Japan's CyberStep has announced its expansion into the music business, with the development of the KDJ-ONE portable digital audio workstation (DAW). The device brings a synthesizer, sequencer, and multitrack audio editing into one unit, which sees user interaction via a touchscreen, a keypad, arrow pad and jog control. The mobile DAW is powered by an Atom processor, has included SSD storage and microSD expansion, and benefits from USB and Wireless LAN connectivity.
At 126 x 150 x 27mm (4.96 x 5.9 x 1.06-inch), the KDJ-ONE mobile DAW from CyberStep is about the same size as a portable CD player. It's powered by an Intel ATOM E640 1GHz processor, has 512MB of internal memory and comes with 4GB of SSD storage. It runs the Intel MeeGo Handset edition as its operating system, which brings its own web browser, media player, Skype and a handful of games to keep you amused between sessions.
The unit features a built-in KDJ2 Synth with ten synth algorithms, 20 effects, seven filters, and four modulation units including step modulation. There are 200 pre-installed voices, 100 drum kits and 100 audio clips, as well as 238 multi-layered waveforms and oscillator functionality. Users also benefit from a six-track pattern sequencer with real-time looping and step recording, and a song mode caters for on-the-fly, DJ-style mixing of two tracks.
The user controls all of the action using a 5-inch multi-touch panel, arrow pad controller, a jog dial and 15 keys with LED light. The unit also provides the user with vibration feedback that's said to add "unique force feedback to your music creating experience." Whether this will actually help or hinder the creative process remains to be seen, but it should prove useful during gaming.
Completing the specs run-down is USB 2.0 connectivity, a couple of Li-ion batteries, 0.5W stereo speakers and a built-in microphone (but there's also a mic/line in socket and line out). The KDJ-ONE also supports ACID WAV audio format and comes with a VST-i DAW plugin.
There's no word on pricing or availability at the time of writing, but visitors to January's NAMM in Anaheim can see the prototype in action at the company's booth.
