Since I have played all the WX series controllers I will reiterate some of the things I mentioned to Chad on the phone when he called me for advice and add a few things as well... Here are some comparisons and contrasts between the various Yamaha WX Series wind controllers...
All of the WX Wind Controllers feature a sustain mode. The WX7 is the only one
that can sustain on a second MIDI channel while playing on another MIDI channel.
The WX11 and WX5 can do multiple notes only on the same MIDI channel.
The WX5 has additional MIDI features over the other two.
The WX7 and WX5 are more flexible and user adjustable. The WX5 even moreso than
the WX7. Both of these controllers have DIP switches to change various functions.
They also have more pots and switches for adjusting parameters than the WX11
such as breath gain, breath zero, lip gain, key (Bb/Eb/8va), breath curve, switchable
aftertouch and master volume control. With improper
settings, the WX7 and WX5 COULD be adjusted to the point of unusability. Because
of this, the WX11 may be a preferable choice for the beginner since it is much
easier to set up. The WX5 and WX7 are more versatile but their many options
and adjustments offer more ways to possible mis-adjust to the point of unplayability.
The frustration level with the WX5 and WX7 can be
high for the beginner or even intermediate level player. The WX11, especially
together with the WT11 or VL70-m sound module, is almost foolproof.
The WX7 and WX11
use the same type reed (2 screws). The WX5 has a different reed type (1 screw).
The WX5 is the
only one that can be powered via internal batteries and also the only one that
has a MIDI OUT directly on the controller. The other two require the BT7 battery
pack, or WindWorks WW-Bat battery pack, or a device such as the VL70-m, WT11,
or MFC10 for power and MIDI OUT.
The WX7 and WX5
have a thumb pitchbend wheel. The WX11 does not.
The WX7 came with
a hardshell case. The others do not. An optional hardshell case is available
for the WX5 from Yamaha. A soft carrying pouch is available for all the WX controllers
but it offers little protection from damage.
The WX5 has a controversial
"flat spot" in its reed movement that is not as comfortable or expressive
to play as the WX7 or WX11. Some people like it, some people hate it, some people
debate whether it even exists! I don't like it and prefer the reed implementation
of the WX11 and WX7. [Bob Norten: Actually,
Art Whitfield (a WX7 fan) did some thorough scientific tests and
found the flat spot on the WX7 is bigger than the flat spot on the WX5. In addition,
if you set the WX5 lip gain up high enough, the flat spot is so small that for
all practical purposes it isn't there. If setting the lip gain too high gives
you a problem, you can always adjust the PB response of the synth module to
be only one semitone.]
The WX7 is the only one of the WX's that can be switched to transmit aftertouch
data. Some synths do not respond to breath controller data but may respond acceptably
to aftertouch. Many of the older Korg synths such as the 05R/W, M1, M3R, T1,
T2, T3, and X5DR have this limitation. Since the WX11 and WX5 (and WindWamm'r)
cannot transmit Aftertouch data, a MIDI Mapper
such as the MIDI Solutions Mapper or Anatek Pocket Mapper would be needed to
remap breath controller data into aftertouch data to control those and perhaps
other synths. Note that the Patchman Music (www.patchmanmusic.com) wind controller
soundbanks for the above Korg synths utilize aftertouch instead of breath control
data.
The WX11 has a comfortable bend in its body shape. The WX7 and WX5 straight
like a clarinet.
The alternate fingering implementation varies amongst the 3 WX controllers.
You can refer to the downloadable manuals available from the Yamaha website
to see which fits your style the best.
The WX7 and WX11 use a similar octave mechanism with small "pillow shaped"
buttons aligned in a row. The WX5 uses a fairly different system of crescent
shaped octave buttons arranged in an "S" shape. The WX11 is often
regarded and the easiest and most comforatble to play with regards to the octave
keys. The WX5 octave keys are prone to snap off and need replacing after a
lot of use. The WX7 and WX11 don't have this problem. A few people like the
octave mechanism of the WX5, but most people I have spoken with do not.
I should also add that the WX7 has a more rugged metal body. The other two are made of plastic.
Matt
PATCHMAN MUSIC
1600 Saint Charles Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
(216) 221-8282
matt@patchmanmusic.com
http://www.patchmanmusic.com