Who got the timbaland miko?

[EMAG-A]

Where i live i cant just go into a store and check out the sounds on this thing...If you want one,you gota order it...Im just wondeering a few things about the 20 racks listed in the Timbo version...Are those sounds really worth the extra paper? At first glance it looks like the Timbo version is definately the one to get but i wanna hear from some people who actually have it...Also,every store i ring (who dont sell the MiKo) tell me that its an overpriced computer and that Mimik style software is available on macs anyways?...I kind of get the feeling they just tryin to put shi-t on the MiKo hoping that ill change my mind and get a fantom from they store or something? The other thing im worried about is the way my beats will sound...I hate reason and fruity loops...I hate the way the drums bang right in the centre and everything sounds so thin and week...Is the MiKo gona give me this problem too? Its all software i know but im not sure how they get the sounds from those 20 racks on board? Anyways if some people who got em could give some advice that would be dope...And btw if you dont have one i dont wanna hear your hate...I only wanna hear from people who have purchased one of these Timbaland version MiKo or other MiKo/NeKo...So what it is??

 

[j.troup]

Where i live i cant just go into a store and check out the sounds on this thing...If you want one,you gota order it...Im just wondeering a few things about the 20 racks listed in the Timbo version...Are those sounds really worth the extra paper? At first glance it looks like the Timbo version is definately the one to get but i wanna hear from some people who actually have it...Also,every store i ring (who dont sell the MiKo) tell me that its an overpriced computer and that Mimik style software is available on macs anyways?...I kind of get the feeling they just tryin to put shi-t on the MiKo hoping that ill change my mind and get a fantom from they store or something? The other thing im worried about is the way my beats will sound...I hate reason and fruity loops...I hate the way the drums bang right in the centre and everything sounds so thin and week...Is the MiKo gona give me this problem too? Its all software i know but im not sure how they get the sounds from those 20 racks on board? Anyways if some people who got em could give some advice that would be dope...And btw if you dont have one i dont wanna hear your hate...I only wanna hear from people who have purchased one of these Timbaland version MiKo or other MiKo/NeKo...So what it is??

Don't have it yet, but I test drove one for HOURS at the One Stop conference.

My feelings on this piece of machinery have already been shared. The sounds are outstanding...and I'm talking the stock sounds, no tweaking.

Your FL problem is your sounds that you're using. It's not FL making your music sound thin and lifeless, it's the samples you're using and your mixing.

If you take those same samples and use them on the Miko, you're going to get the same result. No hardware or software is all of a sudden going to make your music sound FAT AND BIG. That's a function of mixing, and the quality of the sounds you're starting with.

 

[EMAG-A]

I dont mean after mixing i mean straight off the program...When i record something with my racks it instantly sounds thick and warm...When ive been around reason ive never heard that same qaulity...Im sure after mixing things can be fattened up...

Btw...What were your feelings on the MiKo? I mustve missed your post.......

 

[ianscott111]

Your FL problem is your sounds that you're using. It's not FL making your music sound thin and lifeless, it's the samples you're using and your mixing.

If you take those same samples and use them on the Miko, you're going to get the same result. No hardware or software is all of a sudden going to make your music sound FAT AND BIG. That's a function of mixing, and the quality of the sounds you're starting with.

That's so true. No matter what you're using, if you're not using good sounds to start with, you're not going to get good results.

While I WOULD like a Neko, one thing to keep in mind is that it really IS a computer running commercially available VST instruments and effects. The extra sounds available for it in the Timbo edition can be found separately (other than the Ensoniq sounds) as can the VST instruments. Basically, you can get the same sounds (at the same quality) for a lot cheaper if you have a decent computer and soundcard. There are also auto samplers available on both PC and Mac that do exactly what the Mimik software does. Not sure what software on the PC does it, but I know the company that makes the EXS24 sampler editor (Red Matic I think) makes something that is identical (and can actually do more than the Mimik software). Basically, the question is whether you want to have an instrument that contains everything you need to make music or you want to save some money and just use a computer for making music? For me, if I had a lot of money sitting around doing nothing, I'd get a Neko. But since I don't, my laptop computer does everything a Neko/Miko can do without the same price tag.

 

[JC.]

I think the OpenLabs stuff is overkill except for the upper echelon producers.

Who else uses one besides Timbo and Lil Jon?

Do you own one yet j.troup?

 

[EMAG-A]

Polow uses one...But thats besides the point...Its irrelavant really...The functions are my main concern not who uses them...

 

[JC.]

Yes of course its irrelevant but its nice to know.

 

[EMAG-A]

yeh sure i can understand that...i found your thread troup...btw did you order the timbo version or just the MiKo?

 

[j.troup]

I think the OpenLabs stuff is overkill except for the upper echelon producers.

Who else uses one besides Timbo and Lil Jon?

Do you own one yet j.troup?

http://www.openlabs.com/national-artist.html


http://www.openlabs.com/featured-artists.html




lol...technically, I do own one. Just haven't gotten it yet!













Timbaland Special Edition MiKo Overview

Open Labs, the leading designer and developer of computer based music production solutions, is proud to introduce the Timbaland Special Edition MiKo keyboard workcenter. Building on the standard features of the MiKo LX, an all-in-one portable studio powered by Windows™ XP that is capable of running virtually any Windows XP compatible software including a variety of DAW software, virtual instruments (VSTi), virtual effects (VST) and other music applications, the Timbaland Special Edition takes this robust instrument to an entirely new level of performance and creativity.

Dressed in an all-new Arctic White Chassis - the Timbaland Special Edition MiKo will stand out in any crowd. The Timbaland Special Edition MiKo upgraded to 4GB of RAM features E-MU™’s new Proteus™ X2 Streaming Sound Module V2.5 with over 7,000 instruments, including the new Ensoniq™ Urban Legends™ Sound Library that contains the sounds from Ensoniq’s ASR™/EPS™/MR™/ASR-X™/ZR™ instruments. These sounds were specifically requested by Timbaland, and are only available in the Timbaland MiKo, an Open Labs exclusive.

* E-MU™ Proteus™ 2000
* E-MU™ Mo’Phatt™
* E-MU™ Modular System™
* Ensoniq™ EPS™ /EPS 16+™
* Ensoniq ASR 10™
* Ensoniq ASR-X™
* Ensoniq ZR76™
* Ensoniq MR61™
* ARP™ 2600™
* ARP™ Axxe™
* Roland™ JD800™
* Roland™ Jupiter 8™
* Roland™ JX-8P™
* Roland™ TB-303 Bass Line™
* Roland™ Juno 60™
* Moog™ Memorymoog™
* Mini™ Moog™
* Moog™ Taurus Pedals™
* Sequential Circuits™ Prophet 10™
* Sequential Circuits™ Prophet 600™
* Elka™ Rhapsody™
* Mellotron™ Mark II™
* Korg™ MS20™
* Solina™
* Oberheim™ OB™ & X™
* Hammond™ B3™
* Rhodes™ Electric Piano™
* Hohner™ Clavinet™
* Yamaha™ CP-70™
* Wurlitzer™ Electric Piano™

Running within the new Proteus X 2.5 environment, these keyboards are reborn inside the Timbaland Special Edition MiKo providing world-class audio quality, choice of instruments, ease of use and represents a value of over $60,000 if the actual keyboards were purchased individually.

When combined with the new Open Labs sound library V4, the Timbaland Edition MiKo contains over 24-gigabytes of premium sounds, constituting 25,027 presets. The street price for the bundled software and sound libraries is $2,967, which includes $487 worth of Open Labs Special Edition plugins, optimized by the software developers for use with the MiKo.

“I’ve made the new Timbaland Special Edition MiKo with Tim’s Touch,” said Timbaland, “It’s got everything I need in a single box and when I use it, we make masterpieces.”

“Timbaland is really on top of the world right now. His music is everywhere,” said President of Open Labs, Victor Wong. “To think that he is using our gear to produce these hits is cool, but the fact that he has put a little bit of himself into the MiKo, making it an even better instrument, is incredible. This is all very exciting for us.”

“We are honored that Timbaland asked us to help create his ultimate instrument,” said E-MU’s Senior Product Manager, Ichi Nagai. “We are excited to put together the exclusive Ensoniq Urban Legends Sound Library for Open Labs that contains many of Timbaland’s favorite sounds that he’s used in his work over the years.”

Timbaland Special Edition MiKo Technical Specifications:

Keyboard:
37-key semi-weighted synth action keyboard (World class Fatar® Technology)

CPU:
Core2Quad® Quad-core 64-bits (2.4GHz)

Control Surfaces:
Pitch Bend and Modulation Wheels, Trackpad with 2 Buttons, Keyboard (“QWERTY”) Module, Alpha Control Module (5 Faders, 5 Modes Buttons, 3 Transpose Buttons, 5 Directions Buttons and 5 Transport Buttons), DJ Module: Penny and Giles® Cross-Fader, 7 Knobs and 12 Buttons

Memory:
4GB RAM

Expansion Slots:
(3) PCI Slots (2 available for upgrades), (3) PCI-E Slots (2 available for upgrades), (2) 3.5” Bays: (1) Start Up Drive and (1) Available for Upgrade, (1) 5.25” Dual-Layer DVD-RW burner (8.5GB/disc)

Audio I/O:
(1) High Performance Audio I/O Card with Low Latency including 24-bit/96kHz professional 4-in/6-out : (2) mic/instrument preamp inputs (with Phantom Power 48V), (2) analog line inputs, (6) analog line outputs, S/PDIF digital I/O (coaxial)

Storage:
MiKo LX (1) 500GB, 7200RPM HD; Upgradeable to 1.5 Terabytes

Drive:
High Speed Dual-Layer 8.5GB/Disk CD/DVD Burner

Display:
Internal 15” Color Touch Screen LCD High Resolution (1024 x 768), External VGA port for running Dual Monitors or a Video Projector

Connection:
Midi In/Out, 1) Sustain and (1) Expression ports, 2) USB 2.0 ports, 3) (1) FireWire 400 port, 4) (1) Gigabit (10/100/1000) Ethernet port, 5) (1) Headphone Jack with Volume Control

Software:
Microsoft® Windows® XP Home, Open Labs Custom GUI (Graphic User Interface), Open Labs mFusion®, Open Labs Karsyn®, Open Labs MimiK (optional on SE Model), E-MU Proteus X2 Streaming Sound Module V2.5

PREMIUM Factory Sound Library V4:
25,027 presets (over 24GB of sounds) from over 60 virtual instruments including: including E-MU’s Ensoniq Urban Legends, Mo’Phatt X, Vintage X Pro Collection, Virtuoso X, and X2 Production Library, Truepianos, WusikStation V4, Extra Wusik Sound Libraries (Wusik Sound Magazine 1-13, HQ Strings, Choirs, GM), Purity, Sylenth 1, VB3 OL SE, Mr. Ray22, Mr. Ray73, Mr. Tramp, Organized Trio V3, Realguitar V2.1 OL SE, Discovery V2.10 OL SE, Vertigo V2.6 OL SE, HighLife V1.4, WIVI Trial Edt., Suburban Guitarist, Lollapalooza Lite OL SE, BB303i V2, Synth 1, Addictive Drums Demo, Ticky Clav, Delay Lama, Crystal V2.4, Sun RA, String Theory V1.5, Texture V1.2, Rez V2, Motion V2.8, Plugsound Free, Mini Dizi, Mini Erhu, EPiano Module, Rhodes Module, Bass Module, Rock, SFZ Player Free, Bass Line, UltraSonique V1.1, Syncoder 32-2, Spook Keys, Super Spook Keys, Cubix V1.0.1, Minimal V1.5, Optik V1.4, Pandemonium V2, X-Fortuna, Lazer Blade Free, Protoplasm 21 Free, STS-25 Free, Ph0ne, Rogue, MicroSynt, Artphase V1.5, Mr. Alias V1.02, Blood Bucket V1, Monolisa V1.12, String Synth, PhadiZ, Accordion.

Included Accessories:
AC Cord, Start Guide, Owner’s Manual (PDF), Motherboard Manual, 2 Open Labs Sounds and Drivers DVDs, 3 Utility CDs, 3 Reference Maps, 2.5mm Wrench, Additional Screws and Washers for Hard-Drive Upgrade

Power Supply:
500 Watt Power Supply, Whisper Quiet Cooling Fans (Internal Chassis, Processor & Power Supply)

Dimensions:
36”(W) X 20”(D) X 7”(H), Weight (base configuration) 35 lbs.

Order your Timbaland Unit

(Note: Colors may vary slightly from images displayed above.)

 

[Mister Encore]

my homie sanzo just ordered one ... lucky ass nigga

 

[tonedef]

i have the timbo edition. it is nice, but i would only recommend it if u move around a lot and need everything in one package. its good to be able to clone my fantom and motif sounds to have everything in one machine. the sounds that come with it are nice but i added so much other stuff, i haven't really had time to go thru the stock sounds. as far as the sound quality, if u have bad sounds to begin with well.....

 

[Xabiton]

That's so true. No matter what you're using, if you're not using good sounds to start with, you're not going to get good results.

While I WOULD like a Neko, one thing to keep in mind is that it really IS a computer running commercially available VST instruments and effects. The extra sounds available for it in the Timbo edition can be found separately (other than the Ensoniq sounds) as can the VST instruments. Basically, you can get the same sounds (at the same quality) for a lot cheaper if you have a decent computer and soundcard. There are also auto samplers available on both PC and Mac that do exactly what the Mimik software does. Not sure what software on the PC does it, but I know the company that makes the EXS24 sampler editor (Red Matic I think) makes something that is identical (and can actually do more than the Mimik software). Basically, the question is whether you want to have an instrument that contains everything you need to make music or you want to save some money and just use a computer for making music? For me, if I had a lot of money sitting around doing nothing, I'd get a Neko. But since I don't, my laptop computer does everything a Neko/Miko can do without the same price tag.

emulator x does the mimik. soundforge also does it. its nothing more than a midi dump.

 

[California]

cant you just get the same sounds and use them on the computer you already have ?

 

[j.troup]

emulator x does the mimik. soundforge also does it. its nothing more than a midi dump.

Not true. Mimik actually samples the audio. It samples at different velocities, with after touch and modulation, etc. Samples all of the audio at whatever bit rate you specify, and for how long you specify.

Then you can take those sample patches and use them in your favorite program...reason, sample tank, whatever.

There's videos up on the open labs site that get into detail and even give a demonstration of how mimik works.

Its not just a midi dump at all.

 

[Xabiton]

Not true. Mimik actually samples the audio. It samples at different velocities, with after touch and modulation, etc. Samples all of the audio at whatever bit rate you specify, and for how long you specify.

Then you can take those sample patches and use them in your favorite program...reason, sample tank, whatever.

There's videos up on the open labs site that get into detail and even give a demonstration of how mimik works.

Its not just a midi dump at all.

ive yet to see anything suggesting otherwise. got a link? everything ive read about mimik seems to make it a glorified midi dump

 

[j.troup]

cant you just get the same sounds and use them on the computer you already have ?

I've heard alot over the past week how the MiKo is JUST this and ONLY that, and you can get the same thing if you just do this...

So if its really as easy as people say it is, why doesn't everybody have MiKo capabilities, sounds, quality, etc??

I mean, if its that simple, everyone would be doing it, right??

ive yet to see anything suggesting otherwise. got a link? everything ive read about mimik seems to make it a glorified midi dump

I'm in the bed on my iPhone right now. But go to the open labs site (www.openlabs.com) and check out the videos. It tells you everything you need to know, so there is no guess work involved.

Plus I actually spike to the guys and they explained to me how it worked. You connect the midi and the audio of both units, set your parameters and settings, then hit start. It'll sample just one patch or an entire bank.

They don't recommend sampling an entire board though, as that takes up ALOT of space!!

 

[Xabiton]

I've heard alot over the past week how the MiKo is JUST this and ONLY that, and you can get the same thing if you just do this...

So if its really as easy as people say it is, why doesn't everybody have MiKo capabilities, sounds, quality, etc??

I mean, if its that simple, everyone would be doing it, right??


I'm in the bed on my iPhone right now. But go to the open labs site (www.openlabs.com) and check out the videos. It tells you everything you need to know, so there is no guess work involved.

Plus I actually spike to the guys and they explained to me how it worked. You connect the midi and the audio of both units, set your parameters and settings, then hit start. It'll sample just one patch or an entire bank.

They don't recommend sampling an entire board though, as that takes up ALOT of space!!

ill check for it when i can find the video. i dont see anything on the mimik feature. I am not doubting that the Miko/Neko is a good piece of gear btw. I don't think its right for me and I feel its overhyped. I am sure this will be useful for a lot of people but most people can get the job done with a laptop and a few programs or a mpc and a fantom or something similar.

 

[theanomoly]

there is software that does the EXACT thing that mimik does (i believe, can't say for sure because i haven't used either) i actually think there is a few different software options that have been around for longer than mimik - the problem is that your changing samples that are few megabytes... into samples that are a few hundred megabytes - which is no problem if you have a lot of hard drive space and/or time to wait for samples to load.

it's no secret that you can do the same things with the right computer midi keyboard and software... the miko/neko is for people who need everything in one box (mainly for people who travel a lot) or would like to stay a little more organized/need more space

i went to the receptor forum and asked the same thing... that last paragraph is pretty much the answer i got.

 

[1005]

Anyone have a clue about that soundcard they are using? i'm guessing it's not M-audio anymore, more likely E-mu. But which one? 0404? 1212? 1212m?

there is software that does the EXACT thing that mimik does (i believe, can't say for sure because i haven't used either)

emu synthswipe at least, i think there's at least couple more of the same kind.
since those miko sounds are driven with proteus x, i would think anyone using emulator x or proteus x could achieve the same sounds. also, most of those sounds are allready availale for anyone to be bought. it all boils down to the what ever card is being used to drive them out with..

it would be cool to see someone ripping miko sounds with synthswipe, and making an A/B comparison but i think that's too much expected...

 

[ianscott111]

I've heard alot over the past week how the MiKo is JUST this and ONLY that, and you can get the same thing if you just do this...

So if its really as easy as people say it is, why doesn't everybody have MiKo capabilities, sounds, quality, etc??

I mean, if its that simple, everyone would be doing it, right??

Most of the sounds that come with the MiKo can either be found in the (mostly) free VST's that it comes with (i.e. Mr. Ray, Crystal, etc.) or in the E-mu Proteus X library. The people who have the Proteus X and VST's like Sylenth1 and Wusikstation DO have the capabilities and sounds of the MiKo. For me, that's the reason why I feel no need to get one right now (even though I'd like one to sequence Windows instruments such as VAZ Modular with Logic). The software running on the MiKo is no different than what is commercially (and freely) available to anyone that really wants it. The people at Open Labs just created a really streamlined operating system to run everything efficiently and compiled a large list of plugins/sounds to create an all-around keyboard.