Top products from r/Stepmania

-mostly copied from an old post of mine.

Cheapest option/starter option, buy a cheap ~$15ea usb soft pad from amazon like these then tape them to a hard floor or a piece of plywood ~$35ea at most hardware stores.

Most of the cheap pads are considered cheap because the buttons sensors get warped overtime; specially when played on carpet. So taping a cheap pad to hard floor or a board usually makes it a "good" pad. The board also gives it weight and makes it harder to slide around on carpet. I've played on several boarded pads and they always work better than non boarded.

Why usb and not an old ps2 pad? Almost none of the adapters support 2 arrows being pressed at the same time. Some that work do exist but they are hard to find. There is a work around for the 2 button issue here but unless you already have an adapter I'd just buy a usb ready pad. Idk about xbox or newer pads/adapters, they may not have this issue.

Want foam? This is something you can easily add later. Put some puzzle exercise mats together or cut up a yoga mat and just set your boarded pad on top. You can cut to size and tape to the board so it wont slide. Again tape pad on board then tape on foam. This will give the buttons a nice hard surface to click on but still give the entire pad some cushion. I suggest 1/2in thick. Thicker is more expensive and thinner is a waste of time/money.

Hands on/serious option, build your own. ~$150 depending on materials used and how elaborate you want to get but ultimately the best option for modding and re-usabilty. - if it breaks, you know how to fix it because you built it.

Expensive/best of the best option.
Best pads on the market right now are http://www.precisiondancepads.com/ 4 arrow pad OmegaGX $350-$365ea with everything connector. These should still be taped to a board or used on hard surface so they don't warp. These things are an investment but totally worth it. In my opinion they are better (more sensitive) than the arcades. Yes I really mean that. -side note- This company started off as 1 guy building them himself in his basement because he didn't like the quality of pads on the market.

I recommend the OmegaITGX - basically has plywood under the nonarrow parts to give it more of an arcade/hard feel and makes the buttons seem more resessed. But after just checking their site I am not sure if they offer it anymore. Might want to email them about it. I havent tried a regular GX but I do enjoy and love the feel of my ITGX. - I have had a button sensor stick but it was easy to open and clean and haven't had a problem since. -edit they don't make the ITGX anymore.

Has to be Metal? This is where some problems come in. Most of the "good" reputable companies (Colbalt Flux, Blueshark, Red Octane) are long gone and you'll most likely only find them used on ebay, expect to pay ~$300. You can also play the ebay gamble and get a random unknown brand but seriously who knows how good its really going to be.

The last option is to buy real arcade pads but that is a lot of extra work and not really worth the cost. They are hard to find because they usually only come with a complete machine. I've heard they cost ~$500 but I've never seen a real price tag. Then if you want it to work with anything other than the official machine you pretty much have to solder the sensors to a controller or keyboard. It'd be cheaper and probably better to just build yourself if you're willing to go through this much work already.

TL:DR Get a cheap usb pad and you'll probably be fine as long as its on a hard surface. If you want quality then build your own or spring for the precision dance pads.

Unless you are already playing harder standard or heavy songs and want to achieve high scores, I would suggest getting a simple, less expensive mat to get started.

I haven't personally used the D-force pads, which can be found on Amazon, but I've heard good things! If you are willing to spend the ~$90 the foam pads offer some support for your legs compared to pads w/o foam. And from my experiences playing on carpet, foam pads slide less than pads w/o. The plain dance mats ($50) without padding are still fine for beginners, but may slide more and will give less cushion, especially on hardwood.

This is the foam pad I have currently ($57). It works very well despite some "ghosting" of the down button which can occasionally cause errors. But I'm not too concerned with getting perfect combos on my home machine. There are some cheaper dance mats out there on amazon, but quality can be questionable, so always check reviews before you purchase! And make sure it has a USB if you want to play with Stepmania.

If you decide to stick with the hobby and want to maximize your scores, only then would I suggest shelling out money for a hard mat or the effort of hardmodding. Have fun!

> Fantastic timing? I've heard of marvelous timing which is one step above Excellent... perhaps fantastic is a step above that?

Fantastic is the same as marvelous. The default timing window for fantastic/marvelous is +/- 22.5 ms iirc. OP, you should have it turned on.

I bought this DDRGame pad three years ago. It works great if a soft pad is what you're after.

No OP but I've built and help people build these before. Here is my boilerplate getting started guide

So these are the two main pieces you need to build a control box to connect to your computer. Additionally I'd recommend some sort of enclosure too, but its not needed and can always be added later.

Additionally both of these parts can be found cheaper on ebay vs amazon, but usually take a bit longer to receive via ebay.

https://www.amazon.com/D-SUB-15Pin-Terminal-Board-Connectors/dp/B016FBVIJY?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

https://www.amazon.com/Easyget-Arcade-Encoder-Joystick-Fighting/dp/B00XHRIKLE?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

The ZD encoder looks like a joypad or game controller to the PC. All you need to do is cut off the metal ends of the wire you use, and use the screw down terminals on the VGA Terminal breakout board.

The pinout is shown here and should work
http://pinouts.ru/Game/cobalt_flux_pinout.shtml

The main thing is that you connect the grounds to grounds, and the directions to a button. Overall it should be VERY easy once you have everything in front of you, because it doesnt matter what button you wire up to each direction since you set things in Stepmania by stepping on the direction, and it wont care if it corresponds to button 1 or button 16.

I'm not sure what kind of foam is in the d-force, well the amazon page does say it has "super high density" foam (you definitely want the dense foam.) I used this pad for a long time https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Revolution-Energy-Deluxe-Playstation-2/dp/B000GHG0BA, but the unfortunate thing about these pads is you will eventually suffer from "drifting arrows" (the raised cardboard inserts in the mat end up floating around.) What I ended up doing (once my "drifting arrows" became unworkable) was I took out the foam insert and taped it to the back of my FIRST "soft" dancepad (with double sided duct tape.) I swear to god it works even better than the original, I use velcro strips along the outside of the arrows (the soft side) to easily feel around for the arrows. (to be clear, most "soft" pads do not usually have the raised arrows, ALTHOUGH there ARE "soft" pads WITH raised arrows. Be careful when you're buying)

While many of these Adapters may look the same, they have different internals.


The best one that's never failed to work on Windows 7/10 has been the one from Mayflash.


Amazon Canada link:

MAYFLASH 3 in 1 Magic Joy Box for Pc https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B000ND3XXA/

USA:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ND3XXA/

Thanks, it looks like everyone is strongly recommending a 144hz panel. I ended up going with this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A0ZRQTM/ref=od_aui_detailpages00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks :)

https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Revolution-Energy-Deluxe-Playstation-2/dp/B000GHG0BA

Its actually a foam mat but is pretty easy to disassemble and assemble so mabye this will help

yeah ive actually been hearing that theyre becoming harder to find. ive also heard that this https://www.amazon.com/Storm-QuickFire-Rapid-Tenkeyless-Mechanical/dp/B007VDKLLM/ref=sr_1_3?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1467215344&sr=1-3&keywords=CM+Storm+QuickFire+TK is also pretty good

I use this:
https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Joy-Box-PS2-XBOX-Adapter/dp/B000RLWF7I/ref=sr_1_2?s=videogames&ie=UTF8&qid=1527783885&sr=1-2&keywords=gamecube+xbox+ps2+usb+adapter

I haven't actually tried the Xbox funxtionality, but for PS2 and Gamecube it works like a charm.

These days the magicforce 68 seems to be the most popular among top keyboard players. I personally use the full size version, but the 68 key version is more popular for stepmania players since its a few bucks cheaper.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072M53N2D/ref=twister_B071GL7B8R?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Mechanical-Keyboard-Backlight-Magicforce-Qisan/dp/B01HHTFSIK/ref=pd_sbs_147_4?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01HHTFSIK&pd_rd_r=6SVBEEEB5J7YKKG44KRG&pd_rd_w=tlBYa&pd_rd_wg=8bpqG&psc=1&refRID=6SVBEEEB5J7YKKG44KRG&dpID=41rAdk6UvTL&preST=_SY300_QL70_&dpSrc=detail

Thanks for the response! The info I got on DDRGame I got from just googling around. There are some threads on some different dance-game forums that discuss pc pads. Those brands I listed above are reputable (but now gone) and DDRGame is just not durable and needs replaced every month or so, even the metal ones.

I'll probably end up going with this anyway though: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GHG0BA

it looks like the only half decent option.

EDIT: here's some of those threads:
http://www.stepmania.com/forums/showthread.php?29200-Dance-mat-recomendation&highlight=ddrgame
http://www.stepmania.com/forums/showthread.php?16313-Buying-a-Dance-Pad-Would-Like-Help&highlight=ddrgame
http://www.stepmania.com/forums/showthread.php?9651-Dance-Pad-Reccomendations&highlight=ddrgame
http://www.stepmania.com/forums/showthread.php?22396-Working-Cheap-Pad-where-to-buy-fr-om%28ddrgame-com%29-Please-help-decide&highlight=ddrgame
http://www.stepmania.com/forums/showthread.php?25380-Can-i-trust-DDRgame&highlight=ddrgame

So, I guess your mileage may vary.

I recently had some experience dealing with the same adapter you're talking about. I didn't need to install xpadder or any drivers to get it to work, but mine had the axis problem where you couldn't press opposite directions simultaneously (later models could fix this by pressing start+select+up for 3 seconds).

My recommendation is to uninstall xpadder and see if you can get it to work without it. If the adapter came with drivers maybe try those but I wouldn't have too much faith in them. If that fails, get a better adapter. Currently using this, works great with one pad, haven't tried with two, you may need a different adapter for two as this one is designed to use a light gun on the second port. You will need to install the drivers from the website, they're old, but they still work. Also, a whole list of recommended adapters is here

I just use one of those straight adapters. Cost $10 and works pretty well, was up and running in no time.

https://amzn.com/B00FBM3JEG/

You don't need a particular DDR mat. Get a rubber mat, like the one people put under rugs. It will be virtually impossible for your ddr pad to slip on this.

Random 1st thing that popped up on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Rug-Wrench-Washable-Non-Slip/dp/B00SPIZG7G/ref=sr_1_7?s=furniture&ie=UTF8&qid=1456890557&sr=1-7&keywords=rug+pad

I have windows 10 and a redoctane pad. I was able to fix the problem by plugging the control box USB into a usb hub that's plugged into the PC, rather than directly into the computer. Works perfectly!

I'm using this USB hub, in case you want to get the same exact one: http://www.amazon.com/Rosewill-4-Port-USB-Switch-RHB-341-GREY/dp/B00N3NJUQ6/ref=sr_1_10?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1451274033&sr=1-10&keywords=rosewill+4-port+usb+3.0+hub

That’s what I assumed. Thank you.

On a related note, I have decided against the pad I put in the OP, and am instead leaning towards this one.

Any opinion on either of them? Or any other suggestions for that matter? If so, I’m all ears.

I always had good results with this.
https://www.amazon.com/EMS-USB2-Sharp-Shooter-Compatible-PS3/dp/B008FG72X4

Try using a multimeter on continuity to see what the pinout of that dsub connector is? Probably just some switches. If you're not afraid to open it up you could easily crack that baby open and solder to the switches and plug it into one of these encoders or a similar board, and use it like that. No need to replace the pad part.

Looks like a Magicforce 68

I use DDRgame Energy pads, but be careful because they have both thin pads and pads with 1inch foam inserts with almost the same name. And get them from amazon.com where they are cheaper than DDEgame.com. They tend to last a couple years. I don't think any soft pad being made today will last 14 years.

About $62 each today

https://www.amazon.com/Dance-Revolution-Energy-Deluxe-Playstation-2/dp/B000GHG0BA/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=ddr+energy+pad&qid=1573765581&sr=8-1

Dance Dance Revolution Energy HD 1" Foam Deluxe Dance Pad for PS/ PS2/ Wii/ Xbox/ PC - DDR Game https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000GHG0BA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_DPZrxb7JRSPPX

You can get a DDR pad for about 20 bucks on amazon you also need a ps2 to PC converter same thing with a pump dance pad. I found a DDR pad for about $7 at a old game shop maybe search for some there if you don't want to buy online. But you still need a converter. Or just get this http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0076H4D8A?cache=8431cfcb1e6baee2459d10aa9639a3d2&pi=SY200_QL40&qid=1409875417&sr=8-1#ref=mp_s_a_1_1

Maybe a rubber keyboard like this would work?

http://www.amazon.com/Adesso-Flexible-Full-Sized-Keyboard-AKB-230/dp/B000BHB5YW

I've never used one for Stepmania, so I'm not sure how well it would work, but at least they would be quiet.

Here

EDIT: Look at this guide: https://www.reddit.com/r/DanceDanceRevolution/comments/5vdwou/how_to_play_ddr_at_home_what_pad_should_i_get/

I'm currently using this one with windows 10 and haven't had any issues: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GHG0BA/

https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Joy-Box-XBOX-PC-Adapter/dp/B000RLWF7I

would this 10 slot work? https://smile.amazon.com/Twinkle-Bay-Terminal-Breakout-Connector/dp/B078RFVR4J/ref=sr_1_fkmr2_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1520440479&sr=8-1-fkmr2&keywords=db15+dsub+vga+plug+3%2B9pin+terminal

I'm also noticing different resistor configurations on some. would this do it? https://smile.amazon.com/Quimat-Arcade-Encoder-Joystick-Fighting/dp/B06XCP8R5F/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_21_tr_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=SAKC3CXP4JQXM1KB7SJS

So there's two options i suggest

If you want to connect two players for cheap you can get the hde ps2 adapter HOWEVER you will have to follow a guide and have a seperate program running to make sure the game recognizes the pads as buttons and not analog sticks which can't go two directions at once.

Your other option is buying two of these which pretty much work straight out of the box and can be used for other stuff if you want to.

I've owned both now, i bought the HDE adapter then bought two mayflash since I made a linux Openitg machine and couldn't get the fix working on it. I do suggest the mayflash adapters just because they pretty much have an automatic dance pad mode which recognized the inputs as buttons instead of analog sticks and you don't have any other programs running

but hell if you want to pay for postage i can just send you the HDE adapter at this point since I don't really need it anymore.

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Title | Drakengard 3 OST ~ 31 - Emi Evans ~ Kuroi Uta - The Black Song (International Version)
Description | Track 31: Emi Evans ~ Kuroi Uta - The Black Song (International Version) Buy it here: http://www.amazon.co.jp/DRAG-ON-DRAGOON-3-Original-Soundtrack/dp/B00GXEY210/ Lyrics from Spanish translation somewhere. ==Lyrics== A harmless song of ruin Which creates a monster That harms itself, and others The tension lifted from me, When reborn, alone. Spreading my wings of death, on high, Love blooms from the darkest white I hear distant murmers Sweet whisperings from the wings of the past The black...
Length | 0:06:07






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