The Mandala V3 is a plug-and-play high-definition/zero-discernible-latency MIDI controller meant to be played with sticks and/or hands and fingers. The Mandala detects both WHERE and HOW HARD you hit/slide/press on its surface and rims and it outputs associated MIDI note and controller data. It is important to note that the Mandala is a class-compliant USB MIDI controller that requires no special drivers for Mac/Windows/Linux. This means you can simply plug it in and control any available MIDI software just as you would with a MIDI keyboard. Direct connection to 5-pin MIDI ports on musical hardware (synths/samplers/sound modules/etc.) is also an option.

Mandala is the fastest MIDI drum available, detecting both the position and velocity of every strike.

• 600 microsecond MIDI latency

• 9 Rim Triggers

• 4 Surface Triggers

• Strike Position controller (0-127 center to edge)

• 9 Rim Presssure continuous controllers

• Surface Slide and Pressure continuous controllers

• All triggers holdable

• Direct pad plug-and-play with software and hardware

• Minimal impact noise

• Expandable output modules

• No crosstalk or mistriggers

You will receive one Mandala pad with attached interchangeable output cartridge offering USB-B and 5-pin MIDI ports. Mandala V3 does not include any audio software. It is designed to control 3rd party software and hardware. USB cable included. V3 Utility app included. The pad size is 13.75"w x 15.75"l x 2.25"h and the pad weight is 5.5lbs.

We are currently accepting pre-orders for a limited production run. Shipping is expected to begin in June 2024. For shipping in the U.S. we use UPS Ground. For international shipping we use U.S. Postal Service Priority Mail International.

Yes, we do ship internationally. Synesthesia Corporation ships internationally via the US Postal Service Priority Mail International.

International shipments may be subject to Customs examination and VAT in the destination country. For information on Customs regulations in your country please contact your local postal service or customs agent.

The V3 is a MIDI controller, so you either need a PC or Mac with audio software (such as Logic, LIVE, Battery, Kontakt, Superior Drummer, Cubase, etc.) or any piece of musical gear which includes a 5-pin MIDI input port. You connect the V3 to a computer with a USB cable or you connect it to your hardware with a 5-pin MIDI cable. Mount your V3 to standard L-rod hardware (up to 10.5mm) and play away. Skill not required. The amazing range of the Mandala will adapt to any ability or style.

Mandala V3 comes with one hardware cartridge which includes a USB-B port for USB MIDI and a 5-pin MIDI port for connection to standalone hardware. Your Mandala will get ample power through its USB connection when connected to a host for USB MIDI. If you plan on only using 5-pin MIDI please connect the USB-B port to a USB power supply to provide power to your Mandala. 

For USB MIDI: Connect your pad/s directly to USB ports on your computer with standard USB cables, or through a powered USB hub connected to your computer.

For 5-pin MIDI: Connect your pad/s to any device with a 5-pin MIDI in port using standard 5-pin MIDI cables. You must also power your pad/s with standard USB power supplies connected to their USB ports.

Yes. If you have multiple USB ports or a powered USB hub you can configure any number of Mandala pads using the Mandala V3 Utility browser-based app to create the drum kit of your dreams.

Mandala drums have been tested and used by top professionals both in the studio and on world tours but that does not mean that an absolute first time drummer cannot sit down and be infinitely entertained by the musical and sonic features of the Mandala. Out-of-the-box settings make the V3 instantly compatible with many factory presets in your favorite software and hardware.

The pad detects both the impact position and velocity of your strikes on the pad surface, continuous pressure and sliding on the pad surface, impact and velocity of your strikes on the rim sections, and continuous pressure on the rim sections.  Surface position sensitivity is the unique feature that allows the Mandala its amazing range of sound control from synthesized effects to acoustic emulation.

The Mandala V3 can detect more than 1000 different strike positions on a single pad. For your convenience this data is used to define 4 surface strike zones, 128 concentric data surface rings for effects control (from center to the edge), and 9 rim strike zones. The choice of configurations within those parameters is all yours.

The V3 MIDI output configuration is factory set out-of-the-box for wide compatibility with external software and hardware but the browser-based V3 Utility app allows saving alternate MIDI output configurations as presets if advanced users would like to customize their pads. The settings within any preset you load will instantly be written to the V3’s internal memory for use without being connected to the Utility app.

Mandala V3 is only available through our website. Pre-sales for a limited production run are currently being accepted.

At this time the Mandala V3 is only available through our website. Selling direct from our website allows us to offer the lowest possible price.

Yes your Mandala V3 can be returned for a full refund within 15 days of receiving the product. Synesthesia also provides a one year limited warranty on parts and labor guaranteeing against factory defect.