2009 Winter NAMM Show: Open Labs introduced updated to its MiKo and NeKo – lines of keyboard workstations.
The company’s new Gen5 series of NeKo and MiKo keyboard production stations incorporate several new features:
Bump MP, a 17-pad drum module controller with a custom GURU software sequencer from Fxpansion, brings MPC-like functionality to the NeKo and MiKo. Included with Bump MP is the first in the Master’s Series sound library, exclusive to Open Labs. Featuring the latest sounds from renowned platinum producer Denaun Porter (a.k.a. Mr. Porter), Bump MP allows the user to create compelling beats utilizing the most relevant sounds today.
Mix/Edit, an entirely new controller consisting of 8 faders, 1 master fader, 8 encoders, 8 lighted buttons and a LCD display, is optimized for use with popular software applications such as Ableton Live, as well as serving as a Multichannel mixer and 32 parameter controller, providing total control over any virtual instrument or effect.
Riff is a new virtual instrument (VST) host written from the ground up by Open Labs. Riff’s main graphical interface consists of a grid of cells, which can be easily programmed to trigger a single sound preset or a song. In the world of Riff, the concept of a song within a cell allows the user to literally program a sequence of sound presets needed for a particular song.
Other advanced features of Riff includes: Live Controls, which allows the user to create any number of virtual controls in real-time that can be mapped to various effects and other parameters. Advanced intelligence allows any number of virtual controllers to control any number of other virtual controllers to provide automation for virtual instruments and effects.
The Gen5 models, equipped with the new Bump MP, Mix/Edit controller and Riff are as follows:
MiKo LXD (Gen5) — 37-key portable keyboard workcenter is encased in an all new Black Onyx chassis. The MiKo LXD has at its core, an Intel Core2 Quad 2.5GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, 1 terabyte of hard drive (with one open bay), 4 ins / 6 outs (with 2 preamps with Phantom power) audio I/O, DVD burner, FireWire, USB 2.0 and an external connector for a secondary monitor.
On the surface, the MiKo LXD has a 15″ LCD touch screen, DJ controller, Bump MP, Mix/Edit controller and a track pad with buttons. Rounding out the product is an external, compact, blue back-lit QWERTY keyboard. A comprehensive suite of software including Riff, Mimik, Reaper, Guru, Dimension LE, Windows XP Home and over 25,000 sound presets installed including True Pianos, Sylenth, Digital Sound Factory Proteus 2000, Mophatt, and Virtuoso, Wusik Station and Denaun Porter Master Series sound library, making the MiKo LXD ready for action right out of the box. A complete list of software and plug-ins can be found at: www.openlabs.com. The MiKo LXD is priced at $4,599 (MAP) and will start shipping the end of January 2009.
NeKo LX5 (Gen5) — 61-key keyboard production station is the big brother to the MiKo LXD and is designed for use by keyboard players, as well as producers and live performing artists. Also encased in the new Black Onyx chassis, it has at its core the same Intel Core2 Quad 2.5GHz processor and 4GB of RAM, but with an upgraded hard drive system that is 2 terabytes in size. Like its little brother, the NeKo LX5 has a 4 ins / 6 outs (with 2 preamps with Phantom power) audio I/O, DVD burner, FireWire, USB 2.0 and an external connector for a secondary monitor.
The NeKo LX5 has a 15″ LCD touch screen, DJ controller, Bump MP, Mix/Edit controller and a track pad with buttons. Rounding out the product is an external, compact, blue back-lit QWERTY keyboard. An upgraded and comprehensive suite of software including Riff, Mimik, Reaper, Guru, Dimension LE, Windows XP Home, and over 25,000 sound presets installed including True Pianos, Sylenth, Digital Sound Factory Proteus 2000, MoPhatt, Virtuoso, Wusik Station and Denaun Porter Master Series sound library. The NeKo LX5 is priced at $5,499 (MAP) and will start shipping the end of January 2009.
The NeKo XXL has a Intel Core2 Quad 2.8GHz processor, 4GB of RAM, 4 terabytes of hard drive storage, as well as an assortment of USB 2.0 and FireWire ports. An external video connector is also provided for use with a secondary video monitor.
The NeKo XXL provides control via its 15″ color LCD touch screen and 4 controller modules including the new Alpha II controller, Bump MP, Mix/Edit controller, and built QWERTY controller. A track pad and mouse buttons are also provided.
NeKo XXL supersedes its predecessor in its audio capabilities as well. The M-Audio Delta 10/10 audio I/O has now been further refined by Open Labs and now includes 10 ins / 10 outs with two high quality preamps with Phantom power. This new audio section provides superior performance, while maintaining out of the box compatibility with Pro Tools M-Powered software, with no need for additional hardware or audio interface.
The NeKo XXL is priced at: $6,899 (MAP) and will start shipping during the first quarter 2009.
An upgraded and comprehensive suite of software including Riff, Mimik, Reaper, Guru, Dimension LE, and Windows XP Home. In addition a full version of Ableton Live 7, the winner of the 2009 Electronic Musicians Editor’s Choice Award for Digital Audio Sequencer, is included for a comprehensive live and studio product.
25,000 sound presets are installed including True Pianos, Sylenth, Digital Sound Factory Proteus 2000, Wusik Station and the Denaun Porter Master Series sound library.
Upgrade options for previous generations of NeKo and MiKo production stations will be announced late second quarter 2009.
“KARMA is a fantastic technology and has had a great tradition in the music world,” said Victor Wong, Chairman and Co-Founder, Open Labs. “We anticipate that the integration of KARMA into our platform will create an entirely new breed of KARMA, offering users more power and creativity than ever before. It’s an entirely new world.”
KARMA Developer Stephen Kay said, “I’m very excited about putting KARMA into the Open Labs products and fully integrating it with the various Gen5 controller panels. Open Labs is creating cutting edge products which are a perfect match for KARMA. I look forward to providing Open Labs customers with the most interactive software and environment for generating and creating interactive grooves, and helping to forge the future of electronic music production.”
