Taetro’s Take on the Synido TempoPAD C16: A Beatmaker’s Dream Come True

Unpacking the Beatbox

This one’s for all the beatmakers out there who want to cut the cord—literally. Taetro introduces the Synido TempoPAD C16, a Bluetooth MIDI controller that’s as wireless as your grandpa’s ancient radio. This little gadget is all about untethering from the shackles of traditional setups, making it perfect for those impromptu street jam sessions. Taetro is having a blast, and he’s quick to dive into the basics: a set of 16 velocity-sensitive pads that are all about delivering the vibes, but maybe not feather-light like the Ableton Push 3. It’s all about laying down those finger-drumming skills with just the right amount of flair.

"I have been having tons of fun with this controller."

Exploring the Control Jungle

"These are endless encoders along with 4 faders and 12 buttons that can be either momentary or toggle."

The Synido isn’t just about pads – it’s a freaking playground of knobs, faders, and buttons. Taetro highlights 8 assignable encoders, 4 faders, and enough buttons to make your setup look like a space shuttle console. With four banks for pads and controls, the potential to expand your creative playground feels endless. Transport buttons? You got ’em. Custom mapping? Yup, you’ll be DIYing those connections, but with Taetro’s assurance, it ain’t as daunting as figuring out your grandma’s VCR. Bluetooth connection is as simple as pie on a Mac, though Windows folks might have to hurdle a few hoops, but worry not—the user guide’s got your back.

Dancing with Velocity and Sequence

Velocity levels can make or break how a pad responds in the heat of the moment. Taetro showcases the customizable velocity settings, perfect for making those beats hit just right. It’s got a handy 16-level option, letting you dial the dynamics from a whisper to a shout. And for those of you who dig a solid sequence, the step sequencer serves up just enough rhythm—although it might feel like an old-school stepper with only 16 steps and no fancy frills. Taetro gives it a twirl, demonstrating how to weave it into hardware setups for even more sonic mojo.

Looping in Style

Looping’s the name of the game when it comes to building beats live. Taetro walks us through how he uses the Synido TempoPAD C16 to build loops and groove layers within Ableton Live. Dropping a four-bar loop in session view is as easy as pie, and those transport mappings? It’s all about nailing them so you can capture the magic as it unfolds. Taetro’s setup screams versatility—with sample-loaded racks, it’s like finger-drumming on steroids. He shows how switching banks allows for seamless transitions, making it feel like you’re mixing fresh beats at your local takeout joint, one spicy pad at a time.

Crafting the Soundscape

The performance doesn’t stop at just playing; it’s about orchestrating a whole sound experience. Taetro’s custom mappings make the music dance, with effects like beat repeats and filter sweeps at his command. His prowess at using mappings to mute and adjust sections gives life to dynamic soundscapes. With banks full of vocal samples and synths, he’s adding textures and layers like a street artist with cans of spray paint, building up the beat mural note by note. Taetro shares his hope to use the many banks for live sets, packing a whole night’s worth of grooves into just one controller.

Going Mobile with the Beat

In a world where mobility is king, the TempoPAD C16 reigns supreme. Taetro signs off with a nod to the controller’s compatibility with mobile beat making apps like Koala. No wires means more freedom, and pairing with an iPad is like winning the beatmaking lottery. Connecting everything via Bluetooth ensures your session stays slick, even if headphone jacks are a thing of the past. Taetro shows how effortlessly everything maps to Koala, proving big, squishy pads always win over a touchscreen when it comes to live performance dynamics. It’s not just about the gear—it’s about the freedom to jam anywhere, anytime.

"So if your USB port and your mobile device is being taken up by a dongle for your headphones, then a Bluetooth MIDI controller that you don't need to plug into the mobile device is the way to go."