Roland SPD-SX Pro | should you UPGRADE?

Roland SPD-SX Pro | should you UPGRADE?
With Roland announcing their newest sampling pad, I want to walk through all the new features that jumped out to me and answer the question: should you upgrade? Let's talk Roland SPD-SX vs SPD-SX PRO.
To download my FREE presets for Roland SPD-SX, visit:
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[@dothejordman]

something else im surprised you didn't mention are the progress bars for each sample on the screen. Perfect for layering loops, I'm finding it to be one helluva useful feature

[@rayboreham2648]

Thanks a lot for the review, Tim. That's $700 extra beer money! I'll stick with the SPD-SX. Cheers. This next pint's for you! 🍻🍺

[@TimBuell]

I’ll gladly drink it Ray! Haha

[@ChrisTibaldiDrums]

Hey Tim The pro is on extended Black Friday/Holiday sale on Sweetwater for $899. $300 off the original price. Just ordered mine yesterday!! 48 months no interest, $21 per month. Lol

[@dothejordman]

I've just got one myself, I don't have a channel or anything but if there's anything you'd like to see let us know. I loved the SPD but this thing takes it to another level. 8 trigger inputs + FOUR separate line outs + HH expression + less crosstalk = SPD-bliss. It's also not a major bitch to use, which is nice!!

[@TimBuell]

Very helpful insight. Thanks for sharing!

[@JEsho]

Thank you for the review! Has anybody noticed the SPD-SX Pro doesn’t have “tempo change” or tempo match a loop or sync the tempo of a loop or sample to the kit so that later on you could just adjust the tempo? It’s only a “click tempo” how can a drummer’s machine not have any sort of tempo change 🤣 I remember the old Spd-sx you could just tempo match the sample to the kit.

[@rom-tb8dp]

Yes, that is one of my most used features on the SPD SX, that's why I will not upgrade to pro version

[@TimBuell]

Great insight! I rarely use those features on any of the pads so that wasn't something I had my eye on.

[@TheMilosDjuric]

Yes, that was one of the first things I had to make sure of. The new pad has no tempo sync option, and Roland rep that I contacted has confirmed this, as well as saying that this feature wasn't even planned. No upgrade for me, since I've learned that not enough people want or miss this functionality so it will not come with future updates.

[@ClaxtonDrums]

And here I am still rocking the SPD-S 😅 I should definitely upgrade to at least the SX lol

[@TimBuell]

Def would be worth that upgrade haha

[@williamwade6972]

Thanks for this video. If they would have put trigger inputs on the unit maybe would buy. They just discontinued the TD30 and using some of those features would have been nice in this unit

[@mpelevic]

They have.

[@almaximus03]

Thank you

[@lostintabla]

How to increase tempo in Roland SPD-FX PRO sampling pad?

[@cristaples]

I’m enjoying it. If they add trigger banks and ping pong delay in the delayfx on the next firmware upgrade I’d be pleased. A pro drummer needs different trigger profiles for different situations. 16 ideally. App needs a select all box in the kit midi settings so I can set channels without having to do each one manually and to take all the midi note outs to zero when I want them off for a kit. Annoyed masterfx has been gutted. I was hoping for 4 programmable buttons instead of disappearing 3 of the buttons and one of the knobs. Midi cc knobs snd buttons are less but them’s the breaks I guess.

[@TimBuell]

Thanks Chris! That’s super helpful insight.

[@cristaples]

@@TimBuell I miss my ping pong delay on my 808 hats. Tempo synced in a pub it makes a really cool effect. Trigger banks is in everything since at least the TD-12 and my tm-6pro needs different settings for different gigs. Midi note off is essential if you play software instruments and want it it only respond on one patch on a certain channel. I can leave a few software instruments cued up and ready and just switch patch but if I have to go through every patch and zero individual notes it takes ages and is fiddly.

[@cristaples]

@@TimBuell midi layers like the sample layers would be nice so we can do it without building velocity layers in Ableton would be outstanding but might be a bit mental on board and create too many submenus

[@kuskenigen]

The one thing I miss is the HH control on the old one, to have it as a practice kit. Any suggestions on alternative to expand that on the old spd-sx

[@yozy4996]

Kick Butt Review. Thank you..

[@EM-uy4ij]

I absolutely LOVE my pro, it's such a step up, but why are the pa control settings global?? I'd love to be able to cycle up and down from one kit to another using one of the nine pads but the pad control settings being global prevents that. Bit of a weird oversight, unless I am wrong?? I'd love to be wrong....

[@sawyerdrummond5117]

Tim Buell: The Internet's most trusted source on Sample Pads Really appreciate this review - can't wait to play one!

[@TimBuell]

That’s very kind haha. Glad these videos are helping!

[@Enorris77]

I have been using the Roland SPD-SX pro in my live electronic hip-hop band and I am wondering if I should be designating specific pads (like the 808 and kicks) to specific output channels? For now I only use the main line output for everything and give that single line to the mix, but I have been thinking for a good live mix we need to separate the lows and highs.

[@TimBuell]

I do that on certain gigs and it can really help front of house mix for the room

[@mastmusician]

Yes 😉

[@JohnJoy]

Hi Tim, the new software is incredible and no way like the old (which I’m very relieved about!) you can almost instantly drag and drop from your mac straight onto the pad. Oh and the pad has been well road tested by a few people from Roland’s trusted endorsers like Mr Shack…

[@stephenschultz1401]

Yes I will second this comment. The new software is seamless and incredibly easy to use.

[@beatsofsourove3108]

I bought spd sx pro couple of days ago. Im using SPD sx for several years. However, navigating SPD sx pro seems complex. I couldn't find some important feature yet. Kindly answer if you can: 1. How to do tempo mach for different loops? 2. How to sync kit tempo for loops? 3. How to do wave edit (star and end) quickly? I called reseller, Roland Canada, checked Roland backstage. Got No answer yet.

[@warleswil3080]

That extra memory really has me contemplating the upgrade. Also has anyone got the sx wave manager to work with M1 macbook? If the upgrade works better with M1 Mac that's another reason for me to upgrade.

[@TimBuell]

Great points all around!

[@mikestern2drumz]

Question, If I’m in the process of purchasing an SPD-SX, I already want to use external triggers for my kick snare, and three tom’s on my acoustic kit.. The ability to save different kit sounds in a Setlist is a great option as well running back tracks through it with my Behringer 802 mixer… I will be checking my options between both units.. I’m also curious if I could load EZ Drummer 3 drum sounds into the SPDSX data.

[@travisdamme]

Still no live looping like they have on the old Octapad 😔

[@TimBuell]

I guess we can’t win them all! Haha. That would be a nice feature. Seems like they took some half measures in that direction but didn’t go all the way.

[@playeveryday01]

idk what it is with Roland. Same with the SP404 update. You still can't live loop but the whole thing is based on playing loops? It's like they are scared that no one will buy their boss loop stations anymore, no matter how much you spend on their sample playback devices you still need a $100 pedal to live loop 😂

[@jayburd4225]

I'm no gear head. But couldn't you plug a loop pedal into the roland? Serious question.

[@travisdamme]

@@jayburd4225 for sure you can. I’ve done it, but the downside is that (when I was shopping to do it) I couldn’t find one that was stereo, and that it adds around $200 to the price tag of an investment of $1000. Also, it’s quite tricky to get the loop perfectly in time with the boss looper I’ve used, so if you’re playing with a click it will drift.

[@sammybalfour8813]

@John Joy. We purchased one. You mentioned "can almost". I'm having issues just trying to load from a thumb drive like the Spd-SX. Forget about using the app, or calling for help. Everything is online. I can't even load from my Mac. This is frustrating!

[@TimBuell]

Sorry to hear that! Like I said, there will be a breaking in period for all the new software and hopefully they get all of that stuff worked out.

[@nasimmarkos1618]

Do you think this device can record just like the new Alesis?

[@TimBuell]

I’m not totally sure.

[@jayburd4225]

Every upgrade mentioned - "it's like meh, okay i guess."

[@sarthakraikwar3272]

Hello I just bought the new Spdsxpro But I can’t adjust the tempo of the loops which I installed which I used to do in spd sx How can I fixed this ?

[@TimBuell]

Not totally sure! Don't own a unit yet. So sorry!

[@user-vf8pt7di9x]

What kind of upgradation roland has done ? They have deleted tempo sync in sx pro which was present in sx. 😢

[@gregedenfield1080]

2x the functionality , 2x the price, I bought mine yesterday...stay tuned.

[@TimBuell]

Please let me know!

[@dothejordman]

@@TimBuell I've just got one myself, I don't have a channel or anything but if there's anything you'd like to see let us know. I loved the SPD but this thing takes it to another level. 8 trigger inputs + FOUR separate line outs + HH expression + less crosstalk = SPD-bliss.

[@beatsofsourove3108]

I bought spd sx pro couple of days ago. Im using SPD sx for several years. However, navigating SPD sx pro seems complex. I couldn't find some important feature yet. Kindly answer or send video link: 1. How to do tempo mach for different loops? 2. How to sync kit tempo for loops? 3. How to do wave edit (star and end) quickly? I called reseller, Roland Canada, checked Roland backstage. Got No answer yet.

[@TimBuell]

I wish I could help - but I actually haven't used one yet in person. Hopefully support or their forums can get you the help you need!

[@beatsofsourove3108]

Same question I left on Roland KZbin channel. They reviewed the product and tells all good things but they didn't answer. SPD sx pro just launched, i don't expect any information from forum. I asked very basic questions

[@Gregory_Molchanov]

spd sx pro- NO SYNC TEMPO LOOPS((((

[@TimBuell]

@@Gregory_Molchanov What a bummer!

[@TimBuell]

@@beatsofsourove3108 Yeah, unfortunately I've never been super impressed with their customer support either. Hope you get your answer from somewhere soon though!

[@Josh_T_Drums]

Hey Tim, how do you go with storage on your SPDSX ? I find myself constantly needing to delete other tracks to have enough storage for the set list. Cheers!

[@gilsonnaspolini]

Hello Josh! I think I can help with your question; I use my SPD-SX in 4 or 5 different gigs, so I need to clear the SPD's memory for each different gig. I simply access its memory on my Mac, drag it into a folder (which can take about 15 or 20 minutes), and then make sure to empty the SPD's memory trash. After that, I drag the backup from another band/show into it, and that's it! It has always worked very well this way as I keep all the files for each band. However, I've just acquired the SPD-SX Pro and will try to keep everything on its internal HD.

[@gilsonnaspolini]

Extra tip: I always save an old version of each project and an updated version, in case something goes wrong when saving, exporting, or updating.

[@Josh_T_Drums]

@@gilsonnaspolini hey Man! Thanks heaps for your reply! Yeah it’s seeming like the new spd is the way to go for ease but they’re just so damn expensive haha

[@chriscirullo161]

Can we record and run a loop live w this?

[@SoniyaAsif-es2kh]

Hi roland spd sx tempo sync setup best and display tempo up down best setup sx pro no tempo sync setup no disply tempo up down setup sx pro

[@sumantadas14]

Plz update

[@waldolatowsky4965]

I've got the SPD-SX, but am not aware of software other than Roland's to set up kits, etc. Tim mentions 3rd party software that's better. What would that be? Thanks!

[@nateodrum]

SDS-SX Editor is the name.

[@TimBuell]

Yep - Nate nailed it. I haven’t used it but everyone else I know does and swears by it haha

[@nateodrum]

@@TimBuell yeah you can do so much more on the front end (panning, dynamics etc). It still has its own issues but in general you can setup a lot of patches really fast.

[@waldolatowsky4965]

@@nateodrum Thanks. Is that the only one?

[@nateodrum]

@@waldolatowsky4965 the only one I’ve heard of. It’s free but you have to buy a $25 license. Worth it if you put new sounds on there a lot.

[@jayburd4225]

This review sounds like a guy who just doesn't want to upgrade. Lol the new spd sx pro completely blows the old one away.

[@TimBuell]

You aren’t wrong haha. I definitely don’t see a need to upgrade for myself. But just look through the comments here, there are a LOT of mixed reviews from people who actually do own this thing. If you’ve actually used both units I’d love to hear specifics on what you like/dislike about either unit!

[@jayburd4225]

@@TimBuell I'm waiting on mine since everyone and their mother bought it when it came out ha. But honestly I've already weighed the differences through multiple comparing videos and past experiences with older pads. It sounds to me like most drummers with the old model are simply just used to it by now and can work it how they like. Also I think something that's being completely overlooked in most videos is the sensitivity of the new system. You briefly touched on the shoulder pads but this things is way more dynamic. Especially with the new editing options and no crossfade. Excited to let you know more when I get the thing. Sorry if my comment came off snooty. Im just messing with my fellow drummers. Cheers dude.

[@goldenbeatmaker5219]

Made by ?

[@sumantadas14]

SPD SX PRO Unsuccessful Instrument because mfx can't use separate a/b bank layer and another tempo sync not available

[@AsifRaza-qq5yu]

No tempo sync tempo up down pitch up down 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎 roland spd sx best

[@SoniyaAsif-es2kh]

Sx pro no like