Self-Contained: Open Lab’s MiKo™ (Timberland Special Edition)

Self-Contained: Open Lab’s MiKo™ (Timberland Special Edition)
Written By Eric “E.P.” Sakla

The new wave of technology is upon us and I must say I’m impressed. Emerging on to the scene is new hardware/software that is making the job of producers much easier in the realm of efficiency. However, this does not mean the art of production is becoming easier. Unfortunately (for you overnight beat smiths who want a get-rich-quick scheme), you still need an ear for music and of course, talent. When discussing efficiency, it is not the idea that instrumentals can be composed in five minutes that’s impressive (though some beat makers tend to think so). The “efficiency” lies in the ability to have all hardware / software at your fingertips at once. No more leaning over to the MPC for drum programming and turning around to play some chords on the Triton. And when it’s time to bring the elements into Pro tools, no more sliding the chair over to work on the computer. If you have the “Timberland Special Edition” MiKo™ workstation by Open Labs, well, you have it all.
Open Labs collaborated with Timberland on this unique product that makes production a comfortable experience, preventing the grunt work from interfering with the creative process. Running on Windows XP (Where’s the Apple version at?) with 4GB of Ram, the Timbo version is packed with 7,000 instruments handpicked by the genius himself. A host of sounds contributed from Ensoniq™ including the new Urban Legends™ Sound Library will be sure to keep any producer content. With too many presets, sounds, and bundles to count, producers are going to have a hard time being bored. It is stated on their website (www.openlabs.com) that the value of sounds in the MiKo™ is equivalent to over $60,000 worth of keyboards (if purchased individually). This is the weapon used for hitting the industry with a “sonic boom”!
With this product, I can see myself handling a lot of mainstream Rap, R&B and Pop production. The sounds (and their quality) are amazing for that futuristic, epic production. This is a machine for innovators who want to get to the point and craft their ideas with ease. Too many times the creative juices have been hindered or lost by setting up sessions, programming on numerous pieces of equipment and importing software. The only drawback for producers such as myself who deal with sample based gritty production, is the loss of the hands-on feel. With the MiKo™, there is no more impressive producer set up that has MPC’s, Keyboards, Turntables and other hardware laying around with the wiring running haphazard throughout the studio. There is a certain essence to crafting grimy rap records with dusty crates full of records and chopping on the MPC that is lost with the MiKo™. It’s a bit too clean and accessible. The idea of having a shrine full of equipment is now being replaced with one module that does all the work. But hey, “to each his own”. There is nothing wrong with simplicity.