Open Labs: AnnouncementsFind out about the latest announcements here regarding Open Labs Gen 5 Production Workstations - new videos, tutorials, software, OS updates, etc.
Open Labs has announced 2 new models of keyboard production stations (the more affordable e-Series), and a new production station named DBeat. We are working out the details now regarding the inclusion of KARMA OL software, so stay tuned for more information on that.
Perfect for today's studios, producers and artists-on-the-go, the NeKo EX5 is based on the superior quality and established reputation of our award-winning L-series.
The Gen5 E-Series studio-quality products are not a stripped-down version of the L-Series, by any means. Encased in the same high-grade aircraft aluminum chassis, they were developed with a powerful processor and the same innovative touch screen capabilities and pristine audio quality as the NeKo LX5. We've included a fully licensed version of Reaper (DAW), more than 7,500 high-quality preset sounds, our virtual instrument host Riff™, and practically unlimited capability for third party plug-ins and applications. Both E-Series products are fully upgradeable to the L-Series standards with the upgrade package available in late 2009.
61-key
Intel Core2 Duo (2.8GHz)
2 GB (upgradeable to 4GB)
500 Gigabyte (upgradeable to 2TB)
High Speed Dual-Layer 8.5GB/disc CD/DVD Burner
15" Touchscreen, Built-in QWERTY Keyboard, Master Control Panel
Perfect for today's studios, producers and artists-on-the-go, the MiKo EC5 is based on the superior quality and established reputation of our award-winning L-series.
The Gen5 E-Series studio-quality products are not a stripped-down version of the L-Series, by any means. Encased in the same high-grade aircraft aluminum chassis, they were developed with a powerful processor and the same innovative touch screen capabilities and pristine audio quality as the MiKo EC5. We've included a fully licensed version of Reaper (DAW), more than 7,500 high-quality preset sounds, our virtual instrument host Riff™, and practically unlimited capability for third party plug-ins and applications. Both E-Series products are fully upgradeable to the L-Series standards with the upgrade package available in late 2009.
37-key
Intel Core2 Duo (2.8GHz)
2 GB (upgradeable to 4GB)
500 Gigabyte (upgradeable to 2TB)
High Speed Dual-Layer 8.5GB/disc CD/DVD Burner
15" Touchscreen, Built-in QWERTY Keyboard, Master Control Panel
The DBeat instrument was engineered for portability and power. 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 Ableton™ 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™ - making DBeat the ultimate tool for using VSTi's in a live setting.
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 Deckadance™, Serato Scratch Live™, Traktor™, Pro Tools™, Reason™ and many more, make DBeat the ultimate DJ solution for studio, stage and club use.
10,000 high-quality sounds
Pre-loaded with Ableton Live 7, Riff, GURU.
Compatible with Serato Scratch Live, Pro Tools and more.
12 inch Touch Screen, trackball and iPod-compatible cradle.
Bump MP™, Mix/Edit, and DJ Controls.
Intel Core 2 Duo 3.0 GHz processor, 4 GB RAM, 320 GB hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, and FireWire, USB, DVI Video and Ethernet ports, Internet ready.
I just wish they would have left the qwerty keys out and put in controllers, thats the main appeal of the OL system. A windows based sound system anybody can configure. The controllability/ease of use makes all the difference. You can plug in a computer keyboard via USB. So who needs it?
I understand why they did it, but they shouldn't have. Karma for example will be a lot less fun on these new boards.
BTW.. didn't I see another picture of the EC5 just a few days ago?
As for the DBeat (like it!) I would rather see motorized faders and endless controller knobs instead of an iPod cradle (), which is a priority as well for the keyboards (look at the CME VX series for example).
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There are no stupid questions.., only stupid answers..
I just wish they would have left the qwerty keys out and put in controllers, thats the main appeal of the OL system.
They were trying to keep the price lower (compared to their higher end models). You will be able to buy the controller panels from the big boys separately (the BUMP MP and Mixer/Edit) and install them in place of the QWERTY (and the other one) if you feel like it and have extra funds.
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The controllability/ease of use makes all the difference. You can plug in a computer keyboard via USB. So who needs it?
If that's all you see it as, then you clearly would not be a customer for one of these models that has already been configured and optimized as a music making machine, in a single keyboard shaped transportable case.
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As for the DBeat (like it!) I would rather see motorized faders and endless controller knobs instead of an iPod cradle ()
Yeah, but then I bet true DJs (which is what this is aimed at) might feel otherwise. And I must point out that through the software, all of the knobs on the mixer/edit panel (the one with the sliders - and on any of the Open Labs products) can be operated in endless controller mode.
They were trying to keep the price lower (compared to their higher end models). You will be able to buy the controller panels from the big boys separately (the BUMP MP and Mixer/Edit) and install them in place of the QWERTY (and the other one) if you feel like it and have extra funds.
Thanks, Stephen. I figured that, but a QWERTY board would be the last thing to install.. Upgrading would be a great alternative indeed.
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If that's all you see it as, then you clearly would not be a customer for one of these models that has already been configured and optimized as a music making machine, in a single keyboard shaped transportable case.
I think you missed my point here. With computer keyboard I mend the QWERTY board. You can plug one in via USB, when you need one. So why build one in...? I would rather use this space for something more exiting like drum pads or other real time controllers.
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Yeah, but then I bet true DJs (which is what this is aimed at) might feel otherwise. And I must point out that through the software, all of the knobs on the mixer/edit panel (the one with the sliders - and on any of the Open Labs products) can be operated in endless controller mode.
A DJ with an iPod on stage in my opinion never is a true DJ (starting DJ's with tight budgets aside). When a professional DJ is able to invest 4000 dollars on a DBeat and then plugs in an iPod... I really don't know what to say about that. Like putting a diesel engine in a Lamborghini. For me it could be a reason not to buy a product, if there is reasonable second choice. I came across some Alesis products in the past with this cradle. I kindly refused. On your hifi set ok, but it has no place on/in professional equipment. In my opinion that is. If you do want to use MP3's as a DJ, use the USB port and be discrete about it. Adat, optical S/Pdif or eSata would serve a professional way more.
Endless mode is great! Still would like to see the motorized faders though. Especially on stage when using the sliders as real time controllers it would be so much more comfortable to find the sliders where they should be.
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There are no stupid questions.., only stupid answers..
A DJ with an iPod on stage in my opinion never is a true DJ (starting DJ's with tight budgets aside). When a professional DJ is able to invest 4000 dollars on a DBeat and then plugs in an iPod... I really don't know what to say about that. Like putting a diesel engine in a Lamborghini. For me it could be a reason not to buy a product, if there is reasonable second choice.
I don't know...I'm not an expert on the DJ trade. From what I understand, however, more and more DJs are using things like that to store their mixes, and accessing them from software. Heck, in it's basic form, an iPod is simply an external hard drive with a familiar form factor that can carry many GBs of music for spinning tracks at a club. I could be wrong, but I would tend to think that this is *not* a dumb idea.
You're right GB's are always welcome, but a USB stick or an external hard drive would be more logical, or a memory card reader for all I care. I can imagine that it is interesting for a "gear producer" to "plug" an iPod and to go with the hype. As a musician, DJ, producer you want flexibility. As much as possible. The interfaces I mentioned earlier would be much more appropriate for that reason. It's the Open in Open Labs that apeals to me. The iPod interface is anything but open. For me it's lost space, money and a lost opportunity to incorporate something useful.
Luckily, I'm clearly not a customer for the DBeat, so I don't realy have to worry about that.
To be honest, at first when I saw the DBeat and spotted the cradle, I thought they were joking around...April 1st! I only hope it will stay there and not find it's way in the keyboards. The mere thought..
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There are no stupid questions.., only stupid answers..
To be honest, at first when I saw the DBeat and spotted the cradle, I thought they were joking around...April 1st! I only hope it will stay there and not find it's way in the keyboards. The mere thought..
Another thought: dump your latest mix right onto your iPod, take it over to a friend's, listen to it in the car on the way over... BTW, there's a couple USB jacks right on the top of the thing for plugging in USB sticks (see the little square marks over the 8 sliders/switches/knobs at the top)? I'll have a high-res photo up soon...
Sampling from a CD, turntable, or even an iPod is an essential part of some genres' music making process. So if that iPod dock let's you do that it would be very useful feature.
Sampling from a CD, turntable, or even an iPod is an essential part of some genres' music making process. So if that iPod dock let's you do that it would be very useful feature.
So would be an ashtray...
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There are no stupid questions.., only stupid answers..
My problem with an interface like the iPod's, besides my personal feelings towards it, is the following.
For years I've been watching synths and all kind of equipment entering the market. I had my share of them. Always battling to connect them, because everything has a different set of interfaces. Ending up buying adapters, converters, you name it. As I'm sure any musician has. How many questions on this very forum, "how do I connect my M3 to my audio interface digitally?"
In my opinion there are a few interfaces that suite a professional musician/producer (as you might have guessed, the iPod is not one of them). When a piece of extensive and expensive equipment like the DBeat enters the market I would prefer they'd concentrate on those. If they would integrate an iPod cradle when everything else is there, then I would happily use it as an ashtray..
As i stated earlier, it's not that you wouldn't be able to play MP3's without the cradle. Plugging in a usb stick would probably be as or maybe even more comfortable. To make a long story short, it doesn't really add anything. At least that's how I see it.. I dare you to convince me otherwise!
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There are no stupid questions.., only stupid answers..
I have a 30G 3G iPod and sympathize with you. A friend of mine has the 16G iTouch iPod and I thought the interface and feature set was a huge improvement, so much so I want to put one on my GAS list.
As far as your other comments I totally agree that some standard should make the bridge from hardware to software much easier. I REALLY want to see how these Open Labs workstations accomplish this.
BTW, I have the Karma workstation and I passed on upgrading to the OASYS and the M3, but the Open Labs workstations that have any KARMA technology in them are now on my radar big time.
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), which is a priority as well for the keyboards (look at the CME VX series for example).
Adat, optical S/Pdif or eSata would serve a professional way more.
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