Take a stroll through the history of Roland Drum and Percussion from its beginnings with the original Octapad through to the modern day V-Drums, sample pads and more.
1972
Roland Founded founded by Ikutaro Kakehashi in Osaka on April 18, 1972
1985
SEPTEMBER
PAD-8 Octapad
The original Octapad percussion pad that kick-started the ‘PAD’ range.
This eight-pad trigger unit let users assign MIDI notes to the pads and trigger sounds from any MIDI equipped sampler, synthesiser or drum machine. This had quite an impact for drummers allowing new sounds and techniques to be developed. For Phil Collins, no jacket was required but the Octapad certainly was.
Alpha Drum
DDR-30 Digital Drums
Percussion sound module designed to pair with PD-10 and PD-20 pads to form the “Alpha Drum” system, the precursor to V-Drums.
The DDR-30 was a six-part module featuring 48 high quality PCM sampled sounds. Each of the 6 voices had 8 sound choices per voice for kick, snare and 4 tom with the sounds modified and stored in internal memory. The external MIDI port allowed triggering from instruments like the Octapad or from a keyboard or MIDI sequencer.
PD-10 & PD-20 Trigger pads
The PD-10 and -20 featured triangular shaped trigger pads with mounts for attachment to conventional drum stand hardware. The pads were also available in silver making a striking, futuristic look that attracted much attention. The pads had the similar hard, smooth playing surface as the Octapad. The PD-10 kick trigger featured a centre trigger zone to improve the response and feel of the beater strike.
1986
JULY
BOSS DRP-2 Dr.PAD
Falling under the BOSS banner normally reserved for guitar effects products, the Dr.PAD was a palm-sized trigger pad with a range of percussion sounds from clap to cowbell. Its small size made it ideal for a desktop or integrated into a stage setup.
1987
SEPTEMBER
PD-21, PD-31 Pads
The PD-31 so named for its 3-triggers plus 1 design. This unique trigger pad crammed 4 trigger zones onto one pad each ‘zone’ was accessible via 4 rear mounted 1/4″ jacks.
PM-16
Trigger-to-MIDI module made for drummers needing more trigger inputs.
Jon Farriss of INXS was one of the many famous users pairing it up to with a range of triggers, sound modules and samplers to create a hybrid acoustic/electronic kit.
1988
JULY
PAD-80 Octapad II
The second generation of the Octapad with 64 patch locations, 3-note per pad layering and patch chaining functions. There was a memory card slot for storing and exporting setups and multiple trigger inputs for expansion with pads to create a kit.
1989
DECEMBER
PAD-5 Handypad
Affordable, battery powered portable trigger pad with five touch sensitive pads, built-in sounds, preset rhythms and MIDI out.
1990
DECEMBER
R-8M Total Percussion Sound Module
Featuring sounds from the Roland R8 Human Rhythm drum machine from 1989, this module could form the basis of an electronic kit; or trigger a sequencer or MIDI source. Multiple card slots allowed sound expansion with additional sounds from the existing R8 card library.
MAY
SPD-8 Percussion Pad
MIDI controller with built-in sounds. No longer was the Octapad just a trigger unit. The internal sound engine made it more like a mobile V-Drums kit.
1992
Round Trigger Pads Introduced
PD-7 & PD-9 Pads
With the familiar drum shape and sleek design, the new PD series pads allowed easer placement, larger playing surface and improved triggering sensitivity at lower velocities.
FD-7 Hi-hat Controller Pedal
Adjustable and realistic feeling controller for connection to the HHC input of the module for open through closed hi-hat playing.
SEPTEMBER
TD-7 Percussion Sound Module
Compact Percussion Sound Module combining 512 16-bit sounds, 256 waveforms, 32 user-editable patches, onboard effects and a built-in sequencer.
Mounted on the drum rack or stand, the TD-7 could form the hub of a compact drum kit setup.
KD-7 Kick Trigger Unit
Horizontal mounted compact kick trigger including ‘hooked’ beater KDB-7. The “Mix-in” input allowed chaining of multiple triggers as used to great effect by Thomas Lang among others.
The KD-7 connected to almost any trigger module and operated with standard mechanical kick drum pedals.
1993
JANUARY
SPD-11 Total Percussion Pad
Updated percussion pad with more sounds and built-in effects processor.
1994
KD-5 Kick Trigger
Modified version of the KD-7 horizontal kick trigger with output control but minus polarity switch and carpet spikes.
AUGUST
TD-5 Percussion Sound Module
Pro Percussion sound module with 210 instruments and 32 user editable patches, eight trigger inputs, on-board effects.
1997
Mesh head-1997
Whilst visiting a DIY carpentry and gardening goods store, mechanical designer, Mr. Yoshino became inspired by a trampoline and the joint development with REMO percussion created the mesh drum-head. The patented dual-ply, 45-degree mesh design allows a similar response and feel to a skin stretched over a drum, along with accurate trigger response, low mechanical noise and excellent durability.
Composite object sound modelling- COSM
The Revolutionary new technology first developed for the V-Guitar comes to V-Drums where the actual performance aspects are considered along with the design of the sound engine for a much more realistic playing and sounding experience.
Birth of V-Drums
Now a complete, integrated drum kit. V-Drums would become the electric guitar for drummers allowing quiet practice and unlimited sonic possibilities. No tuning needed and simplified recording with a single MIDI lead would revolutionise the idea of the drum kit.
JULY
TD-10 Percussion Sound Module
Flagship V-Drums now feature COSM modelling technology. 600 sounds, 50 kits and 50 melody instruments. Positional pad sensing for nuance changes in sound depending on strike position, front panel fader controls, 12 trigger inputs and built-in 8-track sequencer.
PD-100/120 Trigger Pad
10″ and 12″ mesh trigger pads with head and rim triggering.
RM-2 Rhythm Coach
The RM-2 Rhythm Coach sound module is programmed with unique rhythm training exercises designed to develop a student’s timing, speed and stamina. When combined with the RP-2 V-Practice Pad, the RM-2’s automatic feedback lets students and teachers monitor progress with measurable results.
1998
MARCH
SPD-20 Total Percussion Pad
Percussion pad with 700 sounds, 99 patches, effects and 14-voice polyphony.
A favourite of the Indian music scene where many drummers ride their bikes to gigs with their SPD-20 as their portable kit. The SPD-20 remains one of the most successful percussion products on the Indian market where devotees even have their own listing in the musician classifieds as ‘PAD’ players.
KD-120 V-Kick Trigger Pad
12″ kick trigger with mesh head.
1999
SEPTEMBER
TD-8 Percussion Sound Module
V-Drums with COSM sound modelling. 1286 sounds and 64 user editable kits, V-Editing, built-in sequencer with 800 patterns.
KD-80 V-Kick Trigger Pad
8″ kick trigger with mesh head.
PD-80 Trigger Pad
8″ mesh trigger pad with head & rim triggering and solid metal construction.
2000
JANUARY
TDW-1 Wave & System Expansion Board
Sound expansion board for the TD-10. 14MB of additional waveform memory for 360 new sounds, 50 new kit patches, improved sensitivity and dynamics, new group settings for fader control of sounds.
JUNE
HPD-15 HandSonic
Unique hand percussion instrument drawing directly from V-Drums technology with ribbon controllers, external footswitch and dual trigger input.
Integrated D-Beam controller allowed the player to trigger and control sounds with a wave of the hand. 600 sounds and 15 pressure sensitive pads along with 99 preset patterns and 99 programmable patches allowed users to create their own custom percussion layouts.
There was a 4-track, real-time sequencer built-in along with an extensive reverb and multi-effects engine.
2001
V-Cymbals
Extensive research went into design the best possible trigger cymbal. Previously, drummers used either their own acoustic cymbals or drum pads as cymbal triggers making for a less than ideal playing scenario.
With the launch of the CY and VH series V-Cymbals, drummers could finally experience the familiar feel and movement of their acoustic cymbal cousin but with near silence. V-Cymbals mounted on standard cymbal stands and featured edge and bow triggers while the rubber coating provided the excellent rebound important for advanced playing.
A unique, v-shaped stopper eliminated unwanted rotation of the cymbal trigger but still allowed it to swing freely like an acoustic cymbal.
MARCH
TD-6 Percussion Sound Module
The new mid-range V-Drums module with 1024 drum and percussion sounds packed with features including 99 kit patches, 262 backing sounds and a 6-part sequencer with 150 preset songs and 100 user song locations. The new module also provided EQ and ambience effects along with 64-voice polyphony.
FD-6 Hi-hat Controller Pedal
Simplified, non-adjustable version of the FD-7.
2002
FEBRUARY
TMC-6 Trigger-MIDI converter
Six input trigger-to-MIDI module. Three-way triggering for bell, bow & edge on V-Cymbals CY15R and CY12R/C. HH controller and MIDI out for triggering external sound modules or recording into a MIDI capable computer sequencer.
MAY
RMP-1 Rhythm Coach
Combining the RM-2 coach module and RP-2 pad, the desk or stand mountable RMP-1 with its tuneable mesh head allowed quiet rudimentary practice with the in-built rhythm monitor.
2003
APRIL
SPD-S Sampling Pad
With an ever expanding legion of fans, the percussion pad with stereo audio inputs for sampling at 16bit 44.1Khz and external trigger inputs quickly became the de-facto drummer’s little helper worldwide.
16MB of non-volatile memory made for 12 minutes of stereo sampling on ‘Long’ mode and there was a CompactFlash Card slot for sample export/import. Eight-voice polyphony and a built-in multi-EFX processor made the SPDS an instrument everyone wanted to integrate into their setup.
SEPTEMBER
RT Series Triggers
Acoustic triggers designed for simple, non-permanent attachment to bass drum (RT-7K), snare (RT-5S) and toms (RT-3T). RT triggers allow triggering of sounds from drum modules and samplers via their trigger standard trigger inputs.
2004
V-Hi-Hat
Allowing conventional mounting on a hi-hat stand, the V-Hi-hat completed the V-Drums experience allowing the familiar range of motion and weight of acoustic metal cymbals without the noise. Hi-hats could now trigger any sound imaginable.
FEBRUARY
TD-20 Percussion Sound Module
The new flagship V-Drums with an almost exhausting range of features including 15 trigger inputs, HH and 3-way ride control, positional sensitivity, sweep sensing for using brushes, V-Editing for adjusting microphone size & position, shell depth, muffling, head type, beater and stick types and shell type.
More than just a drum sound module, the TD-20 featured a 6-part sound engine with bass, piano, guitar and many other sounds. Combined with the in-built pattern sequencer, the user could program and trigger complex patterns and step sequences from any trigger input of the kit.
The TD20 kit with the VH-12 dual pad V-Hi-Hat provides an extremely realistic playing response.
KD-8 Kick Trigger Pad
Foldable and compact, upright for use with single and double pedals.
APRIL
TD-3 Percussion Sound Module
A great starting point V-Drums sound module with 114 sounds, 32 user editable kits, Rhythm coaching function, MIDI out and 9 trigger inputs.
MAY
TD-6V Percussion Sound Module
The second generation of the TD-6 with 1024 sounds, 262 backing instruments, all new kit patches and 170 preset songs.
2005
MARCH
D-12 V-Stage Percussion Sound Module
V-Drums kit with 560 COSM sounds derived from the TD-20 with 262 backing instruments and 50 drum kit patches.
“V-Editing” modified drum sounds and a 20,000 MIDI note sequencer was on-board. As per the TD-20, preset or user patterns assign to any trigger for start and stop, or step playing, for new performances possibilities.
The TD-12 shipped with the new
VH-11 Hi-Hat compatible with all V-Drums products.
RMP-3 Rhythm Coach
A stand-mountable, electronic practice pad with built-in sounds, metronome and coaching functions and adjustable tension mesh head for quietness and feel.
KD-85 Kick Trigger Pad
Updated version of KD-80 in black or white.
PD-85 V-Pad
8″ Dual trigger (Head & Rim) with mesh head.
SEPTEMBER
RMP-5 Rhythm Coach
Upgraded stand-mountable, electronic practice pad with more built-in sounds than the RMP-3, metronome and coaching functions. Adjustable tension mesh head also added for quietness and feel.
An external dual trigger input allowed setup as a basic practice and performance kit using any standard piezo triggers.
2006
MARCH
HPD-10 Handsonic
The little brother of the HPD-20, this was a hand percussion instrument with 400 instruments and 64 percussion kits. There was a D-Beam Controller, 10 touch responsive pads and backlit LCD screen. Coaching functions and Multi-Effects were also built-in.
RT-10
A new generation of acoustic triggers Kick (RT-10K), Tom (RT-10T) and dual trigger Snare (RT-10S) versions for head and rim triggering from standard acoustic drums.
The streamlined design casing used durable ABS resin and featured adjustable trigger contact pressure.
2007
JUNE
HD-1 V-Drums Lite
With silent beater-less pedals, MIX-IN Jack, MIDI Out and award winning all-in-one design, the HD-1 opened the world of drumming to those who’d never considered it before due to the normal cost, space requirements and potential noise problems associated with conventional acoustic drums.
2008
MARCH
TD-9 V-Stage
Mid-range V-Drums module with 500+ sounds, ‘Scope’ visual coaching function, MIDI performance recording, USB host port for patch storage and WAV file playing. (MP3 via V2 update)
JUNE
RMP-12 Rhythm Coach
12″ dual trigger marching drum designed to fit to standard marching harnesses and allow low volume, portable practice. The RMP-12 featured a ¼” audio output and a range of sounds from traditional marching snares and toms to electronic percussion.
The RMP-12 featured a unique velocity-to-pitch function allowing simulation of tuned percussion and pitch-bent timpani swells.
AUGUST
TDW-20 Expansion Board for TD-20
A user installable expansion board for the TD-20 with 300 new sounds, new ambience types, enhanced V-Editing including snare buzz, mic-size parameter and new kit resonance control allowing the toms to resonate in sympathy with the kick creating a natural ‘bleed’ effect. Included 2.51 O.S update added support for Flash memory cards above 512MB.
2009
FEBRUARY
TD-4 Percussion Sound Module
The V-Drums module for everyone with 125 sounds, 25 kits, coaching functions and MIDI out. Sounds could be tuned and muffled.
In COACH mode, the integrated screen showed the player’s timing accuracy in relation to BPM for visual representation of “too fast” or “too slow”. Internal recording of the performance was also possible for sound-checking and personal development.
SEPTEMBER
DT-HD-1 Drum Tutor
Interactive MIDI drum lesson software for PC designed to take a complete beginner from their first lesson to an intermediate level.
TD-20X V-Pro Percussion Sound Module
An expanded version of the TD-20 with in-built TDW-20 expansion board and module colour change.
KD-140 V-Kick
The top-of-the-line kick trigger featuring 14″ mesh head, swappable drum wrap and heavy duty shell design for a solid, acoustic-like kick feel.
PD-125XS V-Pad
A top-of-the-line trigger pad featuring 12″ mesh head, swappable drum wrap and heavy duty shell design for a solid, acoustic-like feel and look. The unique basket and isolation mounting system ensured accurate and reliable triggering and complete reliability.
TD-20X V-Pro Series
The complete TD-20KX kit with silver cymbals, KD-140 kick trigger, new generation MDS-25X rack and top-of-the-line deeper pads with swappable drum wraps.
2010
MARCH
SPD-30 Octapad
Latest evolution of the percussion pad with large LCD screen, three-track real-time sequencer and 670 sounds with many editing features including reverse. Hi-hat control and 4 external trigger inputs allowed triggering from pads, cymbals or acoustic triggers. Conventional and USB MIDI along with a USB host port for memory storage.
Lang’o’saurus
The easy expandability and cross-compatibility of V-Drums components has lead to some incredible setups by passionate hobbyists and pros alike including this monster for Austrian drummer Thomas Lang. (Kit designed and built by Roland U.S employees Drew Armentrout and Mike Snyder in 2010).
Thomas Lang’s mega 15-piece, dual TD-20X module kit. Featuring SPD-30, 10 foot triggers combing KD-7 and KD-140, 2 VH-12 hi-hats, CY-14CSV & CY-15RSV cymbals…and lots and lots of pedals.
2011
KD-9 Cloth Feel Kick Pad Introduced
Shipped as standard with TD-9KX2, TD-15 and TD-11 series kits, the KD-9’s new cloth/rubber hybrid playing surface brought with it improved feel as well as lower contact volume. Re-designed support system and its wider trigger sweet-spot improved off-centre sensitivity for double kick pedals.
SEPTEMBER
SPD-SX Sampling Pad
Following on from the hugely successful SPD-S, the SPD-SX upped the memory by a factor of 125 times and added many new features.
The second generation of the sampling pad offered USB storage and 2GB of internal memory for three and a half hours of stereo sampling at 44.1khz 16bit. Waveform editing on screen and numerous DSP functions allowed sound creation and audio manipulation without the need for a computer.
Three EFX processors and routable click for performance made the SPD-SX the drummer’s best friend on stage and in the studio while conventional MIDI and the additional SUB outputs made it easy to integrate into studio and live setups.
USB Audio/Midi support for digital transfer of sound and data via standard drivers and supplied Wave Manager software rounded out a very capable instrument.
TD-9V2
Updated TD-9 operating system version with 30 new sounds including jazz style mutable kick drum and MP-3 audio player support.
2012
JANUARY
*SuperNatural Sound Engine introduced
The next major step since COSM, SuperNatural upped the feel and sound to the next level providing anti-machine gunning, natural cymbal swells and deeper interaction between the sounds and the player.
* USB Computer Port
Instruments connected directly to computers and iOS handheld devices via USB port allow bi-directional digital Audio/MIDI transfer without additional hardware.
DT-1 Drum Tutor
Updated software for MAC/PC allowing interactive drum lessons via conventional or USB MIDI.
HD-3 V-Drums Lite
New generation of the HD-1 with even quieter cloth-feel heads, updated sounds and USB MIDI.
TD-30 V-Pro Drum Sound Module
Flagship V-Drums kit with over 1000 sounds, positional sensitivity, 6 part SuperNATURAL sound engine, USB ports for both storage and MIDI/AUDIO. Extensive MIDI note recording/sequencing. WAV player for audio backing tracks along with legacy support for loading TD-20 kit patches.
APRIL
TD-11 V-Stage Drum Sound Module
Streamlined V-Drums module with SuperNATURAL sound engine featuring 190 sounds, USB MIDI/AUDIO, USB storage port, MP3 compatibility and coaching functions to practice technique.
TD-15 V-Stage Drum Sound Module
Mid-range V-Drums with SuperNATURAL sound engine. 500 sounds, 100 kits, USB for MIDI/AUDIO and storage, quick edit buttons, routable click, independent headphone volume control.
DECEMBER
TD-4KP V-Compact Kit
Fold-up V-Drums kit with 125 sounds, 25 kits, pole mounted kick trigger for conventional mechanical kick pedal attachment. Optional carry bag for transportation.
2013
JANUARY
BT-1 Bar Trigger
Half-moon shaped trigger designed for attachment to drum rims or conventional styled cowbell holder and allow triggering of samples and sounds from any trigger input equipped instrument. Unique dual trigger sensor arrangement design eliminates accidental false-triggering from adjacent drums.
SEPTEMBER
HPD-20 Handsonic
Latest evolution of the successful hand percussion instrument. Thirteen pads with positional awareness and new sound set featuring SuperNatural technology for advanced expression and responsiveness. USB and WAV import support for user patch creation integrating samples/loops. Also equipped with an external trigger in and integrated D Beam controller.
2014
JANUARY
TM-2 Trigger Module
Compact sample trigger module with two dual trigger inputs and SD memory card slot for loading and exporting 44.1kHz, 16 bit WAV samples with MIDI In and Out.
MARCH
Damping system for acoustic or V-Drums for vibration-free performance. Although mesh pads, cloth feel kick triggers and rubber coated cymbals reduce strike noise considerably, mechanical vibration through floors can still be an issue for many high-rise apartment dwellers in major cities.
The Noise-eaters allow the instrument to “float” which de-couples the vibration from the floor allowing almost complete isolation from mechanically transmitted noise.
SEPTEMBER
Affordable V-Drums kit with beater-less pedals, MIX-IN for media player connection, USB MIDI for MAC/PC/iOS performance recording. Metronome and coaching functions built-in.
2015
MARCH
RT-30 Acoustic Drum Trigger
Evolution of the RT series acoustic triggers that began with the RT-3.
The RT-30 series featured a new design to fit more rim types including the new inner flange style hoops. Automatic adjustment of trigger pressure simplifies attachment. Integrated anti-false triggering design similar to that found in the BT-1 bar trigger eliminates triggering errors from vibrations. Single-head (RT-30H), dual head-rim (RT-30HR) and kick (RT-30K) versions.
APRIL
OCTOBER
MH-2 Series PowerPly Mesh Heads
For the first time, Roland’s unique mesh head made available in standard drum sizes for converting any acoustic kit for hybrid capability for practice or performance.
Unlike other single ply mesh heads, PowerPly dual-ply heads are not only quiet but allow accurate and reliable triggering with a drum module in combination with RT series acoustic triggers on toms, snares and kicks.
2016
JANUARY
EC-10 Electronic Layered Cajon
Roland’s first hybrid acoustic & electronic instrument, the electronic layered Cajon or ‘ELCajon’.
The battery powered EC-10 features a built-in sound module and speaker system allowing a range of electronic sounds to be blended with the natural acoustic sound for new sonic and playing possibilities.
A line out allows connection to larger speaker systems for concert performance sound reinforcement.
APRIL
SEPTEMBER
TD-50 V-Drums Module
Top-of-the-line V-Drums module with all new hi-resolution sounds, digital triggering engine, balanced outputs, Prismatic sound modelling, multi-channel USB audio and 24bit user sample import via SD card.
CY-18DR V-Cymbal Ride
18″ digital ride cymbal with touch sensitivity, natural rebound and swinging motion.
PD-140DS V-Pad
14″ steel digital snare trigger pad with 3-ply mesh head, swappable shell wrap and touch sensitivity for automatic cross-stick sensing.
KD-A22 Kick Drum Converter
Kick trigger adapter designed to fit to any 22″ acoustic kick drum shell, providing the most natural and responsive triggering possible and realistic acoustic look for stage and studio.
EC-10M ELCajon Mic Processor
Cajon microphone trigger system.
Connect the included clip-on microphone to allow amplification and triggering from any Cajon with internal PCM sounds, trigger pads and looper.
TD-1KPX V-Drums Portable
Roland’s first compact, foldable, all-mesh V-Drums kit for near silent practice anywhere.
The TD-1KPX features 25 built-in kits with visual coaching function.
A USB port allows for direct connection to computers and iOS devices while the kit includes the new, silent FD-9 hi-hat controller pedal.
2017
SEPTEMBER
TD-1KPX2 V-Drums Portable
Updated TD-1KPX with double kick trigger and extended hi-hat arm.
2018
JANUARY
TM-6PRO Trigger Module
Drummer oriented hybrid trigger module with +768 sounds, multiple ins and outs, SD Card WAV loader/player and unique transient shaper tool
RT-MicS Microphone and trigger unit
Designed to fit in the drummer’s stick bag, this innovative all-in-one design allows simultaneous pickup via microphone and unique WAV sample triggering to reinforce or supliment acoustic snare drum.
8 internal sounds can be replaced with user WAV samples using the free iOS/Android app.
MARCH
TD-17 V-Drums Module
The TD-17 module (KV & KVX only) features user WAV sample loading via SD Card, hundreds of sounds inherited from the TD-50 module and sound layering.
A USB port allows for direct connection to computers and iOS devices while the kit includes the new, silent FD-9 hi-hat controller pedal and new kit components.
PDX-12 Trigger Pad
Large lightweight and durable 12″ dual trigger pad with side mounted trigger and dual mesh head.
Standard with the TD-17KV/KVX kits.
CY-12C Crash Trigger Pad
Low profile and specially balanced 12″ dual trigger cymbal pad for the most authentic acoustic feel and movement.
Features 2-way bow and edge triggering.
Standard with the TD-17KV/KVX kits.
CY-13R Ride Trigger Pad
Low profile and specially balanced 13″ triple trigger ride cymbal pad for the most authentic acoustic feel and movement. Features 3-way bell, bow and edge triggering.
Standard with the TD-17KV/KVX kits.
KD-220 Kick Drum Trigger
Roland’s first full-sized 22″ acoustic styled V-Drums trigger.
Specially designed Intergated kick trigger system with air dampened suspension system gives the most accurate triggering and feel possible. Compatible with all piezo style trigger modules and standard with the TD-50KVX V-Drums kit.
KD-180 Kick Drum Trigger
Roland’s first 18″ acoustic styled V-Drums trigger.
Specially designed Intergated kick trigger system with air dampened suspension system gives the most accurate triggering and feel possible. Compatible with all piezo style trigger modules and standard with the TD-25KVX V-Drums kit.
SEPTEMBER
SPD-SX SE Special Edition Sampling Pad
16MB memory upgraded version of the popular SPD-SX with striking new red colour.
TD-1DMK V-Drums Portable
Roland’s first, low-cost, all-mesh V-Drums kit with TD-1 module, conventional style V-Drums rack.
Two crashes, ride and rack mounted hi-hat and double kick trigger.
2019
JANUARY
TM-1 Trigger Module
Compact floor mounted trigger module with two footswitches, realtime editing controls and external trigger inputs for expansion.
WAV sounds included that can be edited and replaced using a free iOS/Android app.
2020
JANUARY
V-Drums Acoustic Design
A new drum product category with full-sized, acoustic design electronic drum kit series in four or five piece configurations with a shallow version available too. New wood shells, hardware and triggering systems for an immersive playing experience without the challenges or limitations of acoustic instruments.
Following on from the very popular KD-220, KD-180 and KDA-22 kick adaptors comes the 20″ kick with midnight sparkle finish. Featuring a floating trigger system on a conventional acrylic head, the KD-200 feels and looks like an acoustic kick but triggers as accurately as any other KD series trigger.
10″x 7″Acoustic Design V-Drums trigger with custom wood shell and dual-ply mesh head for authentic look and optimum, low-noise, dual-zone, head and rim triggering.
12″x8″ Acoustic Design V-Drums trigger with custom wood shell and dual-ply mesh head for authentic look and optimum, low-noise, dual-zone head and rim triggering. The PDA120-MS features a new multi-trigger basket system designed to eliminate centre hot spots and give the most accurate feel and triggering.
14″x14″ Floor Tom with conventional leg mounts and unique wood structure designed from the ground up for triggering. The damped shell design minimizes sympathetic vibrations that normally affect triggering quality allowing predictable and great feeling response. A unique multi-trigger system with head and rim triggering, eliminates hot spots while the 14″ 3-ply mesh head as used on the PD-140DS digital snare offers the most realistic rebound possible.
40% lighter than before and much thinner than previous 14″ trigger cymbals, this new cymbal gives the most accurate movement and feel yet. Dual-zone triggering and black machined finish complete this new trigger.
The first 16″ offered from Roland, this new popular sized cymbal gives accurate movement and feel like an acoustic cymbal. Three-zone triggering for bell, bow and edge use as a ride via the two TRS outputs and black machined finish complete this new trigger.
Compact, acoustic looking kit featuring short stack toms and conventional stands. The included TD-17 module offers customization and features usually only available in the TD-50 including user WAV sample import via SD Card. There’s also Bluetooth Audio/Midi for wireless audio streaming and live sampling directly into the module using the song recorder function.
Slim 18″ Acoustic design Kick trigger for an authentic look for the stage and an accurate feel for the player.
Slim short stack style 12″ dual-zone trigger with wood shell and tom mount
12″ Slim short stack style dual-zone trigger designed for snare stand use
10″ Slim dual-trigger pad with wood shell and tom mount
With the new TD-27 module at it’s core, the TD-27KV offers the familiar rack and shallow mesh head trigger tom combination that have made V-Drums so popular in bedrooms and studios the world over. Significant new components include digital snare and ride from the top range TD-50 along with the tried and tested PDX-100 toms, KD-10 kick trigger and public favourite VH-10 thin hi-hat.
The TD-27 plays the central role in the new VAD-503/506 and TD-27KV kits. There are over 720 sounds from the TD-50, TD-17 and TM-6pro along with new creations. The simple and clean layout is designed for quick use whilst playing and the large screen is the same as used in the TD-50.
The TD-27 incorporates the prismatic sound modelling from the TD-25 allowing extensive customization.
User samples can be imported and assigned to trigger zones and Bluetooth audio allows streaming of Midi and audio. SD Card audio can be streamed 4-tracks at a time and it’s even possible to record the bluetooth stream as WAV audio directly into the module for re-triggering and saving onto SD Card.
A brand new impulse response (IR) based reverb engine allows accurate modelling of spaces and there are overhead and extensive MFX sections built-in for recreating classic drum sounds.
The transient editor from the TD-50 allows modification of attack and release for every sound and four outputs deliver the sound to the front of house for easy control of levels.
Multiple AUX trigger ins are on the back along with footswitch and mix-ins.
A USB port on the side permits 28 channels of stereo audio along with MIDI to be recorded into MAC/PC via a low-latency driver. 4 channel playback is possible giving the player control of backing and audio separately from the front panel for a smooth recording experience.
2020
OCTOBER
The TD-07KV is an all mesh V-Drums kit ideal for the everyday drummer who wants less fuss and more playing.
The adjustable, dual-ply V-Drums heads are the same ones used throughout the V-Drums range.
Rack wise, everything mounts solidly to the included frame and the layout is instantly comfortable for any player but fully adjustable.
The sound engine allows user customerization and features a bi-directional USB MIDI/Audio interface for one cable recording directly into MAC/PC.
Built-in Bluetooth allows cable-free streaming of MIDI and audio to and from Bluetooth devices.
NOVEMBER
Launching in 1998, the SPD-20 quickly became the compulsory percussion instrument in India spawing an army of loyal ‘PAD’ users and forging it’s place in Bollywood.
Since production wound up in 2011, interest in the Octapad has never flagged with a healthy secondhand market.
2020 brings with it a revised and modernized SPD-20 with the same signature soundset but with technical improvements and refinements to bring it up to date without taking away any appeal of the original.
Compared to SD card on the original, USB memory is now standard for saving and loading kits for universal ease of access.
There’s a HH control input along with external triggers for expansion. The Octapad is the goto persussion instrument for the next generation of players.
2021
APRIL
A giant step in the evolution of the electronic kit, the VAD-706 introduces acoustic kit lovers to the capabilities of electronic kits for stage and studio.
With 8-ply Maple wood shells in four colours, the Acoustic Design series flagship kit features the latest digital trigger technology in a full sized acoustic kit for the look, sound and playing experience drummers love. The included combo tom and cymbal stands complete the authentic acoustic look of the kit.
Featuring the TD-50X module and digital ride, snare and hi-hats, the TD-50K2 packs all the latest technology into a spacesaving kit designed for the studio and smaller rehearsal spaces..
Featuring the TD-50X module, digital ride, snare and hi-hats and additional tom, the TD-50KV2 is a ready to play expanded kit with a larger chrome rack and the presence designed for pros and enthusiastic drum fans.
10″ Acoustic Design 8-ply maple drum with integrated trigger system
12″ Acoustic Design 8-ply maple drum with integrated trigger system
14″ floor tom with 8-ply maple shell and integrated trigger system. The 3-ply head gives the dampened rebound expected from a conventional acoustic floor tom while the sophisticated trigger system gives complete coverage of the trigger surface for the widest possible sweetspot.
The most advanced hi-hat to date, the life-sized 14″ VH-14D hi-hat connects via USB to the TD-27 and TD-50X series modules for the most engaging playing experience possible. Incorporating a complex arrangement of triggers and sensors powered via the USB port, it’s own processor handles sensing. Left and right hand detection is possible along with skin touch awareness and the best responsiveness yet.
Roland’s most advanced V-Drums module featuring over 900 sounds and full support for the unique digital snare, ride, and hi-hat pads.
Three inputs are provided for digital pads, along with a wide array of analog trigger inputs for the entire range of traditional pads. Deep editing tools and extensive pro ins and outs satisfy studio recording and stage connection standards.
The USB port allows realtime streaming of 32 audio channels and MIDI simultaneously while streaming back to the module for monitoring and control of the mix during performance.
An upgrade for TD-50 users via Roland Cloud takes them up to TD-50X spec with access to a new library of sounds and performance capabilities.
SEPTEMBER
As the entry point to the V-Drums Acoustic Design series, the VAD-103 is the affordable all-digital kit that captures the vibe and feel of a traditional acoustic set, complete with shallow-depth wood drum shells.
Natural feeling and quiet double-ply mesh heads and a smart air-damping system in the kick drum are in-line with the playing experience of the 5 and 7 series VAD kits.
Taking up very little space and mounted on traditional style combo drum stands, the toms and cymbals can be freely positioned for easy personalisation.
The lower profile wood shells, compact cymbals and an 18-inch kick drum gives the classic acoustic kit vibe while being easy and lightweight to pack-down and transport. The TD-07 series module clamps onto the hi-hat stand and offers a wide range of classic acoustic and electronic sounds, coaching functions and Bluetooth audio streaming. USB port allows easy connection to MAC/PC for fun and productive learning and recording.
2022
SEPTEMBER
Nearly two decades since the 2003 SPD-S appeared on the market, the new model delivers the most requested features from the hoards of PRO music makers worldwide.
With all balanced outputs for direct connection to stage boxes without the need for direct inject units, colour screen and custom backlighting, the SPD-SX PRO is designed for dark stages and studios alike.
With multichannel USB Audio/MIDI, onboard click and MIDI clock sync in/out, extensive routing options and even side-chain compression and transient control on-board the SPD-SX PRO is designed to be the centre-piece in the studio and then to be taken out on the road.
Hi-hat control as featured on the V-Drums kits and Octapad turn the PRO into a giggable kit while 32GB of high-speed memory helps deliver the lowest playing latency together with 44 hours of audio sample playback.
New pad step-sequencer, expanded pad-linking and multiple mute groups make it very flexible for artists to perform even the most complex shows from behind the kit without the use of a laptop.
OCTOBER
The second generation of the most popular TD-17 series kits lands. The trend towards thinner more responsive cymbals continues with both KV2 and KVX2 kits receiving CY-12C-T 12″ thin series crashes and CY-14C-T 14″ crash/ride. The KVX2 kit coming with two crashes and the VH-10 hi-hat to mount on a conventional stand.
Module updates bring new sounds and effects parameters as well as add support for new pad and trigger types and kit patches downloaded from Roland Cloud are now supported.
Version 2 of the TD-27 based kit brought fundamental upgrades to the playing feel of the kit thanks to the VH-14D digital hi-hat and low-profile, thin ‘T’ series CY-12C-T 12″ and CY-14C-T 14″” crash cymbals following on from positive feedback of the cymbals on the VAD-5′ kits.
TD-27V2 sound engine update delivers new effects, sounds and patches, support for the new pad types and compatibility with content downloaded from Roland Cloud.
For those who like drums on conventional stands, the 307 improves on the 306 model with various module and hardware upgrades. There’s two of the new thin series CY-12C-T crashes and the CY-14R-T ride improve the responsiveness while the beefed up hardware raises the feel and performance of the whole kit.
After the great reception to the 5′ kits, the 504 and 507 up the anti with module and hardware upgrades. Significantly, the VH-14D digital hi-hat offers the largest Roland and most advanced hi-hat available with the look and performance to match.
30′ hardware as found on the VAD-706 kit now comes standard while module updates to the TD-27V2 bring new sounds and kits, additions to the pad types and support for ever expanding Roland Cloud content.
The 507 is a five piece kit while the 504 satisfies those after a sleeker setup with one up and one down tom, single crash and ride.
2023
JANUARY
The TD-02 series kits is designed to be an ideal first step in drumming with a focus on quality, simplicity and quietness.
In two models, the TD-02K has a unique L-Shaped rack to fit easily into corners while the TD-02KV has an adjustable mesh snare drum.
The TD-02 module comes pre-loaded with a range of kits and sounds to suit any drummer with a clear and simple user interface to allow the player to focus on their playing and having fun.
A separately available BT Dual adaptor allows either model to stream Audio and MIDI via. Bluetooth for hours of playalong fun and for recording with PC and MAC apps and integration with mobile devices.
Both kits come with silent kick and hi-hat pedals so there’s no thumping through the floor; perfect for any apartment.
