The Pro said,"I think that softsynths are the future. There's a lot going on in the softsynth field, which is why so many companies like Midiman, Edirol and Novation are making new MIDI/USB controllers. Creamware's new Noah may be an indication of things to come: softsynths in hard cases. It's still years away but I can see where soon we all might be using softsynth arranger packages in a few years (Tyros-OS softsynth arranger for PC/Mac would be nice, and I'll bet the engineers at Yammy are working on it)."
Frank Rosenthall said that his system cost less then the Tyros with impecable sound quality. 15 gigs of sound ROM!!!!
I think that unless keyboard mfgs address this phenomenon they will be left making controllers. Portablility and reliabilty issues would have to be addressed of course.
Starkeeper

OpnLab introduced a keyboard like computer for playing VST instruments. The price range is 2k-5k, much cheaper, than say, Wersi. The concept is more an integrated controller and computer. It comes in 61, 76, and 88-key versions with aftertouch, a 15" LCD screen, lots of sliders and knobs, and a computer keyboard built in.

Website for opnlab ? Thks

Here's a few links related to the OpenLab's eKo:

Picture of OpenLabs eKo running Absynth at NAMM '03: http://www.citrusgrove.com/namm/22.jpg

OpenLabs homepage: http://www.opnlabs.com/products.php

OpenLabs NAMM press release: http://namm.harmony-central.com/WNAMM03/Content/Open_Labs/PR/eKo.html

I get the impression that Open Labs is looking for venture capital to go into production with but their keyboards may not yet be ready for ordering. It is certainly a cool concept that is generating a lot of buzz. I don't necessarily see this as a threat to keyboad manufacturers though - they'll probably adapt their products to run as softsynths eventually.

What a cool toy and I don't have one....I must be deprived.

Maybe I should trade my Tyros in on one......hmmmm nah I think not.
jam on,
Terry

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