In February 2026, ROBKOO, an emerging Chinese manufacturer, released the Clarii mini and Clarii Pro C20—wind synthesizers that could be described as the latest evolution of the EWI.
Clarii mini
The Clarii mini’s biggest selling point is its extremely compact size, yet it features a built-in amplifier and speaker, allowing it to produce a volume that’s hard to imagine given its size.
However, its small size works against it; the EWI SOLO and Clarii Pro C20 are actually easier to play.
While the EWI and Clarii Pro C20 use a roller key on the back to switch octaves, the Clarii mini uses a button for this, making it easier to make mistakes when switching octaves instantly.
For example, to play a low B, on the EWI you simply place your right pinky between the two keys and press them simultaneously, whereas on the Clarii mini, you need to simultaneously press the adjacent half-step flat button with your left pinky… and so on. All these factors combined make it somewhat more challenging to play than the EWI or Clarii Pro C20.
If you plan to play only the Clarii mini from the start, it’s simply a matter of getting used to it, so it’s ideal as a starter instrument for children with small hands.
However, given these slight differences in playing technique, it might be best to view it as a separate line from the EWI series and the Clarii Pro C20.
Personally, if a beginner is torn between the Clarii mini and the EWI SOLO as their first instrument, I’d recommend the EWI SOLO. Keep in mind, though, that the EWI SOLO and the Clarii mini are completely different in size.
Size Comparison Between the Clarii mini and the EWI SOLO
To help you decide whether to buy it, please watch the comparison video below first.
Clarii mini
It feels about a little bigger than the recorders elementary school students are given. Here's a video I recorded when I first took it out of the box, turned it on, and gave it a try.
Clarii mini vs EWI SOLO
The Clarii mini competes with the EWI SOLO in terms of price range.
While its compact size is appealing, the EWI SOLO has the edge in terms of expressive range, dynamic range, and playability.
Clarii Pro C20
The Clarii Pro C20 also has a built-in amplifier and speakers, so like the EWI SOLO and Clarii mini, it can produce sound on its own. However, its volume is easily double that of the EWI SOLO and Clarii mini, so it holds its own even when performing alongside an acoustic piano. It’s truly impressive that it can produce such a powerful sound without connecting to an external amplifier.
The sound quality is clear and realistic, more akin to an acoustic instrument than the EWI SOLO. While tastes may vary, this feature has also captivated many wind synthesizer fans.
However, it is expensive, costing more than twice as much as the EWI SOLO or Clarii mini.
For those who don’t find this price a burden, I recommend the Clarii Pro C20 as your first wind synthesizer.
Although it’s smaller than the EWI SOLO, it has a powerful sound, and the fact that you can easily jam with a piano or other instruments even without an amplifier is a major advantage.
EWI4000S
Production of the EWI4000S was discontinued quite some time ago, and it is no longer possible to purchase a new one. Even so, because of the unique sound and wide range of expression that the EWI offers, it continues to be highly regarded among professional musicians.
However, since it cannot produce sound on its own, connecting it to an external amplifier is essential.
Since it runs on four AA batteries, you’ll constantly worry about the batteries dying during a performance—unlike with the EWI SOLO or Clarii Pro C20—and its considerable weight is another drawback.
While it’s not impossible to find one used, now that the EWI SOLO and Clarii Pro C20 are readily available, there’s absolutely no need to insist on this model as your first instrument.
↑↓from top to bottom:EWI SOLO, EWI4000S,Clarii Pro C20
(I've put a black sticker on the side of my EWI4000S to make the whole thing completely black.)
↑Differences in the Sounds of the EWI SOLO, EWI5000, and EWI4000S
Comparing performances on the EWI4000S, EWI SOLO, and Clarii Pro C20—all three instruments—using the same song and under the same conditions.
With the release of ROBKOO’s Clarii Pro C20, the world of EWI has been revolutionized.
These days, I do almost all of my daily practice on the Clarii Pro C20. Even when performing in front of an audience, I still find the EWI4000S appealing, but since the EWI4000S requires an amplifier to produce sound, I’ll likely be using the Clarii Pro C20—which produces sufficient volume on its own—more often.
For those who can afford it, I recommend purchasing the Clarii Pro C20 right from the start.
Digital Wabi-Sabi 3 -A Soul Inhabits EWI-
Digital Wabi-Sabi 2 -My Mouse Plays The Piano-
Digital Wabi-Sabi -As Easy As EWI-
Digital Wabi-Sabi 3 -A Soul Inhabits EWI-
Digital Wabi-Sabi 2 -My Mouse Plays The Piano-
Digital Wabi-Sabi -As Easy As EWI-
My Homeport -Singing Soda-
Iroha Uta -Yoshimitsu Takuki SONGBOOK3-
So Far Away -Yoshimitsu Takuki SONGBOOK 1-
Tanuki to Gosenfu Ver.2
Second Amour Yoshimitsu Takuki SONGBOOK2 -A Collection of Songs by Female Singers-
★All of them are available for purchase from most streaming sites.
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