Roland introduces three new flagship V-Drums kits featuring the next-generation TD-50X sound module and digital pad configurations that include the groundbreaking new VH-14D digital hi-hat. The TD-50KV2 kit delivers the ultimate V-Drums experience with large pads throughout, including a stage-ready, full-size kick drum. The TD-50K2 offers a more streamlined configuration with compact tom and kick pads, making it a great choice for home playing, small stages, and anywhere that space is tight. The VAD706 is the new top-of-the-line kit in the V-Drums Acoustic Design series, combining Roland’s best V-Drums technologies with the look and detail of premium-grade acoustic drums. Four elegant finish options are available for the full-size wood shells in the VAD706, including Gloss Natural, Gloss Cherry, Gloss Ebony, and Pearl White.
The TD-50X sound module at the heart of TD-50KV2, TD-50K2, and VAD706 kits provides the most acoustic-like experience available in electronic drumming. Prismatic Sound Modeling technology makes drums come to life like no other system can, infusing multi-layer samples recorded in world-class studios with sophisticated behavior modeling techniques refined over 20-plus years. An unlimited array of sonic colors and rich overtones are produced with every stick hit, just like acoustic drums and cymbals. The player can feel the sound changing in reaction to their expression, creating that magical, interactive bond that fully immerses them in the emotion of the moment.
The TD-50X module features over 900 sounds, including many new kick, snare, hi-hat, tom, and cymbal selections. There are also 70 ready-to-play preset kits, all purposefully tuned for full, punchy, and dynamic sound. Users can make quick adjustments to tuning and muffling, or build kits from the ground up by selecting shell depths, drumhead types, cymbal characteristics, and more. PureAcoustic Ambience provides a wide variety of immersive playing spaces, and a massive selection of studio-grade processing tools are on hand to shape sounds to perfection.
The TD-50KV2, TD-50K2, and VAD706 kits also feature Roland’s breakthrough digital pad technology, which fully leverages the vast expressive potential made possible with Prismatic Sound Modeling. Multi-sensors in the PD-140DS snare, CY-18DR ride, and new VH-14D hi-hat pads work with the lightning-fast processing in the TD-50X module to bring authentic acoustic nuance and detail to these core kit pieces. All playing techniques translate seamlessly, such as touching the ride to mute the sound or switching at will between head, rimshot, and cross stick playing on the snare. The VH-14D takes the electronic hi-hat to a new level of performance, offering touch sensitivity, tonal variation, and open/closed resolution never available until now.
Loaded with pro connectivity, the TD-50X module is ready to take on the practical needs of any playing situation. Stereo XLR master outs and eight TRS direct outs allow the player to send any drums they like to an audio console via balanced connections. And for computer-based music production, the TD-50X can send up to 32 channels of digital audio plus MIDI over USB for premium-quality transfer.
The TD-50X is the first V-Drums product to be supported through Roland Cloud, an evolving platform that offers a diverse range of authentic Roland software synthesizers and sound libraries. Roland Cloud unlocks an expanding collection of premium V-Drums kits and curated samples for studio production and live playing, with membership providing access to existing content and new releases as they arrive.
For owners of the original TD-50 module, Roland Cloud will offer an affordable paid upgrade that adds all the new capabilities of the TD-50X, including sounds that have been fully optimized for the VH-14D digital hi-hat. A free system update will be available for standard TD-50 and TD-27 modules that adds support for the VH-14D and its enhanced detection capabilities, but no new sounds will be included.
Availability & Pricing
The Roland TD-50X Upgrade will be available soon for purchase via Roland Cloud for $199.
The Roland TD-50KV2 and TD-50K2 V-Drums kits and VAD706 V-Drums Acoustic Design kit will be available in the U.S. in late May 2021 for the following prices*:
- VAD706: $7,999.99
- TD-50K2: $5,399.99
- TD-50KV2: $7,499.99
- TD-50X MODULE: $2,399.99
- VH-14D DIGITAL HI-HAT: $899.99
To learn more, visit Roland.com.
*Price at the time of publishing.
