Synido Tech’s TempoPad C16: Wireless MIDI Control, Mapped for Modern Creators

The Synido TempoPad C16 is introduced as a versatile MIDI controller that places a strong emphasis on wireless connectivity and mobile music-making. Right from the outset, the video highlights how Bluetooth support and a built-in rechargeable battery set the C16 apart from many traditional MIDI controllers. This combination is clearly aimed at users who want to create music anywhere, whether on a laptop, tablet, or even a phone, without being tethered by cables. The device’s compact form factor and included hard case reinforce its go-anywhere ethos, making it a compelling option for producers and beatmakers on the move.

The C16’s control surface is densely packed yet thoughtfully laid out, featuring 16 RGB pads that are described as smooth and responsive. The video walks through the tactile experience—pads, buttons, sliders, and knobs all receive attention, with particular note given to their smooth action and build quality. The navigation control and main parameter knob are slightly clicky by design, allowing for parameter selection and fine-tuning, which is a subtle but important detail for workflow.

Three operational modes—Custom, Keyboard, and Dark—expand the device’s versatility. Custom mode offers flexible mapping, Keyboard mode transforms the pads into a playable scale with octave shifting, and Dark mode inherits Custom’s mappings with a different visual scheme. The inclusion of four pad banks (A–D) and control banks, plus a 16-track sequencer, further extends the C16’s range, making it suitable for everything from finger drumming to melodic sequencing.

The video provides a step-by-step guide to connecting the TempoPad C16 wirelessly to a laptop using Bluetooth, with a particular focus on Windows workflows. Key to this setup are two free utilities: MIDIberry and loopMIDI. The presenter demonstrates how to configure these tools to route MIDI data from the C16 to Ableton Live, emphasizing the importance of correct input/output settings and the quirks of maintaining a stable connection. The advice to avoid closing MIDIberry mid-session is especially practical, as it can instantly sever the wireless link.

Once inside Ableton Live, the mapping process is straightforward but flexible. The C16’s knobs, sliders, and buttons can be assigned to various DAW parameters, with the video showing clear examples of mapping volume controls and other functions across different control banks. The ability to switch between banks and map multiple layers of controls is highlighted as a workflow booster, allowing users to control a wide range of DAW functions without leaving the hardware.

The hands-on demonstrations move from setup to performance, showing the C16 in action as a creative tool. Finger drumming on the RGB pads is showcased, with the device’s responsiveness and velocity sensitivity apparent in the video. The built-in sequencer is also put to use, enabling real-time pattern creation and playback directly from the hardware, which is a notable feature for a controller in this price and size category.

Transport controls are mapped to Ableton’s play, stop, and record functions, allowing for DAW operation without touching the computer. This integration is particularly valuable for live performance and DAWless workflows, as it keeps the user’s focus on the hardware. The video’s examples make it clear that the C16 is designed to be more than just a pad controller—it’s a central hub for triggering, sequencing, and navigating a session.