Musikmesse 2009: In this official video, Open Labs‘ Sean Anderson gives a brief overview of the MiKo LXD keyboard workstation.

Keith Emerson plays a Korg M3-88 at Winter NAMM 2009

via KorgUSAVideos:

Keith Emerson performs with a Korg M3-88 (with RADIAS synthesizer module) on the mainstage at the Korg booth at Winter NAMM 2009. he’s accompanied by Marc Bonilla (guitar/vocals) and Travis Davis (bass). (c) Korg USA, Inc.

This video takes a look at some of the (very) basics of getting started with the Open Labs NeKo.

via MakeItFunkyProds:

This video explains how to:

1. Turn on your NeKo / Miko studio.

2. Connect your external VGA monitor.

3. Play the Open Labs vsti’s in your software.

(BONUS: How to exit the Open Labs Shell.)

The PCKEY is a new keyboard workstation that looks to be inspired by the Open Labs NeKo.

Details here, but in Italian.

If you’ve used the PCKEY, leave a comment with your thoughts.

This is an official overview video, via Open Labs, for the MiKo keyboard workstation.

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.”

2009 Winter NAMM Show update: Korg announced that the M3 Expanded was getting an expanded sound library.

The M3 XPanded features updated internal PCM, plus 412 MB of free sample expansion. New piano and classic keyboard samples — including three acoustic pianos, 3-way tine and reed electric pianos and four velocity-switched clavs, plus vintage tape-playback strings and flutes — have been added to the internal ROM, along with 160 new Programs and 32 new Combinations, bringing the total to 1,215 (EDS) onboard Programs and 416 Combinations available for use.

Three sample expansion libraries have been included on a USB memory stick for loading into sample RAM.

The first two collections, EX-USB-PCM01/02 (128 MB each), adapt and customize the EXs3 “Brass and Woodwinds” sample library (first developed for Korg’s OASYS music workstation) for the M3’s EDS synthesis engine, delivering natural brass and woodwind sounds.

The third library, EX-USB-PCM03 features a stereo grand piano lavishly sampled at four velocities plus ambient damper resonance to realistically deliver the richness and natural spaciousness of a top-level full concert grand.

Finally, the recently released EX-USB-PCM04, featuring the original Stereo Piano PCM and Program data from the M3 Version 1 system is now available for download, bringing the PCM total to 668 MB*, over two and a half times that of the original M3. (*Loading more than one library at a time requires the addition of the optional EXB-M256 memory expansion).

An expanded Sequencer mode adds new screens and functions, including a much-requested Piano Roll edit screen which shows event data, such as notes, velocities and control changes, in an intuitive, graphical way. Touch-drag operation can now be used to edit, delete or create note events or control events.

A Track View page shows an overview of each track’s events and provides additional intuitive touch-drag operation. Full MIDI system exclusive data editing has also been added to the Sequencer mode, allowing users to easily record, view, control and edit every aspect of the M3’s synthesis, effects and mixing structures in the everyday parameter names, rather than complex hex coding.

The KARMA function, which generates unique, interactive phrases, has been expanded to Version 2.2, with many new features, including 1,024 locations for user GEs (Generated Effects) when used with exclusive KARMA M3 software from Karma-Lab. Users are now able to switch GEs in real time while KARMA is playing, with seamless transitions.

Other updated features include 700 effect presets voiced to provide instant production-ready settings, 149 newly added drum patterns and an improved TouchView user interface, which allows users to operate knobs or sliders by touch-drag operation onscreen, plus visual metering of timbre and track levels in Combi and Sequencer modes.

The new M3 XPanded upgrade is available for free in the box with all new M3 purchases, with a USB memory stick included containing the new OS and 640 MB of PCM (USB-PCM-04 is available for download only). The complete M3 XPanded upgrade is also available for download for existing users.

2009 NAMM Show: Kurzweil has introduced the new Kurzweil PC361 keyboard synthesizer.

Description:

The PC361 is Kurzweil’s ultimate performance controller keyboard, with an enormous collection of stunning sounds combined with comprehensive real-time controller functions.

In addition to Kurzweil’s Triple Strike Grand Piano, the PC361 features hundreds of new sounds; basses, drums, guitars, and synths, along with a collection of vintage keyboard emulations, KB3 Mode and over 250 orchestral and string section programs.

The PC361’s new Dynamic V.A.S.T. architecture is the fruit of several major strides made in improving processing power, flexibility and user-friendliness. Kurzweil has also integrated its legendary (and vaporous) VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer into the new system!

The Kurzweil PC361 also includes an unlimited-track sequencer with 960 PPQ resolutionr, making the PC361 a full blown music production workstation. What’s more- they’ve added USB, flash xD card port, a newly designed keyboard action, and a new intuitive user interface.

The Kurzweil PC361 Keyboard Synthesizer lists for $2395 and is expected to ship in Spring 2009.

Here are the PC361 details from Kurzweil:

What’s Inside…

One thing which clearly sets Kurzweil apart from the competition is the fact that we design our own chips (called ASICs) for all Kurzweil products. Simply put, our chips are customized for optimum audio performance. What does this mean for the end user? It means that all of the processing power in a Kurzweil chip is devoted exclusively to sound. It means no noticeable latency – the performance is always lightning fast. And most importantly, it translates into that rich, full, glitch-free sound for which Kurzweil has become famous. Yes developing our own chips is more expensive and more time consuming. We think it’s well worth it. Once you’ve heard the PC361, we think you’ll agree.

The Kurzweil Sound…

The PC361 offers an enormous sound set of over 850 programs, raising the bar once again for both audio quality and variety. With the best samples in the industry, and a powerful, responsive synth engine breathing life into them, you’ll feel like you’re playing an actual instrument, not just playing samples. Of course there’s the famous Kurzweil Triple Strike Piano, with dozens of variations to accommodate every kind of player. All of the basic sounds – basses, guitars, drums, horns and synths – have been painstakingly programmed to reflect the needs of today’s professional players, representing a broad selection of styles and flavors from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today.

Also included is our Classic Keys ROM, which puts an impossibly large vintage keyboard rig at your fingertips. These are vintage emulations which actually sound like vintage instruments and classic recordings. The recognizable sounds of those classic electromechanical instruments, with all of their characteristic imperfections, have been faithfully re-created, along with pedals, amps and speakers. Lush Mellotrons, growling electric pianos, and punchy Clavinets are all there at the touch of a button, programmed to sound just like those classic albums.

For more vintage firepower, the PC361 is equipped with the most advanced version of Kurzweil’s widely lauded KB3 Mode tonewheel organ simulator, which screams, sputters and sizzles just like the original. In addition to newly developed Leslie effects, and a new bank of B3 programs, we’ve also included sounds from the classic Vox and Farfisa combo organs. The PC361’s 9 sliders provide real-time drawbar control.

The PC361 offers a full range of world class orchestral sounds, including our new String Section ROM bank, making it ideal for film-scoring and soundtrack projects. Every type of articulation, every nuance has been captured, with samples of full and divisi sections of violins, violas, cellos, and double bass. The details, the warm swells, animated pizzicatos and the sound of scraping rosin all add to the breathtaking effect of these string sections. You can plug and play with sounds worthy of a finished production – instant gratification with uncompromising sound quality.

Dynamic V.A.S.T..

Under the hood of the PC361 is simply the most powerful synthesis engine ever created by Kurzweil. Dynamic V.A.S.T. picks up where the K series left off. Having up to 32 layers per program means that emulations of real instruments can be extremely detailed and accurate, while the synthesized sounds can be extraordinarily large and complex.

Expanding upon our V.A.S.T. architecture, the PC361’s new architecture delivers more power and flexibility combined with unprecedented ease of use. Users can now create and store their own DSP algorithms, with nearly limitless possibilities for routing.

In another huge development, we’ve resurrected the VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer, having built it’s synthesis engine right into the new system. Hear the VA-1’s power-shaped, anti-aliasing oscillators (including supersaw, triplesaw, and hard sync oscillators) combined with a newer, larger set of V.A.S.T. filters (like the classic-style 4pole low pass w/ resonance) and non-linear processors and you’ll understand why the internet is buzzing about this feature.

Cascade Mode…

Every layer in a program can be routed through the DSP of any other layer, in series or blended together, with up to 32 layers. It’s the same concept as Triple Mode on our K26 series, without the 3 layer limit. You can run your sound through literally dozens of filters (which can all move independently in real-time) in addition to Kurzweil’s signature DSP processors like Shaper, Wrap and Distortion, allowing for some truly dazzling results. This is one more feature which makes the PC361’s synth engine so powerful and so different than anything else on the market.

User Interface…

While the PC361’s user interface may look familiar to veteran Kurzweil users, major improvements have been made, allowing for a much more user friendly experience. The PC361’s backlit 240 x 64 display conveys all the information you’ll need, when you need it, in an elegant, easy to navigate environment.

Programs are categorized and can be selected by scrolling or by using bank and program select buttons. Further, user favorites can be organized into convenient “Quick Access” banks for easy one touch recall.

In addition to fast navigation, each preset sound is accompanied by an “Info” screen which can be accessed at the touch of a button. As every sound can have its own customized set of real-time, physical controllers (sliders, modwheel, switches, CC Pedals, mono pressure, etc.) , the Info button makes viewing the current assignments effortless.

Complimenting the PC361’s killer soundset is the the Easy Audition feature, where every one of the PC361’s presets is linked to a bank of “riffs”, recorded sequences which demonstrate each sound in an appropriate context. Just hit the “play” button on the front panel and get a quick musical preview of the current selection. Program selection and navigation, fast and easy.

Helping to tap the system’s full potential, the PC3 also sports a feature-laden software-based Desktop Editor with comprehensive, easy to use features. (free download- both Mac & PC platforms available)

Effects…

With up to 16 insert effects, two available auxiliary sends, PLUS a global Master FX section, the PC361 offers more than twice the processing power of our acclaimed KDFX engine. Effects can be chained together in series, or distributed among the PC361’s 16 multitimbral channels. And these are simply the best effects in the business – burning distortions, transparent compressors, warm phaser and chorus effects, perfect reverbs – everything from flawless vintage emulations to concert halls which decay into complete silence. All parameters are assignable to any of the PC361’s real time controllers – sliders, pedals, wheels, etc.

Sequencer…

The PC361 features a newly designed sequencer, with unlimited tracks and 960 PPQ resolution. Combining a set of powerful song editing functions like event editing, swing, and controller scaling with a new friendlier interface, the PC361 truly excels as a song writing/arranging workstation, ideal for music production on the fly. Chasing controls, input quantizing and a global “set song length” function are just a couple of the features we’ve incorporated.

Arpeggiators & Riffs…

The PC361 sports sixteen (yes, 16!) independent, fully programmable arpeggiators featuring 48-step programmable, pattern generators with both pitch and velocity controls – per zone (allowing for up to 16 patterns to playback simultaneously). These are accompanied by a thorough collection of modes, scales and pre-programmed patterns to get your juices flowing.

If that wasn’t enough, the PC3 offers sixteen unique “Riff” generators, which permit the triggering of MIDI sequenced phrases, beats, or even complete multi-track arrangments from notes on the keyboard and/or any on-board physical controller.

2009 NAMM Show: Open Labs will be hosting a live Webcast at the Winter 2009 NAMM Show in Anaheim, California to announce major new product releases and other company information.  The event will be held by Open Labs co-founder and chairman, Victor Wong, who will be making announcements and answering questions. 

“It is our goal to bring even more powerful solutions to the artists than ever before,” said Wong. 

Open Labs will be debuting six new products at the NAMM show. These products will have all new features, significant hardware and software upgrades, design changes, and new programs specifically created and designed for Open Labs products. 

“We believe these new products are so innovative that they will once again redefine the industry,” Wong said. 

In addition, the Open Labs booth will feature special appearances by Teddy Riley, Morris Hayes, Denaun Porter, Richard Devine and many others. The three-day event will be featured on the Open Labs live Webcast at www.openlabs.com, which will air concurrently with the NAMM show.

In Open Lab’s latest video, Maroon 5’s Jessie Carmichael demonstrates how he plays Makes Me Wonder live on stage using his Open Labs MiKo keyboard. Jessie also explains how he utilizes the MIDI functions to have multiple controllers and key splits.

Open Labs is having a holiday sale on the MiKo LX, for $2,9995 ($700 off).

Beat produced by: www.mystoandpizzi.com

Open Labs put together this nice introduction to the NEKO keyboard workstation. 

If you get the chance, check these out in person. They combine the best of PCs with a custom keyboard rig. 

Details at the OL site.

Open Labs product developer Matthew Presley demos the Timbaland NEKO TSE.

Description:

The GW-8 features a wide variety of pre-programmed styles, focusing on the musical styles of South America and the southwest United States. Choose from four style variations for each song progression.

In addition to onboard styles, the GW-8 allows for seamless playback of MP3, .WAV, AIFF, or SMF files directly from USB flash memory for accompanying backing tracks. The GW-8 can also be refreshed with new songs and styles via USB flash memory.

The GW-8 offers an infrared D Beam, a pitch-bend/modulation lever, and a pair of control knobs for real-time expression. Performers will appreciate the large backlit LCD, especially on dark stages and in dimly lit studio environments.

More info is available at the Roland site. 

The Korg M3 Music Workstation/Sampler represents the third generation of Music Workstations from Korg. It inherits elements from the company’s flagship OASYS workstation. All second-generation KARMA functions from the OASYS are included.

256 MB of ROM incorporates the “best-of” OASYS ROM into a new soundset. 512 Programs and 384 Combinations are onboard, with space for 1,664 Programs and 1,792 Combinations. For increased power, the EXB-RADIAS expansion board adds a 24-voice, single timbre version of the MMT synthesizer used by the RADIAS and R3 synths.

The color TouchView display doubles as an X/Y pad for controlling synthesis and effects parameters, while changing colors in response to movements. The M3 features the same type of real-time control surface as featured on OASYS — eight sliders and switches for tweaking internal sounds, mixing tracks, interacting with KARMA, controlling external hardware and more. Eight velocity-sensitive pads can be used to trigger notes, chords and controller messages for a variety of applications.

A Drum Track feature provides user-programmable drum grooves to jam with in Program and Combi modes, integrating with KARMA, or song-writing. Over 500 patterns with a natural sound and feel are included.

A new high-resolution sequencer offers 480 PPQ for natural feel, plus Korg’s One-Touch Record, Song Templates, RPPR, Cue List and Tone Adjust part editing. The Open Sampling System allows sampling and resampling in every mode. 64 Mbytes of sample memory are included standard, expandable to 320 Mbytes.

Bundled Editor/Librarian software works stand-alone or as a plug-in within host software via USB MIDI. Additionally, a new EXB-Firewire option enables the M3 to interface both audio and MIDI with a computer using a single cable.

The M3 is available in 61- and 73-key semi-weighted synth action versions, featuring a newly designed keybed. The 88-key version uses Korg’s RH3 graded weighted action keybed. All three models feature after-touch sensitivity.

The M3 series offers a new design concept (Korg Komponent System), for configuration as an expandable instrument. The 73-key version can host both the M3 and the RADIAS·R modules; the 88-key version can hold dual M3 engines or the M3/RADIAS configuration.

Details below.

If you’ve used the Korg M3 synthesizer, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Synthesis Technology

• EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis)
• MMT (Multi Modeling Technology) sound generator can be added by installing the optional EXB-RADIAS

Tone Generator

• 256 Mbyte (when converted to 16-bit linear format)
• 1,032 Multisamples
• 1,606 Drum Samples

Maximum Polyphony

• 120 voices, 120 oscillators max, single mode
• 60 voices, 120 oscillators max, double mode*

* The actual maximum polyphony will vary depending on oscillator settings such as stereo multisamples and velocity crossfading.

At the 2008 Winter NammShow, Korg introduced the Pa2X Pro, a $4600.00 keyboard workstation that uses the same EDS (Enhanced Definition Synthesis) sound engine that powers the Korg M3 workstation, Pa800 and the new Pa500.

Also included are a motorized/tilting full-color TouchView display (with contextual Help screens in seven languages) and a set of assignable sliders that double as the nine drawbars for the modeled organ. Additionally, the unit has advanced MP3 functionality that allows the user to record and play MP3 files with real-time control over tempo and pitch change.

The Pa2XPro features 76 semi-weighted velocity and aftertouch sensing keys, 120-note polyphony and Korg’s RX (Real eXperience) Technology, offering players a comfortable feel and dynamic articulation for enhanced realism. Over 660 fully-editable sounds come preloaded, with room for hundreds more. Korg’s new Guitar Mode transforms the keyboard into the fretted strings of nearly any chord/neck position for authentic picking patterns, slides, strums and more. In addition, the piano from Korg’s flagship C720 concert piano is included.

Details:

Each of the 660 editable Styles is a complete musical environment for either performing a song or composing a new one. By following the performer’s chord changes, timing and voice leading, each Style can provide a complete performance — all in real time and on the fly. The four variations build in intensity, and a variety of intros, fills, breaks and endings allow musical ideas to be fully realized into finished songs. Created by a world-wide team, the Styles are articulate and authentic, offering up to eight parts at once — from a simple drum and bass groove to a full blown R & B rhythm section — all fully under the musician’s control.

For the songwriter, the Pa2XPro features both traditional “workstation” sequencing, as well as Korg’s time-saving Backing Sequencer that can record each Style part to its own track in a single pass, bypassing tedious sequencing and overdubbing associated with traditional workstations. Performers can play back and crossfade two sequences at the same time, using the unit’s XDS Dual Sequencer functionality. The Pa2XPro also offers assignable PADS to trigger sounds, sequences, riffs and phrases.

The sequencer is compatible with SMF, MP3 or Karaoke MIDI files, and allows players to use songs in any of these formats (MID, KAR and MP3) all in the same way, using search, selection, start/stop, playlist and crossfade functions.

Specific MP3 Player features include key transposition and velocity/tempo (BPM) change with no audio degradation, as well as the ability to record performances as MP3 files (four quality options up to 256 kbps) and save the files on the internal hard disk or external media. Also standard are features such as four effect processors plus TC Helicon™ vocal effects — including three part harmonies.

Digital (S/PDIF Co-Ax) output, Phantom powered XLR input, front and rear USB host ports plus a USB Device port complete the package.

An optional VIF4 Video Output can display lyrics, etc. or mirror the on-board display on an external video monitor.

NAMM Update: Roland announced what they call the most powerful and luxurious live workstation in Roland history.

Luxuriate in the details:

• The Fantom-G offers an advanced sound engine, the ARX SuperNATURAL expansion bay, a large color LCD, a new audio/MIDI recorder, 88-note Ivory Feel weighted keys (Fantom-G8), 76-note keys (Fantom-G7), and 61-note keys (Fantom-G6).
• The Fantom-G’s sound engine is driven by a powerful new audio processor, with twice the wave-ROM capacity of its predecessor. What sets this instrument apart is its new ARX expansion, which allows additional sound-sets and fully dedicated synth and effects engines to be added.
• SuperNATURAL is Roland’s behavior-modeling technology that enables a new level of organic, emotional expression.
• The Fantom-G is also the first Roland instrument to feature Roland’s newly designed sequencer. In conjunction with the large-size LCD, this tool provides 128 tracks (including 24 audio tracks) in a fully integrated audio/MIDI graphical environment. A mouse can also be incorporated for computer-like speed and ease of use.
• A new effects engine provides a wide range of multi-effects for each Fantom-G sound or part. In 16-part multi-timbre mode, up to 22 effect routings can be used simultaneously. Users can create complex setups with up to 18 insert effects per patch, plus global reverbs and choruses. Mastering effects are provided for polishing songs created with the onboard sequencer.

The Fantom-G8 comes outfitted with Roland’s PHA II “Ivory Feel” keyboard that reproduces the feel of ivory for the natural keys and ebony for the sharps, providing the stability and comfort of a real acoustic piano keyboard. The natural keys are designed to absorb moisture, ensuring a secure, slip-proof feel.

2008 NAMM Show: Roland announced the new E-09W interactive arranger.

The popular E-09 boasts 870 sounds, 70 drum kits, interactive music style including Western, Middle Eastern and Asian, and, 47 Multi-FX, 64-voice polyphony and more.

Roland equipped the board with a built-in 16-track recorder for capturing and developing musical idea.An Easy Mode provides quick, friendly operation while One-Touch settings and friendly Music Assistants make navigation and music creation a breeze.

Additional features include an onboard high-performance speaker system, and two headphone jacks.

The E-09 is available in two colors, black (E-09) or white (E-09W).

Open Labs overview of the MiKo Keyboard Workstation.

Note, this is an older model.

via OpenLabsInc

The V4 sound library for the NeKo LX in particular, features E-MU’s new Proteus X2 Streaming Sound Module V2.5 with over 5,500 instruments including the following:

• E-MU Proteus 2000
• E-MU Mo’Phatt
• E-MU Modular System
• ARP 2600
• ARP Axxe
• Roland JD800
• Roland Jupiter 8
• Roland JX-8P
• Roland TB-303 Bass Line
• Roland Juno 60
• Moog Memorymoog
• Mini Moog
• Moog Taurus Pedals
• Sequential Circuits Prophet 10
• Sequential Circuits Prophet 600
• Elka Rhapsody
• Mellotron Mark II
• Korg MS20
• Solina
• Oberheim OB & X
• Hammond B3
• Rhodes Electric Piano
• Hohner Clavinet
• Yamaha CP-70
• Wurlitzer Electric Piano

The 25GB NeKo LX V4 sound library features 22,784 high quality presets.

The street price for the bundled software and sound libraries is $3,003, which includes $487 worth of Open Labs Special Edition plugins, optimized by the software developers for use with the NeKo LX.

Similar upgrades are available for other products from Open Labs including: NeKo SE, MiKo SE, MiKo LX and the new Timbaland Special Edition MiKo.

“Given the fact that we have by far the most powerful processors as well as the ability to install up to 4 terabytes of storage in the NeKo LX currently,” said President of Open Labs, Victor Wong, “we are able to do things that are simply not possible with any other keyboard workstation, but then the NeKo LX is really a replacement for an entire studio and not just a part of one.”

“E-MU is excited to provide the core instrument of Open Labs’ powerful NeKo and MiKo keyboard production stations,” said E-MU Senior Product Manager, Ichi Nagai. “The quality and performance of these systems really allows users to get the most out of Proteus X2, both live and in the studio.”

A detailed listing of the NeKo LX V4 sound library and software applications are as follows:

Software: Microsoft Windows XP Home, Open Labs Custom GUI (Graphic User Interface), Open Labs mFusion, Open Labs Karsyn, Open Labs MimiK, E-MU Proteus X2 Streaming Sound Module V2.5

PREMIUM Factory Sound Library V4: 22,784 presets (over 25GB of sounds) from over 60 virtual instruments including: E-MU’s Mo’Phatt X, Vintage X Pro Vol.1-3, Virtuoso X, Old World Instruments and the full X2 Production Library (with the 1024 original presets of the Proteus 2000), Truepianos, WusikStation V4, Extra Wusik Sound Libraries (Wusik Sound Magazine 1-13, HQ Strings, Choirs, GM), Purity, Sylenth 1, VB3 OL SE, Mr. Ray22, Mr. Ray73, Mr. Tramp, Organized Trio V3, Realguitar V2.1 OL SE, Discovery V2.10 OL SE, Vertigo V2.6 OL SE, HighLife V1.4, WIVI Trial Edt., Suburban Guitarist, Lollapalooza Lite OL SE, BB303i V2, Synth 1, Addictive Drums Demo, Ticky Clav, Delay Lama, Crystal V2.4, Sun RA, String Theory v1.5, Texture V1.2, Rez V2.0, Motion V2.8, Plugsound Free, Mini Dizi, Mini Erhu, EPiano Module, Rhodes Module, Bass Module, Rock, SFZ Player Free, Bass Line, UltraSonique V1.1, Syncoder 32-2, Spook Keys, Super Spook Keys, Cubix V1.0.1, Minimal V1.5, Optik v1.4, Pandemonium V2.0, X-Fortuna, Lazer Blade Free, Protoplasm 21 Free, STS-25 Free, Ph0ne, Rogue, MicroSynt, Artphase V1.5, Mr. Alias V1.02, Blood Bucket V1, Monolisa V1.12, String Synth, PhadiZ, Accordion

The upgraded models are scheduled to ship August 15, 2007. Open Labs will not be increasing the prices to any of their keyboard production stations. Prices are as follows:

NeKo LX 76: $7,399
NeKo LX 61: $5,999
NeKo SE: $3,999
MiKo LX: $3,499
MiKo SE: $2,999