The Mooer Wi100 Wind Instrument White is a compact wind controller, based fundamentally on the recorder in terms of fingering, blowing technique, and shape. The synthesizer has a range of three octaves, a pitch shifter to switch between the Wi100's 12 different keys, and more than 30 sounds, including authentic reproductions of the traditional wind instruments, as well as modern electronic sounds and synthesizer effects; its most unusual feature is the unique "angel chorus", perfect for more experimental music. The Mooer Wi100 Wind Instrument also has function buttons for effects such as reverb, tremolo, and overblowing, and of course for selecting the various sounds and pitches. In addition, when using the integrated speaker, the volume can be adjusted to one of six different levels, making this electronic wind controller suitable for all musicians with families, neighbours, or housemates.
The Mooer Wi100 Wind Instrument is a digital wind controller powered by an integrated rechargeable battery which, once charged, provides a playing time of up to 15 hours when using the audio outputs. When using the built-in speaker directly, this is reduced to around 6.5 hours, which is usually more than enough - players will be out of breath long before then anyway! Otherwise, the device is designed for comfortable use in every respect: Each player's favourite settings can be stored in the seven preset slots. Musicians will also love Mooer's dedicated app, which makes it easy to manage, save, and activate sound settings and other parameters. Actually making music is just as easy, even for beginners; the Mooer Wi100 has a learning mode, with the playing buttons illuminated by different-coloured LEDs to indicate the preset tones.
The Mooer Wi100 Wind Instrument White is designed with an easy-to-learn recorder-style key layout that can be learnt quickly by experienced professionals and beginners alike. The integrated LED switches also include pre-programmed practice modes, so it couldn't be easier to get started. All this makes the Wi100 extremely versatile: When playing with the integrated loudspeaker, likeminded musicians can get together for jam sessions, and the wind controller can also be connected to an external amplifier via the audio output socket, or to headphones via the headphone socket. In addition, audio tracks can be patched in using the Bluetooth interface or the AUX input. And that's not all: The Wi100 even supports direct recording with a smartphone or tablet via its USB interface. All the options, none of the stress!
Mooer is based in the Chinese city of Shenzhen and has been making products for guitarists since 2010, which include compact single pedals through to multi-effects units and compact amplifiers. The company initially produced a range of mini pedals before making perhaps its most significant breakthrough in 2016 with the sophisticated Ocean Machine delay pedal, which was designed in collaboration with Devin Townsend. Mooer's product range now also includes solutions that feature amp modelling, IR-based speaker simulation, and matching equalisers, and the company's focus remains firmly on the use of digital technology.
In terms both of embouchure and blowing technique, the Mooer Wi100 Wind Instrument White is modelled on the recorder. As one would expect of an electronic wind controller, the blowing pressure required for effortless music-making is individually adjustable and controllable; what's more, the process is simple and convenient. A breath sensor is built into the device, the sensitivity of which can be adjusted to one of six presets. This appealing functionality means that musicians of all levels of ability, regardless of the sophistication of their approach, can benefit from this wind controller. After all, the breath sensor is an integral and extremely important component of any wind controller, and the Mooer Wi100 Wind Instrument is no exception.