Virtual mixing studio the size of a thumb drive

If you're the type of musician who appreciates the space-saving practicality of collapsible keyboards and folding guitars, then this mixer may be of particular interest. (Credit: Avid Technology)

The "Mbox 2 Micro" is the newest addition to Digidesign's family of production equipment and, as such, lets you tap into virtual instruments to create music while editing, mixing, and sequencing sessions. But there's one very noticeable difference from other the models: True to its name, the Mbox 2 Micro is roughly the size of a USB storage key.

That means that it has no audio inputs, so it won't work with real instruments. But despite its dimunitive stature, according to Audio Junkies, the tool still manages to feature "high-quality 24-bit/48kHz sound, a mini-jack output for monitoring with headphones or speakers, and a volume control."

And if you're one of those fashionista DJs, the Mbox 2 is available with a "custom lanyard" and headphones--which, we hope, won't resemble anything like these.