Millenium NonaPad Review (Avatar PD705 Gear4Music DD90 DigiPad Ddrums Nio) + some SPD-SX comparison

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  • čas přidán 22. 08. 2024

Komentáře • 84

  • @benjaminleblanc850
    @benjaminleblanc850 Před rokem +9

    Late comment about pad sensitivity from a recent buyer. As pointed by several Thomann's user reviews, with factory settings the 3 upper pads are much less sensitive than the six main ones. And even these large pads must be hit pretty hard to get a sound. But this can be fixed quite efficiently by changing the triggering threshold values. Lowering the main pad thresholds between 15 to 20 and setting the upper ones somewhere between 1 and 5 makes them respond in a much more balanced and nuanced way. Doing this, I haven't noticed any unwanted triggering even when thresholds are set to the minimum. So taking time to test and adjust these parameters to your play should be worth it. Great review by the way!

    • @eDrumsInANutshell
      @eDrumsInANutshell Před 4 měsíci +2

      AND there is a parameter called VelCurve and the is Linear, Log, Exp, Max ... That gives you different velocity mappings. Meaning that Linear is without any changes.
      LOGarithmic: the velocity will be mapped to a log type curve (please ask google, if not being a math freak) Kind of like a boost at lower velocities.
      Exponential is kind of a attenuation for lower vel. MAX: The vel. is always mapped to max. 127.
      For me LOG is the best choice, feels great.
      I bought this thing years ago as the Gear4Music DD90 version just to trigger VSTs/Ableton etc. Awesome!

  • @nashurbina
    @nashurbina Před rokem +4

    I bought it a month ago. It’s a nice entry level sampling pad and it’s well built. Don’t expect SPD SX or Alesis quality though.

  • @jjaammoo7777
    @jjaammoo7777 Před 2 lety +2

    I use a SPDS SX to trigger tracks and sounds. I would love to use Ableton but that’s just more gear to bring to a gig. It takes 40 minutes to setup my kit. That’s 4 drums, 4 cymbals, 5 mics, 16 ch snake, 1 bass trigger, iPad mixer, SPD SX, lights, and in ear monitor. I’m waiting for something that has a dedicated tap tempo and kit change, more memory, more trigger inputs, and better output flexibility. A better editor would be great too. The SPD SX is pretty out dated now. I think most drummers don’t go with electronics because it’s more gear to set up and it’s complicated to find and place sounds in a useable way. Not to mention a lot of drummers have a hard time with a click. Then there is the reliability factor of when your electronics take a dump in the middle of a set or song. I play in a variety dance band and would love to hear your input on how you use your gear. How do the musicians you play with like playing to tracks? How do you handle mistakes? Thank you for your time.😊

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 lety +1

      Hey - yep it is hard when you bring so much gear already and it definatley is important to focus on finding the right balance here. For my projects Ableton Live is the core system for tracks, audio effects/live-looping for the other musicians, controlling the light show, controlling our in-ear monitoring, changing (layered) drum sounds, clicks and guides... So for having this safe I use a redundant system (two computers running the same stuff on the same time) and if the main computer fails the back-up one takes over.

  • @wocoolski
    @wocoolski Před rokem +3

    Actually if you would like to have two separate channels from the drumpad, you can pan the individual sounds R/L in the settings.
    Thats only two separate outputs but better than nothing

  • @MesaMXR
    @MesaMXR Před 2 lety +5

    Cool review. Fun fact, one thing that I didn't mention in my review that is also true of this device is that it uses tons and tons of stolen Toontrack samples. I own a lot of the libraries that the sounds came from so I've heard the sounds hundreds of times, but also if you go into the PC editor for the nPad to build custom kits using internal sounds, the file names of the samples directly correspond to kit components for different EZX packs. It's wild.

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 lety +1

      Uuuups - that s very interesting. Could you name a few so I could research that?

    • @igeorgie
      @igeorgie Před rokem

      And why is this stolen? They could have bought it or made a good deal. The Pearl Mimic Pro Drum module uses a lot of Steven Slate. That is not a secret. So, the conclusion 'stolen' is a little quick.

  • @roccsterx
    @roccsterx Před 2 měsíci

    Great, indepth review mate! Just ordered one from Thomann (which I agree are an amazing company) :)
    Gonna check out your M4L devices as well.
    Cheers!

  • @stephencshapiro
    @stephencshapiro Před 2 lety +6

    If it's playing at a different speed then there's a difference in Sample Rate.

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 lety +8

      Yep I tried 48 and 44.1 - (manual says 48!) via direct USB file import - so funny thing here: both did not work/playing back in the expected tempo. Import via Editor worksI might have missed some info here.
      EDIT: Found the info! The files needs to be converted to MONO before importing via the direct file method.
      IF using the the Wave Manager Software it will takes care of the conversion. (kHz + Stereo/Mono)
      Finally some explanation for that.

  • @jesusjesus6061
    @jesusjesus6061 Před 2 lety

    thank you so much for this video. I bought this sampler as "DD90 DigiSampler" in germany and had a lot of problems with and I guess I will end up using it with ableton as you suggest

  • @andydasilva13
    @andydasilva13 Před 2 lety +3

    Great review! I was looking for a samplepad time ago, but they all were too expensive, so I got an small Akai MPX8. Sounds good, but I have to play it with my fingers. This one looks so good, and is not too expensive, so i think it could be a great option.
    How is the pads sensitivity? Works fine?

  • @NeilGDigital1Guru
    @NeilGDigital1Guru Před 3 měsíci

    Nothing explains better than a demonstration of what your talking about.Im not a drummer, i want to see an hear what it does.if im looking at a amp, or guitar, or guitar effect, nothing says buy me like hearing it
    . Not endless informed waffle an no demo . Does it work, how does it sound, how do you do what you mentioned. Thats the main factor and more user friendly . Just a short snippet illustrating each point please ?

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 měsíci

      I made a play-through all sounds video here: czcams.com/video/yVRj9oSvObI/video.html

  • @rickbiessman6084
    @rickbiessman6084 Před 2 lety +1

    Phew. Only mono samples? I’t not a huge fan of having to set up a computer and interface and connect a drum pad for live use. It’s so time consuming and not that pratical for quick changeover times. I’m fine loading my own samples onto a pad, but for some sounds, stereo is a must (especially for me actually since I play with IEM).
    Thanks for taking the time to make this review! I was curious how this cheapo stood up against the SPD SX. So you gave me exactly the information I was looking for! Awesome! =)

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 lety

      Thx. Yep the MONO only is a big minus on this pad - its a pity - as this is so crucial for many people.

    • @ralfkirsten124
      @ralfkirsten124 Před 2 lety

      ah.. and don´t forget to use the PANafter all 4 shure..!

  • @MrBeen992
    @MrBeen992 Před 2 lety

    Good review ! I prefer reviews from people who actually buy their gear and not receive it for free

  • @mycardety
    @mycardety Před 2 lety

    Thanks for the information and I think for the price is awesome but everyone know that Roland rule this drums for years 👍

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 lety

      Yep the SPD-SX is definitely the standard BUT I guess which pad is the right one to pick depends very much on the use case you are going for.

  • @user-lz7ie6qn3z
    @user-lz7ie6qn3z Před 9 měsíci

    Thank you for this review
    I connected a external trigger to the nonapad but i didn't find the way to change the sound of the trigger

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 9 měsíci

      Hey - TBH - the most flexible and quick way for sound selection would be to use it with Ableton Live - obviously that is only my approach but I would say that is where it is heading for most pro drummers with using drum pads live. For NonaPad questions you can always contact the support at Thomann. Cheers Tobi

  • @ericBcreator
    @ericBcreator Před 6 měsíci

    Nice review!
    I got my Nonapad a weeks ago and am doubting if I should return it and step up to a Roland.
    The issues I'm having is the internal sounds are like my TD-9 from 2008, limited memory size (I'm still figuring out how to check how much is left), I sometimes experience pads dropping out (like playing a crash, kick and hihat together, the kick disappears), while playing the Nanopad switched to the next kit a couple of times, the Wavemanger software is really basic and - really annoying - to access the USB function menu, you have to press SETUP and OK together. This doesn't work smooth at all, I almost always get the SETUP or OK menu and sometimes have to press over 20 times before the menu shows up. Oh, the volume output level is pretty low.
    When everything is setup, it's pretty OK - besides the mentioned dropouts and auto kit switching.
    Maybe the Alesis Sample Pad Pro would be a better choice for a bit more money. Or step up to a Roland.

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Yep understood! As I m pointing out in my review: I can suggest using this pad for MIDI. I totally understand this is not the most used and asked for features for a 'sampling' pad BUT TBH Alesis, Roland and most companies are so 'far behind' compared to things already possible and for functions which are a standard for years (you could say decades) of what's possible when using Ableton Live (or even simpler iPad apps) in conjunction with MIDI from drum pads. Totally agreeing that the sampling functionalities and editing softwares should be better but I have to say that I don't see any sampling pad (+editors) which seriously comes close to what should be a standard nowadays in functionality and UI/User experience.

    • @ericBcreator
      @ericBcreator Před 5 měsíci +1

      ​@@abletondrummerI understand your suggestion but as being a drummer already means you have to drag around the most gear in a band for gigs, I would prefer a standalone device without needing another device (laptop/iPad).
      I was checking some Alesis reviews but it seems - although there are bugs - software updates are slow (or non existend).
      The SPD-SX Pro seems the best device but costs a premium.
      I agree manufacturers should step up but apparently the market is not large enough (or buyers just accept whatever is available).

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 5 měsíci

      @@ericBcreator Totally understand - many drummers nowadays do some backing track/tracks OP and have to bring a laptop anyways but if not yep its def another thing to carry (and worry about, haha)

  • @raphaellitzistorf2089
    @raphaellitzistorf2089 Před 7 měsíci +1

    I just bought the Nona Pad and when importing sounds directly with a usb stick in 44.1, 16 bit mono, It's changing the pitch of my sample. Super weird. Do you know by any chance how to fix it ? Many thanks ! PS: impossible to install Wave Manager on my Macbook M1 PRO even though I allow the programm to be install in the Privacy settings.

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 5 měsíci

      Hey - def something to get in contact with the official support - what you are describing is the same experience I got here: czcams.com/video/8Sk_PkloKsw/video.htmlsi=ztq9mgImRQLAWn7v&t=653

    • @DontMe__
      @DontMe__ Před 3 měsíci +2

      Hey. The samples need to be 48k not 44.1k. That’s why it’s changing the pitch-the pad is playing it faster than it was meant to. So you need to adjust the sample rate to 48k.

  • @vp8943
    @vp8943 Před 2 lety +1

    Brilliant video. Thank You.
    Do you think there is a chance to make a video with drum kick and hi-hat footswitches please?
    Thank you.

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 lety

      Hey - what do you want to know about the pedal ins?

  • @MichaelSeyfried
    @MichaelSeyfried Před rokem +1

    I have one more questions. At the art of drumming review they mentioned that you have 50 user kits to put on your own samples. U said it's 20. So there is no way to use more then 20 user kits? Cause when u are playing a whole show u often need more then 20 kits (one kit for each song)

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před rokem

      Yep there is some misleading info from the manufacturers - if I recall that right: You can create 50 User Kits. Out of the box it will only show you 20 User slots but you can create up to 50.

  • @SquizbarDeAlienOfficial
    @SquizbarDeAlienOfficial Před 9 měsíci +1

    As an ableton user how easy is it to assign pads to sounds on the drum rack?

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 9 měsíci

      Hey it is fairly easy - you would need to edit the MIDI note pitch of the NonaPad to the pitch of the DrumRack cells you want to trigger. You can speed up this via this M4L device: czcams.com/video/3377N7HhHKA/video.html

  • @ONEPLAYERMODE
    @ONEPLAYERMODE Před 2 lety +1

    This is really interesting for me bc I am looking for an affordable functional samplepad and I think this one could fit my needs very good. I got the Alesis Samplepad and it was a mess, getting samples on there was even worse. Now I got an old SPD8, so it works but no samples atm.

    • @ONEPLAYERMODE
      @ONEPLAYERMODE Před 2 lety

      I got the Nonapad now, and so far everything seemed fine BUT I am experiencing the same problems like with the Alesis Samplepad: When hitting two pads next to each other exactly at the same time (esp. top and middle row), pnly one gets triggert! Argh!

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 lety

      @@ONEPLAYERMODE WOW ok - I need to check that out - did you try putting the threshold up?

  • @marcinligocki335
    @marcinligocki335 Před 6 měsíci

    Can someone recommend kick foot switch that is tested and works. Ideally not super expensive but not annoying too. Thanks for sharing!

  • @sartre13
    @sartre13 Před rokem

    Hallo Tobi, Danke für das super Review. Hat mir schon mal bei den ersten schritten mit dem nonapad geholfen. Hast du auch ein Video oder online-Kurs wie ich die ersten Schritte mit nonapad und ableton mache? Ich hab leider nichts bei Dir dazu gefunden.

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před rokem

      Hey - also gerade für den Einstieg in MIDI Drums/Pads + Ableton Live ist dieser Kurs konzipiert: abletonkurse.usefedora.com/p/abletondrummerdeutsch

  • @MichaelSeyfried
    @MichaelSeyfried Před 2 lety

    Great review! Just one more question, if I use f.e. an acoustic trigger on my snare, is there a function/buttom to turn it off while playing? Cause sometimes u need it in a particular part and afterwards u just want to play the acoustic snare without the trigger sound.

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 lety +1

      Hey - you could select between kits. On one kit you have a sound in the trigger slot and in one you don't. IF you want this happening by automation e.g. if you play to backings/click track anyways you might want to look into using Ableton Live for that: blog.abletondrummer.com/how-to-change-sounds-in-one-ableton-live-set-midi-track-using-the-chain-selector/

    • @MichaelSeyfried
      @MichaelSeyfried Před 2 lety

      @@abletondrummer thank u a lot for your support!

  • @paulmark992
    @paulmark992 Před 9 měsíci +1

    Does anyone with Apple silicon m1 m2 or m3 have problems with this pad? I have seen some comments on reddit and reviews on Thomas that the millennium pad doesn't work with apple silicon Macs and it's a problem with the computer.

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 9 měsíci +1

      Video is made with an M1

    • @paulmark992
      @paulmark992 Před 9 měsíci +1

      @@abletondrummer I will be receiving my nonapad one of these days and I will test it out. If somehow this thing won't work I will get a usb to midi cable.

    • @paulmark992
      @paulmark992 Před měsícem

      It works fine with m series mac and ableton

  • @pauliusmscichauskas558

    1) How do the pads feel? I have a Alesis Strike Multipad, and I think the pads are not sensitive enough, especially the top three (you have to hit them hard to register) and it's hard to get quiet hits. Any problems such as that here?
    2) I've seen the same-looking product released by other manufacturers. Could've bought one, but I've seen in the reviews, that the MIDI connection has very noticeable latency. No problem here?

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 lety

      Hey - like I m saying in the video - 'Feel' is something which comes down to the person who is playing. All 'shoulder' pads I played so far didn't feel like a good option for playing 'sensitive' sounds but more like 'full on' velocity on shots TBH. I doubt that you will get better feeling/results with the shoulder pads compared to other pads. Still you should try changing threshold and sensivity for those pads. The MIDI connection/latency feels fine for me.

  • @shayshay_triple
    @shayshay_triple Před 2 lety

    Quick question about loading samples and performing. Is it possible to have 2 parts of a song (intro, verse) in same mute group. But when you hit to go from one part to another, the loop ends before the next begins? Make sense?

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 lety +1

      Hey I think that should work - BUT - as I m saying in the video - I don't see this pad as a really good solution for backing tracks.

  • @godpeace_key4206
    @godpeace_key4206 Před 2 lety

    hello thank you for the video it shows that I did well to buy the NONA pad.
    but I need to load sounds and external loop I don't know how to do it. what format to use Waw 8bit 16bit 32bit?

    • @MrTonAbleton
      @MrTonAbleton Před 2 lety

      The manual says 16 bit BUT if you use the Wave Editor Software I guess it will be all converted automatically. See the links and more info on that here: mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGpGKWFbCSMndVvQShPxwNbzttC

  • @ronaldnascimentodrummer
    @ronaldnascimentodrummer Před 11 měsíci

    I can't add sounds😔

  • @Kevin12321
    @Kevin12321 Před 2 lety

    Anyone got any tips how to get Logic Pro to recognize this thing? (I have the avatar version)

  • @Anton-bn1qp
    @Anton-bn1qp Před 2 lety

    Sorry for asking here. How do I have to configure the NanoPad if I want to use it with its MIDI output using layers A and B? As it is configured from the factory it does not work. The pad allows you to assign notes to layer A and layer B different notes, but the DAW only receives the note assigned to layer A. Thanks.

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 lety

      Hey Anton - when I did the review and testing the A und B MIDI notes worked when using a HH controller to change between two MIDI notes. BUT only this way (- so not like the velocity split for internal sounds on layer A+B). Did you this with a HH/Expression-Pedal?

  • @daddycccc9384
    @daddycccc9384 Před rokem

    Can you play 9 different loop on each pad? Like for an example can I have a clap playing on pad 1 and have a cowbell sound on pad 2 and so on

  • @donniekicvodang302
    @donniekicvodang302 Před rokem

    Hi, I am wondering that is the Avatar PD705 able to edit by the Gear4music software?

  • @igorstankovic3275
    @igorstankovic3275 Před rokem

    i am trying to impor some drum sounds on to nona pad vis usb stick . in manual i canot fin " user sounds", only " user samples -kits-midi" , so i prezume it is under user samples.
    I sayes that u need to create file on usb stick under the name ‘pad_wave’, where u put all sound u want to import.
    So i try with ‘pad_wave’ and with pad_wave, and does not working . can i get little help .tnx

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před rokem +1

      Hey - thats def something to get in contact with the Millenium/Thomann support to help you with

  • @honzakalnik
    @honzakalnik Před 2 lety

    Awesome video! Just bought the NonaPad but I’m having one issue with it. When I connect it to my MacBook Air M1 the laptop sees the unit as DrumPad but doesn’t receive any MIDI messages at all. I tried updating the firmware, changing cables, etc. and nothing works so far. I also tried with iPhone and iPad (Garage Band) and it works ok there. So I’m really not sure where the issue can be. How did you set up the NonaPad to successfully send MIDI messages to your laptop please? Also I have just noticed very silent high pitched noise from the headphones output. I’ll try with the main output and hopefully it will not be present there. Thanks for any kind of help!

    • @MrTonAbleton
      @MrTonAbleton Před 2 lety

      Hey - it works fine on my M1 so I can confirm it is not an issue with the OS/hardware. You could check in the Audio MIDI SetUp (which is a utility App on Mac OS) if the NonaPad is showing up at all. It should show up as a MIDI device called "DrumPad". If that is the case then you will ned to check in your DAW if this MIDI device is showing up and activated. IF you are using Ableton Live: I explain the MIDI set-up in this course here: blog.abletondrummer.com/ableton-live-for-drummer-full-online-course/

    • @honzakalnik
      @honzakalnik Před 2 lety

      @@MrTonAbleton Hey there! Thanks for the reply 🙂 Yes I can see it in the Audio MIDI Setup but only sometimes which is strange. Other times it just doesn’t connect at all. Do you use special cable or some dongle to connect it to your M1 Mac? I can also see it in Logic and looks activated but when I hit any of the pads nothing happens. Usually any other MIDI controller (keyboard) worked out of the box with Logic without any additional activation or setup. I also downloaded utility called MIDI monitor and there I can’t see any MIDI events going through even if I see the DrumPad as connected. What is strange is that if I connect it to my old iPad Air 2 or iPhone 13 mini via some USB to Lightning adapter I can get MIDI messages into Garage Band without any problems. So far it looks to me like some security issue connected to the NonaPad not being properly recognised. Did you by any means did anything else with “approving” the NonaPad for OSX?

    • @honzakalnik
      @honzakalnik Před 2 lety

      @@MrTonAbleton And maybe one more question. Do you also have the latest OS Monterey? I’ve read couple of forums that people are having issues in Monterey for their MIDI devices to be recognised properly.

    • @MrTonAbleton
      @MrTonAbleton Před 2 lety

      @@honzakalnik Hey - yep I m running Monterey using a standard USB cable + no security approving or else. It is pretty weird that this is happening. Please check with Thomann's customer support. IF you have some way of using a 5PIN MIDI To USB/MIDI to external sound card option you should get a stable connection this way.

    • @honzakalnik
      @honzakalnik Před 2 lety +1

      @@MrTonAbleton Thanks a lot for the info. I am currently in contact with their support so we will see. I will try to arrange a new unit from them and hopefully that one won’t be having the same issues. Thanks a lot for the help!

  • @-Ol.24-
    @-Ol.24- Před rokem

    Hello, does it Can bé use liké "midi contrôler" in Beatstep pro to control DRum gate ?

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před rokem

      I m not familiar with all apps but as long as they can receive MIDI the answer would be yes.

    • @-Ol.24-
      @-Ol.24- Před rokem

      For use.

  • @MrBeen992
    @MrBeen992 Před 2 lety

    Im interested in using the recording function. Can it export the recording as a midi file ?

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před 2 lety

      Yep thats possible but I haven‘t tested this. I would guess that you would b better of recording the MIDI straight into a DAW.

  • @jodyeyre9840
    @jodyeyre9840 Před rokem

    I bought this POS!!! Don't buy unless you just want a $300.00 practice pad😲 it a waste of time and money, it so bad i would feel guilty if i sold it to someone 😔

  • @arturxelvin
    @arturxelvin Před rokem

    Is the Arabic sounds like darbuka all ready bij stock sample sous?

    • @abletondrummer
      @abletondrummer  Před rokem

      Here is a sound pay through vid: czcams.com/video/yVRj9oSvObI/video.html

  • @terryjackiefreeborn5070

    What a complete waste of time waffle time...