NeKo GS Added to Open Labs Keyboard Lineup

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New from Open Labs is the NeKo GS workstation, integrating the recently-announced 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. A Pentium 4-based system, the NeKo GS is designed for use with leading digital music systems, including Tascam's GigaStudio3 Sampler, Digidesign Pro Tools, and the E-Mu Proteus X sound module.

The NeKo GS enables performers and producers to take advantage of an efficient, next-generation platform for music production that allows users to access and create more digital music, in less time, and with greater control than previously available. The NeKo GS will carry a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $4,995.00 USD.

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.

mFusion's unified 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.