Smaller than a laptop (measures 4-inches square), the NUC PC has a 2.7 gHz IntelCore™ i5 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB solid-state drive. It comes with a Tascam US-2X2 audio interface, keyboard, mouse, four USB 3.0 ports, a mini-display port, mini-HDMI and Ethernet jacks, plus WI-FI and built-in Bluetooth.

The US-2X2 (2-inputs and 2-outputs) interface works up to 24-bit/96 kHz and has two Ultra-HDDA pre-amps with Combo jacks for line level or mic inputs, and there are two balanced TRS Line outputs and MIDI jacks on the rear panel. I found the unit well made with level controls for line output, built-in headphone amp, and easy-to-read peak level meters with switchable 48-volt phantom powering.

To complete the package, Track Factory comes with Tascam's TM-80 condenser mic with desktop stand, shock mount, clip and cable. You also get a pair of Tascam's closed-back TH-02 foldable headphones. For someone starting out and getting setup, I found thoughtful that you also get up to 20-minutes of personal online training and configuration session and technical support.

The Tascam Track Factory Project with its US 2X2 interface is a compact, portable dedicated DAW system for anyone--beginners to pros. It'll fit into a backpack and go anywhere. To get you going besides Sonar Pro software, it comes with Ableton Live 9 Lite, basic Web browser, and text editor.