NAMM: Open Synth steals day one

US New concept in PC / Keyboard integration 17/01/03

Buying Choices

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The product that stood out for me on day one at NAMM this year was the Open Labs Opensynth eKo. It is a revolutionary concept having a standard PC (complete with keyboard, mouse 15" LCD display) and a keyboard (up to 88 key with aftertouch) and a whole load of assignable controls (knobs, faders and buttons). The idea is to have a PC system that is convenient enough and robust enough to take to gigs. You just load it up with the software and sounds you want and go.

It has an open architecture allowing the hardware to be upgraded (standard ATX PC motherboard allowing the use of normal PC components to upgrade) and because it runs a standard OS you can add more software as needed. It allows choice of what sound hardware you want.

The first thing you notice about it is how big it really is (picture just doesn’t do it justice). A criticism currently would be that it’s too heavy (47 lbs) although it does have a power conditioning unit and UPS within it providing protection against crappy stage power and clumsy roadies. It has a well laid out control interface and looks fantastic. .

As you can see the screen is bright and clear and touch sensitive is an option. In fact the number of options is this beasts main strength you can customize it to be the machine you want. The use of standard PC hardware has helped then keep the prices reasonable - starting at $2500.

We’ve shot a load of video and will be cutting together a feature on this when we get back. In the mean time there is a whole load of data on the eKo at the Open Labs web site:

http://www.openlabs.com.

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