Synido Tech’s TempoPAD C16: Wireless MIDI Control Reimagined for Mobile and Studio Creators

At the heart of the TempoPAD C16 are its 16 velocity-sensitive pads, which the presenter describes as responsive and satisfying for finger drumming. While not quite matching the feather-light touch of flagship controllers like Ableton Push 3, the pads still deliver a solid, expressive playing experience. This is crucial for beatmakers who rely on nuanced dynamics and tactile feedback.

Beyond the pads, the C16 features eight endless encoders, four faders, and twelve assignable buttons—each of which can operate in momentary or toggle modes. The real architectural trick, however, is the bank system: four pad banks and four control banks multiply the available controls, effectively turning eight knobs into 32 and four faders into 16. This banked approach enables deep customization and expands the controller’s utility far beyond its physical footprint, making it a powerful hub for complex setups.

The C16’s workflow is built around user-driven MIDI mapping, with the video making it clear that automatic DAW integration is not provided out of the box. Instead, users are encouraged to assign controls manually, a process that is described as straightforward and well-documented in the user guide. This hands-on approach allows for precise tailoring of the controller to individual setups, whether in Ableton Live, drum machines, or other DAWs.

Navigation is aided by dedicated buttons and an illuminated Bluetooth indicator, with additional options for adjusting velocity curves and fixed velocity modes. These features support a range of performance styles, from expressive finger drumming to consistent, quantized triggering. The emphasis here is on flexibility and adaptability, empowering users to mold the C16 to their preferred workflow.

The inclusion of a step sequencer adds another layer to the C16’s capabilities. While described as basic—limited to 16 steps with no advanced features like probability or pattern chaining—it nonetheless provides a straightforward way to program beats directly from the controller. Live recording into the sequencer is supported, and the workflow is demonstrated with kick, snare, and hi-hat patterns. Although power users may wish for deeper sequencing tools, the simplicity here keeps things accessible and fast.

Note repeat functionality is also present, with controls for time division, swing, gate, and tempo (including tap tempo and external sync). This is a staple for finger drumming and rapid-fire fills, and its implementation on the C16 is both immediate and flexible. On the connectivity front, the controller offers MIDI in, out, and thru ports, as well as USB-C for charging and wired MIDI use. The internal battery supports wireless sessions, though the non-replaceable design is noted as a trade-off. Overall, these features round out the C16’s appeal for both DAW-based and hardware-centric rigs.

The video culminates with a demonstration of the C16’s compatibility with mobile apps, specifically Koala Sampler on iOS. The controller is recognized instantly, enabling wireless beat-making without the need for additional adapters or cables—a significant advantage given the port limitations of modern mobile devices. Mapping controls in Koala is shown to be quick and intuitive, allowing users to assign play, stop, and other functions directly from the C16.

This seamless integration underscores Synido Tech’s commitment to supporting mobile creators. The tactile feel of the pads is highlighted as a major improvement over touchscreen-only workflows, making the C16 a compelling option for producers who want hands-on control in a portable format. The overall message is clear: the TempoPAD C16 is designed to empower creativity wherever inspiration strikes.