NAMM: Open LabsTo Show New OpenSynth

NAMM: Open LabsTo Show New OpenSynth
First production models of OpenSynth neKo keyboard 13-Jan-04


OpenSynth neKo - nice


You may remember the excitement surrounding the OpenLabs arrival at last years Winter NAMM. The mighty OpenSynth, then in prototype, was a real stunner and heralded OpenLabs' intent in the integrated workstation/computer market. Well this year they return with full production models and shipping dates set for both the OpenSynth neKo keyboard workstations. Shipment of the neKo is scheduled for February 16, 2004.
We'll be stopping buy for a full rundown so keep your eyes peeled for our NAMM update...

More on the neKo
The neKo, a "new class of super instrument" Â* (Mix magazine 2003), combines the power and flexibility of personal computers with the real-world playability of traditional electronic keyboards, allowing musicians the ability to use virtual instruments and effects plug-ins in a studio or live performance setting.

One of the most anticipated instruments of 2003, the release and shipment of the neKo marks over a year of intense research and development by Open Labs. In addition to the mechanical and electronic design of the neKo, great care was taken to optimize the performance of the Windows XP operating system as well and the development of a user-friendly software interface specifically tailors to the needs of the musician. During this process, Open Labs was able to further increase the processing power of its product line by introducing the OpenSynth neKo64 and the OpenStudio OMX64 integrated digital workstation (iDAW) with up to dual AMD Opteron processors running at 64-bits. These two products are considered by many to be world¹s most powerful audio workstations available today. "The OpenSynth neKo and neKo64 keyboard workstations represent the future in musical instruments," said Victor Wong, CEO, Open Labs, "they will allow musicians to create and perform in ways never thought possible by putting computer technologies back into the hands of the artist." "When we first launched at last year¹s NAMM, we were pleasantly surprised by the incredibly enthusiastic response! And of course, considerable feedback from artists, resellers, and software developers." Said Craig Negoescu, Chief Architech, Open Labs, "We went back to the lab with lots of inspiration and ideas. Now several months later, we have a product that incorporates that feedback along with even more industry firsts."

"We've packaged a tremendous piece of technology here, but I'm not sure whether this is the art of engineering, or the engineering of the arts." Said Lary Cotten, Chief Technology Officer, Open Labs, "Really, at the end of the day, it's just all about making better tools for artists."

Shipments will commence with the 61-key version with the 76-key to soon follow. The complete line of Open Labs¹ products can be purchased directly through the Open Labs website or one of its authorized dealers worldwide. A complete list of authorized dealers and distributors will be posted after the Winter NAMM show. Prices for the neKo starts at $2,245 MSRP and range up depending on options. Complete information can be found at:

www.openlabs.com.

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