The Roland VAD706: Does It Live Up To The Hype?

[@killersajmon]

I don't understand why all the Roland flag ship modules to date still have worse sounds than EzDrummer or Addictive drums. Just put the samples in the modules... how hard can it be?

[@arcanaaudio5525]

Yeah, their samples are dog shit. It's kind of inexcusable in this age when there are tons of smaller companies putting out drum software with much better samples. Their technology is great but they need some new audio engineers creating the samples, seems like such a waste.

[@jba6677]

The hard part is getting Roland to admit thier sound modeling technology doesn't sound as good as a simple sample.

[@MassEveNova]

TBH no matter how I pay for my e-drums I'd probably always use Superior Drummer.

[@afterglow-podcast]

Never getting rid of my EZ Drummer software at this point. Which is fine, I prefer it anyway. 11 expansions and counting.

[@kyronnewbury]

@fartpoobox ohyeah so then why do their samples sound so digital and unmusical. I got a set of samples for $20 a year ago that are very useable. This is a $10,000 kit. It should sound like it

[@tbip2001]

Absolutley no excuse for a kit at that price in 2021 to sound that bad.

[@johnknight5485]

I was thinking the same thing

[@JohnDoe-qz6fg]

Speaking as a happy Roland vad 506 drum set owner, the sound on this vid can be deceiving. I highly doubt the Td 50 module sounds worse than my Td 27 module but once you actually sit down and put on a nice pair of headphones and spend just a little bit of time sound editing and replacing drums and cymbals within the module, the kit actually sounds pretty good. But in all fairness I only use like three drum kits in my module and only use like 2 snare drums, 2 hi hats and, 3 ride cymbals lol

[@StephenPursey]

TD506 here, Absolutely sounds phenomenal. Having said that, the best kits on it came from third party suppliers that I paid for. But it IS capable of an amazing sound. I prefer the sound to my DW collectors series

[@user-pv9cf4fr6d]

You need to purchase Vexpressions. I replaced all the stock kits.

[@richardvandyke2492]

I wish I could go back in time and watch this video in 1999 when I brought my TD-10 kit home and was thrilled with it beyond belief. I would want to see this video then so I could see the kinds of minor complaints we'd be hearing about this V-drums ecosystem when it's damn near perfect 20+ years into the future. Also, I identified at least 4 places in the video where Justin could've said, "...eight-thousand dollar drumset..." but chose not to for some reason.

[@bobbysands6923]

Thank you for this review. It was extremely helpful. My take is that Roland has missed their market. It is way way too expensive for the average drummer, and it doesn't sound good enough for the pro on tour or in the studio.

[@andybdrumming2191]

I'm a little surprised Roland went with such a large and deep bass drum. 20" and 16"' deep would have been perfect. Even acoustic drum companies have been making the bass drums more shallow. It's not like the audience would even notice. Still not wowed by the stock kits but looking forward to pre-tuned kits form Vexpressions, Edrumworkshop and Drumtec to see what the masters come up with, so holding off until then but with the wait on the new hi hats still crazy long thinking I should get my preorder in sooner than later.

[@morbidmanmusic]

20 is for ego. Nobody wants a hint of ... those aren't real.

[@norcaltaz40]

Been looking forward to your review on the new kits, well done as usual!

[@sammcdouall4849]

The TD50X still has the processed unnatual sounds. I have the 2Box drumit 5 module with a 64 GB card loaded with SD3, EZ Drummer, Addictive Drummer and free SS5, Drummica, 2Box samples. On the snare I'am using 2 different edge triggers mounted @ 11 o'clock & 1 o'clock into the 2Box and a smaller 27mm center mounted trigger (with a high threshold) plugged into my TD11 that adds dry Roland sounds. Hitting the mesh snare head at different dynamics triggers 3 different layers of sound, like hitting a power center head. With a guitar ABY pedal I plug the kick into both the TD11 & 2Box modules. Only the snare & kick are connected to the TD11. Different TD11 kits will change the tuning, tone, snare buzz, ring and kick fattness of the combined drum sound. The 2Box headphone is plugged into the TD11 aux input, so I can still use the coach function. In my opinion Rolands digital USB hi-hat & ride cymbals are the best, but to my ears 2Box sounds are superior and you can make & play your own multilayered samples. The 2Box open sound does benefit from the fat tight attack Roland snare & kick sound.

[@jezusmylord]

WHAT?! Natural is the best colour!

[@skirwan78]

I bought an ATV kit to go with my Pearl Mimic *(which I originally bought for my TD-25kv). I've played the VAD as well but I really like the sounds from the mimic better and the feel - espeically if you get a Vexpressions pack for 80-100$ (totally worth it IMO). Roland is so close to perfect but that drum module and sounds are holding it back IMO. For 8k$ there's no excuse to not fix that, and the "X" upgrade was a half ass attempt IMO.

[@nickcds3419]

Edrumcenter center is the best! Those guys are great and I buy all my stuff from them for years now.

[@RADERFPV]

I couldn't agree more. I bought my vad 506 from them a couple weeks back, and am extremely happy with their service. Eric's a very helpful guy too, got me all setup with everything I need. Couldn't be happier with my setup, thanks Edrumcenter!

[@DavidJenkinsDrums]

Edrumcenter rules!!

[@jms3937]

Same, edrumcenter and eric are just great!

[@jaceallen]

Such a good review! Thank you!

[@65Drums]

Glad you enjoyed it! I drove 7 hours to play this thing lol

[@NelliliebtChemie]

FINALLY, someone said something about the grey rims. They could probably just take the 14“ rim from the floor tom and put it on the snare. And thanks for pointing out the missing bell sensor of the hi hat, that’s my main criticism on the hi hat. The bell is a really nice tool on my acoustic kit. YES, the floor tom!! It needs to be 16“. Would have been worth it. If you didn‘t realise it yet, I‘m typing this as I watch the video. Glad we shared a lot of points we‘d love to see improved in the future!

[@65Drums]

Good to know I'm not crazy! I agree, they could have thrown in another 14" grey rim in the box. If you want to put it on the snare, go for it. And if not, well it cost them like $5 bucks, so nothing is lost.

[@jarredcozart3347]

I've lived near Knoxville all my life! I haven't heard of that store lol! I'm going to have to look harder now!

[@jenseeraqolsen4980]

Ugh, I’ve always hated the Roland Toms sounds. Kick, Snare and the cymbals has always been great, but the damn toms are always so damn horrible. Why do they never improve them?????

[@Akm111_]

Couldn't agree more 👏

[@FranksDrumCave]

I’ve recently played this kit as well. It’s really nice

[@LDdrums20]

Lol your face during the speculation of the left to right part was hilarious

[@annekedebruyn7797]

8:04 or they might introduces 'brushing' over the cymbals. Bit like how Ringo plays his hihat often. Which means they would do full blown cymbal simulation.

[@ny020]

On your digital hat video were you able to talk about how it sounds on the 27? Love my 27 but I don't want to buy it if it doesn't do much of anything on there.

[@RADERFPV]

Same

[@chezchezchezchez]

That’s what I want to know also. Supposedly there’s more nuances on the TD 50 than the 27 when it comes to the high hat. We need to hear, and see reviews on this

[@mikestein1024]

Impressed by those beautiful shells but not so much the brain still sounds like a td30 and for this kind of money I want an exact replica of what it feels like to play real drums and it’s weird how the digital pads disables the in puts and the whole hand mute thing is an over priced gimmick

[@imperial1371]

The td50x sounds ,dont soundlike the td30. It is the closest to real feel if you play it youll see. The Rest of the modules have machinegunning even the mimic.

[@lindigj]

Yep, and if they didn't have the hand mute thing, people would complain that you can't mute with your hand like real life 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@mikestein1024]

@@lindigj not me I don’t care about choking cymbals and drums I just want realistic dynamics they’ve been promoting their cymbal chocking like it hasn’t been around 20 years now really it sounds just like a td-17 td-27 it’s the same engine program wise and yes the machine gunning is still there with fast single stoke buzz rolls , record your self playing just by themselves and when you listen back guess what ? Still sounds fake and drum machiney I’m not complaining about the little extra tricks I’m complaining about the crappy sounds and a dynamic range that feels no better than the last 3 interactions my beef isint as much with Roland as it is with electronic drums in the first place none of them have a realistic high hat and it’s 2021

[@mikestein1024]

@@imperial1371 it’s literally the same sound engine so of course it does

[@TracyGunz]

I am saving up for that kit right now.....

[@chezchezchezchez]

How many more thousand you got to go?

[@maeu59]

By the time you save this kit will be outdated, and another more expensive one will be out.

[@djashjones]

Pre-ordered my hat when they became available, delivery aimed for mid August (UK). Looking forward to your review. I'm on the other end of the spectrum and like my kit to look electronic (TD-27KV), all that space wasted by air But I can appreciate a good looking acoustic kit.

[@lindigj]

Nice, I have the 27KV and I'm eyeing this hi hat as well. ... But I think I'm going to add one of these 16" crashes first!

[@jonslater4714]

65 drums is awesome! Question for you comparing two Roland electronic drum kits: the TD-50KV2 and the VAD706. Although I live in a house with no shared walls, the houses in my 'hood are fairly close together. Is the VAD much louder than the TD0-K50 when using only headphones?

[@Bojeebees]

Thank you for the in-depth review! I really wish someone would record what the set sounds like with the drum module off. I'd like to hear what people standing in the room would hear if you're playing this set exclusively through headphones. Is there resonance through the shells? If so, how loud is it?

[@DarrenX9]

yeah, it can be loud. If you have a thin walled apartment you might still be bothering your neighbors. Kick drum noise through the floor to people below is a particular problem.

[@johndef5075]

Cymbals and bass drum pedal loudest. Mesh heads very quiet.

[@mikaellarsson785]

@@DarrenX9 Kick drum noise through the floor can be solved if you make an extra devibrated "platform" for the kit and drill small holes where you use 20 -30 temnisballs to place the platform on. I have a real drumkit rebuilt to an electronic kit placed on this type of platform and all complaints of noise are gone.

[@danieltaylor4728]

Sounds great except for the machine gunning on the Tom’s, I’ve heard that in many reviews and demo’s. can’t believe it hasn’t been fixed for this price!

[@steveinflorida773]

2 box and mimic seem far superior on all drums. Roland has the superior cyms.

[@bluesiliconedot2190]

The gloss cherry and white are now available at Thomann

[@KLTrainz]

Disappointed to hear that using a USB trigger disables the corresponding analog input. Was hoping to have both a digital and analog ride, as well as a digital and analog hi-hat system....major bummer.

[@MikeLuke]

Thanks for this Justin! I was waiting for you to review the VAD706. I would probably just go for the module, the snare, the ride and of course the new hats. That‘s a huge investment though. Hope you‘re doing well.

[@SchwappSchwopp]

Mike is still around 👌🏻 What would be your choice for a best bang for your buck setup for a studio AND live setup?

[@MikeLuke]

@@SchwappSchwopp Spend the most of your money on the module as it‘s your core of everything. I‘d still recommend the TD-30 as it has the best cost-value-ratio. Then invest into the best pair of hats you can afford. Build your kit around the module and hats afterwards. Spend the least on pre-build shells like Roland‘s as you can build them on your own for a fraction of the costs. How many cymbals or toms you want or need to have depends on your playing style and genre. 90% can be done with two toms (1 up, 1 down) and two crashes. But that‘s really up to you. Some random thoughts: the digital snare from Roland is amazing. However, if you just play some straight rock like AC/DC, you probably won‘t need all nuances this snare provides. Same goes for the digital ride.

[@SchwappSchwopp]

@@MikeLukethanks! That helps a lot!

[@SchwappSchwopp]

@@MikeLuke do you have any resources for me, on how to build toms by myself the best way? Does the same apply to the bassdrum?

[@SchwappSchwopp]

@@MikeLuke and are there other, more affordable modules which work for live situations aswell? My plan is to play live with a macbook and ezdrummer. Or with the module only if the sounds are good enough though.

[@daztastic147]

Great to finally see a separate volume control for the headphones-out, but no bluetooth? Wow.

[@jrector04]

Pretty sure there isn’t enough processing power to avoid buffering when playing fast while using Bluetooth. That’s the case with audio interfaces and keyboards, at least

[@daztastic147]

@@jrector04 I think the Bluetooth is generally used for the ‘line-in’ for backing tracks etc, (not for headphone connectivity) 👍

[@sabahoudini]

The reason you have left and right on the hihat is because the position sensing works with the two side piezos in the cymbal so left to right is kind of a byproduct of that. It's not something they specifically designed for, it's just something that's already there because of the way the position sensing works.

[@sabahoudini]

@fartpoobox ohyeah The old technology works with one piezo where they measure the width of the first half wave but the digital pads use time difference of arrival between multiple piezos.

[@MrBubblegumx]

Damn you were grooving in this one

[@podimerlin]

Please do a video comparing this with the VAD506. I wanna see what I'm missing out

[@mikalroyhansen9586]

hey man I really love the video you make love from Mik Roy from Denmark

[@mrlinde6518]

Can I use the digital hi hat with the td50 modul and have it still work with superior drummer?

[@JCReyesJCRACING]

After watching this, nothing still beats Pearl Mimic Pro + ATV Cymbals, sound-wise and dynamic-wise.

[@RADERFPV]

How does recording work with the Pearl Mimic Pro? Can you send out each channel individually so they can be EQ'd/Compressed separately in your DAW, or do you still need to send midi and trigger another VST? I'm hoping it's not the latter of the 2, or that would sort of defeat the purpose of having the samples built in. Do you happen to know? I think it sounds great too, but I don't hear anyone talking about actually recording with it. Thanks for any info you may have.

[@BladesMusic]

​@@RADERFPV Jumping in here - the outs on the Mimic are pretty extensive. It doesn't have a USB multi-out like the Roland. Instead it has six outs on the module itself and then has a 20pin snake for the others. I have the snake going out to a Behringer AD8200 for the Kick, Snare, Stereo Pair of Toms, Stereo Pair of Overheads, and Stereo Pair of Room mics, then I have a single out (from those directly on the Mimic) for the Hi-hat and another single out for the Ride. All of these go to similar tracks in Studio One. I also have MIDI cables. I record the MIDI from the module into a single track in Studio One, tweak that to edit issues in timing and velocity and whatnot, then run that MIDI back to the module, recording the output to all the tracks together (to make sure that all of the cross talk between things works as expected, like the kick going to the overheads and rooms). At that point, I archive the MIDI track and just use the audio for mixing in the box. I generally leave everything coming from the Mimic as dry and uncompressed/un-EQ'd as possible because I prefer to mix in the box and not on the module. I use the module mix for playing along and for practice because it sounds good, but for recording, I want it to be close to "studio acoustic" recording. Hope this helps!

[@RADERFPV]

@@BladesMusic This helps tremendously, thank you so much!

[@alanfurlong-drummer4419]

Great review thank you

[@StefTedder]

Man those are some really tasty grooves!

[@MassiveDerek]

How easy is this kit to travel with? Like setting up night after night at misc venues?

[@cleverdood]

That HH does seem pretty awesome! The sounds at 2:48 sounded really good, the intro playing and the part around 8:00 or so sounded really machine-gunnish and artificial. What kit were you using around 2:48? I’m one of the people who thinks Roland has the worst sounds for toms, but at 2:48 they sounded much better than what I’ve heard before. Great playing BTW!

[@photographerjonathan]

It"s been two years since you made this video. has Roland made any improvements with there drum sounds or software out of the box ?

[@squidskunk]

cant wait for your Gewa drum review .

[@goprodotdrummer]

Plz suggest Me carlsbro csd210 or csd130

[@rogerpye1865]

Great review. Can I ask if the bottom heads of the rack toms and the floor tom have an actual function. Thanks.

[@imperial1371]

I think since the update the td50x is singnificant better. I have both modules the mimic and the td50x with atv and the new vad pads mixed . You are right its the best in the market . I d say from experience, the vad set is better than drum tec ! And dont forget ATV theire pads are phenomenal and with the 3ply heads on the roland vad pads it feels great. (i'm from germany and drum tec is a german company .)

[@galgogergo]

MAy I ask why you find the VAD series to be better than drum-tec? (I also live in Europe, never had the chance to play any of them though, unfortunately)

[@carlosserrano3985]

Yes the Simmons SDX still have the record of the most expensive electronic drums, $13,000 in 1988, it was the Fairlight CMI for drummers.

[@michaelanderson2881]

Yeah but that kit had CRAZY ahead of its time technology. I think the snare was at least 16 different zones and the memory for that many samples was enormous cost back then.

[@carlosserrano3985]

@@michaelanderson2881 True, very advanced multi-sample technology that is employed in today's electronic drums, way ahead of it's time. I was very close to get one for $1,500 but the seller change his mind at the last moment, still got my beloved SDSV and I'm Ok with that one. Cheers!

[@bobvanster]

I had SDS 7

[@carlosserrano3985]

@@bobvanster Great electronic drum kit, I play one back in the 80'S, it's a hybrid kit with more modules space than the SDSV. If I got the chance to find one in good price and condition I would get it.

[@bobvanster]

@@carlosserrano3985 That was then I have had many different ones since. I recently picked up a Strike pro se. I am not sure this Roland kit would be worth the $8k difference. I had a 50 and then switched the module to MIMIC pro which woud up costing when I sold it. Roland is like the Honda cars of e drums. Good resale value.

[@RewindThatLive]

Going strong with superior drummer 3 and td17

[@DerFrange1]

10:00 Why is "having more sounds" still a thing marketing can score with? Like others said: Drummers want better sounds and do not care about unnecessary bloat sounds that make the number this large I have to say though that the one video drum-tec has up with their TD50X Live Sound Edition does make it sound like the TD50X might actually be usable without SD3.0

[@xh0rsex]

Because "more is better" is still a marketable concept. Many players are just going to use what the kit comes with and not use a VST, so having more to work with from the start is appealing to many. If you want better sounds, just buy a cheap kit and use a VST.

[@pdxmetal]

They now have a VAD 507 which adds the digital hi hat and 706 hardware to the VAD 506. $5,399. Since online stores are selling this upgraded 506 for only $400 more, the standalone price of the VH-14D should come down considerably.

[@Sixfootdig]

You are very knowledgeable about ekits and im desperate for an answer to this.. I have an alesis surge and want to split several of the 2 zone lines.. As you know it uses a cable snake. Can I split them at the actual trigger (at the end of the line from the cable snake) i cant find info on this

[@johndef5075]

Yes.

[@DrewShreveDrums]

@65Drums You mentioned that EVERYTHING has positional sensing, but in another video when comparing the VAD line vs the TD line you mention the toms do NOT have positional sensing. Which is it? If the acoustic design shells don’t have positional sensing, is there a benefit trade-off they have over the other top-end Roland pads?

[@65Drums]

I was wrong, on this kit the Ride, Snare, and hihat have positional sensing. The only benefit of the VAD 706 kit over the TD50KV2 is the shells. If you don't care about that, then just buy the TD50KV2 instead.

[@peterhopqk]

Video starts with In The Air Tonight drumfill by Phil Collins..... thats cool

[@67micber]

What do you play and own? @65drums?

[@65Drums]

I've got a custom converted electronic drum set. Sonor shells, Roland/ATV/Lemon cymbals, Drumtec Real Feel/Design mesh heads, Extreme Drums/UFO Drums/682 for triggers, Hosa cables, Roland TD30 module, Macbook Pro for the software, Superior Drummer/Ezdrummer 3/Steven Slate Drums 5 for the sounds. Roc N Sock drum throne. DW 5000 accelerator pedals. Different other hardware.

[@67micber]

@@65Drums nice. Thanks for that.

[@RADERFPV]

Why do the 706 toms have positional sensing, but on the 503/506 they don't? Seems odd considering the toms are identical other than finish, even the same model #'s and same triggering system. Is there something special about them or the td50x module that's supporting it on the 706?

[@fVNzO]

It's only because the module doesnt support it. They do have positional sensing if you use a 50 module (or a 30).

[@RADERFPV]

@@fVNzO Thanks for your response, but it seems so odd. I mean, there's positional sensing on/off with all the settings for the toms in the module, so why include the settings if it doesn't work? Also, the td27kv has positional sensing with the old pdx-100 toms and same td27 module, so there's got be more to it than that. I think they're just trying to force hardcore drummers into buying the 706 instead of the 503/506 series. Thankfully I don't miss it much for the styles I play, but I'd still rather have it than not (without hotspotting of course).

[@tamaskoloti]

I was wondering about the same. The manual of PDA100/120/140 pads doesn't mention positional sensing and it's also disabled in the settings (I have a TD-50 module upgraded to 50X).

[@RADERFPV]

Justin, can you please look into this for us? Doesn't it seem odd to you that the though the td27 modulue supports PS on the toms, we're not getting PS support on the 503/506 kits, but 706 owners do get it. Seems so odd, considering the toms are identical, and we know the td27 supports PS, because the td27kvx with the old pdx-100 toms has PS on the toms. I guess it's Roland's way of saying "you gotta pay the super big bucks to get everything". But still seems very odd.

[@maso1340]

I should have known better than to read these comments. What is it about e-drums that make people that have no clue what they are talking about feel like they need to talk shit about them and compare them to acoustic drums? They are simply a music instrument, don't like them? Cool, move on. The "real" drums that you've been enjoying on all your favorite albums since the beginning of time, have been; mic'd, amp'd, EQ'd, compressed, bussed to a room reverb, layered and since the 80's has a really good chance of also, sampled, replaced, triggered, etc. If you think you are such a drum purest then why not play a hollow log with a rabbit skin? Acoustic drums are awesome and so are electronic drums. Why all the hate? I don't get it.

[@stevengreen8402]

Excellent point. The sounds they are comparing them to are just what they are used to. Nothing wrong with that either. Different is not necessarily worse.

[@albert3535ify]

With the VAD's I never understand what module comes with what number series. How does that work?

[@lindigj]

Vad306 = td17 Vad506 = td27 (sort of a hybrid of td25 and td30 if you aren't familiar) Vad706 = td50

[@albert3535ify]

@@lindigj thanks VAD 17, VAD 27 and VAD 50 would have been better 🤣

[@ablamnicolassessi4991]

good evening, I want the charleston of this battery

[@ealingdrumstudios]

Hi do you prefer the Roland TD50X module or the Pearl mimic pro module for sounds and playability?

[@RADERFPV]

I'm pretty sure Justin is going to answer something like this .... Sounds=Mimic Pro (SS4/SS5 "real" samples), playability=td50x (digital pads and positional sensing that the mimic doesn't support).

[@johnpietrolaj8917]

Looks like a cool kit!

[@mlgnews115]

What did you think of the pdp concept direct drives?

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

Unfortunately the only way Roland would be able to win over any non "Roland sound" fans is if they ditch the digital stuff. Which they will never do because if they do all their special features adjustments and modeling go out the window because you can't do those kinds of adjustments with real samples without losing fidelity. That's okay though because most that prefer the sound of VST samples connect to the computer anyway so you can adjust the midi/samples/mix in post anyway so. Only issue for me is that they really need to chill on the pricing of their drums. Like fr.... They're getting out of hand.

[@MikeyBeDrumming]

Agreed, daddy

[@lindigj]

Frankly I think many of the people who crap on Roland sounds are just coming up for an excuse as to why they don't buy Roland drums when really it's the price. Anyone who is spending this amount of money is going to use VST sounds, custom sounds, etc and Roland knows that. Roland really doesn't seem to care about the entry level at all, they definitely seem content to let Alesis hang out in that realm. Roland is worried about triggering, feel, and overall quality. Roland drums aren't really a "plug it in and play the best drums you've ever heard", they definitely take some tweaking to get things how you like.

[@gmoney5506]

Or... they actually sound like trash

[@lindigj]

@@gmoney5506 it's like $50 to buy packs that sound at least as good as alesis, or you can get packs for free even that are an upgrade. Yes, the stock sounds are trash, but you guys act like it's not an easy problem to fix.

[@gmoney5506]

@@lindigj fair enough. But why can’t Roland do that out of the gate?

[@sachinbhat445]

@65 Drums, do you think this kit would be a lot easier to tear down and setup than the TD50KV?

[@keithcandice3324]

Thank you for the video. Question, I currently have a TD-20 Expanded (I know it's old), I am running Superior Drummer 3.0 and using some old Roland V Drums. I want to upgrade my hihats (VH12's using only the top w/Roland's VH10 black "bottom" seat). This triggers better than the original VH12's w/short cable link in between the cymbals. Do you feel like the newer module and hihats that Roland has produce will be a significant upgrade including using Superior Drummer 3.0. My goal is to make my hihat response as real as your hihat was in the video. Thank you for any links and your help.

[@officialWWM]

It sure looks great!

[@CDL_ESQ]

Are th Tom’s the same as VAD-506 Tom’s?

[@RADERFPV]

Last comment on this video, promise. Justin, can you try out the new VH-14d hats with the TD27 module at some point? Seems support for the hi-hat is limited on the TD27 (lack of new sounds that td50 owners get), so I'm wondering if it's worth the upgrade in this case. It's well known that the TD27 module sucks with the vh10 (so many reports of this, it's sort of ridiculous, c'mon Roland get it together), so us td27 owners are sort of stranded in regards to proper hi-hat support. I'm also seeing that the vh11/13's aren't responding as fast as they should with the td27 module as well, so I'm hoping the new digital hat remedies these issues.

[@windelsanchez7258]

Im also waiting for this😬 if vh14d is worth it.

[@glennkithcart4899]

@@windelsanchez7258 me too

[@1977eliasfigueroa]

Just from watching the intro... a resounding YES... ...after watching the entire video and this is coming from a 506'er, and Justin nailing all the MAIN (and minor) points, I'm definitely happy I got the 506 instead!!! (yes, those DIGITAL pads/cymbals the 706 has are everything, that 14" hi-hat is everything... but My God no Bluetooth... what the crap?!?! Yeah that's no good as that's pretty much all I do > play music from my phone and jam!!!)

[@shotcoaching9965]

I agree. I just ordered the VAD506 and for a couple of horrible minutes (while I checked) I was worried the TD27 may not have Bluetooth! I love jamming to tunes via the Bluetooth on my TD-07!

[@longsnapper5381]

I recovered a 22 inch kick drum in red sparkle and adapted it to my new Alesis strike kit. The thing is badass and my drummer is in heaven. $1800 plus $100 to recover the drum. $8000 ??? I mean it looks like a pro acoustic kit for sure but that's a hell of a lot of jack for a drum kit.

[@lindigj]

No offense, but it's silly to compare the alesis strike to this set, for anything other than aesthetics. The digital zone heads and hi hats would make it clear to anyone playing this set that it is several classes higher than the alesis strike. Sure, these features aren't worth $8000 to most edrummers, but it's still fairly ridiculous to compare the two.

[@bobvanster]

Im glad I went with Strike Pro SE. Comparable to 50 KV style pads .Larger kit, better sounds IMO for a faction of the price. I have no issues with triggering.

[@alienbricks3823]

I have a TD-20, i wish i could have the money to upgrade... look and sound amazing

[@johndef5075]

I just upgraded to a td20 from a td10exp. I think it sounds pretty good!😅

[@ajmpatriot4899]

I’m thinking f-note pads, td50 module (for the amount of outputs) with the 3 digital pads and the other cymbals ATV. Superior Drummer 3 on a laptop 💻 and I’m set. It’s my “If I win the lottery kit.”

[@TheAatupaatu]

My old Alesis D4 module from the 90’s sounds better. Jésus Roland!!!

[@Existomalus]

Sure lol

[@friedpicklezzz]

Well, I seriously doubt that, but I totally get your sentiment

[@bucknaked31]

Yeah… no… but I get what you’re saying…

[@AtTheSourceStudios]

I can vouch for that trigger response getting worse the larger the drum/head. Larger mesh = more bounce and vibration = double triggering/threshold issues. Unless slightly muted multiple places especially nearer the center similar to the Alesis Strike pads with the foam rods touching the head, which we all know aren't perfect in durability but the general design structurally is great for accommodating triggers in larger surfaces. Would be cool if they just added a few cones to touch the head near the center even if they weren't triggers, just to help fine tune the trigger response.

[@pabloagredaayala9724]

How can the toms have positional sensing if it is a 3 cone design instead of a center mounted trigger, is it possible?

[@65Drums]

Sorry there is no positional sensing on the toms, I originally thought there was but had to remove that section of the video because it doesn't have it

[@pabloagredaayala9724]

@@65Drums I was hoping it was posible since I was looking for a center mounted trigger but they are really expensive, I thought this could be a less expensie option but it looks like i will need to keep looking, thanks for your answer

[@bluesiliconedot2190]

They do have it but only on the rims, the module can differentiate between a shallow and an open rimshot, Roland calls it “rimshot nuance”

[@LazoIV]

These drums can be played with brushes?

[@bkezelos]

What’s the dynamic range of the bass drum? Would a pro drummer be happy with it?

[@brianchalke2316]

The toms on the vad kits don’t have positional sensing unfortunately. They do however solve the hotspot issue.

[@alexanderzaytsev1265]

Just one thing missing from this video - how loud is it when hitting it having proper size shells? (i mean ambient noise it creates)

[@johndef5075]

I have older Roland shells that are half as tall. Barely make any noise at all. Cant imagine deeper shell would be much different. Cymbals and bass drum trigger make the most noise.

[@denrosaelefanten1235]

Can you do a review of the Millenium MPS-750x mesh drum set?

[@DrRusty5]

With the large bass drum, it almost feels as if the processing unit could be hidden inside the drum with a lighter perhaps partially touch screen control panel?

[@bigsquatchsasfoot1964]

That’s a damn good idea dude nice one 👍

[@ramongoroth]

Great detailed review as always. I think the custom drum tech kits look a little snazzier for the amount of money you're spending.

[@erikmersch490]

Hoping you can help us out.... We are a medium sized church with a 20 year old roland v drum kit that has the td-20. Its time for an upgrade. We are debating between the Roland vad706 with the roland td-50 which is up to $8500 now, or the ATV adrum expanded kit with a pearl mimic pro which would run us about $5,850. What would be your recommendation and why?

[@mikeestatof7508]

VAD706

[@johnvilardi9763]

I want to convert a acoustic drum set to electronic. Is the quality of a Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Shell Pack set compatible with this Roland set? Or is Roland set better?

[@johndef5075]

If its anything like the Yamahas Ive played im sure its on par with Roland. Roland set made strictly for edrums. Most people would never convert a Roland set to acoustic. So they dont have to be optimized for acoustic play. Pro quality though. Module is more important.

[@DavidAnthonyFlores]

Question: Does it live up to the hype? Answer: 0:22 No... No it does not.

[@maegnificant]

didn't know about this new hihat... is it worth upgrading it, when I only have the td-27 module?

[@maegnificant]

btw you're drumming has really gotten quite good! respect! thanks for these videos.

[@thevoiceoftheteacher3581]

Yes it does. Review done

[@russhess8742]

Hey can you do a review of the Roland td-12 brain module please?

[@chaspace5186]

Heres a good link to one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2PNY5qBfrKcZ5I

[@maeu59]

It’s really all you need.

[@PostLagone]

I guess I'm a little confused by the point of large shell e-drums, are you able to put real heads on them and use them as real drums?

[@t-moedrums3204]

Hi, as far as I know they are not designed for that. Meaning: No bearing edges and a more sound muffeling shell construction. I guess that would be a bad idea : ) Kind regards

[@jezusmylord]

I always wondered, how louder are those ful size e pads compared to the regular ones like dunno PDX100

[@MichaelDSwanson]

I just moved from PDX-100s to the new PD-128-BCs, and I actually think the newer/larger mesh head is slightly quieter.

[@jezusmylord]

@@MichaelDSwanson thats interesting, i wonder if those big boys acustic looking pads are much louder.

[@RADERFPV]

@@jezusmylord I have the 506 (same shells) and the toms and snare are extremely quiet. More so than regular pads like the pdx100. The bass drum is pretty loud though, especially when playing hard.

[@jezusmylord]

@@RADERFPV Thats interesting, I wouldnt thing they are going to be more quiet. the bass drum makes sense tho, stuffing it with blankets probably would help i guess.

[@michaelrichardson1898]

Are they good for apartments

[@denny33]

Over 10k in Canada. Maybe some day.

[@brendanmcg8566]

Bluetooth is meh, but yeah should just be a feature that is tossed in. It's such a bad way to listen to music though, so I appreciate its omission from a pure point of principle. It's definitely good enough quality for practice and that is what people want the feature for... End of the day it's really not hard to plug in your device.

[@CDL_ESQ]

Every time a new module is released we get a parade of people who complain about the sound in a module they never owned. How did they come to this conclusion and why do feel compelled to share their opinion after listening to the sound recorded on who knows what with a set of coke cans with a shoe string.

[@johndef5075]

Exactly.

[@iceCreemShorts]

I really think Roland needs to make their mesh heads more acoustic feel. Especially for a $9000 kit.

[@AlphaWatt]

In your opinion, what’s the difference between the two? Having learned only on e-drums I try to imagine what a real snare feels like.

[@fVNzO]

7:31 - ooooffff. Roland what have you done. The greatest high hat in the world and it sounds like that. The machine gunning. Hide your kids hide your wife.

[@s0spr1ng3r]

I wouldn't call that machine gunning.

[@fVNzO]

@@s0spr1ng3r I would. There's a distinct lack of samples making it sound like a hi hat from an 80's pop song.

[@RADERFPV]

@@fVNzO I agree, wasn't impressed with variances (or lack thereof) in sounds at all.

[@mjddrums]

I still think their bass drums are an attocity for the price 🙊

[@th3m1ke]

This makes me so happy. The Alesis Pro Strike SE is soooooo much better sounding and looking than this, for 1/3 the price.

[@johndef5075]

Not near quality. Id buy used Roland or Yamaha over Alesis anyday.

[@th3m1ke]

@@johndef5075 Funny, Im still on my kit right now with no issues and STILL would take it over a Roland for the price. Also bought a third party drum sample pack last night and uploaded them to the kit in minutes.

[@maktatoz4552]

How.much @price....EFnote

[@BigManJev]

wish i could afford this...damn

[@BigSunn0]

So weird that virtual reality is farther along than virtual drums. Market demand doesnt drive the research enough I guess. Too bad there’s no way for Facebook to use e drumkits to mine data from drummers.

[@iLLFXdrUms]

My issue with this kit is it’s 8000 dollars, and you’re not getting the sounds that reflect that…the module is still very impressive, and I’m not trying to crap on that. When you look at a kit like say the new Strata Prime there’s really no reason Roland can’t implement a better sound engine. Is it because the sound modeling is meant to be digitally altered within the module so they need to be that way? I think they need to start listening to their customer base on wanting more realistic acoustic drum sounds, and stop with the over the top synthetic sounds. Just my 2 cents.