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A pocket-sized device called Neko aims to combine wireless guitar inputs, amp modeling and an onboard multitrack recorder into a single handheld unit — and the maker plans a crowdfunding launch later this month. If it works as described, the gadget could change how players practice, record ideas and perform on the move.
Key features the company highlights
Neko is built around two magnetic, 1/4-inch wireless jacks that dock to the unit and charge while attached. Plug one into your instrument and the company says you can be playing in seconds without cables strewn across the floor.
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- Access to community-created tones via the Neural Amp Modeler (NAM) ecosystem on Tone3000, with support for stacking up to three effect/amp blocks.
- Headphone output on a 3.5‑mm jack that the company says can drive high‑impedance cans.
- Track separation using Lalal.ai so users can mute a guitar part and play along with stems from a streamed song.
Recording, AI tools and practice aids
The device includes a built‑in multitrack digital audio workstation and a compact touchscreen. Users can record multiple layers, save sessions to the unit and export files over USB‑C or via a companion mobile app.
Neko also incorporates generative assistance: record a riff, choose a genre or vibe on the 3.5‑inch screen and the system can generate a full backing track in that style. The maker positions this feature as a way to overcome writer’s block and explore arrangement possibilities.
Onboard storage is listed at 16 GB, with automatic session analysis and organization so recorded ideas can be searched and retrieved by date or by segment. Additional capabilities mentioned include audio‑to‑MIDI conversion and transcription into tablature.
How it could fit on stage
According to the company, Neko is intended for live use as well: a wireless foot controller can swap tones in performance, and the unit can be integrated into an effects loop. That would let players move between presets without touching a pedalboard.
Technical hurdles and realism
Some of the claims raise engineering questions. Running NAM with perceptible low latency is demanding; the company cites a target latency figure in the single‑millisecond range, and the device would need an AI accelerator to handle modeling plus continuous session recording.
Fitting an NPU, battery, charging and wireless radio systems into a compact chassis with the claimed feature set is nontrivial. Similar technologies exist in pedals and small amps, but combining wireless jacks, real‑time NAM, a DAW and on‑device AI is an ambitious integration for a new hardware team.
Pricing and timeline
The maker says it will open a crowdfunding campaign later this month, offering an early‑backer price of US$399 versus an expected MSRP of US$599. The company lists April 2027 as the target date to begin shipping initial orders.
