As the name suggests, DART ONE is the first MIDI controller we ever presented to the public, back in 2014. It was born inside the Hackspace Catania lab, with a clear goal: build a device that could stand shoulder to shoulder with commercial gear, without compromise.

At the time, DIY MIDI platforms already existed – the legendary ucapps.de still one of the best, programmed beautifully in assembler but built on PIC microcontrollers, not Arduino, that was (and remains) the strongest, most accessible standard. So we set out to fill the gap: a controller that worked for producers and sound designers – plenty of knobs, buttons, and physical control – yet also answered the needs of a digital DJ. That meant rugged controls, stage-proof durability, and serious track navigation.

We focused heavily on custom DIY optical encoders combined with touch sensors, exploring every possible interaction between the two. Fast forward to 2026: DART ONE – now simply called ONE, but still with its signature colors and bold character – is still in our store. It has been revisited and improved over the years. You can get it as a DIY kit, designed so assembly feels like a joy, not a chore. Or choose it fully assembled, yet wide open to customization: MIDI over DIN, extra arcade pushbuttons (our beloved 80s touch), piezoelectric pad sensing, a second side spinner, custom wheels with shiny metal foil logos under epoxy resin, or even an infrared distance sensor.

ONE is not just a controller. It’s an invitation to play, to solder, to break and remake.
Because perfect machines are forgettable.
Machines with scars develop a soul.