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 Roland’s latest addition to the V-drum line is a powerhouse for electronic drumming. In the ongoing struggle to make electronic drums feel and sound like acoustic drums, the TD-9 takes a bold step forward with all of its cutting features. Roland configured the interface with users in mind by bringing many of the functions users want right up front.
In one stroke, users can access real audio songs in high quality WAV format (instead of video-game soundtrack MIDI songs), mute the drums in the track with the Mute button, and even bring in their own songs via USB Port on the top of the TD-9. With the Quick Rec and Quick Play buttons, users can quickly record and listen to their ideas when inspiration hits. Another unique function on the face is Scope, which will show you to see how accurate your timing is in a large drum-tab like format. The large jog wheel and Function buttons in the center of the module allow users to navigate the menus quickly without many strokes, and after some practice, you may be able to get everything done using the tip of your drumstick. On the inside, Roland brought in more customizable instrument parameters similar to the TD-12 and TD-20 modules. You can play on a 3-inch pair of hi-hats, a 40-inch sizzle ride, a crash that sounds as real as an 18-inch dry but decays like an 808, and a pad set up to play a blues riff when you strike it. If you don’t know much about microphone placement, you can take some notes from this module -- just start tweaking the internal microphone placement parameters and let your ears decide what sounds good. If the stock set-up isn’t enough, there are 2 extra jacks for cymbal or drum pads and the module can handle the VH-11 hi-hat pads, so you can play with a real hi-hat stand. If you still want more, there are MIDI in/out jacks to allow for endless expansion possibilities. I’ve been playing on the TD-6 for a few years now, but the articulation and sensitivity that comes stock on the TD-9 blows the TD-6 away. One of the greatest hurdles for emulating acoustic drums electronically is trying to recreate the chaotic overtone structure of cymbals. Many electronic drum sets have a single sound sample that is being triggered at different volumes, but riding on the cymbals of the TD-9 gives you a wide array of sounds and stick articulation. Also, I did not have to change my playing style to get rim shots on the TD-9 snare drum. Transitioning from an acoustic drum set to the TD-9 will be easy for anyone looking to experiment with electronic drums. The TD-9 is a definitive step forward in the evolution of electronic drumming. For more information, visit http://www.rolandus.com/ or email me at
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. Happy drumming!
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