TD30KV or TD30K with SD2?

[Alastair Peden]

I have a home studio and going to be buying either the TD30KV or TD30K for use with SD2. There is a significant price difference between the two e-drum kits. My question is, do the mesh pads on the higher spec KV model translate to SD2? Will drummers notice a difference player the lesser TD30K kit as opposed to the TD30KV?

Also, are the sounds in SD2 better than the sounds provided in the TD30 module? I just really want drummers to come into my studio and feel like they are playing a real kit at the end of the day, just not sure if the price difference would be noticed?

I’m in two minds and user experience would be appreciated.

Many thanks

Al

Al James Songwriting & Music Production www.aljamesproductions.com

Topic

[Juicy]

The Roland TD30 Module is identical on both Kits.
Both kits will play same with SD2.
Personally the SD2 is still more realistic but there are some things with supernatural that are good too. (not to mention roland’s famous percussion,Electro,)
The pads will trigger the same.The newer Hi Hat may be a smidge better but how much??
There is a 4th tom on the more expensive TD30KV but that is a real luxury,normal pro players are not playing kits with 2 floor toms ,if you felt you did want it later you could always add a 4th tom . I would add another cymbal for dedicated China/splash to impress and
go for the TD30k,save then invest that money into SD2 and some libraries and give people the very best.
You can always have the Roland’s audio patched in too and see which suits per scenario and drummer.
even with supernatural you have to remember part of the “roland” thing is virtual and SD2 is All Sampled and not a hybrid of Samples with Virtual/synthesis for creating variables, sure it is excellent but a real room and whole kit has many advantages to sound true.

You would get the same results from a TD20/12 really so thats worth a big think especially if like me , you end up only using the real, real sounds on SD2.
I can’t imagine using the Roland in a mix except for A kick sound,Electronics,maybe some percussion and effects or for live and demos/practice.
Some of the newer Snares and Cymbals/Hats are much better but i still believe all the processing they use to get the Parameters available in the module actually detract from reality and are still simulated .

[Alastair Peden]

Hey thanks a lot for such detailed and experienced advice.

I already have most of the SD2 libraries. I’m tending to agree with you on the K model as opposed to KV. I think it will take less space too.

Ok much to think about.

Thanks again, I appreciate it.

Al

Al James Songwriting & Music Production www.aljamesproductions.com

[Alastair Peden]

Well I went and bought TD30KV and have this hooked up to my already good collection of SDX additions like Music City which is superb.

I am finding that the TD30 isnt exactly setup precisley for the SD2, no TD30 drum map yet. Is there a place here that other TD30 drummers have added user presets?

Al

Al James Songwriting & Music Production www.aljamesproductions.com

[mapexvenus]

I also have a TD 30 and unfortunately high-hat events are not triggering very well at all. Any help here will be greatly appreciated.

[sdmerritt75]

Yep, Ive tried everything to get my VH-13 to feel natural……………IT AINT HAPPNIN!

https://www.youtube.com/user/SteveMerrittDrummer/

[John]

Maybe I could take a look and guess on settings if you record a piece of MIDI with your module at Factory Settings (except that I would recommend setting the HH Resolution to HIGH, if it isn’t) and the VH-13.
If you could record MIDI and the audio output from the TD-30 into your DAW (is it Logic?) while playing the Hihat the way it feels natural I may have some suggestions?
If so, you can send it to john toontrack • com, replacing the brackets and bullet with you know what. Either MIDI and audio file or Logic/Pro Tools/Reaper/Cubase 4/DP7/Ableton 8 Project.

OK?

BR,
John

John Rammelt - Toontrack
Technical Advisor

[Author]

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