PopuMusic PartyStudio blends speaker, synth engine and wireless MIDI

PopuMusic has unveiled the PartyStudio, a battery-powered portable speaker that doubles as an integrated synth engine and wireless MIDI hub designed to get players "just play" without a host computer or complex setup. The unit supports up to three Bluetooth LE MIDI devices plus one wired MIDI port and ships with or pairs to companion keyboards such as a 36-note PartyKeys, positioning itself as an instant jam and practice tool.

Under the hood the PartyStudio packs 128 built-in instruments, an integrated drum machine with roughly 50 patterns, and a touchscreen for menu and part selection. PopuMusic bills the wireless MIDI as low-latency with a sub-16ms claim, and the speaker delivers about 70W output through several drivers and a passive radiator. The unit runs on battery for around eight hours and includes synchronized RGB lighting. Front-panel operation is intentionally simple: two knobs, two buttons, two switches plus the touchscreen, and it will function as a conventional Bluetooth audio speaker when not used for MIDI.

Hands-on impressions emphasize how quick the PartyStudio gets you playing. NFC tap pairing with PartyKeys is described as very easy, and Play & Sing modes that assist with chords on the companion keyboard, plus the drum machine, make the box useful for practice, teaching, and small-group sessions. The bundled sounds lean toward solid, broadly useful General-MIDI-style coverage rather than boutique synth character, which favors convenience over vintage-analog tone or hyper-unique patches.

Limitations matter for synth-focused users. The 128-preset palette is modest and expandable only via OTA updates, and there is no onboard recorder or phrase overdub function, reducing sketching and looping potential. At high SPLs some listeners noted bass distortion and a loss of fine detail when the speaker is pushed hard. Those trade-offs put PartyStudio squarely in the portability and convenience camp rather than as a replacement for dedicated analog rigs or studio monitors.

Kickstarter early-bird pricing starts around $299 for the speaker-only tier with higher-cost bundles that include PartyKeys; retail pricing is expected to be higher. OTA updates are planned to add sounds over time.

The PartyStudio shines where minimal setup, low friction wireless MIDI, and a built-in speaker beat hauling a laptop and interface. It strips away patch cables and MIDI mapping headaches so you can teach a chord progression, sketch ideas with friends, or practice away from the studio. Our two cents? If you crave instant jamming and portability, try the PartyKeys bundle and test the unit at gig-level volumes to check bass behavior. If you need onboard looping or deep synth character, bring a looper or keep your vintage gear on standby.