Synido Tech’s TempoPAD C16: Minimalism Meets Wireless MIDI for Koala Sampler

The TempoPAD C16’s hardware feature set is tailored for versatility. Bluetooth MIDI support means users can connect wirelessly to Android devices (with the help of the free MIDI BLE Connect app), sidestepping the need for adapters or extra cables. Physical connections are also available, with MIDI in, out, and thru ports on the back for those who want to integrate the C16 into more traditional setups.

Programmability is front and center: the controller offers multiple banks for pads, knobs, sliders, and buttons, each of which can be mapped up to four times via the CTRL BANK system. This architecture allows for a significant degree of customization, enabling users to assign controls for sample editing, sequencing, or performance effects as needed. The lithium battery ensures extended sessions without hunting for spare AAAs, and the overall build is clearly aimed at creators who need both flexibility and reliability in a portable package.

Integration with the Koala Sampler is where the C16’s design really shines. MIDI mapping is straightforward—users can assign each pad, knob, and slider to specific functions within Koala, from sample start and end points to pitch, pan, and even transport controls. The CTRL BANK system allows for logical grouping: one bank for sample manipulation, another for sequencing, and a third for performance effects, mirroring Koala’s own workflow sections.

This flexibility enables highly personalized setups. For example, users can dedicate knobs to EQ or sample reversal, assign faders to mixer tracks, and repurpose buttons for tap tempo, undo, or sequence clearing. The video demonstrates how quickly these mappings can be set up and adjusted, making it easy to adapt the controller to different creative needs. The result is a workflow that feels both tactile and immediate, bridging the gap between touchscreen software and hands-on hardware control.

The C16 isn’t just a generic MIDI pad controller—it also includes its own hardware step sequencer and a flexible note repeat function. The step sequencer can be accessed directly from the device, allowing users to input and edit patterns without touching the screen. While the video only scratches the surface of this feature, it’s clear that the sequencer is designed for quick idea capture and basic pattern programming.

The note repeat function is particularly nuanced: not only can users set time divisions, swing, and gate, but they can also selectively enable or disable note repeat on a per-pad basis. This level of granularity is rare in compact controllers and gives beatmakers the ability to create intricate hi-hat rolls or rhythmic variations with ease. These hardware features extend the C16’s utility beyond simple triggering, making it a more complete creative tool for rhythm and sequencing.