Drummers! When Roland bring out a whole series of new drum products, it’s time to stop whatever you’re doing, stick the kettle on, and take in the news!
Those are your instructions right now, because I know you’re going to want to know all about the brand new V Drum 3 and 5 series!
Contents
What’s New?
What’s new? Loads! Not one but two entirely new modules, upgraded drum pads and cymbals, all built into two new series of virtual kits! How about that?
The lines are blurring between what is traditional and modern more and more everyday, and with drums, that can only be a good thing. Roland, as you know, are pioneers of digital drumming tech, with their V-Drums being the first choice across the planet for touring pros and picky producers everywhere. This new lineup seeks to bring more drummers into the digital fold but offering top-tier performance formkits that are aimed at the serious hobbyist or semi-pro. That’s what Roland say, anyway. I think all levels of drummer will be impressed by what’s to be found in this new range.
There is a 3 series and 5 series, and both share the same palette of sounds and technology within their respective modules. I’ll have a look at each range soon, but first, some details…
The Modules
- Two modules are available
- Each has the same next-gen sounds
- Physical feature set differs
The module is the ‘brain’ of any digital kit, and so let me begin there today. We have the Roland V31 and V51 modules today, one for each range. As you’d expect, the dearer V51 has more to offer, but I think you’ll be surprised at just how much you get in the V31! For example, the all-new sound engine is featured on both modules. These include painstakingly sampled kits from the Drum Workshop, which have then been processed with Roland’s behavioural modeling for extremely acoustic-like performance and response.
Read that again: BOTH modules feature the same sounds, with the same ultra-realistic behaviour! The main differences between the V31 and V51 modules are actually physical. Here’s a brief overview:
- V31 module: 1 x USB for digital pad, MIDI out, SD Card out, 3.5mm headphone output
- V51 module: 3 x USB for digital pads, MIDI OUT/THRU/IN, 3.5mm and ¼” jack headphone outputs, physical 6-band drum mixer on front panel.
Those seem to be the main differences. Otherwise, both have the same colour screen and a similar control layout.
New Drum Pads
- New technology
- Variety of sizes and hoop materials
If the most important part of a digital kit is its sound, then a very close second is the feel. With digital pads, it’s all about recreating a firm and dynamic response that can mimic the ‘bounceback’ of an acoustic drum as much as possible.
Roland have consistently developed the area of pads, and this is a focus on the new 3 and 5 series. These are highly responsive, touch-sensitive pads, and that applies to all kits in the range. What differs is the surrounding ring. This splits into two types:
- Standard pads: available in 8 and 10” sizes, plastic hoops with an insert of rubber.
- Premium pads: 10 and 12” sizes, with chrome die cast hoops inset with rubber.
The Kits
There are six kits available in the 3 and 5 ranges. Four are TD kits, which are the established Roland electronic drum style. Two are VAD kits, which add wooden drum shells to the pads to create a more traditional appearance and experience.
Here’s a quick skip through all six, with certain features not repeated if they occur on a previous model:
3 Series
TD313: The starting point. New V31 module with cutting edge Drum Workshop samples, Roland behaviour modeling, bluetooth and wi-fi. New pads, improved cymbals.
TD316: Upgraded snare, 2 crash cymbals, ‘proper’ VH-10 hi-hat
VAD316: Adds shallow wooden drum shells for a more traditional and authentic experience.
5 Series
TD513: Starting point for pro-performance. New V51 module, similar setup to the 316, so 2 crash cymbals and upgraded hi-hat and snare.
TD516: bigger kit altogether, with a deeper snare, larger kick pad and premium tom pads.
VAD516: top choice in the 5 series. Deep wooden drum shells, premium pads and a separate stand for the module.
Back to the Future
These new V-Drum 3 & 5 series drum kits use cutting edge technology and processing to deliver a realistically traditional drumming experience. These two new series bring some serious processing firepower to the table, at price points that are attainable for the serious player. This is cutting edge stuff, but more than that, they are great musical instruments, and will give you a wonderful platform to create inspiring music that goes beyond the confines of regular acoustic drums.
Why not see what they can do for your playing today?
