Sound
By using modeling technology to emulate the behavior of acoustic drums, a supremely expressive kit can be created
In pursuit of a realistic performance experience
Since the early days of V-Drums, Roland has studied acoustic drums and developed modeling technology that brings them to life in a digital format. This unique modeling technology lets the drummer play a kit with complex and organic dynamics, with tonal changes similar to that of an acoustic kit. This ensures that V-Drums are first and foremost a highly creative musical instrument, inspiring and expressive in equal measure.
Finding the right sounds for deep analysis, while seeking expressiveness over specification
With conventional electronic drums, the data size and sampling rate is often presented as a measure of sound quality. However, these factors are not a true indicator of the final quality and expressive nature of the sound. To create products with the finest audio quality and playability, we meticulously analyze the sounds produced by acoustic drums. A critically important factor in this process is the way the drums are recorded for analysis. We employ experienced professional audio engineers to mic the drums with precision, and use top drummers to ensure that the ideal tones and articulations are captured. Without taking such great care in this process, it would be impossible to achieve the superior musical expressiveness for which V- Drums are famous.
A sound source that reproduces the rich complexity of drum sounds in a natural and organic way
Acoustic drums produce a warm, organic sound caused by the interaction of various elements within the instrument. For an example, a snare sound is recognized as a snare sound when the head is hit by the stick. But in reality, the head, rim, shell, snare wire, and ambience all play a part in creating this sound, interacting to produce a rich, complex tone. The modeling sound engine within V-Drums can also control these sound elements, to faithfully emulate the sound behavior of the original instrument. The resulting sound is incredibly immersive and expressive – and not found on any other electronic kit.
Collecting sound resources for deep analysis
Roland’s sound designers travel the globe, searching for renowned and rare acoustic drums. Then they spend hours recording these sounds in top-class recording studios, with highly experienced recording engineers; experimenting and evaluating until it’s just right.
Sound sources developed by engineers who understand the finer details of acoustic drums
Every Roland engineer is a sound specialist – an expert in their chosen instrument and in their field of audio. Their circuits are integrated with the high-quality sound circuitry necessary for the superior sound of V-Drums.
Modeling technology faithfully reproduces ambience and sound resonance
The ambience at the location where the drums are played also influences their tonal character. Because of this, V-Drums kits have powerful DSP resources to help shape the overall sound experience. As well as the spatial ambience of the performance location, the modeling technology recreates the resonant sounds coming from the instrument itself, including the resonance from the shell, or snare wires – even letting you control them independently. The spatial ambience and the kit resonance interact, providing the rich, immersive feel of acoustic drums.
AD2016
TD-50 Drum Sound Module
The new TD-50 is a powerful new drum module with Prismatic Sound Modeling technology, meaning that every element of your playing style is captured and conveyed in thrilling detail.
Modeling the sound source lets you customize shell depth, mute, and more
One of the big advantages of a modeled sound source is flexible sound customization. For example, you can customize the depth of the shell, tuning, mute, mic position and more. Such customization is available in the same manner as the acoustic drums and you can produce your customized sounds very easy. The latest TD-50 lets you edit the attack or release adjustments without affecting the original tonal color, courtesy of the newly developed Transient Editor function.
Circuit board and artwork design
For the TD-50, we ensured that the DA convertor was capable of handling the superior sound associated with a flagship V-Drums kit. The finished circuit board was subjected to a vigorous quality control process, including waveform measurement which verified that the technology would perform according to its design.
