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Roland' V-Drums Version 2 - How Do They Compare?

Industry giants Roland introduced a new version 2 of their V-Drum kits at NAMM this year. With improved performance and design, we take a look at how they compare to the original versions. In the V-Compact TD-4 range, the TD-4K2 and TD-4KX2 replace the popular TD-4K and TD-4KX with improved playablility. As the name suggests the drum kits are compact and lightweight making them ideal for transporting to and from studio or gigs. Both of the kits feature the TD-4 Percussion Sound Module, a new KD-9 kick pad and unique rhythm coaching and recording functions. The kick pad has a cloth-designed bass drum head for quick and easy set-up and provides the percussionist with accurate triggering and a natural response during performance. As affordable entry level drum kits the TD-4K2 and TD-4KX2 are extremely user-friendly with a Coach function to improve drumming and timing and Quick Record/Quick Play functions to enable the drummer to record and immediately play back their performances, whether played solo or alongside internal songs.

The TD-4KX2 differs from the TD-4K2 in that it has a full set of Roland's patented multi-layer mesh heads for the PDX-8 snare and three PDX-6 toms, providing the feel and sensitivity that musicians have come to expect from the leading electronic drum kit manufacturer, while the TD-4K2 has a mesh head for the snare alone. It is however expandable with options for a V-Pad or V-Cymbal. The TD-4KX2 also has new CY-12C crash and CY-13R ride V-Cymbals, the latter in particular being lightweight with three-way triggering, whilst both offer a more natural swinging motion when played.

At the next level with a good alternative to the professional V-Stage drum kits and providing excellent value for money, the V-Tour TD-9K2 and TD-9KX2 replace the TD-9K and TD-9KX.The updated TD-9 Percussion Sound Module now has 40 new kits and nine user kits with a total of 99 kits altogether. Couple this with the option to play along with MP3 files via USB flash media and add MP3 playback to WAV compatability and 50 internal real audio songs and it makes for even better playability. The kits have a user-friendly graphical interface, ambience effects and EQ can be added. Musicians are handed an opportunity to customize and create their own unique sounds, which are automatically stored in the internal memory and USB flash media.

As with the TD-4s both kits feature the new KD-9 kick pad and the Quick Record/Quick Play function, but the TD-9s also feature a unique Scope function which gives the user real-time feedback of timing on an easy-to-read screen. Both of the version 2 TD-9s have a complete collection of Roland's patented multi-layer mesh heads with rim triggering available on all pads. This is an improvement on the TD-9K, which only had a PDX-8 mesh head snare. They also have CY-13R ride and CY-12C crash V-Cymbals. The TD-9KX2 has a VH-11 V-Hi-Hat which mounts on a standard acoustic hi-hat stand.

With all these new and enhanced features the new version 2 drum kits compare very favourably with Roland's previous models, making them a viable option for beginners and professionals alike. Whether it is for playing along behind closed doors or achieving a stellar peformance, Roland's V-Drums are a hit with percussionists everywhere!

To find out about the complete Roland V-Drums range, see Soundslive" title="Roland Drums">Roland Drums.

About the Author

Andy Atkins has an on-going personal and professional involvement in the music industry. In addition to advising several companies involved in the sector, such as Soundslive, Fender and I Do Music, his after-work gigging roots go back to the club and pub circuit in the English Midlands of the late 80's and early '90's when he was the very average guitarist and backing singer in 'The High 5.

These days he's more likely to be found working on online marketing for music industry businesses or lending his sound engineering experience (and gear!) to local music groups.

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