It looks like Akai is responding to the scorching criticism of it’s latest workstation, the Akai MPC 5000.

Akai Professional has released new Operating System firmware for all its current MPCs, including the MPC5000, MPC2500, MPC1000 and MPC500.

MPC5000 OS update
Operating System version 1.02 for MPC5000 resolves 14 issues, most notably enabling producers to load their old MPC2000 programs.

MPC2500 OS update
MPC2500 Operating System version 1.24 enables allows beat-engineers to save and open Chop Shop 2.0 files and improves upon 13 performance details.

MPC1000 OS update
Like its larger sibling, MPC1000 now provides its users with Chop Shop 2.0 support for file opening and saving. Operating System version 2.12 enables MPC1000 to auto-detect split points for Chop Shop, loop patched phrases, record Track Mute events and load MPC5000 .all files. Additionally, this release resolves 17 concerns.

MPC500 OS update
Even the smallest member of the MPC family, MPC500, gets a new Operating System. Version 1.31 enhances performance in two areas.

If you’re always running out of space for audio files, this may be what you need….as long as you’ve got an extra 14k to spare. It can hold up to 3,500,000 songs.

“Modern recording and composing require a lot of storage, transfer and fast access. Be it for sample libraries or high resolution tracking, the process of sharing information with multiple systems can cause chaos and bog down your whole production. The Eclipse server provides the power to easily manage all of these issues,” said Gregory Butler of PCAudioLabs.

Eclipse 3U Server Chassis:

• 16 Hot-Swap Removable Hard Drives
• Slim DVD-ROM drive
• Redundant 800W power supply
• Dimensions: 5.2″ x 17.2″ x 25.5″ (H x W x D)
• 7 Full-Height, Full-Length Expansion Slots
• 3 x 80mm Hot-Swap Fans + 2 x 80mm Rear Fans
• 2 x USB Ports on the front

Motherboard:

• Tyan Dual Opteron Motherboard
• Expansion Slots: 2x PCIe x16, 3x PCI-X, 1x PCI
• USB 2.0: 4 ports (back) + 2 ports (front) + 2 ports (back optional)
• FireWire: 1 port (back)
• Network Ports: 2 x 1000Mbps ports
• Memory Slots: 8x DDR-400 slots (16GB max)
• Onboard Serial ATA: 4 x SATA ports w/RAID options
• Built-in Audio: Built-in AC97 audio with I/O ports

CPU: Dual AMD Opteron 275 dual core 2.2GHz
Memory: 4GB DDR400 ECC (4 x 1GB)

PCAudioLabs has released Impact, a computer case designed specifically for use with professional studio/music applications. The case was designed from the ground up taking into account how computers are used during the process of making music.

Features:

• Modular Design: The external 5.25″ drive carriage can rotate 360 degrees, allowing impact to be set up as a rackmount or a desktop. This provides compatibility with the large variety of hardware configurations on the market today and in the future.
• Aluminum Shell: Aluminum cases are lighter and they conduct heat more efficiently than steel or plastic, so the fans don’t have to work as hard (less noise, less wear and tear).
• Shock-Mounted Hard Drive Carriage: Inside Impact is a shock-mounted hard drive carriage capable of holding 7 internal hard drives. Shock mounting the hard drives serves two purposes: one is that it blocks hard drive vibrations from transferring to the case (reducing noise), and the other is that it protects the hard drives in transit.
• Acoustical Foam Insulation: The inside of Impact is lined with a rubber backed sound dampening foam which reduces internal ambient noise and noise caused by vibration to keep it operating quietly under any CPU load. The inside front door of impact is also lined with the same acoustic material for extra sound absorption.
• Near-Silent Cooling Fans: Air flow throughout impact is handled by near-silent 120mm and 80mm cooling fans, featuring optimized fan blade geometry allowing for 10% more cooling efficiently than ordinary high-end fans, and at a low dBA.
• 80 PLUS Power Supply: The 80 PLUS performance specification requires power supplies in computers to have 80% or greater energy efficiency at 20%, 50% and 100% of rated load with a true power factor of 0.9 or greater. This translates into better sounding audio, a lower electricity bill, more stable power under heavy CPU load, and in our case, a near-silent power supply.
• Recessed USB 2.0 and FireWire 400 Front Ports: On the front of impact are 2 USB 2.0 ports, and 1 FireWire 400 port. Both ports are recessed 1/2″ to prevent a USB dongle or external hard drive from being unplugged or damaged accidentally. Because of the location and orientation of the front ports, access to them is unrestricted and in an Impact tower configuration, cables can be more easily routed out of harm’s way.
• Recessed Power Button: Impact features a recessed power button to prevent accidental power-off. This also allows impact to be powered on without opening the front door.
• Recessed Expansion Slots: A 3/4″ recessed rear panel adds protection for the cables and ports on the back of your system during transport and during use.

Prices for configured Impact audio workstations start at US $2,675. Details at the PCAudiolabs site.

PCAudioLabs is now offering Windows XP Dual-Boot systems configured for audio, using swappable hard drives, with Windows XP Professional 64 and Windows Vista Ultimate 32/64.

With a Dual-Boot Vista DAW, you can still have access to the files stored on other hard drives from either version of Windows. Switching from your Windows XP applications to Windows Vista is as simple as removing one drive bay, and inserting the other.

“Upgrading to a new operating system can be a real headache. All software and drivers must be fully compatible and functional with the new OS before the upgrade makes sense. PCAudioLabs takes the guesswork out of when to make the switch with the Vista Dual Boot option, ensuring that the transition can be made comfortably, on your own time.”

Starting at just $1299.95 (£749), the base model comes standard with dual-core processing, 667MHz RAM, dual SATA II hard drives and room to grow.

The scissor doors and top USB/FireWire ports provide easy access for audio peripherals and drive bays while the all aluminum construction keeps internal components passively cool and quiet. The case provides room for 4GB of RAM, 2 Terabytes of hard disk space and 3 PCI slots.

Shipping with Windows XP, Nimbus is also ready to roll with Vista, a no-cost option if you’re ready to switch to Microsoft’s newest OS.

Nimbus AS1 retails for $1,299.95 (£749)

The HUSH-965 workstation supports all the very latest Intel technologies. The performance boost gained by the HUSH-965 workstation simply translates into more plug-ins to run, more VST instruments to run and more tracks to add, resulting in an overall increase on a user’s efficiency to minimize their total production time while maintaining rock-solid stability.

The HUSH-965 audio workstation also offers a range of ports to add additional hardware and interface to a studio gear. There are six USB2.0 ports, dual Texas Instruments FireWire IEEE-1394a ports, along with Dual Display support.

Sonica Audio Labs, LLC. configures the HUSH-965 audio workstation with audio production in mind, shipping with customized BIOS and optimized Windows XP services. Detailed Specs:

• Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.4GHz per core
• Hyper Threading CPU 1066FSB and 4MB L2 cache
• Chip Set – North bridge: Intel 965 South bridge:ICH8
• High performance convertible rack/tower with 18 db (A) 550W PSU
• 4GB DDR2-800MHz Extreme XMS II RAM – Dual Channel
• CDRW 52×48x24x DVDRW 16x Optical Combo Drive with LightScribe technology
• 120GB system drive with 16MB Buffer
• Serial ATA II 7200rpm 300GB audio drive with 16MB Buffer
• Serial ATA II 7200rpm 300GB samples drive with 16MB Buffer
• Microsoft Windows XP Professional Edition tuned for audio production
• Six USB 2.0 ports
• Two 1394 FireWire IEEE-1394a ports by Texas Instruments
• Two Ethernet 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit LAN ports
• Three PCI slots, Two PCIe x16, 1PCIe x1, 1 PCIe x 4 expansion slots
• 128MB Dual Display video
• 2.4GHz Wireless desktop

Price of above configured system is: $2499.95 MSRP – $2499.95 MAP.

More information is available at the Sonica site.

These models will now be equipped with a 3.0 GHz Pentium 4 processor, which will provide even higher levels of performance. Prices for these models start at $1,995.

As a special bonus, all orders for the NeKo LE, NeKo GS or OMX LE placed in the month of May 2005, will be automatically upgraded with an additional 512MB of memory free of charge. This is a limited time promotion and is not valid with any other offer.

About Open Labs

Open Labs designs and markets tools for performing and recording musicians of every level of expertise. The company’s products, NeKo and OMX, are the first Windows-based keyboard and Integrated DAW that also incorporates 64-bit computer processing technology into built for purpose computer-based instruments that can simultaneously play, record, mix, and master high-quality digital audio and effects. Open Labs, formed in 2002, combines decades of expertise in computer technology, keyboard technology, and product design. The company is headquartered in Austin, Texas.

For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.openlabs.com

“Most audio professionals are pretty confident about what they need in a music computer and this new line will let them be even more discerning” said Frank Fatih Kara, President and CEO of Digital Audio Wave. “Thanks to our flexible business model, DAW customers can personalize their PC DAW and decide to integrate any available option into an entry level ultra-quite PC. I do not see any reason for a client to get a MAC from this date forward given the latest technology, component validation, highest compatibility, proven stability of Windows XP operating system and better value coupled with excellent client support provided all in one package.”

PC DAWin BWX: Performance-Driven, Cool and Quiet

The DAWin BWX PC DAW delivers the latest technology and premium features for audio professionals who want a system that provides cutting-edge technology for today’s demanding digital audio and video recording and editing applications. All of the BWX PCs are based on the unique patent-pending design that optimizes Balanced Technology Extended (BTX) architecture, resulting in a quieter and more reliable PC. DAW’s BWX series PCs circulate up to two times more air than traditional PCs, so internal components like processors, memory and hard drives are cooled more efficiently resulting in improved system reliability.

The DAWin BWX PCs build on BTX design to incorporate large, slow-speed fans which provide whisper-quiet operation. Also, the overall performance is improved by design, which better cools the CPU that faces into the wind tunnel. This design also allows a high end video card to occupy only one slot, instead of two, leaving an additional slot for power users to fill. DAW’s innovative BWX desktop case is ready for expansion with seven bays and four PCI slots (one PCI Express x16, two PCI and one PCI Express x1 slot.)

The DAWin BWX incorporates the latest technology, including the new Intel® Pentium® 4 600 sequence processors that are ready to support 64-bit software using Intel® Extended Memory 64 Technology. HT (Hyper-Threading) Technology can make it easier and faster to take on several tasks. Also, the new Intel Pentium 4 600 sequence processors have twice the cache (2MB L2 Cache), enabling improved performance, enhanced power management and improved virus protection.

“DAW’s incorporation of Intel’s latest products and technologies, such as the Intel Pentium 4 6xx sequence processors and Intel’s new BTX based components, is a great example of a solution that meets a specific market need,” said Todd Garigues, North American channel marketing manager, Intel Corporation.

These new PCs can be customized with the latest high-end features for optimum performance and functionality. Customers can choose several options of SATA hard drives, up to 4GB of DDR2 memory, and up to 1.2TB (1200GB – 1.2TB – tetra bytes) of storage . The systems also feature the latest in networking technology, integrated Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet, to ensure fast data transfer over network connection.

Digital audio is also enhanced through 24-bit 192kHz Intel HD Audio (High Definition Audio for high-fidelity supporting 8 channels). Customers can select from multiple optical drives, including a double-layer DVD+/-RW multi-format drive that can burn up to 8.5GB of data on double-layer DVD media, as well as a 7-in-1 memory card reader. The PC DAW BWX is offered in several recommended configurations that can be customized with the widest selection of options starting from $999.00.

DAW’s commitment to quality and reliability is evident in its world class line of PC products as well as in its exceptional service and support programs. The new PCs are supported by the company’s new standard limited warranty options . Additionally, DAW system recovery solution offers all customers the ability to easily recover drivers, applications or the full factory image. The DAW system recovery solution provides advanced recovery capabilities that are always available, so professionals experience less down time in the event of a system issue. Unlike other recovery systems, DAW’s solution lets customers restore the factory software image while maintaining all data files stored on the PC. Back-up options and restore procedures are simple, thanks to DAW’s easy-to-understand system recovery interface.

About DAW

Founded in 1999 and based in Houston, Texas, Digital Audio Wave is a distinguished developer and manufacturer of high-performance workstations and media data storage appliances for the entertainment, digital audio, media-broadcast markets, education and government institutions with a primary focus of providing clients worldwide with reliable, cost-effective, scalable and technologically advanced solutions.

All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all sales channels. Prices exclude shipping and handling. Applicable taxes are extra. DAW Terms and Conditions of Sale apply.

Intel® and Pentium® are trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

Apple

“The Power Mac G5 continues to deliver the ultimate performance for our most advanced customers running bandwidth- and compute-intensive applications,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “With dual 2.7 GHz 64-bit G5 processors, dual 1.35 GHz front side buses, ATI Radeon 9650 graphics, 16X SuperDrive with double-layer support and Mac OS X Tiger, the new Power Mac G5 is the most powerful and advanced Mac we have ever made.”

Powered by dual 64-bit PowerPC G5 processors, the Power Mac G5 provides a 128-bit memory architecture, delivers expansion of up to 8GB of fast 400 MHz DDR SDRAM and supports graphics cards with up to 256MB of video memory. The top model features two 2.7 GHz processors, each with an independent 1.35 GHz front-side bus for an amazing bandwidth of up to 21.6 GBps.

All new Power Mac G5 models come standard with dual-display support with either the ATI Radeon 9600 graphics card with 128MB of video memory or the ATI Radeon 9650 with 256MB of video memory. The new Power Mac G5 line gives users new graphics options to drive Apple’s gorgeous 30-inch Cinema HD Display. The dual processor 2.7 GHz Power Mac G5 features built-in support to drive Apple’s breakthrough 30-inch Cinema HD Display right out of the box. Available as a build-to-order option on every model, the NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL high-performance graphics card can drive up to two 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Displays.

Every Power Mac G5 ships with a new, faster 16X SuperDrive with double-layer support capable of burning up to 8.5GB on a single DVD, 512MB memory and larger hard drives for up to 800GB of internal storage, all within the Power Mac G5’s signature aluminum enclosure featuring innovative computer-controlled cooling for quiet operation. All Power Mac G5 desktops deliver industry-leading connectivity, high-performance I/O and expansion including Gigabit Ethernet, FireWire® 800, FireWire 400, three PCI-X or PCI expansion slots, USB 2.0, optical digital audio input and output, and analog audio input and output.

All dual processor Power Mac G5 systems ship with Mac OS X version 10.4 “Tiger,” providing advanced 64-bit computational power on a desktop system. Tiger has more than 200 new features and innovations including Spotlight™, a revolutionary desktop search technology that lets users instantly find anything stored on their Mac®, including documents, emails, contacts and images; and Dashboard, a new way to instantly access important information like weather forecasts and stock quotes, using a dazzling new class of applications called widgets.

Apple’s line of widescreen flat panel displays, featuring a sleek aluminum design, offers the perfect match for the Power Mac G5. The line includes the 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display, a professional-quality, active-matrix LCD with 2560-by-1600 pixel resolution—the largest high-resolution display ever created—for $2,999. The 23-inch Apple Cinema HD Display and 20-inch Cinema Display provide creative professionals and prosumers with the highest quality flat panel displays in the industry, and are now priced at $1,499 and $799, respectively. The displays offer dual FireWire and dual USB 2.0 ports and use the industry standard DVI interface for a pure digital connection with Apple’s latest Power Mac G5 desktops.

Pricing & Availability

The new dual processor Power Mac G5 models will be available this week through the Apple Store® (www.apple.com), at Apple’s retail stores and Apple Authorized Resellers. The new dual Power Mac G5 models complement the existing 1.8 GHz single processor Power Mac G5, providing customers with an affordable entry-level system priced at just $1,499 (US).

The Power Mac G5, with a suggested retail price of $1,999 (US), includes:

• Dual 2.0 GHz 64-bit PowerPC G5;
• 512MB 400 MHz DDR SDRAM (4GB maximum);
• 160GB Serial ATA 7200 rpm hard drive;
• AGP 8X Pro graphics slot;
• ATI Radeon 9600 with 128MB DDR SDRAM;
• 3 PCI slots (64-bit 33MHz); and
• 16X SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±R/CD-RW).

The Power Mac G5, with a suggested retail price of $2,499 (US), includes:

• Dual 2.3 GHz 64-bit PowerPC G5;
• 512MB 400 MHz DDR SDRAM (8GB maximum);
• 250GB Serial ATA 7200 rpm hard drive;
• AGP 8X Pro graphics slot;
• ATI Radeon 9600 with 128MB DDR SDRAM;
• 3 PCI-X slots (one 64-bit 133 MHz, two 64-bit 100 MHz); and
• 16X SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±R/CD-RW).

The Power Mac G5, with a suggested retail price of $2,999 (US), includes:

• Dual 2.7 GHz 64-bit PowerPC G5;
• 512MB 400 MHz DDR SDRAM (8GB maximum);
• 250GB Serial ATA 7200 rpm hard drive;
• AGP 8X Pro graphics slot;
• ATI Radeon 9650 with 256MB DDR SDRAM and support for one 30-inch Apple Cinema HD Display;
• 3 PCI-X slots (one 64-bit 133 MHz, two 64-bit 100 MHz); and
• 16X SuperDrive (DVD+R DL/DVD±R/CD-RW).

Build-to-order options include up to 8GB of RAM, 250GB, 400GB and two 400GB Serial ATA hard drives, Combo (DVD-ROM/CD-RW) drive, graphics cards (ATI Radeon 9600, ATI Radeon 9650, and NVIDIA GeForce 6800 Ultra DDL), AirPort® Extreme Card, Bluetooth module, internal v.92 56K modem, Apple Fibre Channel PCI-X Card, Apple PCI-X Gigabit Ethernet card and Mac OS X Server version 10.4 “Tiger.”

Off the shelf, PCs are not designed to operate in the ‘industrial’ 24/7 environment of the production studio; these are often susceptible to, and a cause of, both RF and acoustic interference, while case build, power supply and other elements do not provide the reliability and robustness required for professional audio use. The operating system is not optimized, as Windows variants include vast numbers of processes and applications that are running all the time but apply to a general computing, rather than an audio-specific environment, slowing the speed of the machine and precipitously reducing reliability. In addition, standard PCs tend to be built from a grab-bag collection of boards, drives and parts, making it impossible for their behavior, even in a tightly-defined software environment, to be predicted.

Qualifications

Spectral Computers have been designed, built, tested and then qualified as meeting or exceeding the exacting system requirements of pro audio software by all the major suppliers including: Digidesign, Steinberg, TC Electronic, Native Instruments, Cakewalk, Gigastudio, M-Audio and others.

Optimizations

The complete Spectral range delivers the power, stability and reliability needed for use in the professional digital audio world where everything must work properly, all the time. Spectral Computers are designed to maximize the throughput of AV data, providing the features required by today’s audio creation software. The Spectral range is able to process significantly more AV data at higher speeds, while the installed Windows XP operating system has been deeply optimized to clear out unnecessary features and applications that have no place in a studio, resulting in greatly increased speed, with improved reliability and stability.

Customization & Upgrade Options

If customers need even greater performance than Spectral’s off-the-shelf models deliver, Spectral Computers can be customized to deliver what’s required. Whether it’s a faster processor, more RAM or a special hardware/software configuration, Spectral has a solution. And Spectral Computers are based on an open architecture, which allows a system to be upgraded as performance needs increase.

Spectral Computers offer audio production ‘must-have’ features, including ultra-quiet operation, automatic thermal regulation and automatic data backup/recovery. These are not just ‘extras’ in pro audio: they’re necessities.

It all adds up to one thing: Spectral makes the best solution for Windows-based audio creation and manipulation in the professional audio world.

The Spectral Line

The Spectral line is based around two standard products — the RM-5000 and RM-7000. Both computers offer more bang for the buck compared to several other so-called ‘music PCs’ where systems have similar price points but slower CPUs and hard drives. Spectral Computers feature the latest Serial ATA drives which operate at superfast speeds — up to 10,000 rpm — resulting in faster access times. The fast system drive, which contains the operating system and application software, is complemented by a separate data drive on which audio is stored. This maximizes efficiency and means that accessing system hard disk areas does not compromise audio read and save performance.

The RM-7000 system includes a removable drive to use for backup purposes, in addition to storing samples, loops and VST instrument libraries. Multiple drives are no longer a luxury but a necessity in the professional marketplace.

The RM-5000 is based around a 3U rack-mount case with a super low-noise cooling and automatic temperature control system that’s perfect for recording, processing and editing. Featuring an Intel motherboard with 865 chipset and 3.0 GHz Pentium 4 800 FSB Hyper Threading 1 MB L2 Cache, the unit comes with 1 GB of 400 MHz dual-channel RAM and a 160 GB SATA 7,200 RPM system drive with 8 MB cache, and a 160 GB SATA 7,200 RPM, 8 MB cache audio storage drive. The unit features 3 IEEE1394 (FireWire) ports and 6 USB 2.0 ports, a built-in DVD-R/W 8x drive, onboard Intel video card and 10/100 LAN port, plus keyboard and optical mouse. The OS is Windows XP Home.

The RM-7000 is the top of the line, where the processor is bumped up to 3.4 GHz, and the system hard drive is 74 GB 10,000 RPM SATA with 4.5 ms seek time. However, for an even more powerful system configured to your own needs, visit the Spectral Custom Shop at http://www.spectralcomputers.com/ and build/configure your own. All models include spare drive and card bays for upgrades and add-ons. All products are currently available.

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.

The MPD16 is an MPC-style MIDI pad controller. It gives you 16 touch-sensitive pads that you can add to your computer music workstation by just hooking up a USB cable. Carrying on the style of the MPC series of production workstations, the MPD16 is a self-contained unit that connects via USB and/or MIDI to computers and other MIDI devices, such as samplers or drum machines.

It hooks up in a few seconds and is easy to configure. It comes with drum program set-ups, but it’s easy to configure for custom use, too. This makes it very easy to use for entering drum rhythms, or to trigger samples. It makes a great performance tool, also, because you get immediate access to a lot of sounds.

Note that the MPD-16 is a pad control surface, but not a sampler or a workstation. It acts as a controller, and relies on the sounds within your computer, sampler or drum machine to make the actual sounds.

The MPD16 is well-built and easy to use. Programming drum beats works great, because the 16 pads are pressure and velocity sensitive. They generate Note-On events when tapped. The pads create 16 steps of velocity, too. It also has a bank switch, to switch between two sets of sounds.

Settings can be configured via a computer using USB. It’s designed with computer users in mind, because the parameters settings, such as MIDI notes assigned to pads, MIDI channel, and so on, can be assigned from a computer connected to the USB cable. Power can be provided via the USB cable, too.

The MPD16 is inexpensive and a great addition if you need a way to trigger sequences, loops, samples, or drum sounds.