a possible range of 8.5 octaves - truly challenging and remarkable, in the right hands.

Also - I has become so accustomed to stereo playback in the form of left & right speakers, but often find my audience benefits from mono sound sources. Would you recommend two systems, each with their own bass unit, or would one PAS be enough? I perform this solo act in 10 x 20 rooms, to outdoor stages, so dynamic range is also important to me. But accuracy at low levels (for smaller rooms) is perhaps my most ardent hope.

What say ye, Bosemen?

kbausano@bak.rr.com
trumpet, flugelhorn, wind controllers

Dear Jazzhorn,
I'm not one of the Bosemen, but I have heard the system at Bose, and purched a single-bass unit yesterday. I play Midi guitars with similar demands to your setup, and I'm pumped! This system is not only accurate, but powerful and versatile (lots of EQ presets, inserts, lines out, etc.). Do yourself a favor and get one with a single bass unit. You can always return it if you don't like it, but the only limitation I can see is really big spaces or outdoor festivals, and you can take a line out to the mains, and no soundtech can screw up your onstage sound and balance! This alone is worth the price. I am planning to use several with my 7-piece band, and again if we are in a huge situation, the house mains can take care of projection whie we still control our balances and dynamics, as well as eliminating a huge mess of monitors and cables onstage, as well as being able to hear as in an acoustic setting, in true natural stereo-surround sound. This thing is awesome, and I'm not going to spend another dime on conventional stuff, I'm just going to keep adding on to my 1st system. Later, Ronjazz

Hey Jazzhorn

I loved meeting you and your musical colleagues at our Hollywood show last weekend. We know we're doing the right thing when greeted by such enthusiasm based on direct use of the technology. Personally, this is my greatest reward: to know that this work is improving another musician's artistic life. It was a great boost to talk to you. Thanks for the compliments and appreciation.

[This message was edited by Tony-at-Bose on Fri November 14 2003 at 10:24 AM.]