Roland TD 30 KV Review

VALUE
FOR MONEY

9.5/10

FEATURES

10/10

PLAYABILITY

9.5/10

SOUND
QUALITY

10/10

Pros:

·        
Sound that feels real

·        
Detailed customization options

·        
The SuperNATURAL module

·        
Consistent trigger pad feedback

·        
Very little noise

Cons:

·        
Quite expensive

·        
Tough for beginners

·        
No warranty

Roland
as a brand is known for producing high quality, world-class musical instruments,
and the Ronald TD 30 KV is no different. Both TD 30 K and TD 30 KV models were
introduced simultaneously, but the latter took the market by storm as it
targeted high end, pro users. The popularity of the model can be judged from
the fact that it is a proper challenge to acquire a piece.

After
exploring the market for a few days, we were finally able to procure one, and
here is the verdict.

Build and
Hardware:

It is a
lightweight model even though it takes up its share of space. The box contains 4
cymbal pads, 5 trigger pads/drums, the sound engine/module, input and output
audio cables and corresponding mounting gear. It features
the stunning MDS 25 rack with its specially designed clamps, chrome electroplated
tubing and a cable management system, that takes care of all the wiring to give
a polished and compact look.

The
Roland TD 30 KV is part of a next generation models as it introduces the
SuperNATURAL engine. The new module brings in behavior modeling and is equipped
with an advanced sensing technology for the first time in drums. Behavior
modeling makes use of the real preset drum sounds and reconstructs them to give
the ‘raw’ feel while the advanced sensing technology is used to dynamically reshape
the levels of individual samples depending on the manner and position of pads
struck.

Unlike
most beginner kits that have pads made of plastic or the real drums that have
Mylar, the trigger pads of TD 30 KV are made of a mesh-like material that is
designed to absorb sound and make the kit quieter but still give the feel of
real counterparts. The material yields a lesser rebound due to its softer nature
and this helps both amateurs and pros play it better and faster. With the help
of the SuperNATURAL engine, the drums produce great sounds, keeping the noise
under 50 dB (which is “quiet” for drums).

The
kick pad is a robust and dependable KD 40 and weighs approximately the same as its
standard counterpart. It also features newly developed VH 13 hi-hat that
accommodates a sensor for motion detection as well as grayish, strangely sticky
cymbal pads.

Module:

Together
with the amazing behavior modeling and advanced sensing technology that produce
a unique and exceptional sound every time you hit a pad, the Roland TD 30 KV’s
sound engine has a myriad of customization options.

The
SuperNATURAL engine has an LCD screen installed along with each button designated
according to its function, so new buyers do not have to keep a manual at hand
all the time. On a superficial look, the interface seems quite intricate, but
with the help of a simple tutorial, players can achieve an astounding quality
of sound.

Drummers
can change various characteristics of each drum pad to trigger by customizing
options of shell depth, beater type, sound muffling and resonance/mic position.
They can also change reverb settings by adjusting Hi damp frequency (Hz), Hi
damp (%), middle or mid dampening frequency (Hz), and low-cut frequency. These
settings demonstrate the level of detail that can be achieved by the sound
engine, and there are many more such options available; the above-mentioned
ones do not even scratch the surface.

The back
panel of the module has a bunch of sockets, including trigger inputs, a mix-in
input for music devices like iPod, a set of routable direct outs, a simple USB
socket and a USB socket for memory cards.

Playing
experience:

After a
simple setup, the Roland TD 30 KV gives you unlimited freedom to play any style
and kind of music while guaranteeing a realistic feel and producing first-class
sound quality. The toms have a great dynamic range, with the number 3 tom
having an upwards tensioning effect while the ‘larger’ one has a slight lift in
tone. With the help of the sound engine, rimshots on any tom pad can produce
all kinds of sounds and effects.

The
greatest strength of the kit is the effortless transitions in sound. This can
be felt both in the cymbals and the tom pads. The sounds are modified according
to the position and force of each strike due to the motion sensor. The effect
is much more noticeable on the ride which has subtle changes in sound from the
bow, bell, and edge.

The
tone also alters just like real drums when increased pressure is applied with
closed cymbals. The cymbal swells sound brilliant whether the player uses ordinary
sticks or mallets to produce them. Users can also use headphone audio output to
hear the nuances and subtlety of each stroke clearly.

The TD
30 KV also features “Song Player” that can play back TD 30’s preset songs,
preset patterns or songs stored on the memory card.  USB, STOP, Tempo and PTN are the four basic
user controls of the “Song Player”.

Configuring the settings:

The kit comes with an LCD display and
labeled buttons that help new users configure the sound module’s settings
easily and the manual does not have much use after one or two sessions.

With the help of V-Drum technology, it
is quite easy to change various kit characteristics easily, and a user kit can
be created effortlessly via a menu system that is drummer-friendly and
intuitive. There are seven sliders on the sound module that are used as
‘faders’ to control the strength and intensity of sound coming in from the
hi-hat, toms, cymbals and the other inputs. From the six drum kit buttons,
multi-effects, composition, mixer, and ambiance can be selected to introduce
additional changes in the music to have the best possible results. The user has
three ways to adjust the volume; mix in, phones and master, and tweaking these
is as easy as turning a knob.

Conclusion:

Overall, the Roland TD 30 KV is an
amazing kit with great design and structure. It is by far the most expensive
kit by the company on the market. One point to be noted is that the kit is not
suitable for beginner drummers, as they can easily get confused and overwhelmed
with the number of options at their ha. Dropping in a large sum of money on
this model is also not very smart for someone who does not know how to take
care of such a beautiful instrument.

The company designed this kit keeping
pro users in mind, who want to have a realistic experience with electronic
drums and can take advantage of its customization options.  The kit has received high ratings for its
quality and durability, as it is built to stand the test of time and bear the
daily wear and tear for years. The brilliant SuperNATURAL module gives the user
a never-ending number of sound variations to create the sound they desire. With
the help of constant behavior modeling, the kit allows its players to feel the
nuances of a real drum kit, so they can have the taste of the real, old-school
drums without any of their flaws. All in all, Roland has outdone itself with
the TD 30 KV.