Open Labs introduces NeKo 76-Key keyboard production station

Open Labs announced its first 76-key Windows-based computer keyboard production station NeKo 76-Key at Musikmesse 2005, Frankfurt, Germany. Incorporating both 2.8 GHz Pentium 4 microprocessor and dual Opteron processor (1.4 GHz and 2.0 GHz) versions, the NeKo 76-Key offers an expanded version of the NeKo64. The NeKo 76-Key is integrated with the mFusion, a set of software technologies from Open Labs that allows users to control different musical keyboard devices and software packages through a single interface. Open Labs will also make full 76-key versions of all its current models, including the NeKo LE; NeKo LET; NeKo GS, and NeKo64. "With the introduction of a 76-key version of our NeKo keyboard, we now have completed the basic building blocks for the industrys full-scale transition to Windows-based keyboards that can run every existing system and deliver even greater sounds and samples using a computer hybrid keyboard production station," said Victor Wong, CEO of Open Labs. The NeKo 76-Key is designed for use with digital music systems such as Tascam's GigaStudio3 Sampler, Digidesign Pro Tools, and the E-Mu Proteus X sound module. mFusion is the latest software component of the Open Labs OpenSynth platform, which is used in the Open Labs NeKo and OMX lines of keyboards and digital audio workstations. mFusion is a set of software technologies along with a control panel that allows the user to easily navigate, access, and remap control surfaces for all Open Labs control panels as well as all third-party Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) control devices. With mFusion, users merely need to touch a knob or slider to begin the process. A wide variety of options are available for each control type. For example, a button can send a MIDI note-on, initiate a program change, keystroke, or even launch an application. This versatility extends to encoders, knobs, faders, drumpads, and many other common control types, with the ability to address and remap up to thousands of controllers simultaneously. mFusions approach further benefits existing music computing applications. mFusion takes multiple MIDI devices and exposes the system to only one device, creating a virtual gateway with multiple extensions, thereby making it possible for music programs that can only access one controller to gain full access to multiple controllers.