The Phrase Loop function is also a great addition. While there are compromises to be struck with a unit like the SPD-30 (its compact nature means a certain degree of menu navigation via the on-board LCD), the operating system is such that everything is as logical and easily accessible as it can be.Įditing parameters rarely involves more than half a dozen button/control pot actions, and there's a good deal of scope for tweaking everything from tuning to sound layering to sensitivity. In short, it sounds ace.īut Roland also has a track record of managing to balance functionality with ease of use - of prime importance to demanding users working on stage and studio. The great thing about a company so steeped in electronic music production as Roland is that the R&D resources lavished on top-end synth engines permeate through its disparate ranges, and the Octapad benefits hugely from decades of heavy-duty programming and sound creation. The acoustic sounds (both drum kit and ethnic percussion) are involving and realistic, while the electronic offerings are chunky and have that lovely 'produced' depth that is typical of all that Roland has turned out, from the JV synth series on. The wonderfully responsive pads are lovely to play and the stock of preset patches serves up an endlessly satisfying selection of full-bodied tones. Hands onĮven without delving into the complexities of creating loops or editing sounds, the new Octapad is impressive. In short, it's a powerful little package. Fifty kits made up from nearly 700 sounds, 30 multi-effect types, seven ambience settings and the ability to create up to 50 phrase loops are just some of the SPD-30's highlights. Internally, things continue in much the same vein. In all, it's a thoroughly modern package that's been well conceived to meet the demands of both studio and live use. MIDI in/ out is to be expected, as are L/R stereo and headphone outs and Mix In socket for iPods etc but there are also five 0.25" sockets to allow for use with V-Drum ride, hi-hat, snare and kick pads (so you could potentially use the Octapad as a super-compact e-kit), plus USB MIDI connection and a USB memory slot for storing user-created data. If you're looking for a full size option then check out our recommendations in our guide to The Best Electronic Drum Sets.The rear of the unit is equally impressive - assuming you're fascinated by the interconnectivity offered by hi-tech musical production tools, of course. Whether you're looking for a portable kit, or you just want to expand your sonic palette, the Roland Octapad SPD-30 V2 will get the job done. ![]() ConsĪside from not being a conventional electronic drum set, there aren't any noteworthy complaints. Jordan McLachlan of Music Radar gave the pads a perfect score and concludes his review by saying: "Combine predictably gorgeous sound with better-than-ever functionality, the ability to connect external pads for an extensive playing set-up and the Phrase Loop feature for creativity on-stage and you're on to a winner." NB - Jordan McLachlan's review was for Version 1 but the hardware is the same and can be upgraded to Version 2 with a firmware update. It gets most of its praise from pros who are using it to expand their percussion sounds, but it also gets some love from those who use it as a portable kit. The Roland Octapad SPD-30 has become a fixture in many drum setups, and it's all thanks to its practicality and quality. Power Supply: 9V DC power supply (sold separately).Module Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (main out), 1 x 1/4" (headphones).Extra Features: Phrase Loop function, Multi-Effects, Compatibility with MIDI devices, and other Modules.Module Sounds: 99 kits, 600+ Percussion Sounds. ![]() But it can also work as a compact electronic drum kit complete with a kick trigger pedal and a hi-hat control pedal.Īt its core are the SPD-30 percussion pads that utilize the latest technology that Roland has to offer, as seen in their premium V-Drums line.įor easy setup, the unit comes with a double-braced tripod stand with height adjustments. It is often used as an add-on tool by drummers on stage, especially in worship and pop music circles. ![]() While not exactly a conventional drum kit, the Roland Octapad SPD-30 V2 gets a special spot on this list for being an add-on tool for drummers, while still being a capable and easily portable stand alone kit.
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