In today’s fast-paced world, the pressures of modern life can feel overwhelming. From lengthy commutes to the complexities of social engagements, the demands on our time and attention are ever-increasing. While technology often serves as a helpful ally in managing these challenges, it can paradoxically contribute to our stress levels. The soothing sounds of the Minecraft soundtrack, particularly C418’s Aria Math, have even found their way into the bustling atmosphere of the London Underground, offering a momentary escape from the chaos.
(Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)
The Mood Pan, a novel instrument, combines the familiar form factor of a hand pan with innovative features. It offers an array of sound profiles, ranging from traditional hand pan tones to sustained strings and custom samples via the Mood Pan Plus app. Crafted from durable plastic with a silicone-feel top cover, this device is both robust and pleasingly weighty. It includes built-in speakers and operates on USB-C or six AA batteries, making it versatile for various settings.
As a TechRadar Staff Writer specializing in Mobile Computing and a passionate music enthusiast, I have spent nearly a decade immersed in music production. My living spaces have always been filled with synthesizers, controllers, and high-quality speakers. Recently, I sought new avenues to unwind and reconnect with music after long workdays. This led me to explore the Mood Pan in one of my favorite tranquil spots.
Meditation Machine
(Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)
The serene Japanese Garden at Peckham Rye, with its lush greenery and tranquil water features, provided the perfect backdrop for testing the Mood Pan. Under the gentle morning light, I settled onto a shaded rock and was pleasantly surprised by the instrument’s intuitive playability. The nine responsive pads allowed for a variety of sounds, enhanced through taps, sustained presses, or by utilizing the small control pad at the center.
For those seeking a more private experience, a headphone jack is available, allowing for connection to external speakers. However, it’s worth noting that this output may not be as powerful as dedicated channels. I also experimented with the background music feature, which produces a calming blend of synth pads, chimes, and gongs. While the track was soothing, its repetitive nature limited its appeal for extended listening. Nevertheless, the effects dial added a layer of depth, introducing subtle reverb and echo that enriched the overall experience.
Custom Controls
(Image credit: Jamie Richards / Future)
The front panel, ingeniously designed beneath the top plate, offers a range of deeper options, allowing users to select from various scales and modes. While some adhere to traditional musical conventions like Major and Minor, others are more creatively themed, such as Relax, Dreamy, and Meditation. This variety enhances the Mood Pan’s usability, although it does come with limitations; specific key signatures cannot be assigned, and each pad cannot be tuned to individual notes. This aspect may restrict its use as a studio instrument, but it remains an engaging tool for live arrangements.
Throughout my explorations with the Mood Pan, I found it to be a delightful companion. After recently picking up the acoustic guitar again, I discovered that the Mood Pan’s interface felt refreshingly similar, trading depth of control for a focused and playful experience. Ultimately, it provided a grounding, screen-free escape that left me feeling more relaxed. Priced at 9.99 / £572.99 / AU,199, it offers substantial value, especially with its built-in Bluetooth speaker.
Once you master the riff from Aria Math, the desire to continue playing becomes irresistible.