Open Labs Announces Release of Open RiFF 2.0

From the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin, Texas, Open Labs, the recognized leader in innovative, computer-based Music Production Stations, is pleased to announce its first major software upgrade to its VST Live Host – Open RiFF 2.0.

This release of Riff 2.0 follows closely behind the launch of Open Labs’ newest Musical Production Stations, Gen6. As one of the three key elements of the Open Labs Musical Operating Environment, Open RiFF 2.0 offers all users increased functionality, ease of use and simplicity of work flow over the previous version, RiFF 1.3.

With Open RiFF 2.0, Open Labs users now have a familiar, search based sound browser which allows users to browse and audition sounds more easily. Using a singular search window, the thousands of sounds found in the Open Labs NeKo and MiKo lines can be identified by musical instrument, musical genre or familiar nicknames.

Along with this increased functionality, there has been a significant improvement in Midi control, which allows for ease of use in both live performance and with the stage control of instruments.

Nick O’ Toole, film composer and Tour Relations Director for Open Labs said, “Finally a VST host that allows Midi information to flow out to other devices. This kind of functionality has been a long-time coming for Production Stations. Being able to send and receive Midi information, including program change information and having control on a song-by-song, patch-by-patch basis is incredibly helpful for guys with complex systems on tour or in the studio. The artists have asked for this kind of functionality and Open Labs has delivered it.”

Open RiFF 2.0 also offers one-touch performance, which will allow Open Labs users to record Midi tracks in more of a simplistic manner. At the same time, the user does not need to have use an external mouse or keyboard to manipulate Open RiFF 2.0.

Open RiFF 2.0 will be included in all Gen6 Music Production Stations. For all 2010 A-Stock purchases, Open RiFF 2.0 will be available at no charge. For all 2010 B-Stock Purchases, Open RiFF 2.0 can be purchased for $29.99. For Open Labs users with Gen5 Music Production Stations, Open RiFF 2.0 can be purchased for $49.99. For any Open Labs users with Gen4 and older Production Stations, Open RiFF 2.0 can be purchased for $99. Detailed information about Open RiFF 2.0 is available at www.openlabs.com/openriff.

A live demonstration will be available on Open Labs’ live Ustream webcast, Thursday, June 10th, 2010 from 5:00pm-6:00pm, CST. The webcast can be viewed at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/openlabs.

Positive Press for Gen6!

Read what others think about the new Open Labs Gen6 products!
If you see press that isn’t on this list, please forward it to press AT openlabs.com.

http://musicindustrynewswire.com/2010/05/19/min3023_220826.php

http://www.gearslutz.com/board/new-product-alert/494562-open-labs-unveil-gen6-newest-line-products.html

http://www.allaccess.com/net-news/archive/story/75400

http://lawontherow.com/2010/05/19/music-biz-news-open-labs-announces-new/

http://www.hispasonic.com/noticias/open-labs-presenta-sexta-generacion-workstation-neko-miko-14804

http://www.sonicstate.com/news/2010/05/21/new-open-labs-production-stations/

http://news.hitsquad.com/OtherGear/Open_Labs_unveil_the_newest_line_of_products_Gen6

http://en.audiofanzine.com/misc-computer/open-labs/generation6/news/a.play,n.6793.html

http://rapbeatsonline.info/how-to-get-into-the-music-industry/open-labs-announces-new-gen6-and-q-series-pc-powered-keyboard-workstations/

http://massmediacontent.com/2010/05/19/MMC3388_220826.php

http://www.gearjunkies.com/news_info.php?news_id=5117&PHPSESSID=94f2fbf6ba57e909359acd4d26fe8685

http://www.samplepoolz.com/?q=aggregator&page=1

http://www.audiopronews.ro/2010/05/open-labs-unveil-the-newest-line-of-products-gen6/

http://futuremusic.com/blog/

http://audiobusters.com/news/station-de-travail-workstation/nouvelle-gamme-de-produits-chez-open-labs-la-gen6

http://delicious.com/OpenLabs

http://digg.com/music/Open_Labs_Unveil_Gen6_the_Newest_Line_of_Products

http://openlabs.ning.com/profiles/blogs/open-labs-unveil-gen6-the

http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/OpenLabs/

http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=58022979&blogId=534610322

http://www.openlabs.com/blog/?p=1011

O-Live: Gen6 Product Launch Announcement Show!

If you missed it yesterday, here is the archive of the Gen6 product announcement show on O-Live. See Gen6 in all of it’s glory!

Watch below!

Videos: Check out the Gen6 Product Launch Video

The Gen6 lineup includes the Gen6 MiKo QC6, the Gen6 NeKo QX6, the Gen6 MiKo LXD and the Gen6 NeKo XXL. The entire new Gen6 product line offers more power, more sounds and is more affordable.

Check it out below!

PRESS RELEASE: Open Labs Unveil Gen6; the Newest Line of Products

Open Labs, a recognized leader in innovative Music Production Stations based in Austin, Texas, debuted their newest line of Production Stations today, Generation6. The Gen6 lineup includes the Gen6 MiKo QC6, the Gen6 NeKo QX6, the Gen6 MiKo LXD and the Gen6 NeKo XXL. The entire new Gen6 product line offers more power, more sounds and is more affordable.

All products in the Gen6 lineup feature processors from the 2010 Intel® CoreTM processor family and are based on Microsoft’s Windows 7 for true Open Platform Capability. The Q series lineup includes the MiKo QC6 and the NeKo QX6, which offer over 10,000 sounds, full DAW capabilities, a 15” touch screen interface, DVD/CD burning and internet capability and a 37 or 61 keyboard form factor.

The L series lineup, which are the pinnacle of Music Production Stations, include the MiKo LXD and the NeKo XXL. Both production stations offer over 15,000 sounds, full DAW capabilities, a 15” touch screen interface, DVD/CD burning and internet capability and a 37 or 61 keyboard form factor. The L series offers incredible control over production with the Alpha 2 controller, the bankable Mix Edit and the drum pad interface Bump MP. The NeKo XXL also raises the bar in audio by offering 24bit/192khz recording.

“We are very excited to be launching the most powerful Musical Production Stations we’ve ever produced,” said Victor Wong, Chairman and Co-Founder, Open Labs, “with our migration to Windows 7 we have spent months testing and retesting our proprietary software products as well as the most popular third party software and hardware products. We can assure our customers the same level of musical flexibility that they have grown to expect in our Production Stations and with our new offerings we can expand in ways which we have never been able to before now.

“Our software offerings will continue to flourish and our platforms will grow more robust with each release. This is a major transition for Open Labs and our ability to serve our customers and their musical aspirations,” said Wong.

The Q series Open Labs Music Production Stations come with Open Labs Gold Support Services which include: a one-hour “Get to Know Your Machine” session, two hours of technical training and warranty for parts and labor for one year. The L Series come with Open Labs Platinum Support Services which include the same level of Support Services as Gold Support in addition to seven hours of technical training.

The Gen6 MiKo QC6 is available for $3,799 USD and the Gen6 NeKo QX6 is available for $3,999 USD. The Gen6 MiKo LXD is available for $4,799 USD and the Gen6 NeKo XXL is available for $6,999 USD. All Open Labs production stations can be purchased directly through Open Labs at http://www.openlabs.com or through an authorized reseller listed on the Open Labs web site.

About Open Labs

Headquartered in Austin, Texas — at the crossroads of music and technology– Open Labs develops and markets cutting-edge studio and musical instrument technology. Since 2003, Open Labs has been the recognized leader in providing musicians and producers of all genres, with high-performance portable instruments that combine all the equipment found in a professional music studio with unsurpassed live performance capabilities. A-List artists currently using Open Labs products include: Timbaland, Jonathan Davis (Korn), Morris Hayes (Prince), Jesse Carmichael (Maroon 5) and Jimmy Nichols (Faith Hill) to name a few. For more information on Open Labs, please visit http://www.openlabs.com.

Anyone can own a synthesizer!

And for a little bit of humor, check out this “blast from the past” advertisement from synthesizers.com…

Of course these days, you don’t get much more from your trucks, but you get A LOT more from your synthesizers! With Open Labs gear, you can have hundreds of these things inside one board…

Review: Open Labs MiKo LXD

Some positive press for the MiKo LXD via StupidDope.com!

Check it out!

New OL Player: Show you Open Labs Pride

Introducing the OL Player. Now you can show your Open Labs pride on your own website, blog, MySpace and Facebook!

Keep your fans and friends up to date with the latest Open Labs news and videos! This player will be updated regularly with the latest product news, promotions and showcase videos of artists….INCLUDING our new ‘User Video Spotlight’ where we showcase some of our favorite YouTube videos made by YOU.

Full Instructions on how to put the OL Player on your site!

Press Release: Fatboy Slim ‘Weapon Of Choice’ Remix Contest!

Open Labs, in collaboration with Skint Records and English DJ and record producer Norman Cook, better known as Fatboy Slim, are offering his ‘Weapon Of Choice’ track to be remixed by Beatport’s aspiring producers. ‘Weapon Of Choice’ saw success on both UK and US charts and its accompanying music video, directed by Spike Jonze and featuring Christopher Walken, received cult-like praise.

Now is your chance to put your spin on the infamous track, which incorporates samples from Sly & the Family Stone and lead vocals from P-Funk legend Bootsy Collins. The winning remix will be released on Fatboy Slim’s Skint Records as well as receive free music downloads from Beatport and Open Lab’s professional studio tool ‘DBeat’, a grand prize package worth over $4000.

The opportunity
Starting March 16th, 2010, Beatport users are able to download the remix parts of Fatboy Slim’s ‘Weapon Of Choice’, and then remix it, before uploading it to Beatportal for the voting round.

The prizes
The winners will be divided into 2 categories; 10 user voted (based on the highest number of spins) and 10 editor’s favorites (picked by Beatport’s internal music staff). From these 20 nominees, Skint Records will choose their favorite winning remix, to be released on their label. The winner will also receive a $200 Beatport gift card and Open Lab’s professional studio tool ‘DBeat’.

The stages
1. March 16th – April 5th: Download phase – The remix parts of ‘Weapon Of Choice’ for $3.99 USD.

2. March 23rd – April 5th: Upload/Submission phase – Upload your remix to Beatportal to www.beatportal.com/feed/item/fatboy-slim-weapon-of-choice-remix-contest/. During this phase the entries can be listened to, but not voted for.

3. April 6th – April 20th: Voting phase – The public votes for their favorite remixes by ‘spinning’ them.

After a period of deliberation, the winner will be announced on or around May 4th, 2010.

Good Luck!

DBeat to be featured at “Plutopia 2010:Science of Music” during SXSW Interactive

Next Monday, March 15th, on the final night of SXSW Interactive, our very own Open Labs DBeat will be featured in the SwitchedOn booth at the wildly popular Plutopia extravaganza at the Mexican American Cultural Center.  SwitchedOn is Austin’s brand-spanking-new cross-genre music store that caters specifically to artists and producers working with electronic gear.

Rumor has it that 2 of our fantastic employee artists will be on hand to perform and give interactive demonstrations of the DBeat as part of SwitchedOn’s presentation, which will also include some amazing displays driven by a visual synthesizer creating effects from the audio off the DBeat.

If you don’t already know, Plutopia 2010 is an extravaganza of music, performances, art, and talks based upon “The Science of Music”, and headliners include DJ Spooky presenting the world-premiere of a new piece based on Brian Greene’s book “Elegant Universe”, renowned SciFi/cyberpunk author Bruce Sterling and more.

According to Plutopia lore, “What was once the (maybe not so) mild-mannered SXSW Interactive EFF-Austin Official After-Party has morphed into a multifaceted extravaganza called “Plutopia”, an exciting convergence of technology, DIY, music, art, and academics. In addition to standard party fare, performance and the arts will play a major role alongside exhibits and talks in presenting the ideas in a way that will make this yet another memorable, stimulating, and fun SXSW after-event.”

For more info, check out:

http://plutopia.org

http://switchedonaustin.com