Roland TD-9 V-Drums
I spoke with a friend of mine recently, he is a professional live sound engineer and the conversation turned to the Roland V-Drums range and in particular the Roland TD-9 kit. I asked him what he thought of them and he responded by saying that the easiest job in the world is getting the TD-9 to sound good in a live situation. "How do you do it ...?" I asked, "Simple ..." he replied "Just push up the volume faders ..."
The point he is making here is just how good the TD-9 sounds with minimal EQ, each of the drum samples have already been eq'd, compressed and dynamically enhanced during the sampling process to give pristine sound quality. All the drummer has to do is hit the dam things ... !!!
The TD9 range is available as two seperate configuration models, this particular model - the TD-9K is the little brother offering state of the art V-Drum technology but at a more entry-level price point, mainly due to the fact that the toms are kitted out with rubber pads whereas on its bigger brother - the TD-9KX, all toms are presented as mesh pads.
The brain behind this technology is the all new TD-9 Drum module, which has the capability to blend a couple of hundred new sounds with real audio songs and patterns plus newly developed practice facilities and quick record/play features. The TD-9 module is also compatible with the optional VH-11 hi-hat and can facilitate three-way Ride cymbal triggering and dual-triggering Toms.
The TD-9 Drum module has a large back-lit display and easy to use over-sized controls and the screen is layed out using icon based graphical controls making editing and programming new kits or sounds quicker and easier. There's also an in-built scope-mode skill builder to help make practice sessions more enjoyable and to allow the individual to be able to grade their own skill levels.
An on-board USB interface allows drummers to play along with favourite mp3's direct from their memory stick. The module sits clamped to the new MDS-9 drum rack that has 4 sturdy legs to support the hardware and new ball-joint mounts and angle adjustable hi-hat arms ...
Despite the fact that a Kick Drum appears in the accompanying TD-9K image you will need to purchase this item seperately as a Kick Drum pedal is not included with this product.
To watch Nevada's own Drummeister - Jack putting the TD-9 kit through its paces click here ... and to watch session drummer Craig Blundell demo the TD-9 at a recent Nevada Music Roland event click here