Synesthesia introduces Mandala 2.0, the latest version of their popular high-def drum and synthesizer, which was co-developed by Tool's polyrhythmic master Danny Carey. If you're familiar with either Mandala 1.0, Danny Carey, or both, you might be able to appreciate this powerful combo.

Mandala 2.0 is now a computer peripheral, connecting to your PC or Mac via USB. The Mandala drum pad itself has a very intuitive nervous system - it knows where it's hit and at what velocity over seven assignable zones delivering fast-traveling sounds. Luckily, the Mandala 2.0 does not yet know who hit it, so Mandala players won't have to sleep with one eye open until version 3.0 at earliest.

The Mandala 2.0 is a synthesizer trapped inside a drum pad's body. It also houses 4 GB of sound including hundreds of instruments (including not so standard percussive instruments like the piano, vibraphone, and triangle) and over three thousand samples. While its meant to be hit with drumsticks, its so sensitive that it responds to light finger touches.

One of the most amazing parts of the Mandala drum pad is that is based on 128 concentric rings from the center outwards for maximum precision and sound variation. According to Synesthesia founder and CEO Vince De Franco, "It's the smartest thing you'll ever hit with a stick."

And unless you've got some very bad blood with Carl Sagan, he's probably absolutely right.