Open Labs has introduced SoundSlate, what they call “the ultimate virtual instrument player” and hardware DAW for your keyboard workstation or MIDI controller.

SoundSlate puts Open Labs’ music operating environment, including the virtual instrument host Riff, 8000+ of sounds and effects, a robust audio i/o, and a powerful computer core running Windows XP, into a 1U-ultra compact case.

Features:

• Professional music production for the price of a laptop.
• 24-bit/ 192kHz A/D converters (same as Pro Tools HD 192 I/O interface).
• 8000+ preset sounds and effects
• Includes Cubase LE, Sonar LE, LIVE LE and more.

Open Labs SoundSlate packages start at $1,999.

SoundSlate Technical Specifications:

CPU
Intel® Core2 Duo ® (2.8GHz)

Memory
2 GB (upgradeable to 4GB)

Storage
500 Gigabyte (upgradeable to 2TB)

Drive
Slimline CD/DVD Burner

Connection
(8) USB 2.0 ports
(1) Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet port
(2) DVI Video ports (1 DVI-I, 1 DVI-D)
(1) E-SATA port

Audio
Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 96, 192kHz from internal crystal or externally supplied clock (no sample rate conversion)
Bit Depths: 24-bit I/O, 32-bit processing
E-MU E-DSP™ 32-bit DSP with 67-bit accumulator (double precision w/ 3 headroom bits)
Hardware-accelerated, 32-channel mixing, and multi-effects processing
Zero-latency direct hardware monitoring w/effects
ASIO 2.0, WDM/MME/DirectSound Drivers
EDI (E-MU Digital Interface) proprietary 64-channel audio link over CAT-5 cable
Anti-Pop speaker protection minimizes noise during power on/off
Ultra-low jitter, clock subsystem: < 1 ns in PLL mode (44.1kHz, Opt. S/PDIF Sync)

Analog Line Inputs (2)
Type: servo-balanced, DC-coupled, low-noise input circuitry
A/D converter: AK5394A
Level (software selectable):
- Professional: +4dBu nominal, 20dBu max (balanced)
- Consumer: -10dBV nominal, 6dBV max (unbalanced)
Frequency Response (20Hz – 20kHz): +/- .05dB
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 120dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 120dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -110dB (.0003%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -115dB

Analog Line Outputs (2)
Type: Balanced, low-noise, 3-pole low-pass differential filter
D/A converter: CS4398
Level (software selectable):
- Professional: +4dBu nominal, 20dBu max (balanced)
- Consumer: -10dBV nominal, 6dBV max (unbalanced)
Frequency Response (20Hz – 20kHz): + 0.0/-.35dB,
Dynamic Range (1kHz, A-weighted): 120dB
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (A-weighted): 120dB
THD+N (1kHz at -1dBFS): -105dB (.0006%)
Stereo Crosstalk (1kHz at -1dBFS): < -115dB

Digital I/O
S/PDIF:
- 2 in/2 out coaxial (transformer coupled)
- 2 in/2 out optical (software switched at ADAT)
- AES/EBU or S/PDIF format (software selectable)
ADAT:
- 8 channels, 24-bit @ 44.1/48kHz
- 4 channels, 24-bit @ 96kHz (S-MUX compatible)
- 2 channels, 24-bit @ 192kHz
MIDI:
- 1 in, 1 out

Synchronization
Internal crystal sync at 44.1, 48, 96, 192kHz
External sample rate sync via
- ADAT (44.1 – 192kHz)
- S/PDIF (opt. or coax 44.1 – 96kHz)

Power Supply
250 Watt Power Supply, Whisper Quiet Cooling Fans (Internal Chassis, Processor & Power Supply)

Dimensions:
19”(W) X 12”(D) X 1U(H)

via GearJunkies

This series of seven videos looks at using Ableton Live 8 with Open Labs’ DBeat music production workstation.

Open Labs has announced that it is now offering Digidesign Pro Tools on their NeKo, MiKo, and DBeat instruments.

Description:

The option to have Pro Tools software fully installed, integrated and supported by Open Labs engineers provides producers and musicians with industry-leading studio recording software running seamlessly on Open Labs gear.

You can produce a track in Pro Tools right out of the box!Now, you may choose to purchase Pro Tools LE 8 with an Mbox 2 Mini, Mbox 2 or a 003 Rack at the time an Open Labs Gen 5 product is purchased.

Eligible Open Labs products include NeKo XXL, NeKo LX5, MiKo LXD, NeKo EX5, MiKo EC5, DBeat and DBeatPRO.

Pro Tools M-Powered software is available with the purchase of the Open Labs NeKo XXL, which includes M-Powered hardware natively with no need for additional hardware or audio interface.

All Open Labs instruments come with either Platinum or Gold Support Services , which include technical support for Pro Tools hardware and software, allowing you to receive all your technical support from one source — Open Labs.

via OpenLabsInc

“Just thought I would record a patch I made this afternoon on my modular system,” explains Devine. “Bits and pieces running through the H-3000 DS/E Eventide Harmonizer.”

This video, from the 2009 LIMS, captures the first UK showing of the Open Labs DBeat.

via soundonsoundvideo

ArcAttack Electrifies Texas Rockfest: The Dr. Who Theme

via OpenLabsInc:

Austin’s own ArcAttack plays Texas Rockfest during SXSW.

ArcAttack uses a MiKo to power two self-built Tesla coils, that produce “singing lightning bolts” which require no speakers. ArcAttack controls the coils through MIDI, as well as a full drum set controlled by robotic mechanisms.

ArcAttack are taking their MiKo on a European tour this summer, 2009.

For more information on ArcAttack, visit their website at www.arcattack.com.

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

Musikmesse 2009: In this official Open Labs video, Morris Hayes, keyboardist for Prince, gets his hands on the Open Labs DBeat and does his thing.

Hayes has been using Open Labs gear in the studio and on the road with Prince.

via OpenLabsInc

Musikmesse 2009: Open Labs co-founder Victor Wong visits The Crystal Method at their studio in LA, and shows them DBeat, which was released at this year’s Frankfurt Musikmesse.

They talk analog synths, partying in Austin, virtual synths and, of course, Open Labs’ new DBeat workstation.

via OpenLabsInc

Musikmesse 2009: Multi-award winning producer Teddy Riley tests out the Open Labs DBeat.

Riley has worked with Blackstreet, Michael Jackson and other A-list musicians. Riley has owned a MiKo T.S.E. for years, and is a demonstrator of Open Labs products.

via OpenLabsInc

Musikmesse 2009: Open Labs introduced the DBeat – a new portable music production workstation that offers iPod integration, a multi-touch touchscreen interface and traditional MPC-style pads.

The DBeat will be available for $3,999 USD ($3,499 for pre-orders) in June 2009, directly through here at www.openlabs.com or through an authorized reseller listed on the Web site.

Check it out and leave a comment with your thoughts!

Description:

Encased in an ultra-light aluminum chassis and weighing only 20lbs, the DBeat boasts more than 10,000 sounds with an additional 14GB of sounds that come with the included, full feature version of AbletonTM Live 7. Live DJ performance capability is taken to the next level with the inclusion of Open Labs’ edition of GURU and the proprietary virtual instrument host Riff.

DBeat comes loaded with a plethora of fully mappable real-time controllers, including Open Labs’ exclusive Bump MP drum pads, the Mix/Edit digital audio workstation panel, and comprehensive DJ controls including a cross-fader. DBeat puts “the feel” back in making music by including an integrated trackball, iPod-compatible cradle and 12-inch capacitive touch screen, which will be multi-touch capable with Windows 7 update.

The ability to directly connect USB turntables and the compatibility with virtually any software, including DeckadanceTM, Serato Scratch LiveTM, TraktorTM, Pro ToolsTM, Reason and many more, make DBeat the ultimate DJ solution for studio, stage and club use.

DBeat Technical Specifications

CPU
Intel® Core2 Duo ® (3GHz)

Control Surfaces
Trackball with 2 buttons
Mix/Edit Controls
BumpMP
DJ Panel

Memory
4 GB

Audio I/O
(1) High Performance Audio I/O Card with Low Latency including 24-bit/96kHz professional 4-in/6-out : (2) mic/instrument preamp inputs (with Phantom Power 48V), (2) analog line inputs, (6) analog line outputs, S/PDIF digital I/O (coaxial)

Storage
320 Gigabyte

Drive
High Speed Dual-Layer 8.5GB/disc CD/DVD Burner

Display
12-inch capacitive touch screen (multi-touch capable with Windows 7 update)

Connection
Comprehensive I/O capable of up to 24bit/96KHz audio with 4 in / 6 out including 2 phantom-powered mic-pres with DI’s, S/PDIF I/O and MIDI I/O

Software
Open Labs Riff®
Abelton Live®

Factory Sound Library
Over 7,500 presets and 1,000 song presets loaded into RiFFTM. (Check our Software Bundle webpage for more information)

Dimensions:
26”(W) X 14”(D) X 5”(H), Weight (base configuration) 20 lbs.

Specifications subject to change without notification.

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.

Open Labs technical writer James Ed Rhone gives an in depth tutorial of the Open Labs live VST host program, RiFF.

RiFF is exclusive to Open Labs gear, and is designed for ease of VST playing during live performance.

via OpenLabsInc

Open Labs Bump MP Overview

via OpenLabsInc:

Open Labs Research and Development employees Chris Brown and Mike Zawodniak give a brief overview of the GEN5 Bump MP panel. Bump MP is a feature that is exclusive to Open Labs GEN5 gear, and brings MPC-like functions to the Open Labs instrument line.

BumpMP and Guru Overview

via OpenLabsInc:

Open Labs employee Ed Ablan gives a brief overview of the many features of BumpMP, Guru and Reaper inside an Open Labs NeKo LX5.

BumpMP is an Open Labs exclusive drum pad module that brings MPC-like functions to Open Labs products.

In this video, Ablan shows the ease and integration of BumpMP, Guru, and Reaper.

Open labs 2009

Description:

This is an overview of Open Labs‘ new Gen 5 keyboards, introduced at the 2009 NAMM Show.

via Shalom889

In case the NAMM Show Mother Load didn’t get you enough gear porn goodness from the 2009 NAMM Show, here’s a nice collection of NAMM photos from Jay Smith of Livid Instruments.

Livid makes a very nice line of VJ/DJ controllers, and it shows in Smith’s extreme gear shots of Akai’s APC40 controller for Live, Akai’s MPK keyboard, the Alesis MasterControl, Arturia’s Factory Experience and other sexy beasts released at the Winter NAMM Show.

via Peter Kirn at CDM

This is an overview of the fifth generation of Open Labs NeKo and MiKo hardware and software.

via audiofanzinetv

An interview with synth pioneer Keith Emerson, via Open Labs:

Hailed as a keyboard legend, Keith Emerson has been one of the most important figures to emerge from the thriving UK rock scene of the 1960’s and 70’s. He is known as one of the most prominent leaders in the progressive rock movement, fusing rock ‘n’ roll with a myriad of musical styles, such as classical, jazz and world music. A modern wizard of electronic and acoustic keyboards, most notably the organ and synthesizer, he has set a standard by which others multiply. With both “The Nice” and “Emerson, Lake & Palmer,” Emerson has written and recorded some of rock’s most adventurous music and brought it to the masses with unmatched virtuosity and skillful showmanship. Listen as he describes how he has embraced Open Labs technology on his new album and tour.