...for Reason users: this is a perfect controller for the Kong Drum Designer. Paired with a drum sequencer (Reason Drum Sequencer plugin or the Propulsion Drum Sequencer plugin); it really helps with workflow when recording and/or programming drums. Can also be used with Redrum, of course; for those who prefer step sequencing instead of a grid or don't want to purchase a sequencer plugin. Not sure why Reason doesn't include a sequencer for Kong in the first place. But if you prefer recording them live over programming; then this controller is a great option, especially for the price. It doesn't have an arppegiator (if you use the controller for a synth). But if you're using Reason, the included arppegiators are much easier to use and can do way more than any arppegiator built into just about any controller.
Another feature on the Starrypad that I really like and forgot to mention before is the "Full Level" button. Honestly, the sensitivity on the pads is not the best I've ever used. To get full velocity you really have to tap it HARD. Perhaps it will "break in" the more I use it...we'll have to see. That being said, the Full Level button makes all hits full velocity. Sure I'll have to go into the sequencer and manually adjust any velocity variants later (which I'd have to do either way) but at least you get an even baseline on all hits (for the purpose of setting volume levels on the initial mix). Most other midi controllers with velocity sensitive pads have this feature, however it usually involves menu diving which is one of my (and most other's) least favorite past times. And most of the time throws a wrench into workflow, which is what any producer would want the least. I'm hoping Donner continues manufacturing gear like this. They do have a midi keyboard out there currently, but the pitch and modulation "wheels" aren't wheels and I'm not a huge fan. A 49 key or even 61 key (with a little more room for bells and whistles...and of course; faders) is certainly something I'd like to see in the future.
Wasn't impressed at all with the guitar pedals but the midi controllers are some of the best in the business and a fraction of the price. Best value overall that I've purchased in years.
Just link it to your daws version of a virtual Mpc. FL studio uses FPC and it works great for me. Daws are almost always better than the native that comes with the controllers. Aside from using thier software to have your PC recognize it just use your Daws specified controller link VSTs.
I just got an AKAI MPD218 and the pad sensitivity is absolute trash. You have to hit them full force for them to register anything. The whole reason I'm looking into other devices right now.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the MDP218. I’m afraid you won’t get much better pads if you choose to go with the starrypad. This prices range is tricky. However, if you’re looking for quality pads and don’t mind spending a bit more, look into the native instruments maschine range. The pads are large with great sensitivity and it comes with a full production suite. Good luck with your search!
Can you connect the Donner Starrypad to an external synth like the Roland mc101, with the "midi out" from the Starrypad into the "midi in" port of the Roland? Can the two devices communicate with each other, and will the pad controller trigger sounds from the synth? Is there any particular configuration in the settings to adjust in order to make this two devices work together? Thanks.
Hey! The starrypad would work with the NTS 1. However you would need a 3.5mm to 3.5mm midi cable and make sure you can feed it power through the usb c port. There are probably better options for your type of application, and I would recommend checking out at the Arturia line of midi controllers. They generally have better integration with hardware synths.
Most important question is avoided: Are 2 assignable knobs stuck with 0-127 midi cc value or are they incremental, eg sending only the info on which direction and how fast it is tuned? Can the banks be changed with midi messages? Can the pad lights be changed with midi messages? This review was useless.
Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback sample tram. Sounds like you’re looking for an in-depth tutorial on the starrypad. Let me know if that’s something you’d like to see.
Hey there good video I couldent get the starry pad app it gives me a error saying can’t proceed because DLL was not found it’s on windows 10 and the terminal tip dident work is there any alternatives
I’m not familiar with the windows version. I would try reinstalling the application here’s the link to most recent software drive.google.com/file/d/1PLJ7gZ09TUI_gGtBvyDdsZgL1fCInKzc/view?usp=sharing
@@sonusaurelius6576 nvm I got it to work one more question tho my starrypad doesent give me the options to send to device and get to devic so have my midi connected and my starrypad shows up on device setup do you know how to fix this by chance
This could be two reasons 1) the starrypad hasn’t been selected as in and out device in options/device setup 2) the device isn’t connected to the computer properly, so try disconnect/reconnect. Hope that helps!
@@sonusaurelius6576 I did option 1 and 2 nothings working I watched another video of yours and you said for mac that you have to save It to a applications folder do you know if windows 10 might have something like that
Install on windows installation packages tend to put things where they need to be so it would be that. Are connecting it directly to your computer or via a usb hub? Does the starry pad light up etc?
Hi Brian, yep! Just be sure that you send the new settings from the editor to the device. Think it’s the send to device button or something, I can’t recall. Hope that helps!
Would you happen to know why starrypad editor doesn’t work with my controller. I change colors in the editor software but nothing happens in the controller
Hello!! Glad to help. Assuming the pad is fully functional and you’ve connect the cable properly, when you’re sending information to the device you need to ensure the software sees and is able to connect to it. It’s in the top drop down menu on the software. If you’re connected be sure to then send the new configuration to the device. If you’re still having trouble try connecting with a different cable or using a different computer. Hope that helps! If not, tell me more and I’ll try and help out.
Hi Kee-San, the Starrypad doesn't make sound out of the box. It controls parameters on digital audio workstation (DAW) or stand alone music production software, like Ableton, Logic, or reaper etc. The editor software just allows you to tell the Starrypad what messages to send to the software you're using to make music. Here are some suggestions for free DAWs to get you going blog.landr.com/best-free-daw/. If you already have a DAW, just open it up and your Starrypad should work without too much fuss. Hope that helps and thanks for watching!
Very basic unit. Sadly the pads are limited to instrument use only & cannot be customised to start individual tracks, mute etc. Also no way to set drum pad to full intensity. Mine went back to Amazon same day.
Happy to help. I’ll need a little more information. What are you trying to trigger with your starry pad? It’s advertised as a “drum pad” but doesn’t come with any sounds. You have to connect it to a midi capable sampler, or a digital audio workstation (e.g., GarageBand) or sampling software.
Hi Josh, thanks for watching. The links to the editor software for windows and Mac are in this video description! If it doesn’t work let me know and I’ll send you a fresh one. Not sure why they make it so hard to find!!
@@sonusaurelius6576 thanks, I actually just found it and opened it, however when I paired the pad and the software together, it still doesn't make sound for me, am I doing something wrong?
@@joshuasalley1948 happy to help - tell me more about your setup. What Digital Audio Workstation are you using? What plugins / instruments are you trying to control with the Starrypad?
@@joshuasalley1948 OK cool - try this video from In the Mix th-cam.com/video/dMU2Y2oP-Ic/w-d-xo.html. It provides a good overview of how to setup MIDI controllers. You shouldn't need any Windows drivers for the Starrypad, but you may need to make sure you've linked the MIDI correctly depending on your DAW application you're trying to control. The video should show you how. Thanks!
@@sonusaurelius6576Yes, I did it... Starrypad Editor. Connected. Everything works, the parameters change, the colors of the buttons and so on, BUT... the red SEND TO DEVICE button and the green GET FROM DEVICE button are inactive. I can't figure out why. Changes cannot be saved...
Thank you. Thanks to the video, I began to understand a little what's what. But there are misunderstandings... I went to the Storypad Editor and found that the red SEND TO DEVICE button is not active. I can't save the changes. But I vaguely remember that at first I saved something. Was active. And also, GET FROM DEVICE does not work. Only the blue FACTORY RESET is active. I don't understand - what happened? And VSTi stopped sounding on the track. The signal goes, midi messages are recorded, but there is no sound...
@@sonusaurelius6576 Thank you for your reply. The issue was resolved in this way: when I specified the input and output for midi (Options - Device setup) in Starrypad Edition v 1.0.3, I did not highlight both parameters with the mouse pointer, because when connecting Starrypad to the computer, they were already determined automatically and I immediately clicked OK. And it was necessary to highlight the input and output lines and then click OK. And it is necessary to allocate both at once. I discovered this by accident in three days...😀
@@markus918 great news! that's the sad reality of music production. I lot of time spent on trying to make things work. But you learn as you go! good luck making music 😁
Great job! I bought one and couldn't get the app to work with my Mac. Your tech tip really helped. Thanks!
Glad it helped! If there’s anything else you’d like to know more about let me know and I’ll make a vid!
...for Reason users: this is a perfect controller for the Kong Drum Designer. Paired with a drum sequencer (Reason Drum Sequencer plugin or the Propulsion Drum Sequencer plugin); it really helps with workflow when recording and/or programming drums.
Can also be used with Redrum, of course; for those who prefer step sequencing instead of a grid or don't want to purchase a sequencer plugin. Not sure why Reason doesn't include a sequencer for Kong in the first place. But if you prefer recording them live over programming; then this controller is a great option, especially for the price.
It doesn't have an arppegiator (if you use the controller for a synth). But if you're using Reason, the included arppegiators are much easier to use and can do way more than any arppegiator built into just about any controller.
Thanks for the useful advice!!
Another feature on the Starrypad that I really like and forgot to mention before is the "Full Level" button. Honestly, the sensitivity on the pads is not the best I've ever used. To get full velocity you really have to tap it HARD. Perhaps it will "break in" the more I use it...we'll have to see. That being said, the Full Level button makes all hits full velocity. Sure I'll have to go into the sequencer and manually adjust any velocity variants later (which I'd have to do either way) but at least you get an even baseline on all hits (for the purpose of setting volume levels on the initial mix). Most other midi controllers with velocity sensitive pads have this feature, however it usually involves menu diving which is one of my (and most other's) least favorite past times. And most of the time throws a wrench into workflow, which is what any producer would want the least.
I'm hoping Donner continues manufacturing gear like this. They do have a midi keyboard out there currently, but the pitch and modulation "wheels" aren't wheels and I'm not a huge fan. A 49 key or even 61 key (with a little more room for bells and whistles...and of course; faders) is certainly something I'd like to see in the future.
Wasn't impressed at all with the guitar pedals but the midi controllers are some of the best in the business and a fraction of the price. Best value overall that I've purchased in years.
Thanks!!
Big fan of all the great gibson anf jackson ibanaiz guitars and a big fan of dooner guitars. As well thay are at a great price
I’ve never played their guitars!! Sounds like they’re good
Just link it to your daws version of a virtual Mpc. FL studio uses FPC and it works great for me. Daws are almost always better than the native that comes with the controllers. Aside from using thier software to have your PC recognize it just use your Daws specified controller link VSTs.
Nice one - thanks!!
Dooner means thunder and thats what thay are 100% thay are great
You really like donner!!
Legend
Glad you found value on this video!
What I’m loving is the size of this unit. It would be a great sized basic MIDI controller for iOS applications and approach. 🤔👀
Hey keezoflife, you’re right and you can actually use it with iOS. Just needs to be powered with a USB hub or something similar.
I just got an AKAI MPD218 and the pad sensitivity is absolute trash. You have to hit them full force for them to register anything. The whole reason I'm looking into other devices right now.
Thanks for sharing your experience with the MDP218. I’m afraid you won’t get much better pads if you choose to go with the starrypad. This prices range is tricky. However, if you’re looking for quality pads and don’t mind spending a bit more, look into the native instruments maschine range. The pads are large with great sensitivity and it comes with a full production suite.
Good luck with your search!
Can you connect the Donner Starrypad to an external synth like the Roland mc101, with the "midi out" from the Starrypad into the "midi in" port of the Roland?
Can the two devices communicate with each other, and will the pad controller trigger sounds from the synth? Is there any particular configuration in the settings to adjust in order to make this two devices work together? Thanks.
Refer to the comment I put in my other video! Thanks for your question Barbara!!
I didn't think the Akai MPD218 had non-USB MIDI out, isn't that a feature the Starrypad has that the Akai does not?
Hey syncopator - you're right. Thanks for pointing that out! 🙂
Hey - which would work with the Korg NTS-1 Custom Oscillator and its 3.5mm to midi?
Hey! The starrypad would work with the NTS 1. However you would need a 3.5mm to 3.5mm midi cable and make sure you can feed it power through the usb c port.
There are probably better options for your type of application, and I would recommend checking out at the Arturia line of midi controllers. They generally have better integration with hardware synths.
I subd 💪🏽💯
Thanks very much for your subscription. If you have any thoughts on tutorial videos that would be useful for you, let me know!
Most important question is avoided:
Are 2 assignable knobs stuck with 0-127 midi cc value or are they incremental, eg sending only the info on which direction and how fast it is tuned?
Can the banks be changed with midi messages? Can the pad lights be changed with midi messages?
This review was useless.
Thanks for taking the time to leave feedback sample tram. Sounds like you’re looking for an in-depth tutorial on the starrypad. Let me know if that’s something you’d like to see.
Hey there good video I couldent get the starry pad app it gives me a error saying can’t proceed because DLL was not found it’s on windows 10 and the terminal tip dident work is there any alternatives
I’m not familiar with the windows version. I would try reinstalling the application here’s the link to most recent software drive.google.com/file/d/1PLJ7gZ09TUI_gGtBvyDdsZgL1fCInKzc/view?usp=sharing
@@sonusaurelius6576 nvm I got it to work one more question tho my starrypad doesent give me the options to send to device and get to devic so have my midi connected and my starrypad shows up on device setup do you know how to fix this by chance
This could be two reasons 1) the starrypad hasn’t been selected as in and out device in options/device setup 2) the device isn’t connected to the computer properly, so try disconnect/reconnect. Hope that helps!
@@sonusaurelius6576 I did option 1 and 2 nothings working I watched another video of yours and you said for mac that you have to save It to a applications folder do you know if windows 10 might have something like that
Install on windows installation packages tend to put things where they need to be so it would be that. Are connecting it directly to your computer or via a usb hub? Does the starry pad light up etc?
If I edit the mappings in the Mac/Windows software, does the machine save my new setting when I move the device over to my iOS device?
Hi Brian, yep! Just be sure that you send the new settings from the editor to the device. Think it’s the send to device button or something, I can’t recall. Hope that helps!
Would you happen to know why starrypad editor doesn’t work with my controller. I change colors in the editor software but nothing happens in the controller
Hello!! Glad to help. Assuming the pad is fully functional and you’ve connect the cable properly, when you’re sending information to the device you need to ensure the software sees and is able to connect to it. It’s in the top drop down menu on the software. If you’re connected be sure to then send the new configuration to the device. If you’re still having trouble try connecting with a different cable or using a different computer. Hope that helps! If not, tell me more and I’ll try and help out.
How do u set it up it not playing any sound I have the software
Hi Kee-San, the Starrypad doesn't make sound out of the box. It controls parameters on digital audio workstation (DAW) or stand alone music production software, like Ableton, Logic, or reaper etc. The editor software just allows you to tell the Starrypad what messages to send to the software you're using to make music. Here are some suggestions for free DAWs to get you going blog.landr.com/best-free-daw/. If you already have a DAW, just open it up and your Starrypad should work without too much fuss. Hope that helps and thanks for watching!
🤣🤣🤣
Very basic unit. Sadly the pads are limited to instrument use only & cannot be customised to start individual tracks, mute etc. Also no way to set drum pad to full intensity. Mine went back to Amazon same day.
Fair enough! Good call - there are far better MIDI drum pads out there.
What would you recommend as I’m new to this ?
Im using microsoft. How can i download it?
hi julie: here's the link to the WIN version drive.google.com/file/d/1SXSpdZXDXoIMMBrKArF7_6uXIHaAtKtF/view hope that helps!
I don’t have sound for my pad please help I’m new to this.
Happy to help. I’ll need a little more information. What are you trying to trigger with your starry pad? It’s advertised as a “drum pad” but doesn’t come with any sounds. You have to connect it to a midi capable sampler, or a digital audio workstation (e.g., GarageBand) or sampling software.
Do you have a link to the software? I can't find it anywhere.
Hi Josh, thanks for watching. The links to the editor software for windows and Mac are in this video description! If it doesn’t work let me know and I’ll send you a fresh one. Not sure why they make it so hard to find!!
@@sonusaurelius6576 thanks, I actually just found it and opened it, however when I paired the pad and the software together, it still doesn't make sound for me, am I doing something wrong?
@@joshuasalley1948 happy to help - tell me more about your setup. What Digital Audio Workstation are you using? What plugins / instruments are you trying to control with the Starrypad?
@@sonusaurelius6576 thank you! everything is connected to my HP computer pretty much
@@joshuasalley1948 OK cool - try this video from In the Mix th-cam.com/video/dMU2Y2oP-Ic/w-d-xo.html. It provides a good overview of how to setup MIDI controllers. You shouldn't need any Windows drivers for the Starrypad, but you may need to make sure you've linked the MIDI correctly depending on your DAW application you're trying to control. The video should show you how. Thanks!
Funciona en Android?
Creo, si, pero no lo he prabado
Does this work with FL?
Hi Matt! Yep, works with any DAW!
とてもいい歌のおと
ありがとうございました!
Metoosame same school as youlm at a loss as to what to dols that cute!
218 sensitivity is terrible- don’t buy Akai
The larger pads on the 218 help though, compared the smaller ones on the starrypad.
Thanks, but where can I get Donner Starrypad control editor?
For some reason they put it under "MIDI keyboard" in their download page donnermusic.com.au/pages/download.
@@sonusaurelius6576Yes, I did it... Starrypad Editor. Connected. Everything works, the parameters change, the colors of the buttons and so on, BUT... the red SEND TO DEVICE button and the green GET FROM DEVICE button are inactive. I can't figure out why. Changes cannot be saved...
Thank you. Thanks to the video, I began to understand a little what's what. But there are misunderstandings... I went to the Storypad Editor and found that the red SEND TO DEVICE button is not active. I can't save the changes. But I vaguely remember that at first I saved something. Was active. And also, GET FROM DEVICE does not work. Only the blue FACTORY RESET is active. I don't understand - what happened? And VSTi stopped sounding on the track. The signal goes, midi messages are recorded, but there is no sound...
Would a setup video be helpful?
@@sonusaurelius6576 Oh, my God! Really??? Yes, yes! Thanks!!! 🤓
I hope this helps - th-cam.com/video/NiCduWhiy7E/w-d-xo.html
@@sonusaurelius6576 Thank you for your reply. The issue was resolved in this way: when I specified the input and output for midi (Options - Device setup) in Starrypad Edition v 1.0.3, I did not highlight both parameters with the mouse pointer, because when connecting Starrypad to the computer, they were already determined automatically and I immediately clicked OK. And it was necessary to highlight the input and output lines and then click OK. And it is necessary to allocate both at once. I discovered this by accident in three days...😀
@@markus918 great news! that's the sad reality of music production. I lot of time spent on trying to make things work. But you learn as you go! good luck making music 😁