Roland TD-20 Module Guide

[@noonenowhere4967]

You caught me off guard, I felt like I was in e-drum school for a minute. Great video

[@Vdrumtips1]

Noone Nowhere I hope I do not appear in a annoying teacher like manner:D

[@MikeLuke]

Fantastic video, no better channel out there for these in-depth stuff from someone who tested all of the modules he’s talking about. I am still happy with my TD20X- for my purposes.

[@Vdrumtips1]

Mike Luke Thanks Mike:)

[@ilmagodiloz]

Hey Mike, I love your channel (and Vdrum Tips channel too of course!). If I'm triggering SD3, does it matter if I pick the TD-12 over the TD-20? I just want positional sensing on the snare (I don't care for lots of inputs). The TD-20 is more expensive than the TD-12, and moreover the TD-20 could have the fading display issue.

[@MikeLuke]

Hi Lorenzo, thank you! You don't need a TD-20. I've played the first years on my channel with a TD-12 and it worked well.

[@ilmagodiloz]

Thanks Mike! What about the TD-25? I know it's more like a toy compared to TD-12, but it has positional sensing, USB and will probably last longer (being newer).

[@MikeLuke]

Lorenzo Franchini If you just need something to trigger VST, it will do the job. It has some downsides though. But yes, it’s a newer module. And even the internal sounds are quiet okay. Marcel from V-Drum tips does not like it, by the way ;)

[@ChrisTuttle]

Thank you investing the time to make this video and sharing your knowledge. Before watching, I wasn't sure the TD-20 was new enough to support my VH-12 features fully. This video is a goldmine of details assisting one to make an informed purchase. Thank you again!

[@SvetlanRaketSpringfeldt]

Thank you for this great and very informative video. Going from a TD-12 to TDW-20, this was just the info I was looking for.

[@JakeDownsWuzHere]

thank you so much for this video, still helpful in 2021

[@mojodrum3215]

I have to say you are very accurate with your thoughts of the Td20. I purchased my Td20 kit back in 2005 brand new and updated the module with the expansion board. I have tried vst's with my kit using an interface but found a little latency so I made my own kits on my module and they sound good. I also have a problem with the digital screen which has faded like you mentioned I would love to replace it if I can find one. This kit was built very well the screen is the only problem I have had in 13 years. I still really like this kit due to the positional sensing and triggers I may replace the module in the near future now that there are more choices. Thanks for this review.

[@jonathanharrington7950]

Hi, Word of advice, I wanted to keep the TD20 Drums but get rid of the TD20 Module so as to hook up a TD30 Module to my existing TD20 Drums and I was told that the TD30 Drums have more senser's underneath the Mesh Heads, so the TD20 Drums are not compatable with the TD30 Module. Its old technology in the drums with new technology in the module, they don't work well together. Thankfully the sales guy was real honest with me about it.

[@mengeleto11]

Great video! Straight to the point, a lot of useful information, no bla-bla!

[@shadrums]

Thanks for the great video. I am looking to upgrade my Roland TD-25KV, with a total of 4 crashes, ride, hi-hat, and four toms. I currently have the TD-11 module, which does not have a MIDI-IN and only two extra trigger inputs. I would prefer not to use drum splitters, so I simply do not have enough inputs. After some research, it seems that my options are: 1) Get a TD-12 and use the TD-11 as a slave module 2) Get a TD-20, or TD-20X 3) Get a TD-30 I am not a professional, and would like to save money if possible. I haven't used VST recording before, but I would like to in the future... So that option also is important to me. I also really value nice sound samples, so I would probably use one of the hacks on the I was leading towards option (1), but if I end up using the midi in for the TD-11... I'm not sure how I could use sound hacks (such as v-expressions) without having a way to hook it up (no usb, midi in occupied, no compact flash card). It's possible that the TD-12 module sounds would be sufficient, but I don't know the sounds well enough and am concerned that I wouldn't be able to improve it. The TD-30 looks amazing, but is really expensive. So I seem to either be considering a TD-20 or TD-20x. I feel like the benefits of the TD-20X are worth it with the increased capabilities, even with the sound hacks. Am I missing something here? Should I go for the TD-12 with the TD-11 slave? Or go for the TD-20X instead? Thanks for reading all this by the way!! Looking forward to hearing from you.

[@Vdrumtips1]

I would also not use splitters, as they are a compromise. I would look into a TD-20X, as they are not that much more expensive as a TD-12. The TD-11 is also not a great slave module. The cable snake is then mostly unused and you have all those cables dangling around. Sell the TD-11 for 300$ and use the money to fund a TD-20X. The TD-30 is great but still very expensive for someone who wants to save money. I think you will be fine with the TD-20X.

[@marioagius217]

Fantastic overview of the Roland Drum Modules. I have the TD-20 with a faulty screen display…would love to buy a replacement display screen. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.😊 Thanks for your great video.

[@jockmckenzie8603]

Excellent video as always!

[@RZLAND]

Hi. I know this is 2 years old, but I enjoyed your video. I have the TD-20 expanded. Was wondering if you have a video on the screen getting dark. I've seen some info on cleaning the contacts which usually brings back the screen and keeps from replacing it. I've seen an abbreviated version, but I think there's much more removal inside the unit to get it totally clean. If you happen to know about that please let me know. Thanks.

[@larssterberg7340]

but where to get a tdw20?

[@muzboz]

Excellent video, thanks for all the info!

[@c.sethandrews4558]

Thanks for the awesome in depth comparison video! Do you have any thoughts on a TD-12 with the 1.11 update?

[@waynedunkley2015]

Ahh great Video and bugger. I have just purchased a mixture of a Td 20 and a TD 25 kits and have both modules along with VH 11 and VH 12 hi hats. The Td 20 module is the non expanded older version. Yes i did have LCD screen issues and hence pulled it apart, dosed every thing in contact cleaner and dried thoroughly. It works now although not perfect. Interesting how the VH 11 hats work better than the 12's? Still undecided which module to keep? From what your saying if i can get a expansion card i should keep the 20 otherwise its the 25 with Vh 11 hats. The never ending search for e drum perfection.

[@DirtyJobsGuy1]

Please help! Has anyone found a place to get the Expansion card? I just picked up a plain TD-20 and would like to update it as much as possible

[@freedomseeker01]

Thank you for this. Very well done and great communication.

[@naregfarhadian2182]

Amazing video

[@ShredTraining]

I have a TD8 module. Is it worth upgrading to a TDW20 for playing with Superior Drummer 3?

[@bjdeboy]

yes it`s totally worth it

[@ichikaba]

Excellent review!

[@aeiplanner]

I have a TD-20. I intend to ONLY use the module to trigger Superior Drummer 3. Do I really need the TDW-20 upgrade? What does "Enhanced Trigger response really mean and is it something that is relevant for use with Superior?

[@davidguzzardo6327]

Awesome guide, thanks

[@carlossegura1542]

Great Video! Thanks for the guide :)

[@Ahumada_Kevin]

You are the best e drummer!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jasonschick8433]

lost power cable for the old td-20 2004, can I use any 117v + cable, lets say a pc cable?

[@f4d3r_tv]

excellent video!

[@shckltnebay]

Just got one to replace my TD-10 im very happy with it.

[@Vdrumtips1]

I know the feeling. I upgraded from TD-9 to TD-20...great upgrade.

[@johndef5075]

Did you have expanded td10?

[@shckltnebay]

@@johndef5075 Yes I did, but the TD-20 is so much better

[@SchwappSchwopp]

Still worth a shot in mid 2021? Searching for a budget version of a module with live playing capability

[@SchwappSchwopp]

Im even thinking about if it's possible to play live while triggering a drum VST like EZD2 oder SD3?? With a 10 output interface for routing all of our midi instruments. Connected to our macbook while using Ableton live as a DAW and a drum VST.

[@АлексейКузнецов-в8ц]

Hi!!! Please tell me where you can find the old version of update 1.05 on roland TD -20?

[@drumam]

In the beginning of the video is saying that VH-12 + TD-20 does not bring a good HH experience. I have an old TD-20 but I use SD3. It would be worth it to switch my TD-20 for a new module or since I am using SD3 it doesn't matter? Is there anything I can do to improve my VH-12 performance?

[@randalscandal1588]

Do you think this is a better module for superior drummer 3 triggering than the NFUZD system?

[@johnconroy3381]

Would this be the best option for expanding a td17 kit down the road?... Using this as the main module and 17 as the slave module?

[@paulalvarez2373]

Is the drum splitter cable you mention in this video just a 1/4" TRS to two mono female connections (both 1/4")? Also, when assigning more than one pad to a direct out to use this splitter, do you have to pan the outputs of each pad so they remain independent of each other at the single direct output connection they are assigned to?

[@lepagester]

What is the best snare for the TD 20??

[@emanuelpelide7667]

Usb connection Vs midi connection to pc , is there difference in terms of latency using vst?

[@yossicohen6047]

great video

[@cpd7040]

Can you use the PD-120 and PD-100 drum pads with the TD-20 or TD-20X?

[@mikemike7345]

Roland td20 is still a good module

[@stehil1454]

Well Done!!!

[@jonathanharrington7950]

Great tutorial VT. I'd like to ask you 2 questions if I may. I own 2 TD20 kits, the first is set up perminantly for indoor use. The second is flight cased and ready to hit the road when ever its needed, preferred or specified. The parameter memory battery (enlarged watch battery) Does powering up the module recharge that battery in any way???. I've had both TD20s from new since 2004 and never have I had to change the internal batteries in the 15 years I've had them, once switched on all parameter settings are remembered. My other question again regarding both the TD20 Modules is when plugged in and powered up there is a difference regarding what is seen on the screens, The indoor TD20 Module shows a pair of headphones where as the working outdoor Module doesn't show that headphone icon. Could this be due to perhaps rough handling knocking out screen pixels that would otherwise display the headphone icon??? or perhaps the difference between the two maybe down to one being slightly set up differently compared to the other in terms of how the output is routed to front of house (8 Direct Outs verses L & R Master Outs) Only this has been baffling me for years. Look forward to your reply VT, Thanking You.

[@mengeleto11]

What about screen issues? Do you have any?

[@jonathanharrington7950]

Hi There, The headphone issue I managed to sort out, the set up was different between the two. I have bought 4 spare batteries which again do not not seem needed as yet, all parametre's are still remembered with no screen issues. @@mengeleto11

[@Pro1938ftc3ch]

Question is the Alesis Strike pro SE better than this kit

[@RasNaaSay]

Is it possible for VH-10 hihat??

[@rhythmcaster2018]

Kinda gear towards TD30 new. It seems a better investment than TD25.

[@Vdrumtips1]

RhythmCaster Definitely. The TD-30 is always better, but make sure you check the stores, sometimes you can get a TD-50 for almost the same price as a TD-30.

[@camilo.venegas]

is it normal that every time you turn it on both the number and data screen flicker for less than a second and then start working properly?

[@Vdrumtips1]

Camilo Venegas Yes, it is older technology.

[@IllGib]

Hi there, i have a couple of questions buzzing my ears. I got an almost brand new Millenium Mps-150x kit last autumn for 200€, and for my home needs works pretty well, i midi output into Sd2 so i don't really care about module sounds. But the mono ride, snare and switch hh are my biggest gripes, so i'm planning on upgrading the kit instead of buying a whole new one (very thight budget here). At first i thought swapping with an Mps-450 module, it's still pretty cheap and being same brand it works out of the box, but there's no way to find a supported dynamic hh pedal controller, and Thomann suggested me the Mps-850 pads and stand controller, wich came 250€ total with the module, more the kit itself, so it's a big no for me. After more searching i narrowed a bit: Using a Ddrum ddti to trigger midi imputs, it should suport all the pads i have out of the box, and it's open to upgrades (that i'm ayway goin' to make when i have some spare money), but i heard it only support two zones triggers, but none about hh controllers, it support dynamic foot controllers like the Yamaha or Roland, or i'm forced to take a hh stand? Space it's a factor too as i have the kit im my bedroom near the pc. Or i found a Roland Td-12 module for 190€, it's in good shape but the lcd, (as mentioned it lights up but nothing to read, it's something i have to consider before buying it if it's fixable, as i probably have to fiddle into options to make my kit working). It's my actual setup ready to use? Being all mono pads shouldn't be a problem, so i could at least start to use the new module while slowly upgrading the set. Or at worst i can keep it until i have all the right pads. So, what would be the best option for my needs? I don't care for mono toms pads, and i don't plan to add any more, i have set it up as my acustic kit, (kick, snare, tom, floor tom, hh, 2 crashes and ride) so i don't need of extra inputs or such. The DDti seems the cheapest one, ( i found an used one for 100€) but the possibility of the Td-12 are tempting, but seems impossible to find a fully lcd functionig unit. I'm on the fence.

[@IllGib]

Just adding, i found a Td4 module for 150€, it's still a good choice? I seen many video demos and it seems to works great, but still i don't get if it have stereo or tri zone cymbals support.

[@addryan]

Hi guys! About the LCD screen... I've swapped LCD from TD-12 (mint condition) to TD-20X (with THAT issue). Guess what happened?.. ;) It is not (strictly ) LCD related problem, well not in this case... Full reset help, but only to the next start. So re-think buying new LCD. Please forgive me my poor english. Greetings from Poland!

[@Vdrumtips1]

adthinzad Thanks for your comment. Good to know. Your English is good:)

[@DirtyJobsGuy1]

Ok, good to know! Your English is perfect!

[@fuchsia5899]

How do you tell the difference between the original td20 and the tdw20

[@NoMoreTagsLeft]

Patrick, when you turn it on the display will briefly flash TDW-20 Expanded and then show the current kit name. The default name of kit #1 is TDW-20 as shown in the video at 4:30. Further proof can be found by pressing the Tools button then F5 then F1 then F5 again to display the version page. It should say "TD-20 Expanded with TDW-20". Press Exit twice to return to the main kit page.

[@zaydkhan7833]

I found a td 20 with the plain module for £1980. Could I upgrade to the Roland td 20x module?

[@Vdrumtips1]

Zayd Khan Sure

[@yossicohen6047]

hi first thank you . i have a td10 and i woud like to change the ride bel from the side to center.and i would like to change tow of my rims to crash and cow bell or a second snare can you help me tecnicly how to do it.

[@Vdrumtips1]

Yossi Cohen I do not have a TD-10 at the moment to try. The best would be to google the user manual, I would not do anything else myself.

[@bdasports]

Do you do private consultation? I’m having issues with my kit and was hoping for help via Skype.

[@mikemike7345]

Thanks

[@yossicohen6047]

hii can you explain if i can conect to my old td 10 a slave like alesis i o and how because i want to expand 4 more triggers and to work with ad2 from my pc. thank you

[@Vdrumtips1]

Yossi Cohen Yes, you can do that.

[@yossicohen6047]

@@Vdrumtips1 thank you for your help but can you be more specific about how to connect it.

[@kalkiavataradeluna9226]

Man, please make some video fixing the TD-12/20 display... I tried every fucking thing to fix, and I can't find the display to buy...

[@kalkiavataradeluna9226]

The brain works very well, but I can't see anything and it is impossible to change anything in the module ....

[@Ahumada_Kevin]

CAN YOU do a guide to the td 11

[@Vdrumtips1]

Deathbone 051017 yes sure, are you interested in buying a td11?

[@Ahumada_Kevin]

I already have a td 11 but I want to know more about it like how do I get more pads on it?.

[@Ahumada_Kevin]

You are the best e drummer!!! I love your videos. You are great!!!!

[@Vdrumtips1]

Deathbone 051017 I compared it in my TD-9 video with the TD-9. More pads is tricky. Check my video “5 ways to connect more pads” :)

[@Ahumada_Kevin]

Ok thanks

[@CamiloMoyaBaterista]

Please, i need to replace my screen, i dont see anything, please help me urgent

[@NoMoreTagsLeft]

Camilo, are you sure the display is dead? If the contrast is turned all the way down you will not be able to see anything on the screen. If you think someone messed with it, try this, maybe it will help. Power up the module, wait 10 seconds. Press and release the Setup button (it should light up) then press and release the F4 button then press and release the F5 button then turn the Value dial clockwise to increase the display contrast. Did that work? If yes then set it where you like it. If no then don't press any other buttons! In either case, press the Exit button two times to take you safely back to the kit selection page (startup). The Setup light should go off. I hope that is helpful to you.

[@CamiloMoyaBaterista]

NoMoreTagsLeft thanks for the answer, but this not work :(

[@davidhawley1132]

This is a common problem, and apparently there are no replacement screens available. Be careful if you try to fix cables; I managed to ruin mine by cleaning the contacts with alcohol.

[@davidhawley1132]

The LCD screen goes on these things, and is not replaceable. Shockingly bad situation.

[@johndef5075]

WOT Tech makes a replacement. $200.

[@NickBauman]

This old module get new one.

[@vardanhovakimyan7633]

how much are you paid to make the glory of the roland?

[@Vdrumtips1]

How much do you think it is for a 12 year old module that’s off the market? In fact, Roland has no advantage of me promoting buying second hand. So next time before criticising, try to think a bit ;)

[@vardanhovakimyan7633]

@@Vdrumtips1 obviously, you are the one in an urge of "trying" with the "bit", rather, many bits of "thinking" in order to improve your ability of presenting your excuses and the controverting glorifications in at least some admissible sense. You still didn't answer, how much are you paid by the Roland to glorify them? Aren't you ashamed of such a low servility, especially, on the face of the worldwide public, glorifying any and everything they produce in a video after a video after a video after a video...??? Even I'm ashamed of you. Grow up man!