Roland intros FR-1x V-Accordion [NAMM12]

Roland takes another step on its decade-long V-Accordion journey with the introduction of the FR-1x V-Accordion.

It builds upon the current FR-1 V-Accordions with the following key features:

• FR-1x Piano type and FR-1x Button type with stereo speaker system onboard
• USB memory port for Wave/MP3 player, new-sounds upload, data loading/saving
• Professional look with friendly user interface and 7-segment LED
• Standard and Free Bass modes
• 16 Accordion Sets, 16 Orchestral sounds, four Virtual Tone Wheel presets, eight User Programs
• Available in black or red

It’s light and small so is easily transportable. Its on-board speakers and battery operation make it instantly usable in a performance setting.

Read more about its features below.

Perfect for Students and Pros

Light and small, the FR-1x series is perfect for young players, music studios, and schools. They are the most compact of all V-Accordions, but cut no corners in sound quality. It’s also a perfect instrument for the professional accordionist and live performer. The FR-1x’s battery power and onboard speakers make it ideal for the strolling accordionist. The FR-1x is great instrument for musicians who perform musical styles such as folk, rock, roots-rock, blues, zydeco, and more.

Play Anytime, Anywhere

Enjoy instant, high-quality sound from the onboard speakers or play privately with ear buds or headphones (sold separately). The FR-1x is also the perfect instrument to travel with. Because of its compact size, it fits in the overhead storage compartment on most commercial airplanes.

Advanced Musical Expression

With the FR-1x series, you can access over a dozen different accordion sounds instantly. There are even orchestral instruments onboard, as well as virtual tonewheel organs with realistic rotary effects. The FR-1x also includes onboard manual drum/percussion sounds that can be played with the bass and chord buttons!

Exact pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Roland intros PK-6 dynamic MIDI pedal [NAMM12]

Roland has updated its impressive MIDI foot pedal with the introduction of the PK-6 dynamic MIDI pedal.

Looking much like the pedals found on an organ, this versatile piece of kit allows the keyboard player/pianist great creativity and flexibility by controlling MIDI with the feet.

Compatible with most MIDI devices and including a MIDI merge facility, it allows players to send a variety of MIDI signals which can then be used for playing baselines, harmonies, or sending control messages.

The 13 pedals, spanning a chromatic octave, are velocity sensitive so will send appropriate data depending on how firmly they are depressed.

There are four selectable performance modes: Mono, Poly, Drums and MIDI controller. Although Roland doesn’t explain these in the press release, we can assume that “mono” is for sending single MIDI note on/off messages on a single channel, “poly” will allow multiple notes to be sent at once (possibly on different channels), “drums” will map to a GM (General MIDI) Drum Map, while MIDI controller will allow alternative control messages to be assigned to each pedal.

When sending notes, the pedals can be transposed over a nine octave range. As well as the MIDI ports there’s also a PK Out port for use with existing Roland instruments that utilise it. It runs on batteries, and presumably (hopefully) can also be mains powered.

Exact pricing and availability to be confirmed, but we expect it to retail at around the $500 mark.

Roland intros BK-5 backing keyboard [NAMM12]

Auto-accompaniment features on electronic keyboards are nothing new, but Roland believes it has stepped up the game a notch with the introduction of its BK-5 Backing Keyboard.

Designed for the one-man gigging keyboardist, or to use to accompany others, the BK-5 includes a powerhouse of authentic sounds, a large range of drum kits, a wide variety of accompaniment styles spanning cultures and musical genres, and the ability to handle MP3, SMF, WAV and Rhythm files for greater creative possibilities.

Key features include:

• Self-contained, do-everything keyboard with auto-accompaniment engine and built-in sound system
• Wide selection of sounds, Music Assistants, and Rhythms that cover a wide landscape of musical genres (including East-Europe, Latin-America, Asia, and more)
• Friendly graphical user interface
• Onboard effects, including reverb, chorus, EQ, multi-band compressor, and dozens of multi-effects
• Music rhythm compatibility with Roland BK-7m/E-series/ G-series/VA-series instruments
• Compatible with backing formats (SMF, MP3, WAV, and Rhythm) directly from USB memory; instant audio recording onto USB memory
• Automatic chord detection for SMF files
• Video output to share SMF/MP3 Lyrics with friends or the audience on an external screen

Read more about the features below.

Sound Generator

The BK-5 is powered by a state-of-the-art Roland sound engine, packed with over 1,100 great sounds and dozens of drum and percussion kits. The instrument is able to handle 128 voices simultaneously, and is compatible with a variety of voicing formats, including GM2, GS, and XG Lite. Feed the BK-5 a Standard MIDI File, buckle up, and get ready for a great-sounding band!

Creative Control

In addition to playing MIDI Files with its internal sound generator, the BK-5 can also play and manipulate audio files. Play MP3 or WAV files via USB and use the onboard controls to change key signature and tempo to best suit your vocal range or performance style. You can also use the BK-5′s Center Cancel feature to minimize the vocals from pre-existing songs to create instant karaoke-style sing-along tracks.

USB Compatibility

To expand the capabilities of the BK-5, a USB port is provided for connecting to industry-standard USB storage devices such as a USB key or self-powered USB hard disk for playing and modifying/ saving files. You can also use the USB port to record your performances as audio files (WAV, 44.1 kHz/16-bit linear format) on a USB storage device.

Video Compatibility

The BK-5′s composite video output can be connected to an external monitor, which allows the audience or other musicians onstage to follow the lyrics and chord symbols of the performed song. Turn your show into a multimedia experience!

Exact pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Roland intros Platinum Edition Atelier AT-900 organ [NAMM12]

Three years after the launch of the Atelier AT-900 organ, Roland has updated and released the flagship “platinum edition” AT-900.

This edition has a newly-updated cabinet design, expanded voices and additional features, including:

• Lustrous walnut finish
• Acclaimed Virtual Tone Wheel organ sound
• Improved and expanded Pipe Organ voices
• Expressive, organic SuperNATURAL sounds
• Improved Arranger engine
• BMP File Export function with music score support

You can read all about its new features below, but we don’t yet know detailed specifications for the instrument.

Rich, Walnut Cabinet

The AT-900 Platinum Edition is housed in a beautiful, hand-crafted wooden cabinet with walnut finish. The new contoured shape, taller side panels, rounded toe blocks, and wider music stand make the instrument as beautiful visually as it is musically.

Acclaimed Virtual Tone Wheel Sounds Built in

One of Roland’s core technologies — Virtual Tone Wheel made famous in the VK series — is onboard the AT-900 Platinum Edition. You can customize organ sounds by adjusting parameters such as Key Click, Leakage, Rotary Acceleration, and more. This feature is exclusively available in the AT-900 Platinum Edition. Create the perfect settings for jazz, rock, gospel, and beyond.

Authentic Pipe Organ Sounds Added

Authentic pipe organ voices from Roland’s Classic Series organs are also onboard, and instantly selectable from the Quick Registration settings. Play great songs such as “Toccata and Fuga” and other classic Baroque pieces. In addition, a 350-song hymn library is onboard for enjoying classical and worship music at home.

New SuperNATURAL Sounds Onboard

A lineup of Roland’s acclaimed SuperNATURAL sounds is onboard the AT-900 Platinum Edition — 35 tones to choose from. Experience a new level of realism and emotion with these incredibly expressive acoustic-instrument and ensemble sounds. Access the SuperNATURAL sounds in the Upper, Lower, or Pedal sections (up to four parts at time). They provide unsurpassed realism in all music genres.

Enhanced Arranger Engine

The built-in Arranger engine has been enhanced with new auto-accompaniment patterns and musical content. Rhythm-set sounds from Roland’s famous V-Drums are onboard, plus improved orchestration voicing and expanded Music Styles to cover a wider range of genres. Play your favorite songs with a pro-quality backing band onboard.

BMP File Export for Organ Arrangement Score

This convenient feature for organ lessons lets you export your organ performance as an arrangement score (BMP image) via USB drive. Simply record your original performance with the built-in recorder and you can view and print your original organ score with an external computer and printer.

Exact pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Roland intros RP301 and RP301R digital pianos [NAMM12]

Roland has introduced the RP301 and RP301R digital pianos, both featuring its SuperNATURAL sound technology, Ivory Feel-G keyboard and a number of features designed to make piano playing more fun and rewarding.

We don’t have the detailed specifications for each model, but it seems that the RP301R additionally features 60 built-in accompaniments and an intelligent chord recognition system, making it more suited to those who want that bit extra than most digital pianos offer.

Key features of the RP301 are:

• SuperNATURAL Piano recreating authentic piano expressiveness
• Ivory Feel-G keyboard for true piano feel and touch
• Easy access to features for practice and performance with dedicated front-panel buttons
• Metronome, recorder, and Twin Piano features convenient for skill building
• Environment friendly; low power consumption and Auto Off function
• Two beautiful cabinet finishes: Satin Black and Simulated Rosewood

And of the RP301R:

• 60 built-in rhythm accompaniments enrich your piano performance
• Newly developed full-keyboard chord recognition engine
• Three versatile playing modes: Pianist, Split Chord, and Split Tone
• Perfect sound through SuperNATURAL piano technology
• Authentic piano touch and feel with Ivory Feel-G keyboard
• Rhythm accompaniment can be expanded through USB memory
• Built-in LCD enhances the user-friendly operation
• Environment-concious design with Auto Off function and low power consumption (12 W* under the condition of average use without compromising its powerful sound)

Of particular interest to those who like auto-accompaniment features is the intelligent full-keyboard chord recognition system. Roland claims this means the pianist doesn’t need to change their playing style in order for the accompaniment system to recognise and adapt to the chords being played.

This is in contrast to the systems traditionally found on other keyboards whereby the player is forced to play chords in the lower octave or two of the keyboard with the left hand, or even to play various note combinations which denote major, minor and other chords.

Those systems work well if you get used to them, but not so well for trained pianists who are used to playing chords with the right hand, or split between left and right hand, often in differing inversions. It will be interesting to hear how well Roland’s technology copes with the many variations in chord style (including broken chords/arpeggios perhaps?)

Here’s more information about the different features found on the RP301 or RP301R.

60 Built-In Rhythm Accompaniments for Piano Performance

The RP301R incorporates 60 built-in rhythm accompaniments spanning 11 music genres, which are designed to enrich your musical repertoire and enjoyment. Each rhythm accompaniment contains an Intro, Ending, Variation, and Fill patterns that includes a basic rhythm part (drums/percussion) and melodic accompaniments, such as bass, guitar, and strings. Rhythm accompaniment can be expanded through USB memory.

Intelligent Full-Keyboard Chord Recognition (Pianist Mode)

Make incredible music with the RP301R’s newly developed full-keyboard chord- recognition engine, which reacts to the pressing level of the damper pedal. Any chord you play can be recognized in real time, allowing the auto-accompaniment to follow what you play. You can play along with sophisticated rhythm accompaniments without changing your piano playing style.

SuperNATURAL Piano

The RP301/RP301R incorporates Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano engine — a cutting-edge technology derived from the flagship V-Piano as well as 88-key stereo multisampling. SuperNATURAL Piano brings a new level of authentic sound and natural performance to the digital domain. Roland’s engineers relentlessly analyzed the complex, ever-changing characteristics of concert grand pianos, faithfully capturing and reproducing the tonal variations based on the velocity of each keystroke. With SuperNATURAL, three key elements are dramatically enhanced: velocity response, note decay and key-range behavior. The end result is an incredibly expressive and authentic sound that blurs the line between digital and acoustic.

Ivory Feel-G Keyboard

Featuring Roland’s acclaimed Progressive Hammer Action design with Escapement, the RP301/RP301R’s Ivory Feel-G keyboard inherits the functions, appearance, and texture of keyboards found on our flagship pianos. Thanks to a combination of advanced sensor technologies and our SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, the RP301/RP301R offers expression and performance that rivals high-end pianos.

Practice and Performance

The RP301/RP301R is equipped with friendly features to enhance your skills. The Twin-Piano feature, for example, is designed for side-by-side lessons or performances with a teacher or duet partner. It enables the keyboard to be split into two parts, each of which covers the same octaves. This makes it easy to see and hear when practicing beside a teacher. In the same way, the left and right pedals can be reassigned to act as damper pedals for either side of the split keyboard. The RP301/RP301R also has built-in metronomes and recorders, so you can practice with a perfect time reference, and record and listen back to your performances. The built-in song library includes a selection of classical piano etudes — great for practice sessions.

Digital Advantage

With the RP301/RP301R, you can play day or night, year after year, and enjoy perfect sound and performance. Since the instrument is fully digital, there are no strings to tune, and no need to worry about temperature changes or aging strings. Furthermore, the RP301 gives you the choice of playing through its built-in speakers, its external output, and/or through headphones so you can practice privately day or night without disturbing your neighbors. The built-in external input lets you connect an audio player for play-along fun.

Roland intros F-120 digital piano [NAMM12]

Building on the successful F-110, Roland introduces its F-120 digital pianos, which it says are ideal for pianists wanting authentic sound and touch in a compact, contemporary cabinet.

Key features include:

• SuperNATURAL Piano engine onboard
• Ivory Feel-G keyboard for true piano feel and touch
• Compact, lightweight and stylish cabinet
• Dedicated front-panel buttons for piano practice, lessons, and performance
• Metronome, recorder, and Twin Piano features for lessons or side-by-side performance
• Environment friendly; low power consumption and Auto Off function
• Two classy finishes: Satin Black and White

Read more about the features below:

SuperNATURAL Piano

With Roland’s breakthrough SuperNATURAL Piano engine at its core, the F-120 brings a new level of authentic sound and natural performance to the digital domain. Roland’s engineers relentlessly analyzed the complex, ever-changing characteristics of concert grand pianos, faithfully capturing and reproducing the tonal variations based on the velocity of each keystroke. With SuperNATURAL, three key elements are dramatically enhanced: velocity response, note decay and key-range behavior. The end result is an incredibly expressive and authentic sound that blurs the line between digital and acoustic.

Ivory Feel-G Keyboard

The F-120 is outfitted with an Ivory Feel-G keyboard, featuring Progressive Hammer Action with Escapement, inherits the functions, appearance, and texture of keyboards found on Roland’s flagship pianos. Thanks to the combination of the latest sensor technologies and the SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine, the F-120 offers expression and performance that rivals that of high-end pianos.

Slim Cabinet Design

Compact, stylish and only 30cm deep, the F-120 can be placed anywhere in your room. The unique folding-lid design covers the keyboard safely when closed, and serves as a music rest when raised. The F120 is available in two beautiful finishes: Satin Black and White.

Skill-Building Features

More than a great piano, the F-120 is equipped with features to enhance your skills. The Twin-Piano feature, for example, is designed for side-by-side lessons or performances with a teacher or duet partner. It enables the keyboard to be split into two parts, each of which covers the same octaves. This makes it easy to see and hear when practicing beside a teacher. In the same way, the left and right pedals can be reassigned to act as damper pedals for either side of the split keyboard. The F-120 also has a built-in metronome and recorder, so you can practice with a perfect time reference, and record and listen back to your performances.

Digital Advantage

With the F-120, you can play day or night, year after year, and enjoy perfect sound and performance. Since the instrument is fully digital, there are no strings to tune. No need to worry about temperature changes or aging strings. And since it’s digital, the F-120 lets you play through its built-in speakers, its external output, or privately through headphones. The built-in external input lets you connect an audio player for play-along fun.

Pricing and availability to be confirmed.

Roland intros HP500 Series of digital pianos [NAMM12]

Hot on the heels of Roland’s LX-15 announcement come three upright digital pianos in the new HP500 series.

By now you’ll be fairly familiar with Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound technology. It’s appeared in many of Roland’s newer digital pianos including all in the HP300 series (the HP302, HP305 and HP307) as well as the HPi-6F and HPi-7F.

In the HP500 series, the HP503 seems to be the more entry level model. It features an Ivory Feel-S keyboard with escapement, while the HP505 and HP507 feature Roland’s PHA III (Progressive Hammer Action III) ivory feel keyboard. All three keyboards feature keys with moisture absorption properties, making them feel much more like authentic ivory and ebony.

Other features include:

• Natural, organic multi-dimensional sound field of an acoustic piano produced by Acoustic Projection technology (HP505/507)
• SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine with seamless tonal changes according to touch, plus beautiful decay and faithful reproduction of the differences in tone between each key
• PHA III (Progressive Hammer Action III) Ivory Feel Keyboard with Escapement (HP505/507) and Progressive Damper Action Pedal
• Play classical piano masterpieces using the authentic sounds (such as true fortepiano) they were written for
• Elegant and bold design; HP500-series pianos are perfect for traditional or contemporary interiors
• Onboard LCD offers user-friendly operation with straightforward front-panel layout
• Energy-saving technology achieves powerful and dynamic sound with lower power consumption

Although we don’t have the detailed specifications yet, we expect to see at least 128 note polyphony (possibly 256 on the higher models).

Read more on the features below:

Innovative Acoustic Projection Sound System

The unique sound space that is created when you play an acoustic piano — the resonance between strings and the resonance from the piano’s frame or body — is realized through a complex and yet harmonious combination of elements. The HP507 and HP505 create this realistic sound space through innovative Acoustic Projection technology, which marries the multi-dimensional sound system found in the flagship V-Piano Grand with our SuperNATURAL Piano sound engine. Acoustic Projection delivers its magic though a multi-channel speaker system, with each speaker located properly to project each sound element in its natural position. The sound elements from each speaker are intelligently blended to reproduce the true soundfield of an acoustic piano.

SuperNATURAL Piano Engine

All three of the new HP-series pianos incorporate Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano technology for seamless velocity response, natural note decay, and authentic key-range behavior to reproduce perfect piano sound and expression. Tone color changes seamless in response to touch, accurately translating the player’s emotions. Tone decay is natural and organic, with the decaying sound not only decreasing in volume, but also gradually changing in color to a softer tone. Each note has its own character, which creates variations in tonal color and resonance of each note.

Authentic Fortepiano Tones Onboard

In addition to the selection of onboard grand-piano sounds, the new HP500 series features a newly added Early Piano category containing four fortepiano variations and two harpsichord variations. Masterpieces composed by maestros such as Mozart, Beethoven, and Chopin can be played with the original sounds from the period. The appreciation and understanding for the piece is heightened when using the instrument that was actually used by the composers. You can also play these early piano sounds with built-in historic temperaments which are ideal to play with other classical instruments.

Real-Feel Keyboards

The HP507 and HP505 are equipped with Roland’s flagship PHA III (Progressive Hammer Action III) Ivory Feel keyboard with Escapement. The HP503 contains an Ivory Feel-S keyboard with Escapement. With fast key-repetition and sensitivity, these keyboard faithfully translates into sound the subtle differences in tones from different playing styles and force at which they are played. The keys are finished with material that provides moisture-absorbing properties, resulting in a keyboard with the natural texture and tactile sensation of real ivory and ebony.

Progressive Damper Action Pedal

The HP500 series is equipped with “Progressive Damper Action Pedals” that have light resistance at the beginning of the stroke and more resistance the instant they begin to take effect, just like real acoustic pianos. This makes it easy for the performer to know when the pedals begin take effect, and also allows half-pedal techniques for subtle control of aftertones and resonance. This pedal can accurately convey the techniques of the most demanding pianists.

Built-In Audio/MIDI Recorder with Flexible Control (HP507/505)

The built-in recorder lets you capture your performances as audio and/or MIDI data — a convenient feature for pianists as well as students who want to evaluate their playing (HP507/505/503). Connect an external digital music player to the input jacks, play a song file, and the HP507 and 505 can transpose it in real time. You can even minimize the melody of an audio song using Center Cancel function. Play along and capture your performance as audio data. Recorded audio data can be saved onto USB Memory, and copied to an external computer for making audio CDs or for uploading to the Internet.

* USB memory is required for audio recording.

** The HP503 captures your performance as well as play backed SMF data as audio data.

Ease of Use

The simple and intuitive control panels afford quick and easy access to the HP500 series’ numerous features and applications. LCD panels provide the ideal visual interface with the instrument.

Environment-Conscious Design

All HP500-series pianos achieve low power consumption while still delivering high-impact performance. They also feature an Auto Off function, which, when activated, automatically switches the power off after a specified period of inactivity; inactivity time is selectable from 10 minutes, 30 minutes (default), 240 minutes, and off.

Exact pricing and availability is still to be confirmed.

Roland intros LX-15 upright digital piano [NAMM12]

Roland has introduced its LX-15 digital piano, building on the technology found in the LX-10 and LX-10F.

Featuring the SuperNATURAL sound engine with Soundboard Behaviour system, it offers organic sound and expressive potential.

The Acoustic Projection system delivers a natural, multi-dimensional sound, with a range of new and expanded keyboard instrument sounds to choose from including modern grand pianos, fortepianos and harpsichords.

The keyboard has been upgraded to the PHA III (Progressive Hammer Action) system for enhanced playing feel, including escapement. There’s also a progressive damper pedal, making the whole experience much closer to that of an acoustic upright piano.

Added to this there’s USB audio recording capability and a stylish, classical cabinet design so it will look great wherever it’s placed.

You can read more about the individual features below.

Innovative Acoustic Projection Sound System

The LX-15’s newly developed Acoustic Projection sound system creates a multi-dimensional sound field with accurate piano-resonance characteristics. The technology is derived from Roland’s acclaimed V-Piano Grand sound system. Six speakers are used for this system: The upper speakers provide ambience or various resonance portions; the middle speakers, located near the keyboard, enhance the image of the direct piano sound; the lower speakers recreate the piano body sound for rich bass and energy. The blend of those speakers creates a unique, deep sound field that dramatically enhances the expressiveness of the SuperNATURAL Piano.

SuperNATURAL Piano with Soundboard Behavior

The LX-15 incorporates Roland’s SuperNATURAL Piano technology for seamless velocity response, natural note decay, and authentic key-range behavior to reproduce perfect piano sound and expression. Newly developed Soundboard Behavior technology emulates the natural characteristics of string vibrations on the soundboard, and is not found on conventional sampling pianos. The technology is based on the V-Piano’s soundboard modeling, and can enhance sound clarity even when many notes are played simultaneously.

Expanded Piano Selection

The built-in piano selection has been expanded in the LX-15. In addition to modern grand-piano sounds, a newly added Early Piano category contains four fortepiano variations and two harpsichord variations. Enjoy a treasured lineup of instruments new and old, spanning centuries.

Polished-Ebony Finished Cabinet

The LX-15’s polished-ebony finish gorgeous design cabinet features a contoured design for a strong, bold look with classical elegance. The graceful design fits well into any home environment, from classic to contemporary interiors. The mirror-finished fallboard reflects the keyboard and moving fingers, bringing a sense of visual enjoyment to your playing. The top lid can be closed and opened smoothly to shape the piano’s overall tonal character.

PHA III Ivory Feel Keyboard with Escapement

Roland’s high-end PHA III keyboard accurately responds to the players touch, from the most subtle and delicate to the most dynamic technique. The escapement mechanism reproduces the authentic click-feel of a grand-piano keyboard. The keyboard also features Roland’s acclaimed Ivory Feel surface material, which replicates the texture of ivory and ebony.

Progressive Damper Action Pedal

The LX-15’s Progressive Damper Action pedal accurately reproduces the pedal response of an acoustic piano. When you first start to press the damper pedal, it offers lighter resistance, but as you continue to press, the resistance increases, just as on an acoustic piano. The damper pedal can also accurately express the unique sound decay when half-pedaling.

Built-In Audio/MIDI Recorder

The LX-15’s built-in recorder lets you capture your performances as audio and/or MIDI data — a convenient feature for pianists, as well as students who want to evaluate their playing afterward. Recorded audio data can be saved onto USB Memory*, and copied to an external computer for making audio CDs or for uploading to the Internet.

* USB memory is required for audio recording.

Exact pricing and availability is still to be confirmed. Be sure to also check out the new HP500 series of digital pianos.

Roland intros V-Drums Lite HD-3 electronic drum kit [NAMM12]

The Roland HD-3 V-Drums Lite drum kit is ideal as a starter kit for beginner drummers and anyone who wants a compact, relatively inexpensive electronic drum kit in their home.

It uses much of the same decade-developed technology found in Roland’s latest V-Pro series kit but is smaller and cheaper.

Key features include:

• 20 preset kits with dedicated select buttons.
• Backlit LCD offering playing and kit information.
• Beater-less kick drum with an improved playing feel and low ambient noise.
• Cloth-head toms with improved design and feel.
• Dual-trigger pads for snare and crash/ride for improved playability.
• Adjustable metronome.
• Audio input jack allows mixing and jamming along with recordings on MP3/CD etc.

Additionally, a PM-03 personal drum monitor amplification system can be added offering 2.1-channel sound and dual audio output jacks.

Full details of pricing and availability to be announced in due course.

Roland introduces V-Drums V-Pro Series [NAMM12]

Roland continues to build on its decade-long history of V-Drums with the introduction of the SuperNATURAL-powered TD-30KV and TD-30K V-Pro Series electronic drum set. You’ll probably best know SuperNATURAL from its role in the V-Piano.

Key features include Behaviour Modelling and advanced sensing technology that reacts and responds to a drummer’s performance nuances and dynamics, plus a USB audio playback function that allows the player to incorporate other sounds as well as backup data.

At a glance features of each set and accessory follows:

TD-30KV V-Drums V-Pro Series

Solid stage set with metallic gray and black-chrome color finish
New V-Hi-Hat (VH-13-MG) with improved motion sensor for natural hi-hat response
New V-Pads (PD-128S/128/108-BC) with improved rim sensor for accurate rim-shot sensing
New V-Cymbals (CY-14C-MG Crash, CY-15R-MG Ride) with natural feel and accurate triggering.

TD-30K V-Drums V-Pro Series

Compact, solid drum stand (MDS-12V) for professional studio requirements
New lightweight 10-inch V-Pad (PDX-100) for toms

TD-30 Drum Sound Module

The heart of the V-Pro series is the new TD-30 drum. With SuperNATURAL sounds produced by Behavior Modeling, the sound quality is superior, responding naturally to a variety of drumming techniques and dynamics. From rim shots, rolls, flams, even ghost notes on the snare, to dramatic crash hits and sustained cymbal swells, every nuance is accurate and smooth. For spatial depth, a dedicated Ambience fader gives you immediate access to lush room ambience and overhead-microphone simulation.

PD-128S-BC/-128-BC V-Pad

A new rim sensor has been specifically developed for these 12-inch mesh head pads in conjunction with the TD-30 to accurately detect dynamics and rim-shot depth. The pads feature an exchangeable black-chrome color shell wrap. The pad is offered in two formats, the PD-128-BC and PD-128S-BC. The PD-128-BC is designed as toms and comes with a two-way mount holder; PD-128S-BC is snare-stand mountable.

PD-108-BC V-Pad

This mesh head pad also includes the new rim sensor for improved dynamics and rim-shot depth. The pad features an exchangeable black-chrome color shell wrap and accommodates dual mounting for setup versatility.

VH-13-MG V-Hi-Hat

The new V-Hi-Hat (VH-13-MG) features an improved motion sensor. Combined with advanced triggering technology, the response is more natural with smooth open to closed control. The surface is a new metallic-gray color, cosmetically matching the new series of V-Cymbals.

CY-14C-MG/-15R-MG V-Cymbal

The new V-Cymbals (CY-14C-MG Crash, CY-15R-MG Ride) are offered in an eye-catching metallic-gray color surface to cosmetically match the new V-Hi-Hat, new V-Pads, and chrome-finished drum stand. They provide a natural swing-feel and accurate triggering and sensitivity across the entire cymbal surface.

KD-140-BC V-Kick

This solid, stylish new kick pad features an exchangeable new black-chrome shell wrap. It provides stable performance and accurate triggering with a natural, acoustic-like kick feel.

PDX-100 V-Pad

Compact and lightweight, this new 10-inch mesh head V-Pad also provides a dual-mount option for increased setup versatility.

MDS-12V Drum Stand

This compact, solid drum rack provides flexible ball clamps for snare and toms, boom/straight options for the cymbal arms, and an internal cable management system, for a clean professional look. It has been specifically designed for the TD-30K V-Pro series.

Exact pricing and availability is still to be confirmed. Those on a tighter budget who want something compact and less expensive, but based on the same technology, may want to take a look at the HD-3 drum kit from Roland.

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