DonnerMIDI Pad Beat Maker Machine Professional, Drum Machine with 16 Beat Pads, 2 Assignable Fader & Knobs and Music Production Software, USB MIDI Controller with 40 Courses, STARRYPAD

I got this as a gift for a Dungeons and Dragons dungeon master. He had been wanting a soundboard for his sound effects and music, but they were typically very expensive. This was an affordable option I found and he has been really happy with it. He was able to set it up with software on his laptop, so he can take it over to his friends' houses and have a more comprehensive experience in their play sessions.The soundboard is responsive so that he can quickly insert the sounds he needs, and there are plenty of large buttons so he can tie different effects to different buttons and have plenty ready to go at one press. You are also able to fade sounds so he can transition music between scenes. Overall quite happy with the purchase.

once I unboxed the device I connected it to the computer, and the computer set it up so it was recognized. When I opened my DAW Software, it recognized it, but I was having issues getting it to work. I got on Google and searched until I found the answer so Both my MIDI Keyboard, and the Starrypad would work at the same itme in my DAW. Now I just have to practice finger drumming to make beats. Thank you for a quality product!

I purchased this controller to use with an Alesis SR16 drum machine and can confirm that it does work to trigger the drum sounds from the SR16. However, the Alesis has 12 pads while the Starrypad offers 16. So the Starrypad only works to trigger the sounds already assigned to the 12 pads on the Alesis. I had hoped to use the other 4 pads on the Starrypad to trigger additional drum sounds from the Alesis but that didn't work. Also, since I am only using the Starrypad to connect to the Alesis and not to any DAW software, I had hoped to power the Starrypad with a USB charger adapter. But I could only get it to work when plugged into a computer. Finally, I took off one star because the pads on the Starrypad still feel a bit too tight and not as responsive as I had hoped.

Update: Donner reached out after my first review and provided a replacement unit, and it works so much better. The sensitivity of the pads is excellent. It works will be Ableton Live 11 and 12. Great customer service as well!The unit has nice features, a useful editor, easily connected to Ableton Live, and feels solid, but all of that doesn't matter if it doesn't perform well at it's most basic function. The pads are just not sensitive enough except for the most entry level finger drumming. The required force is too high. I had to strike each pad very hard and it removed any sort of enjoyment or expressiveness while playing. Rolls or ghost notes were impossible. I could do a basic 4 beat pattern but that's it, and had to keep it set to "full level" the entire time. I tried changing the settings (it lets your adjust the velocity curve in the editor) but it didn't help. I returned it.

Followed all instructions and it's either sooo complicated or just doesn't work. You have to download apps that aren't friendly to use on both phone or laptap. Had 2 parents, college student and 18 yr old all spend hrs reading and configuring with no luck! Plus the first beat pad i ordered on cyber Monday on sale was "lost in mail". But they still sent me the product warranty I bought instead of refunding it! Instead of just sending me a replacement beats they just issued me a refund. I had to order a new one that was now $30 more 🙄. Would not honor the sale price! Contacted them complaining and have never heard anything back. We've watched many Donner you tube videos for set up that are not helpful. This was my son's main Christmas gift. Big FAIL! Do not buy!!

I love this item. It does take a little time to understand how to use it and it will try to get you to download everyHardware under the Sun that you don't need. But ignoring all those. Once you figure out how to use it and set the keys , it works great and will definitely make building beats easier and yes it works perfectly on fl studio

The unit itself is solid and nice.But after you plug it into your computer, you are taken to a third party website where you have to register to get the software.And the software isn't free, as advertised, you can get a limited free trial, that doesn't have the full functions.If I buy a guitar. It should come with strings, so not getting the software with the product changed my opinion on this item...

The media could not be loaded. This Donner midi controller is pretty slick. Complete piece of cake to get paired to my antique laptop. I downloaded cakewalk to use for my DAW, and after making a couple simple adjustments, I was able to control the digital instruments via the DMK25.Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not a composer by any means. I genuinely thought I could get this, set up s few drum loops and have something to play my guitar with in a few hours, but that's not the case. Due to my lack of experience, I spent the better part of a week trying to figure the DAW out, even though the Spaceline worked perfectly the whole time. I highly believe that someone with some more experience with this digital stuff would figure it out super quickly.Value for the money is excellent. There is another company that produces a VERY similar product, almost down to the key and pad layout, but this guy costs significantly less. That's a no brainer.The size is about the same as a15" laptop. It's not too bulky and would fit fine in a laptop bag.I'm beginning to figure this thing out, and it's found itself a permanent home in my growing wanna be home studio!