|
You've seen this white
percussion pad/module next to many a drum kit when bands perform live...
In fact we just saw the Roland SPD20 in a Duran Duran LIVE video clip...
The Roland SPD-20 is a very functional percussion pad for use with the
provided internal sounds, or with your samplers or other midi sound
sources.
It works quite well,
although we were extremely disappointed in the typical "Roland-style
poorly translated from Japanese" manual. Somewhat difficult to
get the hang of, but once you do it works very well with nice sensitivity.
Also we added the optional kick pedal and the presets often ignore it
or map it with an odd sound. So to utilize the kick you have to reprogram
the stock patches.
The KICK pedal is a
cool addition that really makes this pad work like a real drum kit!
If you have the SPD-20 we say the KICK pedal is a must have!
|
BEAT MODE RATING
SYSTEM
0 to 1 star
- SUCKS - BARELY USABLE - Not RECOMMENDED
2-4 stars -
SOME REDEEMING VALUE, BUT NOT MUCH TO SHOUT ABOUT.
5-6 stars -
DECENT - worthwhile for some applications.
7-8 stars -
VERY GOOD product with many pluses, highly usable.
9-10 stars
- INDISPENSABLE - must have - the cream of the crop!
|
Also, slightly annoying
is that to use the SPD-20 as a controller without duplicate notes sent
via midi, you have to power it up holding down some buttons. Hassle.
Couldn't there just be a switch or menu command?
The Roland SPD-20 is
used in many of our recordings to add that REAL LIVE DRUMMER feel...
But be warned - don't plan to do any quantizing with this puppie's midi
recordings as a live groove played with sticks on a pad results in lots
o' little notes! That's a good thing though! Despite the shortcomings
this pad is so cool it is highly recommended none-the-less.
SPD-20
Product description at the Roland
Japan site
SPD-20
Product description at the Roland
US Info/Specs
SPD-20
Editor support with Emagic
SoundDiver
|
