Sensor Technology

Roland’s sensor technologies play a major role in our drum kits, ensuring a quick response and allowing maximum expressiveness.

Multi-element sensor system

The sensors within an electronic drum kit link the interface and pads to the sound source. Even with excellent pads, great playing feel and a superior sound source, the kit will not respond faithfully to the drummer’s playing unless the performance information is captured quickly and accurately. The sensor technologies used within our V-Drums are full of know-how that only Roland are capable of developing.

New multi-element sensors that trigger different sounds depending on where you hit the drum, accurately producing a true-to-life response

Roland’s latest multi-element sensor system faithfully detects and recreates the hitting position of the drum head, as well as the dynamics of the player. The combination of sound source, playing feel of mesh head and sensor system faithfully means you really notice when you hit different parts of the drum. The latest PD-140DS digital snare is equipped with this new multi-element sensor system, giving incredibly accurate and transparent detection of the hitting position.

High-speed data transfer equals high-speed response

The speed of data transfer ensures that the time between hitting the drum and hearing the result is very short. This response speed is a very important factor when designing a drum kit that feels natural and comfortable to play. The latest TD-50 offers vastly superior playability, thanks to the almost instantaneous response only possible with high-speed technology not found on any other electronic drum kits.

Development of the snare multi-sensor system

When developing the sensor cushions, we needed to find the right density of material, located in the optimum position, with the most effective mounting structure. Only when all these elements combine, can we maximize the advantages of using a three-ply mesh head. Achieving this was a long process of trial and error.

Sensors designed to accurately convey a wide and expressive dynamic range

A drummer with an exciting, dynamic playing style will notice very quickly when playing a kit with inaccurate sensors. The bespoke sensors used within V-Drums can accurately detect an extremely wide range of playing dynamics, from the softest touch to the hardest of hits.

Cross stick sensor

V-Drums sensor technology lets you use the same playing techniques that you use on an acoustic drum. The latest PDS-140DS digital snare pad has three cross-stick sensors, with an electrostatic capacitance touch system under the head. This means it’s now possible to play a rim shot just by putting your hand on the head. The sensor can even detect how your stick hits the rim, adjusting the sound accordingly.

AD2009

TD-20 KX

The first V-Drums designed for professional use on live stage. The kit enables smooth and dynamic sound transition, for example, linked to the speed and position of the hi-hat pedal, or the hitting position of snare and cymbal.

Dedicated motion sensor for the hi-hat

The VH-13 V-Hi-Hat features an advanced motion sensor to detect whether the hi-hat is open or closed. This sensor detects the distance of hi-hat opening in 0.1mm intervals. As a result, it faithfully reproduces the smooth sound transitions between open, half-open, and pressed positions. In addition, it also detects the speed that the pedal is pressed, so you can play foot splashes as well.

Cymbal

The latest CY-18DR V-Cymbal Ride features a newly developed multi-sensor system, for dramatically improved dynamics and hitting position detection. A dedicated mute sensor is located around the bow area, and can detect a cymbal mute with a simple finger touch as well as by grabbing the edge.

Shape prototyping of electrostatic sensor

Extensive testing was necessary to find the best shape and installation method needed for optimum sensor performance and durability. Repeated trial and error was the only way to achieve the level of quality we expect within our V-Drums

  • Interface

    The pursuit of developing pads and pedals that look and play like their acoustic counterparts – without the noise

  • Sound

    By using modeling technology to emulate the behavior of acoustic drums, a supremely expressive kit can be created

  • History

    In 1997, Roland launched the V-Drums TD-10. In the two decades that followed, we’ve continued to push the musical potential of this amazing set of instruments.