Zefiro, a new USB-C MIDI controller, lets you use your smartphone as a wind instrument.
The device, which was developed by the Italian startup Artinoise, is a small mouthpiece with a USB-C connector. Simply plug it into the USB-C port of a compatible iOS or Android device and gently blow. The companion app lets you choose from a selection of virtual wind instruments and play them in real-time.
Artinoise is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to release Zefiro. Its goal is to raise a minimum of $5,300 to conclude production. At the time of writing, the campaign has raised $13,858 with a deadline of 12 December 2024.
“We have been developing and manufacturing musical instruments for years; now we just need to collect orders for our latest creation and kick off manufacturing!” says Artinoise on the page for the campaign.
As of now, customers who contribute €22 will receive a Zefiro when they are ready to ship, which is presumed to be February 2025. Early contributors can also get a pro version for €39. This model includes an accelerometer, which can gauge the speed of air entering the device to make the result music more intricate. After development is complete, retail pricing for the standard model is expected to be €42.
The Zefiro’s technology is similar to that of other Electronic Wind Instruments — a term for an electronic instrument that uses functionality similar to a saxophone or clarinet. But since it’s electronic, musicians can explore sounds with the same capability as a synthesizer. EWIs have been pioneered by revered musicians such as the late great wind player, Michael Brecker, and AKAI has developed popular EWI models including the EWI Solo and EWI5000.
In that same vein, Zefiro’s app offers numerous options for music-making. Users can customise the sound and the position of the buttons that make the different notes. There are also built-in backing tracks and recording capabilities. Furthermore, for more advanced creators out there, the Zefiro can be used with any computer that has a USB-C input and is MIDI compatible as well. That means the Zefiro can also be used with DAWs like Ableton Live and Logic Pro.
Find out more at Kickstarter.com.
