Roland BT-1

102
| DECEMBER 2013 WWW.RHYTHMMAGAZINE.CO.UK
GEAR REVIEW
T
he bar-type trigger pad is
designed as an add-on triggering
device for any electronic drum
module or sampler. It can be
used for a host of applications including to
start/stop a sequence or a song, and to
trigger any additional sound from any other
source. It can be integrated into any acoustic
or electronic set-up, or used to create a
hybrid of both.
Build
The body of the BT-1 is made from a tough,
impact-resistant plastic with a gunmetal
fi nish, topped by a 30cm thick rubber
compound which is intended to be hit with
the shoulder of a stick. It is designed to bolt
onto any electronic drum pad (via tension
bolts), or any acoustic drum of between
8" and 18" in diameter. Roland provides a
bracket so the BT-1 can also be clamped onto
an L-arm rod of any stand.
Its slightly rounded shaped allows it to
nestle comfortably around almost any drum,
be it electronic or acoustic. Its shape actually
matches the curvature of the rim on my 16"
fl oor tom pretty much exactly. Mounted on
a standard rim, it sits approximately 30cm
proud – basically the whole rubber section
sits above the rim, so there is plenty of the
BT-1 exposed to wallop.
The really nifty aspect of the BT-1 is the
cross-talk cancelling electronics inside. This
has two Piezo-type transducers coupled with
a ribbon running along the length of the
unit. These work in conjunction with each
other, allowing nothing less than a direct hit
to trigger a sound. For this to work correctly
it is essential to use the supplied lead or a
stereo terminated with a ¼" stereo jack.
Hands On
Attaching the BT-1 onto the tension rod of
any drum couldn’t be easier; remove the
tuning bolt, position the unit then do a quick
tune up (on the acoustic kit). I have attached
the BT-1 to my snare – this should be the acid
test: if we are going to experience cross-talk,
£79 We put Roland’s brand new compact trigger-on-a-stick
through some vigorous tests
ROLAND BT-1
WORDS: DAVE HOLMES
VERDICT: This is a simple but clever
piece of electronic wizardry for any
drummer or percussionist, and is a
cost-effective way of expanding a kit.
It’s possible to have as many BT-1s
as your system will allow without
occupying much additional space.
BUILD QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
RATING
it is going to be here! With the supplied lead
connected to my sampler, a quick wallop
immediately triggers the chosen sound or
halts a particular sequence.
The BT-1 is velocity sensitive, sending
more than just a simple on or off – it does
require a fairly hefty shoulder strike, but it
does appear slightly more sensitive towards
the jack socket end of the bar. It does the job
without fear of accidental triggering, misfi re
or starting a sequence by mistake.
PRICE
Roland BT-1, £79
PAD
CONFIGURATION
Single bar-type trigger
pad
CONNECTIONS
Single ¼" jack socket
ACCESSORIES
Attachment kit: bracket,
small spacer, large
spacer, 2 x attachment
bolts; 1 x stereo lead
terminated with ¼"
stereo jack
CONTACT
Roland (UK)
Tel: [phone]
www.roland.co.uk
Essential spec
CONNECTION
Add electronic triggering
to your existing kit via the
1/4" stereo jack output
TOUGH BODY
The BT-1 is made from
impact-resistant plastic
with a gunmetal fi nish
TRIGGER SURFACE
The thick rubber compound
on top is intended to be hit
with the shoulder of a stick
RHY223.gear_roland.indd 102 10/29/13 11:46 AM