The Worlde PANDAMINI II is a high-quality, feature-packed MIDI controller designed for music production and performance. It offers a comprehensive set of controls, including velocity-sensitive mini-keys, trigger pads with RGB backlighting, rotary knobs, and touch strips, making it suitable for a wide range of musical applications.
Function Description:
The PANDAMINI II functions as a versatile MIDI controller, capable of sending MIDI data to a computer, mobile device, or standalone MIDI hardware. It allows users to control virtual instruments, software parameters, and external MIDI gear. The device is designed to be plug-and-play, requiring no additional drivers for basic functionality.
Key functions include:
- Keyboard: 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keys for playing melodies, chords, and other musical parts.
- Trigger Pads: 8 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive pads for triggering drums, samples, and clips. These pads can be assigned to various MIDI messages and colors.
- Rotary Knobs: 4 assignable rotary knobs for controlling parameters like volume, pan, filter cutoff, and more.
- Sliders: 4 assignable sliders for continuous control over parameters.
- Pitch and Modulation Touch Strips: Provide expressive control over pitch bend and modulation, offering a more dynamic playing experience than traditional wheels.
- OLED Display: A clear OLED display provides real-time feedback on parameter values, settings, and menu navigation.
- Transport Controls: Dedicated buttons for play, record, stop, and other transport functions, facilitating seamless integration with DAWs.
- Arpeggiator: A built-in arpeggiator with various modes and settings for generating rhythmic patterns.
- Chord Mode: Simplifies playing chords with a single key press.
- Scale Mode: Assists in staying in key by mapping keys to a selected scale.
- Scene Launch: Allows launching scenes in Ableton Live.
- Full-sized USB Connector: For connecting to a computer or mobile device.
- Sustain Pedal Jack: For connecting an external sustain pedal.
- 3.5mm TRS MIDI Out Port: Enables connection to standalone MIDI hardware.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Keys: 25 velocity-sensitive mini-keys.
- Pads: 8 RGB backlit velocity-sensitive pads.
- Knobs: 4 assignable rotary knobs.
- Sliders: 4 assignable sliders.
- Touch Strips: Pitch bend and modulation.
- Display: OLED display for parameter feedback.
- Connectivity:
- USB Type-B connector (full-speed USB bus power).
- 3.5mm TRS MIDI Out port.
- 3.5mm TRS Sustain pedal jack.
- Power Supply: USB bus power (5V DC, minimum 500mA).
- Current Consumption: 100 mA or less.
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 12.6 x 7.6 x 2 inches / 319x193x50mm.
- Weight: 38.8 oz / 1100 g.
- Compatibility:
- Windows XP/7/8/10/Vista.
- Mac OSX.
- iOS devices (with Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit/USB Camera Adapter).
- Ableton Live integration.
- Compatible with most DAWs (Ableton Live, Bitwig, Logic Pro X, Propellerhead's Reason, etc.).
Usage Features:
The PANDAMINI II is designed for intuitive and flexible use across various setups:
- Standalone MIDI Controller: Can be used with hardware sequencers, synthesizers, or sound modules via the 3.5mm TRS MIDI Out port, requiring a USB power supply (5V DC, minimum 500mA).
- Computer Connectivity: Connects to Mac or PC via USB for controlling DAWs and virtual instruments. It's class-compliant, meaning no specific drivers are needed.
- Mobile Device Integration: Compatible with iOS devices using a USB Camera Adapter, allowing for music creation on the go.
- Deep DAW Integration: Offers seamless integration with DAWs like Ableton Live, with features like clip launching, scene management, and automatic mapping of controls.
- Customizable Controls: Most controls (knobs, sliders, pads) are assignable to various MIDI CC messages, allowing users to tailor the controller to their specific workflow.
- Parameter Editing: The OLED display and Value Dial (Enter button: push to enter) facilitate easy editing of parameters, including velocity curves, octave, transpose, channel, program change, and more.
- Keyboard Velocity Curves: Offers 3 different velocity curves and 1 constant velocity, allowing users to adjust the keyboard's response to their playing style.
- Pad Velocity Curves: Provides 3 different velocity curves and 1 constant velocity for the pads, enhancing dynamic control.
- Octave/Transpose: Easily adjust the keyboard's octave range and transpose notes up or down.
- Program Change: Send MIDI program change messages to switch sounds on external devices or software.
- MIDI Channel Selection: Select the MIDI channel for transmitting data, supporting multi-timbral setups.
- Backlit Pad Color Selection: Customize the RGB color of the pads to visually organize different functions or states.
- Store and Recall Parameters: Save and recall up to 3 groups of user-defined parameter settings, allowing for quick setup changes.
- Sequencer Remote Control: Features dedicated buttons for sequencer functions like play, record, and stop.
- Arpeggiator Modes: Includes various arpeggiator modes (Up, Down, Up/Down, Played, Chord) and rhythmic patterns for creative possibilities.
- Fixed Chord Mode: Simplifies playing complex chords by mapping them to a single key.
Maintenance Features:
The manual primarily focuses on usage and functionality, with limited explicit maintenance instructions. However, general best practices for electronic devices apply:
- Cleaning: Keep the device clean and free from dust. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
- Storage: Store the device in a dry, temperate environment, away from extreme temperatures and humidity.
- Power: Always use the recommended power supply (USB bus power) to prevent damage.
- Connectivity: Ensure proper connection of USB cables and other jacks to avoid intermittent issues or damage to ports.
- Software Updates: While not explicitly detailed in the provided excerpt, keeping firmware and associated software (DAW, drivers if any) up to date is generally good practice for optimal performance and compatibility.
The PANDAMINI II is a robust and feature-rich MIDI controller designed to be a central part of any modern music production setup, offering both comprehensive control and ease of use.