Open Labs' MiKo PC synth workstation

Open Labs debuted their MiKo at NAMM this week, the box's premise being that you shouldn't build your PC rig around your synthesizer setup, but build a synthesizer around your PC. The MiKo aims to completely flesh out the whole digital media workstation offering thing with a 37-key keyboard, a ton of 24/96 ins and outs, 15-inch touchscreen XGA LCD, 7.1 surround out, Ethernet, 802.11g (via USB), and Firewire and USB 2.0. It should sell for two large, so be prepared to refi that overdue loan you took out on your pair of Technics 1200s.

[rawr @ Jan 20th 2006 11:36AM]

now if only it would be Digidesign compatible...

[z @ Jan 20th 2006 11:41AM]

Well, all this and Windows on it... Naaaaaaa...

[Brian Short @ Jan 20th 2006 11:44AM]

So is this just running WinXP with some device-specific software?

[Lee @ Jan 20th 2006 11:51AM]

While this is apparently quite awesome from what I've read thus far, I'll opt for Reason 3.0 when I want to upgrade from my current Cakewalk products. I'll save myself about $1700-ish while I'm at it.
However, this does do DJ & VJ work, among other niceties, so it does have its plusses for the price tag.

[bigmouthstrikesagain @ Jan 20th 2006 12:04PM]

ewww, looks like something I could build myself. PC+knobbox+audiointerface+Casiokeyboard+monitor+blueplastic=this thing. so... why would anyone do this when you can buy all this stuff separately plus sequencer/host + VST's (and probably have at least some of it already already)

the QWERTY keyboard is amusing, like wtf? am I going to bust out a game of Typing Tutor in the middle of a song?

[Peter Kirn @ Jan 20th 2006 12:50PM]

I got a hands-on with this sucker here at NAMM:

http://createdigitalmusic.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1116&Itemid=44

It's really quite nice in person, particularly having the touchscreen.

And yes, it's running standard Win XP with some extras (some of their own music software, remote control media software, etc.). That's part of the apppeal.

If you wanted to run Pro Tools on it, yes, you could -- it's a PC.

[steve @ Feb 19th 2008 2:13PM]

nope, sorry you cannot run Pro Tools.

check out the forum at Open labs.com and you'll see for yourself.

[DankLogic @ Jan 20th 2006 1:54PM]

bigmouthstrikesagain:

You know nothing about hardware.
You know absolutely nothing about digital music creation.

[Eric Fixler @ Jan 20th 2006 3:25PM]

The audio interface in the lower left is a Presonus Firebox.

[jared @ Jan 20th 2006 3:44PM]

The idea to integrate a touchscreen with a firebox, waterfall keybed, and basic midi controls is a stroke of genius. Bonus props for the P+G crossfader. But whoever decided to include the host computer needs a stern talking to.

[adam @ Jan 20th 2006 5:47PM]

how do you mortgage a loan?

[The Architect @ Jan 20th 2006 10:44PM]

The video is all analog. So it won't handle flat panels well, including the built-in one, nor will it handle external LCD/plasma screens. And it won't do ClearType. Even if you are interested in this contraption, it would be wise to wait until they fix the video card.

[x23 @ Jan 21st 2006 12:14PM]

i am also curious how one "mortgages" a loan.

it's almost like a sentence a 17 year old would write who has no clue how either mortgages or loans actually work.

it's okay though. someday you'll be able to sit at the big boy table.

[Peter Kirn @ Jan 21st 2006 1:15PM]

Uh, Danklogic, was that comment directed at me or just the world in general? Not sure on what this conclusion is based, but it sounds nice. Mind if I put that on a t-shirt?

[Peter Kirn @ Jan 21st 2006 1:16PM]

DVI out? Here, here. Maybe as an upgrade?

Steve Fortner did a really extensive review for Keyboard of the original NeKo keyboard, the larger, more expensive sibling of this, when it came out. Unfortunately, don't see that in the Keyboard archives at the moment. I expect you'll be able to read real reviews in a number of outlets soon. There's no substitute for really testing gear; we can talk about first impressions and specs all day.

[DankLogic @ Jan 21st 2006 11:33PM]

no way Peter, it was directed at the idiot that posted before you. I know that you know your stuff.

[Peter Kirn @ Jan 22nd 2006 1:43AM]

No worries. I still like the phrase as on a t-shirt, though, maybe a music geek snob equivalent of You Have Bad Taste in Music.

[Wraith @ Jan 23rd 2006 10:36PM]

Can't we all just get along? Or should we set up death matches using the Miko as a weapon, while using the qwerty keyboard to type insults to each other. :}

[bigmouthstrikesagain @ Jan 27th 2006 11:12PM]

Danklogic: yes it is true, I know nothing. How did you know, haha. unfortunately, I do know a thing or two and make fairly good music on my Powerbook and synthesizers... oooh, I can plug in a MIDI cable! I AM TEH MUSICAL GENIUS!!1! so you are wrong.

I challenge you to a MIKO deathmatch.

STFU N00B!!1!

U Wi11 B PWNED!!1one!

[Rank @ Feb 13th 2006 11:23AM]

"...11. The video is all analog. So it won't handle flat panels well, including the built-in one, nor will it handle external LCD/plasma screens. And it won't do ClearType. Even if you are interested in this contraption, it would be wise to wait until they fix the video card.

Posted at 10:44PM on Jan 20th 2006 by The Architect 0 stars......"

The MiKo's internal video card is connected to the internal 15" LCD and will power external monitors (including flat screens), projectors and plasma monitors with a VGA port. This is how most computers are connected to monitors (CRT and LCD). A digital connector has nothing to do with connecting to an LCD or flat panel. In fact, in some cases, VGA is the only way to do it.

However, since the MiKo is open, you can put any other AGP card into it that you like including DVI and the new HD standard connector.

[SERIOUS @ Jul 19th 2006 1:47AM]

CAN YOU INSTALL PROGRAMS IN THE MIKO? LIKE REASON, FRUITY LOOPS,SOUND FORGE

[supermatt3000 @ Aug 2nd 2006 7:40PM]

my little bro just got the neko, he's probably going to flip it and get the miko, but that's not the point... the point is, since it is xp based you can run whatever you want. you could even sit and play stupid bejewelled when you don't feel like music. oh, and the touchscreen is reportedly flawless, and can be customized to your unique motion & pressure. he's very pleased with his aquisition.

[steve @ Feb 19th 2008 2:11PM]

Just beware of Open Labs if you are a European Customer.
If the product sounds cool, the delivery is not. Once your order is taken and you've signed up, you'll have to wait and wait and yet wati. First Open Labs will say ohh you'll get your unit in 4 weeks. Then 4 weeks makes you wait for 2 weeks more and more. The latest waiting record is 5 months for a unit. This is purely marketing strategy speculation and nothing else.

As I got fed up of being pushed around with irrealistic delivery dates, finally I gave up the other day and settled for a different brand. I just cancelled my order from the French reseller.

If delivery is so long, the tech support must be as lousy...no way. I'm not throwing the 4000 bucks on such doubt.

[beatz @ May 15th 2008 10:40AM]

i got a miko and its crazy i can run all my vsti on it i use protools ableton reasons all my production tools plus i can mimik any keyboard with a midi in. I got like all of my fantom sounds already in the miko and they sound great.