The PadMu 4, an e-reader designed for musicians. (tablets-for-musicians.com)
PadMu 4 review: the best e-reader for musicians?
Last updated on September 30, 2024
Launched in early 2023, the PadMu 4 is one of the few e-readers specifically designed for musicians. Sold at around a thousand dollars, the PadMu 4 is a variation of the Boox Tab X from the Chinese manufacturer Onyx.
In this review, I will try to answer the following questions:
- What are the differences between the PadMu 4 and the Boox Tab X?
- Is the PadMu music software on par with market leaders such as forScore or MobileSheets?
- Is the PadMu 4 worth the extra hundred dollars compared to the Boox Tab X?
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I am a classical musician (violist) with 20 years of professional experience in orchestra and chamber music. For many years, I have been advising colleagues, students, and fellow musicians in the choice of their tablet.
Along with the many positives of using tablets / iPads, I’ve also seen the negatives: tablets crashing just before going on stage, batteries that don’t hold up during long rehearsal days, and missing page turner pedals in concert.
I spent my school years in France, and this article must be riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes, for which I apologize. Feel free to send me any corrections!
There is no test protocol! I use the most different tablets and iPads possible in my real life as a musician, which includes practicing, rehearsing and playing concerts.
Practicing with multiple tablets at the same time can be laborious. Photo: tablets-for-musicians.com
The tablets and e-readers are purchased with my own funds and used as long as I please. This means that my tablet / iPad reviews are always independent, long term and real life reviews.
PadMu or Boox Tab X: what are the differences?
The PadMu 4 is based on the Onyx Boox Tab X, as mentioned in the specifications of the PadMu 4. The hardware is even absolutely identical.
Therefore, the differences are to be found in the software: the official PadMu website advertises “tailored apps”, including a sheet music application.
At first glance, nothing separates the PadMu 4 from the Onyx Boox Tab X. (tablets-for-musicians.com)
Since the PadMu 4 and the Boox Tab X are indistinguishable at the hardware level, this review of the PadMu 4 will focus on the software part: the PadMu music software.
For anything related to the hardware, I give more details in my overview of the best e-readers for musicians.
Apps for musicians: account creation required
A small annoyance occurs during the first minutes of using the PadMu 4: it is mandatory to create an account to use the PadMu applications. There are four of them:
- An alternative home page (or “launcher”)
- A sheet music library (“PadMu Library”)
- A score reader application (“PadMu Reader”)
- A file manager
I will not dwell on the last point, the file manager being pleasant, but without much particularity.
The PadMu 4 has a specific software layer, designed for musicians. (tablets-for-musicians.com)
The first three apps, on the other hand, make all the difference between the PadMu and the Onyx Boox Tab X. Without these apps, the PadMu 4 is just a Boox Tab X hidden behind marketing and a pretty website, with musicians as the target audience. So the question is: are these apps up to the task?
1. The PadMu home page
The home page of the PadMu 4 is simple and concise. However, it is a bit perplexing that the tablet configuration can be done in two different places: the Android settings or the PadMu settings page. Some elements are duplicated, while others are not, and this can be quite confusing. Similarly, there are two app stores: the Play Store and the “E-ink App Store.”
You soon get used to these duplications, and the home page remains practical, providing quick access to the library and the latest used sheet music.
The PadMu 4 home page is simple and straightforward. (tablets-for-musicians.com)
Note taking takes a back seat
The note-taking function, essential for music or instrument teachers, is relegated to the background. If taking notes is your priority, the Onyx launcher is certainly a better choice.
The Onyx launcher is already installed on the PadMu, just choose it in the Android settings:
Settings > Apps and notifications > Default app > Desktop > PadMu Home
You can switch between the two at any time.
2. PadMu Library: the sheet music library
The sheet music library, called “PadMu Library”, is where you import and manage scores, and create playlists.
The library is well-thought-out and easy to use. As all icons are labelled with a legend, it’s easy to find your way around right from the start.
PadMu 4 review: Managing scores in the “PadMu Library”.
Importing sheet music from the cloud
PadMu Library import options are limited to Dropbox and Google Drive. That’s good enough, but MobileSheets also lets you import from Microsoft OneDrive.
The forScore app (unfortunately available only on iPad) goes even further and integrates numerous external sheet music import services like Musicnotes, Noteflight, or Virtual Sheet Music.
File formats: PDF only
PadMu e-readers only support files in PDF format (as well as the proprietary .padmu format). Importing DOCX files, images, or text is not supported – here again, the competition does better.
It should be noted, however, that the cloud import and PDF-only limitations are not deal-breakers. The vast majority of musicians will be satisfied with the PadMu’s offering, and most limitations can be worked around.
3. PadMu Reader: the sheet music reading application
“PadMu Reader” directly competes with other sheet music reading software for Android, such as MobileSheets, MuseScore, Newzik, nkoda, or the IMSLP application.
PadMu Reader hides the Android status bar at the top of the screen, as well as the navigation bar at the bottom (if the latter is activated). The score can therefore take up the entire height of the page, except for five buttons at the bottom of the screen.
The application’s main menu is a vertical icon bar. When shown, it masks the left side of the music (and consequently, the key signature and clef, at least partially).
Screenshot of the PadMu Reader app on the PadMu 4 showing the viola part of Felix Weingartner’s Sextet for piano and strings, op. 33.
Taming the menu bar: an off-key experience
The vertical menu bar of the PadMu Reader is supposed to appear with a vertical swipe using two fingers. Unfortunately, in practice, this gesture is unreliable and frequently results in page turns instead.
There is a configuration option to replace the double swipe with a double tap. On my e-reader, however, this gesture only works occasionally, and I’ve often found myself stuck without being able to open the menu. In such cases, you have to go back to the home page and reopen the sheet music reading app.
Cropping scores: limited possibilities
Sheet music cropping is one of the functions I use the most. What’s the point of having a large e-reader (or tablet) if the display area is reduced by large margins?
Cropping in the PadMu Reader app is problematic: it is neither possible to crop each side of a page separately, nor to move the center of the crop area.
The cropping function of other applications are much more efficient and pleasant to use. These include MobileSheets (which can be installed on PadMu), forScore on iPad or SongbookPro.
Cropping a score on PadMu 4 with PadMu Reader (left, problematic cropping) and MobileSheets (right, precise cropping of each margin). The example is from the viola part of Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major KV 364 (320 d), in the Henle Urtext version.
The limitations of page cropping on the PadMu 4 are, for me, a major drawback. Until an update addresses this issue, it is hard to recommend PadMu Reader, and the PadMu 4’s advantages over the Onyx Boox Tab X are reduced to nothing.
Landscape mode: displaying two pages simultaneously
Fans of two-page landscape mode will be disappointed, as the PadMu Reader application is unable to display two pages side-by-side when turned horizontally. The e-reader has an orientation sensor and the page rotates to be displayed in the correct direction, but only one page is shown.
Landscape mode on the PadMu 4 with PadMu Reader in the first prelude of Johann Sebastian Bach’s “Well-Tempered Clavier”. (tablets-for-musicians.com)
For many musicians, especially pianists, landscape mode and the ability to view two pages at once (on the same e-reader or tablet) is an absolute necessity. The owner of PadMu made it clear in a comment (see below) that it was a conscious decision not to support the double-page mode. If you want to have two pages side by side, you have to use the double PadMu solution (and therefore buy two e-readers)!
As a result, PadMu has no update planned to solve the problem, which nevertheless has two solutions:
- Install MobileSheets ($14.99). Prefer the version for e-paper devices over the Google Play version, which is designed for tablets.
- Consider the Onyx Boox Tab X*, which has identical hardware and is less expensive.
Dual-reader (or dual-screen) mode
Like forScore or MobileSheets, PadMu Reader has a dual tablet mode, allowing two pages of the same score to be displayed side by side on two different devices. If you have two PadMu readers, it will work without a hitch.
However, the PadMu software suite is exclusive to the brand’s e-readers. It is therefore not possible to use the PadMu Reader app on a PadMu combined with another brand’s e-reader – even if it’s an Onyx Boox.
Onyx Boox Tab X (left) and PadMu 4 (right) in double e-reader / dual-page mode using MobileSheets. (tablets-for-musicians.com)
Here too, the cross-platform MobileSheets app does a better job than PadMu Reader and allows using the dual-screen mode with tablets or e-readers from different brands. By installing MobileSheets on the PadMu, you can use a PadMu 4 together with almost any other e-reader or tablet and enjoy the dual-screen mode.
Stylus support on two devices simultaneously
There is one point where the PadMu Reader app has an absolute advantage over the competition: it is the only dual tablet/dual reader solution on the market that supports the use of a stylus on both devices at the same time. This makes it possible to mark up your sheet music on both e-readers.
This may sound obvious, but it is far from the case. With Apple, in dual iPad mode, the Apple Pencil is paired with either one or the other iPad. The apps forScore and MobileSheets, which support dual iPad mode, only allow the stylus to be used on one of the two tablets.
The same is true for MobileSheets on Android, where only the “master” tablet (or e-reader) supports stylus annotation.
PadMu’s dual reader mode is therefore the only solution on the market for those who want to be able to use a stylus on two devices in dual page mode.
The PadMu 4 in music education
- For music teachers who primarily want to take notes and read sheet music (or books), the PadMu 4 can be the right tool – provided that you install the right applications on it.
- Younger students may be less distracted by an e-reader than by a tablet (no TikTok or Instagram), but they will have to give up color and interactivity.
An e-reader is undoubtedly less distracting than a tablet. (tablets-for-musicians.com)
- An e-reader can help college students to practice with better focus, as certain apps like YouTube lose their recreational aspect.
- If you want to learn an instrument on your own (for example, with Simply Piano or Yousician), you’ll be better off with a tablet (see my guide to the best tablets for musicians).
Let’s be clear: the PadMu software suite offers no particular advantage in the field of music teaching. In most cases, the Onyx Boox Tab X is the preferred choice, as it’s less expensive and strictly identical in terms of hardware.
PadMu 4 review: miscellaneous
Responsiveness and reliability
During my long-term test of the PadMu 4, I was surprised by the lack of reliability of the interactions with the e-reader. Even simple touch gestures (e.g., simple tapping) often seem to go unrecognized, requiring repeated attempts for the tablet to register them.
Apart from the difficulty in bringing up the main menu in PadMu Reader, swipe gestures to access menus (for example to exit the full-screen mode) frequently need to be repeated. I also have the impression that screen taps (singe touch events) work better if they’re lighter than on a conventional tablet.
No quick wake-up from sleep mode
Like the Boox Tab X, PadMu can’t be switched on or woken up quickly by double-tapping the screen. The only way is to use the power button, which can be capricious with certain protective cases (such as the original Boox Tab X cover).
Thankfully, the problem can be mostly worked around by adjusting the screensaver as follows in the Android settings:
Settings > Desktop and Screensaver > Screensaver (tap directly on the image) > Tap the right arrow three times to select “Transparent”, then “Apply”.
PadMu 4: Pros
- All-in-one solution dedicated to musicians
- Well-designed and easy-to-use library
- Excellent battery life
- Based on the best e-reader in the market
Cons
- Account required to use PadMu applications
- Subpar sheet music reading app
- Poor cropping functionality, no double page in landscape mode
- The PadMu application suite lacks responsiveness
PadMu 4: Conclusion
The all-in-one solution offered by PadMu sounds attractive: an e-reader dedicated to musicians with a tailor-made software suite.
However, in its current state, it is difficult to wholeheartedly recommend the PadMu 4. The core of the e-reader, the PadMu Reader sheet music app, is far from being as mature as its competitors (such as MobileSheets on Android, or forScore and Newzik on iPads).
Nevertheless, the PadMu 4 is not a bad solution. In fact, with MobileSheets E-Ink version instead of the PadMu software suite, the PadMu 4 becomes identical to the Onyx Boox Tab X, the best large-format e-reader on the market.
Since these two solutions are comparable, the choice primarily boils down to price and availability. The Onyx Boox Tab X sells for about 10% less than the PadMu 4. A price difference that could allow, for example, to buy a cover and a pedal.
OVERALL RATING:
PadMu 4 – E-Reader for Musicians*
Please note: The PadMu 4 is not available on Amazon in the US and in Canada. The official PadMu website offers worldwide delivery.
4 thoughts on “PadMu 4 review: the best e-reader for musicians?”
Hi Johannes,
I’m Sandro, the owner of PadMu , basically I’m the guy who gave “birth” to the initiative.
I came across recently to your review and I was frankly surprised about the many inaccuracies that I found written down. As follows :
1. It is incorrectly specified that once the device ‘s stand-by parameter has been set , the system goes into stand-by even when a musical score is open. This is false because if you have a score open obviously the standby setting has no effect, since the musician is studying or performing in public and it would be absolutely unacceptable for the score to go into stand-by. We cannot understand why such a thing was written which is a huge and damaging misjudgment for our product image.
2. Regarding the alleged lack of responsiveness of the screen, it omits the fact that when dealing with eReader screens in general it is often required to operate with a lighter touch because it is not the fact that the responsiveness is lower, it is simply different when dealing with such technology. Pushing against the screen as some users do simply leads to the opposite result. eReaders require a little lighter finger interaction and you will find that they respond almost immediately. It’s just a matter of getting used to it.
3. PadMu suite of apps compared to the Onyx software does not offer particular advantages as far as the musician is concerned: this is not true as our suite provides for example: a dedicated score management library, a software Reader app for music with the management of playlists, page sequences, an optimize page turning just to name a few. Furthermore, no reference is made to the dual setting of Edit and Performance modes. In performance mode the manual annotations appear instantly on the page, it is a mode designed for public performance and the bottom bar is not visible, thus giving the possibility of having a full page for the score. Obviously, it goes without saying, the Onyx Reader does not offer all these things simply because it is an App designed for generalist use. Also, Onyx’s Reader goes to stand-by, our doesn’t as specified above.
4. It is stated that the appearance of the Reader’s vertical menu often leads to page turning. This is impossible because to turn the page one of the possibilities offered is the horizontal swipe to the left or right, while for the menu to appear the swipe must be vertical with two fingers. The two actions are therefore incompatible. Furthermore, the appearance of the left menu is obviously only temporary, when it is not needed it can be made to disappear with a simple double swipe.
5. You also mention the fact that our dual solution is similar to that offered by other apps that can be installed on two separate Tab Xs. This is not true because our dual app is the only one on the market that allows you to write on the left and right tablet at the same time without losing information. In this regard, it is essential to underline the fact that when the Padmu Reader reader app is in double mode we are talking about a true double, that is, it is not a file on the left tablet that is duplicated on the right one, as all the other apps also do like on iPad. Furthermore, those who want to play with a double landscape certainly have the optimal solution with PadMu , viewing in landscape mode with two nearby tablets is unparalleled. These are fundamental details and they were not even reported in this review and we do not understand why.
6. The fact that in single landscape mode you cannot view two small vertical pages is our choice dictated by the fact that in this way you would lose the possibility of reading in A4. If you want to see two pages at a time you can rely on our double solution, which is unique in its kind, and as explained before, both vertical and horizontal . You may like this or not but it is our choice.
7. Since the latest FW there is no longer the possibility of the double Launcher Onyx / PadMu because this created confusion for users.
8. Regarding the crop, in PadMu the proportion between height and length is actually fixed. We are working on this topic, although we have not received any particular complaints from customers.
9. Last but not least, from the images posted on the review, you can see that the bottom bar contains only 5 icons, a signal that this is an old version of the software on which the review was based.
In conclusion, if you have any doubts, before making the purchase, write to us at sales@padformusician.com for questions or leave a message here
https://www.padformusician.com/it/informazioni-commerciali
We always respond typically within the day.
We are always available for you.
Thank you
Sandro
Hi, Sandro,
thank you for your feedback. I am playing at summer festivals right now, and I’ll only have time to see how I can update my article in the first weeks of September 2024. As you can see, my article was written in the first half of 2023, and I’m happy to hear that you are actively providing firmware updates. I couldn’t find any changelog online, so it’s difficult to know what has changed since then. For example, I tried to find out if the crop function was improved several months ago, but could not find any information. And since I already sold my PadMu 4, I couldn’t find out.
I’ll try to update the article, integrate your feedback and answer to your comment as soon as possible!
Cheers,
Johannes
September 30th, 2024: I have updated the review, especially taking into account points 1, 5 and 6.
Thank you for the great info!
Question: You mention the ability to switch to the Onyx launcher at any time. Can this be done even without initially creating a PadMu account? And, once switched, is everything exactly the same as if one had purchased the Onyx directly, i.e. is all the PadMu software entirely out of the way?
Hi, Timo,
I sold my PadMu 4 a few weeks ago, so I can’t check my answers.
If you buy a PadMu, why would you not even try out the PadMu software? In this case, the Boox Tab X is cheaper, so I would go for the latter.
Cheers!