Roland Introduces SPD-S Sampling Drum Pad

(Click for a close-up)

At NAMM, Roland announced the SPD-S Sampling Pad, a compact percussion multi-pad with CD-quality sampling, preset sounds and onboard effects. Consisting of six pads and three edge triggers, the SPD-S enables drummers to play up to eight sounds simultaneously using 120 Preset waveforms or by sampling up to 200 User waveforms. Drummers can even create their own loops with the resampling function and pattern sequencer. And since the SPD-S mounts on drum stands and hardware, it's the perfect solution for drummers who want an easy way to add sampling to their acoustic or electronic kit.

Until now, adding sampling to a drum kit meant setting up complicated drum triggers and a MIDI module. The SPD-S presents an easier and more affordable solution. With its generous sampling time (380 seconds at 44.1kHz or 95 seconds in Fine mode), CD-quality sound, and time-tested rubber pads and edge triggers, the SPD-S makes playing custom drum sounds and loops ultra-convenient. And with 120 Preset sounds--including acoustic and electronic drums, percussion and sound effects--drummers can create the ultimate drum kit by combining sampled and preset sounds.

The SPD-S includes a powerful multi-effects processor with 28 algorithms and unique ambience effects. These effects can be applied to any sound and then resampled to create entirely new sounds. Drummers can even create original phrase loops using the onboard pattern sequencer, and then resample the loop for easy one-shot triggering from one of the pads.

A Compact Flash card slot enables to the SPD-S to be expanded with more sampling time, and makes for a convenient way to store User waveforms. The SPD-S also features an External Trigger input for adding an optional drum pad in either a head or head/rim configuration. MIDI In and Out jacks allow the SPD-S to be used as a trigger or in sequencing setups.

Connections to the SPD-S include stereo Mic/Line inputs, a stereo Line output, Headphones jack, External Trigger input, Footswitch and Expression Pedal jacks, and MIDI In and Out connectors.