Open Labs has launched the Open Labs OMX64 Extreme, the first all-in-one digital audio workstation/computer to incorporate 64-bit processing power, using the AMD Opteron processor.

The OMX64 Extreme enables studio professionals and musicians to essentially play, record, mix, and master world-class studio music in a single Windows-based unit that can be carried anywhere, without the need for an external computer. Open Labs also introduced a lower-priced 64-bit digital audio workstation, the OMX64 LE.

Open Labs has engineered the OMX64 Extreme and OMX64 LE as completely integrated digital audio workstations. The all-in-one units are powerful, easy-to-use, infinitely expandable, and completely open, enabling musicians and producers to use whatever music applications they wish, wherever they wish.

Open Labs is the first company to deliver a fully-integrated 64-bit solution based on the AMD Opteron processor into the digital music market, and the OMX64 Extreme extends the benefits of this revolutionary architecture into every segment of the professional recording market, from the “prosumer” hobbyist musician to the world-class recording engineer.

The OMX64 Extreme is priced competitively, offering professionals a greater value than Digidesign’s Pro Tools, while the OMX64 LE provides a tremendous value for budget-minded musicians, while offering a clear upgrade path to the OMX64 Extreme.

The OMX64 Extreme incorporates input and output (I/O) functions, a CPU, and an open architecture that is compatible with all major music creation programs, plug-ins, and operating systems. Users can flexibly add music programs, connect to additional hardware, network OMX64 Extreme units, or upgrade at their own pace.

“The OMX64 Extreme is the first purpose-built computer for music. Now, for the first time, professionals can handle multiple, multitrack sessions in a single rack-unit, with more effects, processing power, and upgradeable options than ever before,” said Victor Wong, co-founder and CEO of Open Labs. “For fully one-third the price of the Pro Tools HD 3 Accel, Open Labs delivers a digital audio workstation that is truly plug-and-play. The OMX64 Extreme takes the voodoo out of professional audio recording and post-production.”

At 18 inches deep, the OMX64 Extreme packs more power in a system that retails for $11,995 USD than a $50,000 recording console would have offered in 1999. The unit incorporates dual 64-bit capable AMD Opteron processors with Direct Connect Architecture running at 2.0GHz, with 4GB RAM (upgradeable to 16GB), one 80GB 7200 RPM Enterprise-level removable hard drives, with four 250 GB (up to 1 terabyte) 7200RPm enterprise-level RAID.

The OMX64 LE is the ideal building-block for any home studio enthusiast or recording musician. Priced at $2,195.00 USD, the OMX64 LE delivers pristine 24 bit/96 KHz audio with a wide range of options.

“Our users have sought flexibility and power in a single-unit workstation for years and – due to the benefits of AMD64 processors and our own work in this area – we have created an uncompromisingly powerful workstation for today’s working studio professional, wherever that professional may be – in the home, on the road, or in the studio,” said Craig Negoescu, chief architect of Open Labs.

Open Labs takes advantage of the AMD Opteron processor’s unique ability to deliver multiple sessions in a stable PC environment, so that users can, for example, record 64 audio tracks at 24/96 for over 15 continuous hours or run multiple, multitrack sessions at up to 64 tracks at 24 bits and 96 KHz.

“The OMX64 Extreme is the latest Open Labs innovation to use the 64-bit AMD Opteron processor, which enhances your creative freedom by significantly reducing traditional technology bottlenecks,” said Charlie Boswell, director of Digital Media and Entertainment for AMD. “The OMX64 Extreme with AMD64 technology puts tremendous production capability at your fingertips by offering 64-bit addressable memory and capabilities of hosting multiple samplers and virtual instruments for high-resolution audio recording. This sets a new bar and promises to change the industry.”

The OMX64 Extreme features:

• 3 audio sections, with connections for any type of connection
• Multi-track sequencing / playback of 16 tracks up to 192Khz
• More than 200 simultaneous audio tracks at 48Khz, 7664 at 96Khz
• Includes more than 1,000 sounds and effects
• Include 500-voice polyphony
• Host application (Karsyn) included: host up to 100 VST, VSTI, DX, DXI plug-ins at once
• 8 Channel PCI-X Raid Controller Card
• Dual Layer DVDRW Drive (8.5 GB per disk)
• Dual head video AGP card

The OMX64 LE features:

• Pristine 24-bit, 96kHz converters that deliver an amazing 111dB (A/D) and 116dB (D/A) SNR and Dynamic Range
• Flexible connectivity with 1/4″ analog I/O, optical and coaxial 24/96 S/PDIF I/O, and MIDI I/O for seamless integration with your entire studio
• E-DSP 32-bit Multi-effects Processor offers you over 16 simultaneous hardware-accelerated studio-grade effects with no CPU overhead
• plug-in architecture allows you to add new effects as needed
• 32 Channels of zero latency Hardware Mixing/ Monitoring with super-flexible virtual patchbay
• no external mixer needed
• Full compatibility with most popular audio/sequencer applications with ultra-low latency WDM, DirectSound¨ and ASIO 2.0 Drivers
• Powerful software studio package

“The Open Labs OMX64 digital audio workstation has completely changed the way I think both as a designer and a performer,” said Keith Levinson, conductor/arranger for The Who, KISS, and Meat Loaf. “There is nothing more appealing to me than a plug-and-play solution that replaces racks and racks of hardware without losing the quality of sounds that my work demands. The only thing more impressive than Open Labs gear is their commitment to quality control and service. Open Labs has helped make my musical landscape a more beautiful place in which to work.”

More information is available at the OpenLabs site.