Roland TD-50KV with KD-A22

89
WWW.MUSICRADAR.COM/RHYTHM DECEMBER 2016 |
VERDICT: For this kind of money one
would expect some pretty
groundbreaking stuff. Thankfully,
Roland hasn’t failed to deliver with the
endlessly customisable TD-50. It’s
absolutely brimming with new features
and edges ever closer to the realism of
an acoustic kit.
BUILD QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
RATING
2
YAMAHA DTX562
We say: “ While the
lower-end DTX kits offer
a great deal for your
wallet, it is worth
shelling out the extra
for the enhanced
response and feel of
these TCS pads.”
CONTROL
New ‘R’ dials allow
quicker control of menu
parameters
XLR OUT
Master output now uses
XLR as well as ¼" jack
SD CARD
New SD slot opens up a
host of new functionality
ride in particular. The new digital technology
brings not only an extended range of
dynamics, but also a more familiar, dare I say,
acoustic feel to the table. Having a wider
range of sounds available under-stick makes it
seem more like the sound is being drawn
from the drum rather than a computer. This is
assisted by no noticeable latency through the
module, making my time at the the kit an
incredibly satisfying experience.
Is it just like playing an acoustic kit, I hear
you ask? No, not yet. But it’s a damn sight
closer than it has been in the past. The
triple-ply mesh head of the PD-140DS feels
plenty durable and if you’ve checked out
any TD-50 demo videos featuring Michael
Schack, you’ll know they can stand up to a
sound thrashing. Engaging the fi nely-tuned
sensor technology, the head knows exactly
where the stick is making contact, meaning
more open sounds closer to the rim, multiple
rim-shot sounds and automatic cross-stick
detection. When detecting a hand on the
drum the PD-140DS automatically switches to
prevent any mis-triggering, too. Ghost notes
are still playable with the fi ngers, which is a
nice touch.
The CY-18DR ride is almost as impressive as
the snare but, in comparison, lacks the same
level of distinct tonal reactions. In its defence,
the pad reacts far more realistically than
anything else we’ve tried, but it still has a little
way to go before reaching the realms of a
‘real’ cymbal.
The additional sensitivity of the ride
cymbal bell is especially welcomed and brings
it ever closer to that end goal. Gone are the
days of having to attack the bell to elicit the
correct sound, and by tinkering with the
trigger settings, it’s possible to fi ne-tune the
dynamic range and personalise it to individual
playing styles.
The KD-A22 attachment is a great concept
and, combined with the larger pad sizes
elsewhere on the kit, really gives the TD-50KV
more credibility as a ‘proper drum kit’,
especially suited to those drummers who
might intend to use one live. The kick
attachment plays well and offers a fairly
realistic response. It still produces a fair thud
from the kick drum, so perhaps not right if
your TD-50 is being used as a practice kit,
although only using the TD-50 for practice
would be doing the potential of this kit a
massive injustice.
RHY262.gear_roland.indd 89 10/24/16 6:17 PM