The presets configure drum sampler Battery 3 for use with the Mandala (Battery 3 required, and is not included with the Mandala), using only samples from the Battery 3 12GB library of more than 100 drum kits with more than 23,000 individual samples. The presets configure the Mandala pad as a straightforward MIDI controller. The Battery 3 presets also:

1. Assign samples in up to seven circular trigger zones across the Mandala pad.
   
2. Extensively use the Mandala\'s 128 circular strike zones to change triggering and effects parameters as drummers play, for true HD drumming.
   
3. Cover playing styles from straightforward grooves to experimental sonics.

The HD Black Beauty Battery 3 Player for Mandala offers drummers a very accurate digital representation of an acoustic drum, via 3,360 samples of a single vintage 1970s 5x14 Super Sensitive Ludwig Black Beauty Snare Drum.

A drummer’s sound changes with every strike anywhere on the surface of the Mandala, just like with an acoustic snare. Four separate players include: (1) Snare On, and (2) Snare On with Rim, each consisting of 10 zones center to edge, 20 velocity layers and 6 round robins; (3) Snare Off, and (4) Snare Off with Rim, each consisting of 4 zones center to edge, 20 velocity layers and 6 round robins.

Vince De Franco, Synesthesia founder and CEO, and inventor of the Mandala, explains:

\"The Mandala drum controls pro audio software with unprecedented resolution. These Battery presets really just provide an example of what drummers are capable of accomplishing with this instrument. Our goal has always been to give drummers and musicians a way to experiment and let their imaginations fly, while never losing the basic functionality that they’re already comfortable with.\"

The Mandala works seamlessly with most major music software as a USB MIDI controller. In addition to Battery, it works with Reaktor, FXpansion BFD, Ableton Live, Propellerhead Reason and Apple GarageBand.

Co-developed with professional drummer Danny Carey of Tool, Mandalas are used by professionals and hobbyists the world over. Endorsing artists include Pat Mastelotto of King Crimson and Will Calhoun of Living Color.

The Mandala 2.0 retails for $349, and is available online at mandaladrum.com. Each Mandala is hand-crafted and thoroughly tested before it is shipped.

Mandala’s Virtual Brain software is available online for free download at the same web site. Even without buying the Mandala, anyone can download the software and tinker with it – on its own, or with other PC or Mac-compatible musical devices.