Workstation Drumming Via USB

PC owners know that rhythm games are basically non-existent outside of the console environment. I didn’t mind so much before, but after experiencing the fun of Elite Beat Agents, I’ve begun to think that I’m missing a lot in that genre.

To possibly alleviate what us PC owners are missing, Synesthesia Mandala has collaborated with Tool drummer Danny Carey to create a USB Drum Pad. While it’s not a rhythm game per se, it is a serious accessory. It’s the perfect peripheral for hobbyist, amateur and, courtesy of Carey, even professional drummers. Product features are as follows:

• Every hit gives you a Note with Velocity AND a Strike Position for HD sound control
• Surface detects 128 strike positions from center to edge
• 128 strike velocities from soft to hard with no false triggers
• Multizone configuration allows mapping of up to 7 zones per pad
• USB interface with easy, yet powerful ‘Virtual Brain’ software for Mac or PC. Play along with your favorite songs in iTUNES!
• Includes original sound library with scores of instruments, or load your own samples
• Tons of out-of-the-box presets to get you playing right away
• Connect multiple Mandalas to your computer to form a kit
• Also works seamlessly with Logic, Battery, BFD, Live, Reason, GarageBand, etc.

Popular Mechanics found the software component too complex for average users, so while the musically-inclined will appreciate the professionalism of the device, those who are just looking for a good time might want to try it out first.

Source: Product Page

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