Traxxpad: Portable Studio is an application for the Sony PlayStation Portable that allows PSP users to convert their portable video game console into a portable music station. "Traxxpad" allows you to select from over 1000 sounds to create your own compositions. You can also record your own sounds with the proper PSP accessory. The resulting beats can be saved, exported to MP3/WAV files, or shared with friends using ad-hoc wireless.

It is advertised as easy to use, yet powerful music creation and editing suite. The only problem is that it isn't exactly easy. On personal note, I had some difficulty figuring out how to use the darn thing and the instructions weren't much help. Granted, I am no musician, which may have had something to do with it. Regardless, "Traxxpad" is a very specialized application that will only interest some. It is not for the casual user and I am living proof of that.

When you first boot up "Traxxpad", there are a few options. They include "Make Beats", launches the Traxxpad Portable Studio application, "Choose Skin", pick different user interfaces (I like the robot!), and "Share Beats", connect with fellow Traxxpad DJs to share music files via ad-hoc wireless. Despite the different options, you will spend most of your time in the Traxxpad Portable Studio application.

The Traxxpad Portable Studio is divided into four modules: RTIST, MeLOD, STAC, and MyXxer. You use these modules to create and edit beats, record notes in a sequence, start a new jam/song, synthesize music with a MIDI-like interface, assemble sequences into songs, and digital DJ.

• RTIST: is the real-time sequencer. This module is used to create and edit beats. This is accomplished by recording notes into a sequence. You start by placing notes in a timeline grid. The timeline grid represents which notes will be played in what order. Notes can be set to one of two channels: A and B.
• MeLOD: is used to refine the melody. It is a MIDI-like controller that allows you to refine individual sounds on a track. Here you can set new notes, change pitch, adjust note volume, adjust volume of entire track, and more.
• STAC: is studio through a console. This module allows you take multiple sound sequences and compile them together into songs. You can load up to four sequences in one song.
• MyXxer: is the digital DJ, where you can mix tracks by loading RTIST tracks for looping and triggered play. It does not have recording or editing capabilities. The module is purely free-style digital DJing.

Overall, I really did not care much for the "Traxxpad" experience. While the application is claimed "easy to use", I found it difficult to navigate the system, as well as make music. The PSP's controls are an inherent limitation (to many PSP games) and a real problem with "Traxxpad". There entire process just feels clumsy with the PSP controls. Consequently, the music process feels like it takes longer than it should. While I am no music expert, I have played around with mixing programs on a PC and those work pretty well. However, you have access to a keyboard, mouse, and hard drive full of sound files. It is a very different experience than using the PSP controls to compose music.

In the end, Traxxpad: Portable Studio is not what I would consider a fun experience. The process of creating music on the PSP with the intent to make MP3/WAV ring tones, share with friends, or digital DJ does not appeal to me on any level. The amount of effort to build something of quality with this tool seems far more than the benefit is worth. I would say that only the diehard music enthusiasts give this application a test drive. Everyone else should just skip it, and if you are interested look for a computer program.