Soft Pad Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting for all Soft Pads

For USB connection with Windows, Mac, or Linux

If you are having trouble setting up your pad or having any issues like one or more buttons are not responding, one or more buttons are triggering on its own, or you can’t connect it to StepMania please follow the troubleshooting steps below. 

  1. Please see our StepMania Guide for information on how to download the game, add the songs, and map the pad controls in the game.
  2. If you have any issues, first check to make sure the USB connection is secure and try a different USB port on your computer. We recommend a USB port at the back of your computer if it is a desktop. Try both USB 2.0 and 3.0 if you have both. 
  3. Try inserting the USB plug very slowly. This will allow the pad to power up before the data pins connect and can change how the USB drivers are recognized by the computer. This is particularly relevant to Mac and Linix users. 
  4. If that doesn’t work then test the pad on a different computer if you have one.
  5. If the pad is still not working properly the next step is to try different software. The recommended software is StepMania, Project Outfox, or ITGmania.
  6. Try resetting your computer and unplugging all other USB devices before trying to set up the pad and “map” the controls. Sometimes other USB devices can cause ghost inputs or interference.
  7. In some cases the USB port may not be supplying enough power to the dance pad. If this is the case a powered USB hub may be necessary.
  8. In the StepMania program navigate to Options > Input Options > Advance Input Options > and set “input debounce time” somewhere around 60ms. This can vary depending on your playstyle so test to see what option works best for you. This can fix issues with misfiring or ghost inputs.
  9. Check to make sure the "Monkey Input" option is not enabled. Once StepMania is open, hold the F3 key to open a debug menu, and while holding F3, press 5. Release both keys. You want the “Monkey Input” option to be “off”.
  10. It can sometimes take time for the sensors to relax and flatten out when the pad is first opened. If any of your buttons are not working properly, please leave your pad laying out flat for a day or two. This can give the sensors time to relax and should fix the problem.
  11. There can sometimes be a breaking in period. If you are having issues with a malfunctioning button, try playing a few songs on the pad to break in the sensors.
  12. If you are still having issues we recommend trying the troubleshooting steps in this video.
  13. If you have tried all of this and are still having issues, please contact us at support@ddrpad.com

Additional troubleshooting for Mac users only

  1. Navigate to "System Settings"
  2. Click on Privacy and Security"
  3. Scroll down to "Security"
  4. Under the "Security" category find where it says "accessories" and change it to "Always Ask"

Additional troubleshooting for Linux users only

If you are using a Linux operating system and you are having difficulty connecting your pad please see these troubleshooting steps. 

Additional troubleshooting for Crypt of the NecroDancer

StepMania Calibration 

If you are experiencing any problems while playing StepMania like delays or timing issues, please follow the steps below to calibrate the game.

  1. Open StepMania: Launch the StepMania program on your computer.
  2. Access Options Menu: Navigate to the Options menu.
  3. Calibrate Offset: You can use the game's built-in calibration tool (usually a simple left-right-left-right song) to set the global offset.
  4. Alternatively, you can use the F6 key during gameplay to calibrate individual songs.
  5. Adjust Visual Delay: StepMania allows you to adjust a visual delay setting (often accessed by holding F3 and then pressing Y or U during a song) to visually match the notes to the music.
  6. Test and Adjust: Play a few songs and adjust the settings until you find a combination that allows you to hit the notes precisely in time with the music.

 

PlayStation PS1/PS2 Calibration 

To adjust the judge timing in PlayStation 2 Dance Dance Revolution games (like DDR Extreme): 

  1. Navigate to the main Options menu
  2. Select Sound Options, and look for the Audio Offset or Judgment Timing
  3. Adjust the value, use positive values if you are hitting notes early, or negative values if you are hitting them late
  4. If your steps consistently land as Boos or Goods before the arrows reach the target, your timing is "early". Give the judgment timing a positive adjustment.
  5. If you see Perfects and Greats registering after the beat, your timing is "late." Adjust the value into the negative direction.
  6. Save and Retest: Adjust the value in small increments (such as changing the offset by +10 or +15), save your settings, and play the song again to see if it feels natural.

TV/Monitor Display Calibration

To fix timing issues (input lag) between your dance pad controller and TV/Monitor

  1. Enable Game Mode - Modern TVs have built-in modes designed to accelerate video game response.
  2. Turn Off Motion Smoothing - Features that make movies look extra smooth actually add heavy delays to games.
  3. Check Auto Low Latency Mode - Check your console's screen and video settings to ensure Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) is set to Automatic. This forces the TV to instantly switch into Game Mode.
  4. Fix Audio and Sync Delays- If the video looks fine but the sound timing is off (e.g., sound effects coming late), you may need to adjust audio sync. Go to your TV's sound settings and find A/V Sync. Set it to Auto. If it remains off, turn off any "Surround Sound" enhancements that might be bogging down the audio processor.
  5. If issues persist check to see if any adapters or converters are being used between your TV and computer/video game system. Adapters can cause delay or interference. 
  6. Certain older model flat screen TVs don't function well with games that require accurate timing. If you are still having issues trying using a different TV/monitor.