V-Drum Tips & Tricks Page

Welcome to George's V-Drums Tips & Tricks Page

For the Roland TD-Modules

Amps

Speakers

Cables

and More.

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There are many MIDI connections out there and if you have a Midi Interface Card or not you can buy a cable with or without the Midi Interface Card.

Midi Cable for Midi Interface Card (YUK !)

 

Midi USB Cable (doesn't require Midi Interface Card) This is a much better connecton

USB Midi Cable (doesn't require Midi Interface Card)

I use the USB Midi Cable and this cable will work on most of the computers with USB

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Reference Sites below- copy & paste the links to your browser

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http://www.roland.com/V-Drums/index.html

Roland Support

http://www.rolandus.com/support/?ssection=s_support_news

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Some of the discussions at the VDrum Forum mentions that you have to keep power to the unit while changing the battery.

Quote from one of the members
The tricky part is that it will need to (probably) stay connected to power to keep the memory. There is a transformer inside to step down the AC voltage to something that it can use. This is why Roland advises the owners to have a shop service it.
Unquote

I have a Memory Card with my TD-10 and I backup my module on a regular basis like a computer flash memory card that we use with computers today.

If this URL works there are discussions here about battery replacement by members online at the forum-copy and paste to your browser
http://www.vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?s=c47065ece5db8260933a18a9228979e9&threadid=11385&highlight=replace+battery

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If you don't own these virtual drums and you're looking for, pardon the expression, "electronic drums" (which is the new wave in percussion), then you've got to check out the Roland V-Drums. I've been using the V-Drums with the TD-10 Module for over five years now (newest is the TD-20 Module) and have had acoustic percussion for 40 years. I should know if I really wanted to leave my acoustic percussion behind.

Well, I didn't go kicking and screaming.

When I sat on this set at a local drum shop in Toronto I didn't go back to acoustic drums. The pros and cons were in the V-Drum's favor.

Check out my Roland V Drum Kits, click here

There were many issues I had to overcome with Virtual Drums. First, are they going to sound electronic?

These V-Drums don't.

I had clip on electronic synthesizers for my Premier kit back in 1979. They sounded electronic. They were cute little gadgets that clipped on to the rim and these rim sensors created sounds and the sound wasn't bad overall. I used them for many years successfully.

Roland have announced their newest technologically advanced series of V-Drums from the new TD-20 Percussion Sound Module, new V-Hi-Hat, V-Pads, smaller Kits, Head/Rim Triggers, HandSonic Percussion, RM Modules and the list goes on.

TD-20KX: V-Drums® V-Pro® Series
Rage on the Stage
.features
The new TD-20KX V-Pro series makes a full-impact impression onstage with its industrial brushed-metal* V-Pads, enlarged V-Kick, silver-colored V-Cymbals, and rock-solid chrome drum rack. The TD-20X drum module is loaded with hundreds of powerful and expressive sounds, and provides a newly integrated feature set that’s based on Roland’s famous TD-20 and TDW-20. Eye-catching looks, incredible sounds, and reinforced hardware make the TD-20KX a star on any stage.

•Latest sounds and improved dynamics for a supremely natural, powerful drumming experience
•Integrated feature set based on TD-20 and TDW-20
•New V-Pads and V-Kick with attractive brushed-metal look
•New silver-colored V-Cymbals® and V-Hi-Hat®
•Custom covering system (interchangeable shell-wraps for V-Kick and V-Pads)
•Newly designed hardware provides enhanced stability, style, and flexible mounting options
TD-20KX Kit Configuration
TD-20X Percussion Sound Module x 1
PD-125X V-Pad x 2
PD-125XS V-Pad (Snare) x 1
PD-105X V-Pad x 2
VH-12-SV V-Hi-Hat x 1
CY-14C-SV V-Cymbal Crash x 2
CY-15R-SV V-Cymbal Ride x 1
KD-140 V-Kick x 1
-----------------------------------------
MDS-25 Drum Stand (Option) x 1

TD-20X Percussion Sound Module
The TD-20X combines the features of Roland’s TD-20 and TDW-20 in one unit, with hundreds of expressive, dynamic sounds onboard, plus new ambience and the latest V-Edit including Kit Resonance.

•World-leading Percussion module with COSM® technology
•920 drum instruments and 100 drum kits onboard
•New ambience choices optimized for a wide variety of live environments
•New compression algorithms for unprecedented power and punch
•Convenient backup via CF card
*Synthetic material with authentic brushed-metal appearance. Custom finish examples require optional Shell-Wrap Package (CV-20KX series).
.gallery
.video
.connect
Visit your local Roland website »

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Acoustic Drummers take note,

because you don't have to sell your Acoustic Drums

Still like your acoustic kit? Don't worry, because you can keep the kit and convert it into V-Drums and still keep your initial investment in that beautiful acoustic look and feel. Are you using microphones with your acoustic kit? No more microphones too, because Roland has "Acoustic Triggers". With MH-12/10/8 Mesh Replacement Heads and Acoustic Triggers along with a Roland TMC Trigger Midi Converters and maybe a couple of CY Cymbals, acoustic drums have been converted to V-Drums. And they don't make loud noises to disturb the neighbors, because now you can practice with Headphones.

Hey, I live in an apartment and have had full band practices here through a mixer and headphones using my V-Drums. No one complained and it was like a recording session. Another thing. I kept my snare drum from my acoustic kit because it is a collector's item. My V-Drums are off site right now. I just pulled my acoustic snare drum from the shelf and will add the Roland PCK-1 Practice Conversion Kit, that has an RT-5S, Snare Trigger, 14 inch Mesh Head, Rubber Rim Silencer, RM-2 Mounting Bracket and Connection Cable. Bingo! I can practice to my heart's content anywhere, anytime without annoying the neighbors and my family. And I can use it anywhere; The Cottage, Party's as additional Percussion at jam sessions and the list goes on. And one more thing, I can add it to my V-Drum Kit when I play live gigs for added percussion. What else do you want!

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Triggers are not just for "pickup/sensor sound regeneration" (that's my own description). Triggers can turn on your coffee machine. Basically, triggers are switches (simplistic view that engineers would say differently, but basically the way it works,. OK,Engineers?), that can enable and disable adjunct equipment and/or software. What? Think about it. Hit your cymbal, enable a pattern, and the sound is controlled by whatever you decide you want to assign the trigger to control. If a trigger is a switch, then the switch can control Video too. So Roland has partnered with EDIROL to provide adjunct interfaces that will give you video and audio capabilities that only Pink Floyd could afford. Yes, now the drummer is controlling video and whatever external device you want to arrange for like turn on the coffee machine.

http://www.edirol.com/

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Do you want an open discussion forum on V-Drums?

http://www.vdrums.com/forum/

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My current "On the Road", gear.........?

Lets talk about the requirements first

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Roland Sound Modules

TD-20 the newest, TD-10, TD-12, TD-8, TD-6, TD-3, HPD-15, etc., you need an amplifier. At live venues you can easily use your vocal PA System with either mono or stereo connections, with 1/4 inch unbalanced outputs of the Roland Sound Module.

Hmmmm, that being said, lets move on. I'll talk about balanced vs unbalanced and XLR vs 1/4 inch connections later.

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Woofers and Subwoofers

There are many, many discussions of what equipment works best with the Roland V-Drums. All agree there is a need for a subwoofer to handle the bottom range of the V-Drums. The best to have would be a "Powered Subwoofer" or "Active Subwoofer" .

Reference material can be found at

http://www.audioc.com/library1/library.htm

Roland provides subwoofers with their PM-3 and TDA-700 that work very well.

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Amplifier

This is the age old question of personal preference

You could plug your Roland Sound Module into your home stereo or ghetto blaster, but you'll blow the bottom end of the speakers for sure, which just can't handle it cleanly or efficiently, unless you have some kind of home stereo system that is at 1,000+ watts with heavy duty speakers.

Roland provides amplification with their PM-1, PM-3 and TDA-700 which are all specifically designed for these V-Drums.

http://www.roland.com/products/en/PM-1/index.html

http://www.roland.com/products/en/PM-3/index.html

http://www.roland.com/products/en/TDA-700/index.html

I have gone through many, many rentals trying to get the right combination for my use in bar gigs to jam sessions without back breaking discomfort of hauling heavy equipment. I like to travel light. I drive a Pontiac Grand AM and don't have the convenience of a van or trailer. I can't haul a heavy "active subwoofer" around, but I need the bottom end to play live gigs. So, what I have done is looked for an easy to haul, easy to set up, good frequency range, enough power and capable speakers to put out without rattling or blowing the speaker's bottom end. You could go for one or two Roland TDA-700s, but you need a Van to haul them. Too heavy for me at my age. The amplifiers these days are getting lighter and more powerful. But, that being said, the Roland V-Drums need speakers that can handle the frequency range, which is the key. After many discussions with many experts, almost all agree that you need at least 15 inch speakers to handle the bottom end and horns to handle the top end. What wattage depends on what venue you are playing, and again, personal preference. I'll show you what I use later for what I have finally decided on.

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Mixer

The Roland PM-1, PM-3, TDA-700 have built in mixers. If you are playing live you really need input/output control. You could plug into powered speakers but if you want volume control, recording, stereo mix, multiple outputs, multiple inputs, monitoring, etc., you need a mixer. You can go with amplifiers with built in mixers, mixers with built in amplifiers, mixers with no amplifier, powered speakers, etc. Personal Preference, again. I'll show you what I have done later.

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Speakers

A way to cover the subwoofer, amplifier and hauling around problem is to go with powered speakers. But, watch out for powered speakers. You've got to handle the bottom end and I mentioned that 15 inch are the best

Here is a model that could do the trick with quality and power

The JBL EON "The Next Generation" Powered Speakers at:

http://www.jblpro.com/catalog/general/ProductFamily.aspx?FId=70&MId=3

 

Or in Canada the Yorkville NX750P - Active Speaker

http://www.yorkville.com/products.asp?type=29&cat=22&id=315

 

By the way, I didn't buy these, I've decided on

NX550P

http://www.yorkville.com/products.asp?type=29&cat=22&id=257

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Practice Amp/Vocal Monitor/Subwoofer/Live Gigs all-in-one with a Roland PM-3

Want a practice amp without all the hassles? Save time and go with the Roland PM-3. Want to know why? You could get away with them for live gigs at small venues and you can use them at live gigs as monitors at large venues. And even better, if you need a subwoofer for large gigs while using powered speakers as your mains, this subwoofer can fill the gap quite nicely. And, you could use the PM-3 mixer to add your vocal monitor from your gig's mixer sound system with the mounted swivel speakers, how nice is that. The PM-3 includes mounting hardware that fit your V-Drum frame. Don't even think of creating your own version, it's too much trouble.

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AC/DC Power, Spikes, Brown Outs and just plain Bad Hydro

Look out and beware !!!!

Don't go plugging any costly electronic equipment into "unknown" or "untested" hydro, especially when you don't know what you are plugging into. Every venue you take your kit to is leaking bad hydro somewhere. Go to your local hardware or electrical store and get one of those good quality outlet testers. The one that shows good/bad/faulty ground and especially, reversals. Yes, you can have a reversal with AC. There is a hot and a neutral and if the tester is of good quality, and don't but a cheap one, they aren't that expensive, it will red light your bad wiring.

Or, why don't you use your TD-Module to test the electrical outlet?

NOT!!!!

Another thing you can add is a small UPS for your Sound Module

An Uninterruptible Power Supply

http://www.apcc.com/index.cfm?isoCountryCode=ca

A small UPS, has battery backup and I plug the TD Sound Module into the Battery side. It is also a surge protector for your other equipment such as Powered Speakers, Mixer, etc.

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XLR vs TRS vs 1/4 inch unbalanced Audio Plug/Cables

Understand Audio Cables. There is a big difference between speaker wire (usually unshielded stranded wire), guitar cable and plugs (unbalanced), XLR Audio balanced and TRS 1/4 inch balanced. Your Roland Sound Modules have unbalanced 1/4 inch outputs and you can get a ground hum into your amplifier. Get it all balanced or you are going to get hum that can be irritating. I use all balanced TRS and XLR everywhere. They are a little more expensive than the usual unbalanced 1/4 inch plugs and cords, but spend the extra dollars to eliminate the AC Hum.

Here is a site to help understand all of this:

http://homerecording.about.com/?once=true&

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My Gear

I went with powered speakers, powered subwoofer, a mixer and a good simple UPS.

My choice was a combination of; Quality First, Service- very close behind, easy to haul in my Grand AM, lots of power.

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I have a Behringer 1832 FX Mixer

http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/index.aspx

You don't have to get this elaborate with a mixer but I also use it as a recording studio for the band and it can be used for live performances

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http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/index.aspx

I use this with my Behringer Mixer for practices and recording.

The band members all come to the practices with headsets.

For your family, friends and neighbors, this is a great alternative to practice at live sound levels without anoying anyone.

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My Recording Studio- ZOOM H4

http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/h4n/index.php

This 4-Track Recording Studio is portable, includes software and is great for recording Practices and Live Gigs

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Two- NX550-P 550 Watt powered speakers on stands, for a total of 1100 Watts of Stereo power.

http://www.yorkville.com/products.asp?type=29&cat=22&id=257.

The NX550P has a built in mixer that allows the loudspeaker to be used directly with a tuned microphone and / or line sources such as mixer, CD player or laptop computer. The loop output allows additional powered cabinets to be driven from one cabinet's mixer stage, or a series of cabinets to be driven from one source. If desired, the end user can combine a pair of the NX550P's using the mixer inputs on each cabinet and coupling the loop outputs.

I'd suggest 15" Woofer-

http://www.yorkville.com/products.asp?type=29&cat=22&id=315

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DI- (Direct Injection) Passive Direct Box

One of their main purposes is to convert unbalanced and/or high impedance instrument signals into a format suitable for direct connection to a mixing console's mic input .

Quality microphones have a three-pin output jack which is referred to as an XLR connector. Most electric guitars of today have a two-conductor unbalanced 1/4" output jack. The XLR microphone input jack is low-impedance while the output signal from an electric guitar is high-impedance. If you connect the guitar directly using some kind of homemade connection, the mixer-input would put a load on the guitar-output that would effect the tone quality for the worse. A direct box is used to convert the output of an electric guitar, bass, or keyboard into a signal that can be plugged into a balanced low-impedance microphone input. A transformer inside the passive direct box is used to correctly change the impedance and provide the balanced output. The Yorkville passive direct boxes are designed so that the transformer correctly matches your instrument output to the mixing console input which allows your tone to have the brilliance that you desire.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DI_unit

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My UPS- small, lightweight and simple

I use this exclusively to protect the TD-Modules.

APC-UPS

http://www.apcc.com/index.cfm?isoCountryCode=ca

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