Thomas Lang using V-Drums with SuperNATURAL Technology

Author: Roland UK Features Team

In 2012, Roland launched an entirely new line-up of V-Drums featuring SuperNATURAL technology. The new line up gives drummers a more dynamic and natural playing experience than most electronic kits, but what does SuperNATURAL technology actually do, and how does it work?

6 reasons for choosing electronic drums

The V-Drums Lineup

First of all, what are the current models and which models do they replace?

• TD-11K/TD-11KV series replaces TD-4K2/TD-4KX2 series
• TD-15K/TD-15KV series replaces TD-9K2/TD-9KX2 series
• TD-30K replaces TD-12KX model
• TD-30KV replaces TD-20SX model

The TD-11, TD-15 and TD-30 modules all feature a SuperNATURAL sound engine. However, the SuperNATURAL experience becomes more obvious as you travel up the range. Paradoxically, it takes a lot of technology to keep things sounding simple and real.

SuperNATURAL Technology Explained…

In brief, SuperNATURAL technology improves the way the instrument responds to your playing, making it feel far more natural and authentic. For years, digital instruments have faithfully reproduced the sound of an acoustic instrument. But digital instruments usually feel different to their acoustic counterparts, due to the way they respond to your playing.

SuperNATURAL technology incorporates ‘Behavior Modeling’ which takes the playing experience a step further than just offering a ‘detailed’ sound. By accurately reproducing the behavior and responses of an acoustic instrument, it transforms the way a digital drum kit responds, therefore; giving the drums a dynamic and natural ‘feel’ that until now has not been possible.

SuperNATURAL technology was first introduced in Roland’s prestigious digital pianos and synthesizers. When developing the next generation of V-Drums, Roland’s engineers felt that SuperNATURAL technology could be developed further and adapted for V-Drums.

What are drum triggers? Find out here!

What is Behavior Modeling?

To understand how SuperNATURAL technology works, we first need to understand how an acoustic instrument behaves. Let’s consider a snare drum roll. If you play a single or double stroke roll lightly on the snare drum, it has a soft tone, a quiet volume and the drum responds in a certain way with less ‘attack’. As you play harder, not only does the volume get louder, but the tone changes too. It now responds differently, with the attack now a lot more pronounced. This transition in tone, volume and response happens in a smooth and seamless way. Every strike is different, and the drum reacts differently to each strike.

Okay, So How Does SuperNATURAL Technology Work?

SuperNATURAL processes many elements to model convincingly the behavior of acoustic instruments:

• It processes your playing input faster than ever before.
• It captures detailed sensing information, such as rim shot strength and the player’s position on the pad.
• The sound engine produces sounds that respond and change smoothly and dynamically.

Together, these elements create an authentic ‘behavioral reaction’, or to put it another way, the drums play and feel just how you’d expect them to. There are three distinct stages to modeling this behavioral reaction:

1. How the pad or cymbal physically feels when you hit it. For example, the Roland mesh head has a more natural feel when the drum stick hits it, responding with an acoustic like bounce and rebound that feels natural.
2. The sensing within the pad is high quality and accurately detects hit strength, position and interval (i.e. the time between each hit). This information is then sent to the module.
3. The sound engine within the module processes all of the information sent by the pad and then recreates the sound accurately and smoothly. This is the key to ensuring the transition in volume and tone is dynamic and natural.

Because the sound engine processes the player’s input very quickly, it means that every stroke can be processed individually. Therefore, dynamics, such as ghost notes, flams, buzz rolls and rim shots feel far more realistic. This removes the ‘machine gun’ effect associated with previous digital drum kits, where every hit can sound the same as the last.

So now, if you can think it, you can now play it – but only on a SuperNATURAL V-Drums kit.

Related links and articles:

• The Benefits of Electronic Drums
• What are Drum Triggers?
• Learn to Play Electronic Drums
• Pick Your Poison – SPD-SX versus SPD-30

With the ever increasing popularity of electronic drums, and the seemingly endless variety of choices in the market, choosing the correct kit for not only your budget but for your needs can be daunting. Roland offers a complete family of V-Drums kits from beginning sets to full professional models to simplify your decision-making process. Lets have a look at the current V-Drums line-up.

 HD-3 V-Drums Lite

Designed primarily for beginners, the HD-3 V-Drums Lite features a unique all in one design that is easy to set up and operate. The modern, clean look makes it a welcome addition to any household, and it is also compact enough to fit in the corner of a bedroom. The components are easily adjusted and can be set low or high, making this an ideal choice for the reach of small children. The quiet, integrated pedal design includes a great playing feel and minimizes noise and vibration through floors and ceilings, making this the most family and neighbor-friendly kit around. A dual-trigger mesh head snare pad, responsive cloth style tom pads, dual zone cymbal pads with choke, and expressive hi-hat pedal control enhance the playability. The HD-3 includes 20 preset drum kits, clearly marked function buttons, a built-in metronome with tempo control, and an easy to read display. Like all V-Drums kits, connectors include a headphone jack, an audio-output jack, a Mix-in jack (for connecting a MP3 or CD player), and a MIDI-out connector for interfacing with a home computer* to access optional software like Roland’s DT-1 Drum Tutor or the Free application, V-Drums Friend Jam.

*Requires a MIDI to USB interface. Sold separately.

TD-4KP V-Drums Portable

For the drummer on the go, the TD-4KP V-Drums Portable is the ultimate mobile kit. The innovative folding design allows for quick set-up, rapid breakdown and easy transport/storage. When collapsed, the entire drum kit can fit in the optional CB-TDP bag and be placed easily in a car trunk or the back seat. The TD-4KP is outfitted with responsive rubber pads for the snare and toms, dual-trigger cymbal pads for crash, ride, and hi-hat, and a hi-hat control pedal. The compact and innovative kick pad mounts directly to the stand and uses a standard acoustic kick pedal. The included TD-4 Drum Module features 125 expressive sounds and 25 different kits to cover any musical style. The tuning and muffling for kick and snare sounds can be quickly edited using the front panel controls, and you can also assign any sound to any pad within a kit, allowing you to quickly customize your sound.

TD-11K/ TD-11KV  V-Drums Compact Series

The V-Drums Compact Series has been a staple in the Roland line-up for years, and the latest incarnation is no exception. SuperNATURAL powered with extremely expressive sounds and great playability, the included TD-11 Drum Sound Module features 190 quality sounds and 50 internal kits. Additional customization includes, tuning, muffling, snare buzz, tone color, ambience type and 4 band EQ. Built-in Coach exercises, play-along songs, and the push-button ease of Quick Record makes practice sessions effective and fun. USB and MIDI connectivity allow for even more creativity possibilities.

Mounted on the sturdy MDS-4V stand, the V-Compact Series comes in two different configurations: the TD-11K which includes a mesh-head dual trigger snare pad, three gum rubber tom pads, and two dual-trigger cymbal pads. The TD-11KV is Roland’s most affordable all-mesh-head kit and includes larger V-Cymbals with a 3-way trigger capable ride cymbal pad. Both versions offer the KD-9 kick trigger pad and an expressive hi-hat combination that includes a dual-trigger pad and hi-hat control pedal.

TD-15K/KV V-Drums Tour Series

Consisting of the TD-15K and TD-15KV drum sets, the venerable V-Tour Series adds professional features to this range of the V-Drums family. Featuring 500 expressive sounds and 100 internal kits, the SuperNATURAL powered TD-15 Drum Sound Module also adds a Quick Edit function to instantly access sound-editing parameters, a separate headphone volume knob, two additional trigger inputs for adding more pads or cymbals, and more. The metronome can be routed to headphones only, making it ideal for on-stage use.

Mounted on the rugged MDS-9V stand, both kit models include dual-trigger mesh pads, with the TD-15KV utilizing larger diameter mesh pads and the expressive VH-11 V-Hi-Hat, which mounts on a standard acoustic hi-hat stand.

TD-30K/KV V-Drums Pro Series

For over 15 years, the V-Drums V-Pro Series has set the standard by which all other brands of electronic drum sets are measured. The latest models, the TD-30K and TD-30KV take expressive and dynamic drumming to a new level. The series is centered around the SuperNATURAL TD-30 Drum Sound Module, with over 1000 sounds, extensive editing, and a host of professional features, including 15 lightning-fast, dual-trigger inputs, multiple audio outputs, and physical faders that feature a dedicated Ambience fader for real-time control of overhead and room microphone simulation, plus reverb for stunning results.

The TD-30K includes mesh V-Pads for kick, snare, and three toms, along with V-Cymbals that feature a pair of dual-trigger crash cymbals, a three-way ride, and the V-11 V-Hi-Hat. The flagship TD-30KV includes all-mesh pads for snare, four tom pads, and the ultra-rugged KD-140 kick pad. The snare and tom V-Pads include an improved rim sensor for increased sensitivity. All V-Pads include the ability to interchange the shell wraps to customize the look of the kit. The TD-30KV also includes a full array of V-Cymbals, and the advanced VH-13-MG V-Hi-Hat. Both kits are mounted on road-worthy stands with an internal cabling system for a clean professional look and quick set-up.

Take the V-Drums Challenge

With all these great choices, features and product specifications are just a part of the story. With any drum set, playing is believing. We invite you to play Roland V-Drums. Compare the feel, responsiveness, sound quality, and construction to other brands of electronic drum sets. We’re confident that you’ll agree that Roland makes the finest and most versatile electronic drums and percussion available.

Related links and articles:

• The Benefits of Electronic Drums
• Learn to Play Electronic Drums
• What are Drum Triggers?

Considering playing drums or adding an acoustic drum set to your household, lesson room, or house of worship? Take a look at the unique benefits provided by electronic drums and percussion, especially Roland V-Drums.

Quick Access to a Wide Variety of Sounds
Electronic drum kits allow you to change the sound of your drum kit with a touch of a button. Studio-quality acoustic kits, huge arena rock kits, world and orchestral percussion, electronic and techno kits, funky hip-hop kits, and more are all immediately accessible. With hundreds of drum, percussion, and effects sounds at your fingertips, an electronic kit will let you play authentic sounds in wide variety of musical styles.

Volume Control
One of the main challenges with acoustic drums, cymbals, and percussion is the extreme volume levels these instruments can produce. An electronic drum kit’s drum and cymbal pads make very little acoustic noise when played, and the volume of the sounds can be easily controlled with the volume knob. This makes electronic kits a great choice for small stages, churches, or anywhere stage volume may be a problem. At home, the sound can be monitored with headphones making late night and apartment drumming practical. And for recording enthusiasts, electronic drums make it easy to achieve professional sounding tracks by eliminating the need for multiple microphones and preamplifiers.

Practicing, Play-along, and Built-In Recording
Roland electronic drum sets include valuable practice, play-along and recording tools. All models feature a built-in metronome with adjustable tempo, and a mix-in jack for connecting to an MP3 or CD player so you can jam with your favorite songs. Some also include Roland’s Coach, a unique tool that helps improve drumming skills with challenging exercises and drills, providing feedback on your performance. With many models you can explore different drumming styles by playing along with onboard songs and musical patterns, or access MP3 and WAV files with a USB thumb drive. Even record and play back your drumming performances with easy-to-use recording features, now a common built-in feature with nearly every current model of Roland V-Drums. And for the TD-30, TD-15, and TD-11 series V-Drums Kits, the optional Roland Wireless Connect allows you to record or just have fun jamming using the FREE apps Air Recorder and V-Drums Friend Jam for iPhone.

MIDI
You can also expand your sound palette and recording capabilities by connecting your electronic drum set to computers and software, external sound modules, samplers and other electronic musical instruments via MIDI. MIDI is the worldwide standard for connecting electronic musical instruments and computers. All Roland V-Drums models include a standard MIDI out connector that requires a separate MIDI interface, and many also include USB for simple connection to a computer with a single cable. Either method allows you to utilize any number of software applications including Roland’s DT-1 Drum Tutor and V-Drums Friend Jam.

Familiar Playing Feel
You’ll experience a great acoustic drum feel when playing Roland V-Drums, and all your acoustic drumming techniques translate seamlessly to V-Drums, from rim shots on the snare to grabbing a cymbal to choke its sound. Even nuanced techniques such as buzz and press rolls, brush play, hi-hat heel splashes, and more are easily performed on virtually all Roland electronic drum sets.

Take the V-Drums Challenge
We invite you to play Roland V-Drums. Compare the feel, responsiveness, and sound quality to other brands of electronic drum sets. We’re confident that you’ll agree that Roland makes the finest and most versatile electronic drums and percussion available.

Related links and articles:

• Learn to Play Electronic Drums
• What are Drum Triggers?
• V-Drums Contest U.S. Finals Results

U.S. National Finals

Live Performances by Thomas Lang an Johnny Rabb

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Pasic – Austin Convention Center – Exhibit Hall 5 – Austin, TX

• Doors at 6pm
• Event at 7pm
• Free and open to the public
• All ages welcome

Enter for a chance to win a free V-Drums kit an other prizes, or tune in here for the live webcast and follow the conversation on Twitter with the hashtag #vdrumscontest. In the meantime check out these four videos that Roland put together of last year’s event and previous performances by Thomas Lang and Johnny Rabb.

2011 Highlight Reel

More videos

JP Bouvet – 2011 U.S. Finals Winner

Thomas Lang – Previous V-Drums Contest Appearance/ Performance

Johnny Rabb – Previous V-Drum Contest Appearance/ Performance

Have a comment? Drop us a line.

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Omar Tavarez, drummer and musical director (MD) for Pitbull talks about how to stay healthy through a rigorous touring schedule. vitamins, stretching, exercise, and how having a great mental state all play a role according to Omar.

In playing live, Omar relies on the SPD-SX for triggering the electronic dance samples Pitbull’s sound is known for. In the studio and rehearsals Omar calls on the TD-15KV.

Related links and articles:

• The Benefits of Electronic Drums
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On break from the 2012 BET Awards rehearsal, Aaron Spears checks his timing on a TD-15KV. Backing him up is none other than legendary band mate and music director of Usher’s band, Valdez Brantley.

Related links and articles:

• Omar Tavarez (Pitbull): How I Use the SPD-SX
• What are Drum Triggers?
• V-Drums Contest U.S. Finals Results

Usher’s band members, Valdez Brantley and Aaron Spears, take a break from their BET Awards 2012 rehearsal to show us their chops on the Jupiter-80, Fantom-G6, and TD-15KV drum kit.

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• The Benefits of Electronic Drums
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