The Two Most Expensive Drum Modules In The World! Roland TD50 VS Pearl Mimic Pro

There are only two modules that cost over $2000 each: The Roland TD50 and the Pearl Mimic Pro. Today we're going put them head to head in a battle to see which one is better! I've been using them both side by side for months now, and here playing examples and my thoughts on each :D
Link To Buy the Mimic Pro:
amzn.to/2XtmriX
Link To Buy The TD50 Module
amzn.to/2XtwnxM
This video is NOT sponsored. These product links are affiliate links which mean if you buy something we'll receive a small commission from Amazon. This helps support the channel and allows me to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

[@65Drums]

Feel Free To Skip Around The Video! TD50 Kick/Snare/Hi-Hat: 0:32 Mimic Kick/Snare/Hi-Hat: 1:58 Full Kit With Music (TD50): 3:49 Full Kit With Music (Mimic): 6:12 Individual Drums/Cymbals: 8:13 Talking Specs/Features: 15:13

[@rhythmantic]

The Mimic sounds the best. Roland ‘s “modeled” sounds just sound bad unless VEXpressions tweaked settings replace the Roland factory settings.

[@jerrythecoo3295]

Over- all I would take the Roland. I can live without the touch screen. But it will come down to personal preference……….😎👍👋✌️🇨🇦 #Anotherqualityvideobyjustin

[@Corbrwl]

Great video. I played a TD20X for 12 years and recently decided to upgrade. Purchased a TD30 and Mimic Pro, to decide between the two. I agree with most of your assessment between the TD50 (similar to TD30 with some obvious upgrades), however there's one thing I'd point out that wasn't evident to me in the beginning of my comparison testing. When we say that the TD30/50 have more ability to make adjustments to each instrument's sound, that's true in some cases but not all. For example when you look at the kick drum, in the TD30/50 you can change the mic size and position, in the PMP you can't. However what I found was that the mike size and position are really just adjustments in EQ, they aren't really moving the mic closer or changing the mic size (since most of the Roland sounds are engineered, not sampled). Therefore with the PMP you can get the same variations for many of the TD30/50 controls by adjusting the EQ. Out of the box, the PMP sounds are flat, but with just a couple of minutes time, you can really make them come alive and sound as full and rich as the engineered TD30/50 sounds. Overall I'd say if you are looking for a wide variety of kit and percussion sounds, go with the TD30/50; if you want more natural and realistic sounding drums, go with the Mimic Pro.

[@francop385]

I just recently finished building a electronic drum-set from scratch. With nobody to help me with knowledge on the topic, your channel has been extremely helpful! You cover a massive quantity of questions that I have been curious of, and go in depth on them as well. You sir are a hero! Thanks from Rochester NY!

[@65Drums]

Thank so much Franco! :) I'm glad the channel has been useful

[@DopamineOverload]

The Mimic Pro's sounds blow away all of the TD-50's. No machine-gunning at all. SSD5 is legit. May not hold a candle to Superior 3, but it's VERY good. If you don't want to mess with drum software at all, the Mimic is the way to go. It's even cheaper these days! :)

[@TheDoubin]

Justin I've been watching you for a few years, I always liked your playing but this time you're really killing it! I feel the improvement, keep up the hard work!

[@danielskoffa]

That's a comment you will never see on a guitar video. Only drums videos.

[@willemprinsloo5663]

To me there is just no comparison.. The Mimic wins hands down

[@BrunoMorisetti]

And TD 50 win hands down when you need a 250 gigs world tour module. Mimic is not safe at all.

[@randalscandal1588]

@@BrunoMorisetti It sounds like shit. They went backwards from the 30

[@drumyogi9281]

@@randalscandal1588 I'm very happy with mine.

[@mikestein1024]

@@BrunoMorisetti none of us will ever be doing that lol 😂

[@BrunoMorisetti]

@@mikestein1024 It's the concept. I do music since 20 years and Nothing is better than good quality and durable stuff. Mimic sound more natural, more cool, just better but Roland is safer

[@alext9151]

Looks like Roland has aready lost it's leadership position, even now they still have that plastic feel... Mimic is absolutely gorgeous!

[@frenchbreadboi]

Man, I wish there was some kind of Frankenstein module with the Mimic’s drums and the Roland cymbals. That thing would be an absolute beast!

[@TamMusician]

Roland has the worst cymbals sound

[@AJ081581]

my ears say Pearl wins

[@davidshaw4574]

This video helped steer me towards purchasing a Mimic Pro - For anyone considering it, it's a lot of cash to drop on an unknown compared to Roland, but after 18 months of daily use I can confirm as per Justin's words -It's a beast

[@mattkudirka8090]

Former Roland/SD3 user turned Mimic convert here. I have played more drums in the last 1.5 years with the mimic than I have in 10 years playing my Roland kits. I loved my Roland/Superior Drummer3 combo but it was a PIA. I would get a kit sounding great, leave it for a few weeks and then when I wanted to change something I had to figure out how I did it a few weeks ago. Constant re-learning. I cannot step away from the Mimic. You just want to play it. turn it on and play like you're in a world class studio. There is a learning curve with the Mimic, but nothing like using VST software. I think the real comparison should be the Mimic VS TD50 running SD3. This would be a legit challenger for the Mimic IMHO.

[@Killenmachine05]

The thing people need to keep in mind when listening to these, is that these are stock sounds from these modules, which are not really meant to be used but to give you a starting point to tweak and eq and perfect your own sounds, they don't really shine until you do that to them, otherwise they sound like cardboard or cheap older electric kits.

[@MrMOGHammer]

At that price point they could have provided more care to the default presets to make them sound more legit.

[@cookie135]

I use a TD50 which gets the job done every time the whole point of the TD50 is customisation it’s not for beginners it’s a tool for Pro- drummers that take the time out to get their specific sound be it using the whole electronic set or triggering / hybrid set ups , If I want an purely acoustic sounding kit then I use my acoustic kit but as a music producer electronic drums are amazing as it allows me to dial in what the session requires. Mimic pro is also a great module but don’t be fooled for a minute if you think your not going to spend a good amount of time adjusting your sound and parameters out of the box like the Roland TD50. It’s like getting a new acoustic kit and expecting it to sound perfect out of the box , you tune it the way you like it , you muffle what you want to achieve and what you like to hear from it. As a modern drummer you cannot escape using some sort of electronics so at the end of the day get what works for you.

[@aardvarkmindshank]

Specific*

[@BobSchoepenjr]

Spot on👍🏾

[@timmawson642]

Mimic is awsome, but i Must comment. I live in Melbourne, Australia and down here we love our Pacific sounds. Specifically our symbol Sounds.🤭🤘

[@cookie135]

@@timmawson642 so all you got from this was a typo 😂😂😂

[@cookie135]

@@aardvarkmindshank typo, thank you for pointing that out 👍

[@a.j.liedtke4645]

That snare at 2:44 sounds amazing!

[@DonaldMcDade]

Great comparison Justin. In the beginning of my search for the right module you had me going back and forth between the Mimic and the TD-50. I thought I really wanted a Mimic but in the end went with the TD-50 and I couldn't be happier honestly. As you stated, editing is very in depth and it just has a punch to it that is wonderful once you dive into it. Do VEX's help, sure, if you don't want to learn anything, but after all, they are nothing more than what anyone can take the time to learn and do on their own with the TD-50. Yes, it is not the perfect acoustic sound, but you can get it damn close and when you're playing live, no one notices or cares anyhow. This was a great vid, thank you!

[@pumpalBo]

I know you feel a need to justify your purchase, but you are calling black white here .. TD50 sounds like piece of shiet, to an extend to be funny really ..which is very obvious in this direct comparison, and especially in the mix.. Which has always been the case with Roland modules btw. Where the Mimic is completely different league very close to a well mic-ed acoustic set, though still not one ..

[@groovecat]

Totally agree with you. I was in the same dilemma and bought the td50 as playing in cover bands that play what’s currently on the radio, its very rare I need a 100 % acoustic sounding kit. If I was desperate for an acoustic sound I’d use an acoustic kit.

[@lucyferina]

pumpal LKT I trigger Steven Slate 5 with an Alesis I/O, those are the sounds of the mimic, I would get the TD 50 just because the features that the mimic lacks, use that with the td50 and have the best of both worlds

[@arbogast4950]

@@pumpalBo dick

[@drumyogi9281]

@@pumpalBo Everyone knew TD-50 out of the box needed adjustments. I am very happy with my TD-50 compositions. I wanted positional sensing and rim shots on all toms. Mimic couldn't give that. Not everything has to be 100% real sounding to make good music. I care more about dynamics and articulation than tone just like most professional musicians.

[@veloci3twenty607]

I've had the TD-50 for about 2 years. The factory kits were updated with the artist update patches. I only use 2 kits that I had programmed all parameters myself. I switch between the 2 depending upon the sound I want and never use the others. These were setup for my ears, taste and are used direct into Cubase 10.5 Pro. I recently went to a local music store and played a TD 50KV with all factory presets. They happen to have the same headphones I use on my kit (AT M50X). It sounded horrible. But why? It all comes down to how you setup your system both inside and out. I run my 50 out through the main XLR's to a XENYX desk (Behringer UFX1604) using 2 channels panned hard L and R. The channels have light compression added. 2 of the sends for those channels are routed to a Lexicon MX 400 and back into the desk to add reverb. I monitor through either the desk headphone jack or I have a rackmount 6 channel headphone amp. This is how I get the live sound for me. For recording into Cubase, the USB of the XENYX sends audio either pre or post fader. For 10 channel audio, the USB from the 50 to computer is used pre fader. I've had the TD-11 kit, TD-20 and now the TD-50 and learned that sounding good is subjective. Flexibility and cost are not.

[@Camst648]

This film is in a sence the exact perfection for a ''this VS that'' type of film. Were else on the net can you find someone that with so big and fair balance, list the uses of theese two mudules side by side. Normally, in discussions on face and in forums, you hear the two sides presented as if there was a war of ideas going on.. equal lack of understanding of either module. Justin here, manage to take just 30 minutes to tell a good bit about why BOTH these modules are great modules. I totaly love that and agree to it to the best of my understanding. I use a TD50 module from free choice based on my needs. I really think we could soon start to agree that whatever of the two modules we use for any given reason, they are both marvelous products on the top in their individual field.

[@65Drums]

Thank you so much!!

[@JamesOKeefe-US]

Awesome review as always Justin!! 👍 Thorough, objective and focused on all of the things we care about. Great job! BTW, I went from the TD30 to the Mimic Pro and haven't looked back. The good thing about this improved competition is that ultimately we are getting closer and closer to having indistinguishable electronic drums from acoustic. I use the Mimic Pro for all of my shows and it has been rock solid. I have also gotten some fellow musicians to become converts to eDrums (at least a little :) Thanks again for your awesome channel!!

[@thevoiceoftheteacher3581]

The mimic sounds more real. It’s either this one or the strike pro module

[@lucyferina]

Or get the TD50, connect a laptop with Steven Slate 5 and you have the same sounds the mimic has, but you also have the sounds the TD50 has.

[@traskabraska]

@@lucyferina yes, but why if you can do the same by a TD-9 at a fraction of the price :|

[@alext9151]

@@traskabraska TD-9 has no positional sensing feature, it wont feel so natural.

[@traskabraska]

@@alext9151 for some PS it might be a deal breaker and TD-9 doesn't feature it indeed. You can mimic it by DSP trigger btw (+a standard Roland PD pad and a TD-9 for instance). I never felt the need of using it but I'd give it a go, in case ;-)

[@evankeal]

On Strike pro, I thought that way too once, but an alesis does not play, or, track like a roland, it's what those big bucks are for, seemingly zero bang for buck for most, to others, it's the only option. The alesis sounds are really nice though. Really nice and a ton of them. So tempting.

[@johnl7889]

I like the Mimic myself, still have my TD20X module as well.

[@disf5178]

How do you feel about the 20s memory card situation. Do you feel like the 30 would be a major upgrade to the 20? Im currently shopping for an upgrade to my old 10...haven't kept up on the technology.. i really would appreciate ANY input/opinion etc.

[@PhinAI]

The Mimic sounds to be what I was expecting to receive when I bought my first Roland set -- for realistic versatility. I've never liked the cymbal sounds of the Roland, and as you play on this latest model, I still hear what I don't enjoy. On my old Roland set, I replaced the snare, cymbals, and hi-hat with acoustics and used the Roland toms fairly exclusively. I suppose, with the TD-50, I could actually enjoy using the full set, except I'd still want to incorporate acoustic cymbals, and perhaps hi-hat. The Mimic just sounds like a collection of percussion I'd want to hear. That may be a luxury worth springing for!

[@biekanez1]

Great comparison video Justin. You maybe know I only use drum samples from Superior Drummer and Steven Slate. I don't use the sounds of the TD 50. So when I had to adjust my new ATV ad H14 Hihat and had to use the sound of the module itself to calibrate the Hihat I was shocked. Because I'm used to the sound of high quality drum samples, the sounds of the drums of the TD 50 were sounding very badly for me. For such a expensive module Roland really have to make more work of the sound quality of their drums. So yes I do agree with you Justin, they have to work together with a drum software manufacturer like Steven Slate or Superior Drummer to get real good sounds. Have a great day my dear friend.😎👍👊✌️

[@frankenstudio22]

Mimic Pro Rocks! - Had mine for about 1 year now. Worth every penny!

[@mojodrum3215]

If the quality is there then it all boils down to sound. I find the td50 snare sounds so processed it starts to irritate me. Mimic wins!

[@Grayham4]

we have it at church and it is just too processed to sound good live

[@joesmusic8943]

Instead of buying the Pearl Mimic, wouldn’t it be better to buy the Roland for its sound and then buy Steven Slate drumming software so you have both sounds it you want?

[@bustagrinds865]

My thoughts exactly.. the editing of Roland with the samples of whatever you want (SD3, slate).. with the sd card you could sample them (though not multisample maybe). I think most commenters are coming from an acoustic easy-to-sound-real background, rather than thinking "what could I do with this and sound unique?".. TD50 is tempting me more because of the versatility and making good use of the roland hardware.

[@BumpNrun69]

{LOL} That's what I wish I had done in the first place (Purchase Roland module, to laptop & use Superior Drummer 3 software for sounds). Because the Mimic has been a pain in my ass from day one. Don't get me wrong nice module, however it has sound issues. In fact there have been recent Updates to help. As it stands now, I cannot get my Pearl Mimic to trigger correctly with SD3. The cross-talk on pads is happening quite a bit. Although I will say this, their (Pearl) support is outstanding compared to Roland's support. I can call and speak to someone 90% of the time. With Roland, I tried to call multiple times within a week, to find out - where to purchase a Trigger cone from? Not once was I able to reach a human being.

[@jillianupshaw3752]

I would go with the mimic pro sound wise but for tech I would go with the td 50 because it has more options and it’s more sensitive in touch

[@faustosanchez1365]

Amazing!! This video and the final review of the Alesis Strike Pad are my most anticipated videos this year! 😀 Great job, Justin! As always

[@NewHandleCuzSheIsNosey]

I just bought my first drum set (td17-kvx). It doesn’t even get here until tomorrow and I’m already pining for the mimic. This KZbin channel is going to cost me a fortune, isn’t it?

[@arbogast4950]

You'll be spending plenty of time dialing in the td17. The first kit sounds the best lol

[@stephenpetrikowski]

There's a td17 Facebook group that I posted about 14 custom kits I made if you want to download them to try. I've spent the last 8 or 9 months trying to dial in the td17 to sound good.

[@benjibanks7894]

Make sure you buy cable splitters if you want to add more cymbals or Toms.

[@rickmanondrumsandbass9292]

@@stephenpetrikowski may I know the group name? thanks

[@stephenpetrikowski]

@@rickmanondrumsandbass9292 td17 users group

[@timmoran6280]

Nicely done. Its no secret which I would choose. But I really only care most about acoustic sounds. And in that case Im very confident in my choice of getting a mimic. Great video man.

[@65Drums]

Thanks Tim! :)

[@JohnDRobinsonelectronicdrums]

definately the mimic for me..much more realistic sounding! a great comparison, Justin and brilliant playing examples!

[@rhythmantic]

Great job on this video Justin. Very thorough and detailed and quality production.

[@C0zyDunt]

Thanks for this. Waited a long time for your opinion, as you appeared to have become the guru of electric drums. Cheers really appreciate this, I think I now know which way I'll go to upgrade my TD20 expanded.

[@Gpetrine]

Justin, Thanks for this video ..Great Job Man! For what its worth. I own the TD50. LOVE THE SNARE (usb) Here is my Chain I use. Track with midi through the TD50, using sounds from Roland as a sound source. Then in Mix mode ..I have the ability to choose SSD5 samples - Superior drummer 3 or blend ALL 3 units. WORKS GREAT and their is virtually no latency when tracking with midi.

[@pearldrummer4456]

The whole objective when playing drums is sound. Pearls got it sounding perfect.

[@Chrisloft]

I see BIG drop on td-50 sound amount with modeling, MIMIC is "open architecture" will allow new sound expansion pack even more. Personally I like more MIMIC, less need to edit sound like TD-50 harder to operate and sound ok. TD-50 is more for people like electronic style. Price mimic is 2199$, TD-50 2500$

[@timmoran6280]

Not only that but I think its also worth mentioning that the only reason the TD50 has so many more advanced editing options is because they don't use multi layer samples but rather use samples that simply have the essential parts of a drums tone and fills the rest in with modeling. You can even hear this when cycling through instruments while playing. Especially in the kicks. The attack and overall tone of the kick will be the same and the only thing that changes in some cases is the sub bass and ambience of that kick. Which can easily be editing in the mimic to wait for it...…"Mimic" the sound of another instrument. Roland has explained how they make sounds in past manuals for drum modules. And while the quality may have improved the overall way they do things hasn't really changed all that much. I honestly think if they were to use multi layer pure drum samples first they would find it difficult to apply many of those deep editing features they are capable of. The td50 is like the Jurassic park of the edrum world. Chopping up tones and filling it in with synthetic DNA. Sure you get a new dinosaur but it will never be the real thing.

[@TrackDrums]

The Mimic sounds more authentic, still obviously electronic but more believable! Ha!

[@drumdude68]

Each have their merits. I love the editing of the cymbals on the TD-50 and the over-all acoustic drum sounds on the Mimic. .. I may have to own both now.

[@paulmclellan8925]

I bought the mimic last year after using Roland drums for 30 years. I love the mimic but had to send it back for repairs as output 1 stopped working as well as the aux in left side having line noise problems. It’s been gone for a month and my local store can’t tell me when I might have it back. It would be great if pearl sent me another one to get me through my many summer gigs but I guess it doesn’t work that way. ☹️

[@napoleonsmith3028]

Paul Mclellan perhaps writing some reviews online would help. I’d write one on every major music product website and all the Facebook forums including Pearl’s home page, then give Pearl a call. That module costs WAY to much to not be served on a gold platter.

[@user-vx7bj1oe9z]

Hello! Thanks for your review! In my opinion (only a personal opinion, I do not impose it on anyone), the TD-50 has a strongly compressed sound with an aggressive attack. Maybe it will sound good on a powerful sound device, but what I hear, this fat point at the beginning of each beat - I don't like it. The Mimic Pro is much more natural. But, the architecture is understandable - it is based on Windows, Vst (ssd) with minimal delay. Let them not scold me too much, but after td30 I was disappointed in Roland's new line of models. I myself now play on TD30 and bought additional (middle line) TD9. In my opinion, a very successful and underestimated model. I hear the sounds of the sources used in TD9 in both TD17 and TD27 with deeper editing, fat slaps (absolutely unnecessary), but the sources are practically the same. From modules with an VST architecture, I look towards the ATV (inexpensive module), and from the expensive ones, I would take Mimic Pro or Geva for myself. Thank you, best regards, Maxim.

[@ryanbuckley5529]

I love my td50! Absolutely worth the money, get a stereo 31 band EQ and you can make it sound like a number of acoustic sets!

[@pumpalBo]

Haha .. Ok. When was the last time you actually played an acoustic (if at all)?

[@arbogast4950]

@@pumpalBo dick

[@TonyDiaz.]

Don't say that or you'll trigger the Roland deranged syndrome on some... xD

[@ryanbuckley5529]

@@pumpalBo just saw this, I play my $11,000 DW custom kit everyday😂🤣 been playing it for about 16 years. what the hell are you goin on about? Still hate yourself or what’s up big guy?

[@Andystuff800]

Am I missing something? Neither of these sound like $2000 modules to me. The TD-50 "acoustic" drums sound especially bad.

[@tlkshowhst]

Great comparison! What kind of ride cymbal and hihats were you testing with the mimic? Thanks for a great channel.

[@freshpootube]

Standard 5 volts across the USB. So you could plug your phone in to keep it charged, even if you're using the bluetooth audio.

[@ajmpatriot4899]

Drum-tech kit, ATV cymbals, Roland hi hat and Mimic Pro module. Now I just need about $8k Always dream!

[@Hotdang617]

Hey! If you had a TD50 with ride and snare, would you sell those and get an ATV ride, snare? Right now I'm layering SD3 on top of the TD50 samples. That's given me a pretty realistic feel and sound. I like cross sticking and the feel compared to the PD128 snare pad on the digital snare, that's pretty much my hardest sell. Does the mimic feel better than TD50 with a PD128 snare pad?

[@timmawson642]

Brian is absolutely spot on. Pacific sounds are an essential part of a drummers kit down here in Australia. Brian, Rock on mate.👍

[@DC-zr3gq]

I like the Mimic sounds by itself. But the TD-50 sounds better in the songs. Also, there'll be a difference if the digital snare and rides are used.

[@puki5]

For me...td-50 could only be used for "electronic drum sounds" unfortunately for Roland... yet Mimic is a "KING" of acoustic drum sounds... well at list for my ears. To own a mimic for me be like owning all of the best drum kits in the world at the same time !!! well done Justin !!!

[@edrumsense]

You can make the mimic sound like the td-50... But you can't make the td50 sound like the mimic

[@metreaafterglow6834]

The TD-50 can sound like the mimic. Believe me.

[@edrumsense]

@@metreaafterglow6834 Hi... kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zpy6h2efjLJmfac ... Bye

[@MeThOdMaNlililhkjg]

Hi... that video you tagged is showing one shot samples which the td50 also does lol soooo you kinda come across looking dumb rn hahah

[@metreaafterglow6834]

@@MeThOdMaNlililhkjg You are so cute with dumbhat moahaaa...

[@edrumsense]

@@MeThOdMaNlililhkjg that shows exactly my point. That you can make the mimic sound like the mimic

[@notforyoutube]

MIMIC PRO ALL DAY. No sound tweaking required

[@neewollah6875]

I own Roland td25 custom and I thought my decision would be biased but I’m in love with the pearl mimic. Close my eyes and hear realistic drums.

[@lucyferina]

I have the TD 11 but I use Steven Slate drums which is what the Mimic uses, I like the cymbal sounds of the TD 11 better, but overall it sounds great with the software. The only reason to get a Mimic is to eliminate the computer, but you don't need it in the studio and it has been reliable enough that I would not be worried using it live.

[@tronwars7130]

Peral Mimic Pro has just had a major software update come out so some features maybe better now

[@Thomasp671]

Sorry but I was very disappointed with the TD50... The Pearl mimic is way way better when it comes to sounding like a real acoustic set. Plus if I need all the other bells and whistle‘s that the TD50 has I could just get another module or a small laptop for all of the si-fi sounds if that’s what you call it. To me the Pearl mimic just sounds better. And that’s really what you want right ?? a good sounding drum set. Because your audience isn’t gonna care what you can edit or not. I’m 54 years old and I have been playing a acoustic set of drums since I was seven years old so I know what I’m talking about.

[@Elboy522]

the td 50 sounds so boring and dry out of the box, i own one myself, and it takes a LOT of tweaking to assemble a kit where every part of it sounds tolerable. I could see most people just wanting a simple plug n play drum module, and the TD-50 is NOT that, however, the td-50 is much more customizable and configurable, and has a much more tactile way of adjusting parameters than a clunky touch screen. The TD-50 is also very good for making really eccentric and wacky sounds

[@Grayham4]

@Peter P td50 doesnt machine gun on most triggers where it matters

[@Grayham4]

yeah, I just could not understand how bad the kick samples were on the td50, and no one has been able to give me an answer on it

[@rolderdrummer2448]

Thats the point...

[@kbrown649]

Yeah. Mimic def sounds better. Totally. I just bought a TD50. I think I’m gonna get a mimic and see if I like it more.

[@bungeechord1]

The 2Box Drumit is less than 1\2 the price and works with fsr.

[@MoonerBros]

Love the Snares sounds of Mimic !!!

[@wollsmoth69]

TD50 is the clear winner If you want some hot garbage that doesn’t even sound like drums.

[@SunilShakyaNGT]

Your videos are really interesting 🙏

[@65Drums]

Thanks!

[@david25876]

Thx for a good review of both.

[@derecwilsom4546]

Thanks for the great reviee,, some sexy camera slide work there. 😃

[@65Drums]

Thanks for noticing! :) I put some serious work in to get those slide shots

[@Colognedrummerboy]

Hi Justin, thanx for your work! I think the better sounding module is the mimic right out of the box, but the td-50 offers more flexibility for my kind of job. As a Top40 Drummer I really need those electronic sounds that I really miss on the Mimic Pro. If they would extend the library with a bunch of typical electronic sound for those clubbing-drum‘n bassing-dancehouse stuff with claps an tings an pings boombastic effects, they could rule the market. But in my special case I will have to decide buying a TD-50. On the other side I can’t understand Roland, that they aren’t able to build in bigger Memory to use more realistic samples like Pearl. Diskspace is not a Problem nowadays. I wish Roland would do partnership with Toontrack, that would be heaven on earth 😍😍😍😍 Cheers from Cologne in Germany Please keep up your work!!!!

[@vjmacintyre]

Q: Am I seeing this correctly? Near the end of the video, is that basket stand-mounted tom on the left (right hand side if playing the drums) attached to a rubber crash through it's own 'former' kick drum mount? I love the Mimic Pro sounds, but found as you were scrolling through them that the differences between individual sounds (snares, for instance) were mostly just pitch variations of the first. The sounds are realistic. I also like how the TD-50 has aux percussion and electronic sounds. Must be that digital ride, but MAN! That Roland ride performance is SOOOOO REALISTIC!! I was very impressed with that. The Roland toms sounded not so great and VERY MACHINE-GUNNY considering the cost of this module. Love the videos! I've been binge-watching for a few days!

[@annekedebruyn7797]

While the Mimic won the audio test, I feel like the TD50 would still be my choice just for the faders alone.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

@The Crimson Drummer I prefer the easy access on gigs

[@maccagrabme]

Run it through a small mixing desk then you have faders and EQ at your fingertips for about 50 quid.

[@Schmacks]

Whats a fader?

[@neilsnow7973]

Why don't these companies utilize TRRS cables for 3 zone cymbals rather than using multiple cables? I mean they use TS cables for single zone, TRS for dual, so wouldn't it make sense to use TRRS for 3? Unless it's digital of course.

[@efrainl]

Wow great review! Thanks man

[@delbraga66]

I have a Frankenstein kit Roland pads, Alesis strike pro, 2box Drumit 3 and Roland TD15 drum module all together. I don’t need anything else.

[@DominikAklan]

I know from your playing that you like the mimic more than the roland module. But both nice

[@fuchsia5899]

Been waiting for this👍 I’ve always heard the pearl mimic pro better, but I would go with Roland since we all know there pads and cymbals are reliable.

[@andreasjensen8451]

This is impressive man🔥 I can't imagine how much work you have put in to this video. I watched it from start to end, even though I can't afford an entire drum set for the price for one of these modules. Keep it up man 🔥🔥🔥

[@65Drums]

Thanks so much Andreas! It did take a long long long time to make

[@andreasjensen8451]

@@65Drums and it paid off in the end. You made a fantastic video 🔥🔥 keep it up

[@grantdickerson96]

Hey Justin you should make a tutorial for the Alesis Strike Multipad!

[@65Drums]

Thanks I'll keep the video idea in mind :)

[@charliesdrumshed9328]

I agree it comes down personal opinion on drum modules because I’ll tell you I’ve owned a td 30 then. Atv ad5 and now a td17 which I love I guess I’ve found I prefer Roland sounds but once you bring your own samples that just takes it to another level in my opinion

[@OthonasDrums]

Seems like if you want your kit to sound ad acoustic as possible,then the mimic is the one for you...Roland's goal seems to be that their kits are electronic above all else...Also the td-50 feels like it's a transitional module

[@the_rustydoornob1164]

1:09 that's chop suey lol

[@MrMikeydrum]

this video has just reaffirmed my choice of the td50, id be bored of the mimic by now. also im sure the mimic sounded better before, after watching this, the sounds seem quite light, lacking punch out the box, the stock roland sounds are bad though, I don't have any stock td50 sounds in my module, every single of one of them got removed or replaced. for me the td50 was the one to get, if acoustic replacement was my main goal for electronic drums then mimic is the way to go.

[@drumyogi9281]

I have recorded a few tracks with TD-50 on my channel. I got a lot of punch for a track I named 'Mountain Fire Rush'. It takes a lot of time to get it to sound good though.

[@Durwood71]

And here I am rocking a TD-17.

[@mintichess8496]

Justin, First, let me express my gratitude for the truly expert explanations. Secondly, I am interested in your opinion regarding the comparison of pearl mimic pro and other e drums modules, roland td 50 and alesis strike pro. Specifically, pearl mimic pro has steven slate drumers software (ssd5) installed, and therefore the question of a real comparison arises. I realize that using the software internally in the module makes a difference. but realistically if we were to use the same software with other modules then comparing the modules themselves would make more sense. is my thinking correct? if at least in part due to the presence of latency and other hardware and software technical details, this would reflect your expert opinion on the above three modules. that is, in your opinion and why was it in favor, in terms of sound and everything else? a simplified comparison view would be between perl mimic pro and td 50 (alesis strike pro) with ssd5. I am very opinionated in your opinion! and not to mention the third and most important of your drumming is phenomenal !!!

[@alancostello7500]

Awesome video once again👍🏼 considering your experience, if $5000 - $6000 were your budget, would you go for the Roland Td 50 or any acoustic to electronic conversion set in that price range?

[@RaymondToms]

A great comparison - as usual. Drumming technique, you often use what sounds like a triplet kick, yet don’t seem to use a double pedal(the he stays closed). How do you do that?

[@65Drums]

I do a very fast double and then it the snare to get that sound :) I've just practiced it for hours until I get it

[@MiguelLopez-ll5us]

for these prices you can get a descent lap top and addictive drums

[@morten1]

Yeah just get an interface/module like eDRUMin

[@RyanxDunn]

Only problem is I'm really after the actual kit of the td50kvx with the kick drum. I don't even think I can get a Mimic in my country lol.

[@forku5749]

I love my td9, giged to over 15 thousand people and even the sound guy loved the kit. But I'm sure these two modules would be way better in so many ways

[@johndef5075]

Im still using a td10exp and it holds up pretty well against my brothers td50! The main thing that the flagship has is the individual faders compared to the td9 type modules. Sounds like you already have a good set-up though!

[@Studio603OnTheAir]

Great review of the two modules, very thorough and educational I've been trying to decide which one would best fit my situation, I have a Pearl sessions Studio acoustic set with extra toms, sort of set up like the Late Neil Pearts set, my favorite drummer of all time, I have a set of his cymbals so I would be using the module for more of a hybrid Electronic drum with acoustic cymbal kit to be able to control the volume better at my condo, highs don't go through walls as easily as lows. The rest of the inputs would be used for additional triggers (cowbells etc. ) Could you give me advice on which module would better fit my needs, I have 7 toms , a kick and a snare.I would need to tune the toms of course to try and get that Neil Peart tone Thanks so much in advance.

[@riffism]

Rolands TD-50 was designed by the keyboard team in Japan. The TD17 sounds better to me, personally. The Roland gear doesn't use true samples....they use an algorithm to REPLICATE the sample sounds. That's why you are able to modify the sounds so drastically without them sounding like a time-altered sample track. The Mimic is a much more realistic sounding module to my ears.

[@65Drums]

They are using real drum samples, the algorithm just shapes and bends them as you adjust settings in the module

[@riffism]

@@65Drums hmm...I dont personally have first-hand knowledge...but my bassist works for Roland. I chatted with one of the design engineers at a company function and he explained it to me exactly the way I stated. We spoke specifically of the differences between a Mimic and the TD series and he was trying to quantify the differences.

[@65Drums]

@@riffism I used to think Roland used the sound equivalent of CGI, and I even said it in a video. But a manager from Roland set me straight and explained that they do in fact record real drums for these modules. They then manipulate the samples afterward.

[@riffism]

@@65Drums yes, right. It's that "manipulation" that he was trying to explain to me. He told me that they use an algorithmic process that completely replaces the original sample. So it's no longer the equivalent of having a WAV or RAW file....it's a whole new file type with different audio characteristics. Apparently, they didnt want to sacrifice the deep editing in order to achieve a more natural sound the way the SSD program (as well as other sample libraries) does. I think we're both saying the same thing...just in slightly fldifferent ways. Sorry if I was unclear. It's all computerized witchcraft to me anyway...lol. I personally prefer the sound of the TD17, as it was developed by the drum team and not the keyboard team. It sounds better to my ears. But if I had my pick, Id still go with the Mimic or a plugin such as Tunetracks.

[@PhatSimey]

Hey Justin, great review- do you have a PMP with new firmware vs TD-50X shootout in the pipe? Would be an interesting one...

[@wout9022]

Hello justin, I wan a buy the alesis crimson 2, do you know if I buy a roland hihat and or crashes and ride, can I use them on my alesis kit then?

[@demonocusmetalocus3558]

I'm quite happy with my ad5 but if i had to choose between the td-50 and the mimic i would have to go with the mimic.

[@galgogergo]

How's the Ad5? I've heard that it machine guns sometimes, is that true?

[@demonocusmetalocus3558]

@@galgogergo maybe if you don't set it up right you could get machine gunning but i've had no machine gunning

[@galgogergo]

@@demonocusmetalocus3558 thanks, that sounds good

[@HellGoodDoogz]

I thought the mimic had unrivaled clarity over the td50 module... and that's coming from a Roland fanboy too. Gotta hand it to Pearl for going head to head with the biggest player in the domain (and coming out ontop "in my opinion").

[@jezusmylord]

John and Steven are the MVPs!

[@DerekScheel]

They need to come down on these prices cause 2k ?! 😭😭 ima go ahead and keep dreaming about it.

[@arthmelkouame5657]

MIMIC PRO sounds way better… sometimes we forget that PEARL is actually one of the best acoustic drum brands in the world, if not the best.

[@mrr8682]

Have you owned a DW Kit? with DW I don't have to put tape on the heads, the sound is so perfect it's amazing!....

[@maccagrabme]

Whats the Sonor kit he is using, is it a E-Drum kit? Thanks

[@TK-ck6xf]

Just bought the TD50K set - thinking about switching the module to the mimic...thoughts?

[@josephgizzi373]

I just bought one as well and am considering the same thing

[@TK-ck6xf]

@@josephgizzi373 I think I am going to keep mine after playing it. The Sweetwater rep said he played them all and the dynamics in the Roland pads/cymbals are worth the trade off for the better kit sounds in the mimic. Let me know if you end up changing directions / what your thoughts are.

[@BumpNrun69]

In my experience with the Mimic, I really wouldn't recommend them at this time. However they are getting better throughout time regarding sound issues. For me though, with the price tag, it's been a frustrated pain in the ass (same with a lot of the e-drum world experience). The stock sounds (to me) aren't really too much to speak of. In fact if you went that route, I would suggest purchasing V-Expressions expansions. I know sounds are subjective to everyone, but V-Exp. are much cleaning straight forward & deeper sounds. However to me, Superior Drummer's sounds out rank all. Currently I have been experiencing triggering issues when using Pearl Mimic & SD3. When I go back to using my Roland TD-17 module & SD3, it works PERFECT. No issues whatsoever, wish I could have found a "new" TD-30 module instead of the Mimic.

[@tonyphilis5133]

Excellent video.one question ..can you sample extra drum sounds on the Roland.?

[@ealingdrumstudios]

Hi Justin.I’m a big fan of 65 drums keep it going I have a question what’s the best module to get with regards to getting the best sounding drums for recording either the TD50X or the Mimic Pro I have a Roland TD 50 at the moment and I record with acoustic cymbals.Clive

[@SimpleAndyRock]

Hey @65Drums is it me, or does the TD50 have a more nuanced expression feel. Im hearing better sounds from the Mimic in the video, but more detail in the performance from the TD50 (but maybe its the song???). Which one feels more like you are there playing a real kit. With VSTs sometimes I find even the low 5-6ms latency creates some weirdness, in the way it feels, but then sounds great in tthe recorded sound.

[@Isaac_bainesy]

In the playing example for the mimic hi-hats i cant help but feel like they sound strikingly close to the alesis nitro mesh hi-hats. i might just be getting confused and maybe thinking of something else. can anyone help me out? EDIT: the rides now sound very close to superior drummer three rides. whats going on?

[@claird6477]

i love the Toms on the mimic.

[@lahattec]

I have seen a few of these older videos from you, but you never mention the TD 50's ability to use user samples in the internal RAM.

[@mannyflorio8103]

Hey Justin, I have a Roland TD17KVX and as much as I love the kit the one thing that is not great out of the box is the cross stick feature on the snare. Is there a setting or an adjustment somewhere on the module to take care of that?

[@robrig55]

Time for Roland to release a TD 50 with a bigger screen while keeping most knobs

[@RC-gf8cs]

Yam dtx 3 i hab wit the blk pads .ol version .wit md50 bass n 2 sat.spkrs .been usin 4 over 15 yrs got em brand new .4me i happy..