Roland SOUND QUALITY 10/10 Pros: · Multidimensional

Roland TD 30 KV ReviewVALUEFOR MONEY 9.5/10 FEATURES10/10 PLAYABILITY9.5/10 SOUNDQUALITY 10/10 Pros:·        Multidimensional sound that feels real·        Hundreds of options for customization·        The SuperNATURAL module·        Consistent and dynamic trigger pad feedback·        Very little noiseCons:·        Quite expensive·        Difficult for new players to get started·        No warranty Rolandas a brand is known for producing high quality, world-class musical instruments,and the Ronald TD 30 KV is no different. Both TD 30 K and TD 30 KV models wereintroduced simultaneously, but the latter took the market by storm as ittargeted high end, pro users. The popularity of the model can be judged fromthe fact that it is a proper challenge to acquire a piece.

Afterexploring the market for a few days, we were finally able to procure one, andhere is the verdict. Build andHardware: It is alightweight model even though it takes up its share of space. The box contains 4cymbal pads, 5 trigger pads/drums, the sound engine/module, input and outputaudio cables and corresponding mounting gear.

It featuresthe stunning MDS 25 rack with its specially designed clamps, chrome electroplatedtubing and a cable management system, that takes care of all the wiring to givea clean and compact look.TheRoland TD 30 KV is part of a next generation series as it features theSuperNATURAL module. The new engine brings in behavior modeling and advancedsensing technology for the first time in drums. Behavior modeling uses realdrum sounds in the engine and reshapes them to give a more natural feel whilethe advanced sensing technology is used to dynamically alter the levels ofindividual samples depending on the manner and position of pads struck. Unlikemost beginner kits that have pads made of plastic or the real drums that haveMylar, the trigger pads of TD 30 KV are made up of a mesh that is designed toabsorb sound and make the kit quieter but still give the feel of realcounterparts.

The material yields a lesser rebound due to its softer nature andthis helps both amateurs and pros play it better and faster. With the help ofthe SuperNATURAL engine, the drums produce great sounds, keeping the noiseunder 50 dB (which is “quiet” for drums). Thekick pad is a robust and dependable KD 40 and weighs approximately the same as itsstandard counterpart.

It also features newly developed VH 13 hi-hat thataccommodates a sensor for motion detection as well as grayish, strangely stickycymbal pads. Module: Togetherwith the amazing behavior modeling and advanced sensing technology that producea unique and new sound every time you hit a pad, the Roland TD 30 KV’s soundengine has a myriad of customization options. TheSuperNATURAL engine has an LCD screen installed along with buttons labeledaccording to their functions, so new users do not have to keep a manual at handall the time. On a superficial look, the interface seems quite intricate, butwith the help of a simple tutorial, players can achieve an astounding qualityof sound. Drummerscan change various characteristics of each drum pad to trigger by customizingoptions of shell depth, beater type, sound muffling and resonance/mic position.

They can also change reverb settings by adjusting Hi damp frequency (Hz), Hidamp (%), middle or mid dampening frequency (Hz), and low-cut frequency. Thesesettings demonstrate the level of detail that can be achieved by the soundengine, and there are many more such options available; the above-mentionedones do not even scratch the surface. The backpanel of the module has a bunch of sockets, including trigger inputs, a mix-ininput for music devices like iPod, a set of routable direct outs, a simple USBsocket and a USB socket for memory cards.Playingexperience:After asimple setup, the Roland TD 30 KV gives you unlimited freedom to play any styleand kind of music while guaranteeing a realistic feel and producing first-classsound quality. The toms have a great dynamic range, with the number 3 tomhaving an upwards tensioning effect while the ‘larger’ one has a slight lift intone. With the help of the sound engine, rimshots on any tom pad can produceall kinds of sounds and effects.

Thegreatest strength of the kit is the effortless transitions in sound. This canbe felt both in the cymbals and the tom pads. The sounds are modified accordingto the position and force of each strike due to the motion sensor. The effectis much more noticeable on the ride which has subtle changes in sound from thebow, bell, and edge.Thetone also alters just like real drums when increased pressure is applied withclosed cymbals.

The cymbal swells sound brilliant whether the player uses ordinarysticks or mallets to produce them. Users can also use headphone audio output tohear the nuances and subtlety of each stroke clearly.The TD30 KV also features “Song Player” that can play back TD 30’s preset songs,preset patterns or songs stored on the memory card.

  USB, STOP, Tempo and PTN are the four basicuser controls of the “Song Player”.Configuring the settings:The kit comes with an LCD display andlabeled buttons that help new users configure the sound module’s settingseasily and the manual does not have much use after one or two sessions.With the help of V-Drum technology, itis quite easy to change various kit characteristics easily, and a user kit canbe created effortlessly via a menu system that is drummer-friendly andintuitive. There are seven sliders on the sound module that are used as’faders’ to control the strength and intensity of sound coming in from thehi-hat, toms, cymbals and the other inputs. From the six drum kit buttons,multi-effects, composition, mixer, and ambiance can be selected to introduceadditional changes in the music to have the best possible results.

The user hasthree ways to adjust the volume; mix in, phones and master, and tweaking theseis as easy as turning a knob.Conclusion:Overall, the Roland TD 30 KV is anamazing kit with great design and structure. It is by far the most expensivekit by the company on the market. One point to be noted is that the kit is notsuitable for beginner drummers, as they can easily get confused and overwhelmedwith the number of options at their ha. Dropping in a large sum of money onthis model is also not very smart for someone who does not know how to takecare of such a beautiful instrument.

The company designed this kit keepingpro users in mind, who want to have a realistic experience with electronicdrums and can take advantage of its customization options.  The kit has received high ratings for itsquality and durability, as it is built to stand the test of time and bear thedaily wear and tear for years. The brilliant SuperNATURAL module gives the usera never-ending number of sound variations to create the sound they desire. Withthe help of constant behavior modeling, the kit allows its players to feel thenuances of a real drum kit, so they can have the taste of the real, old-schooldrums without any of their flaws. All in all, Roland has outdone itself withthe TD 30 KV.