Roland
Introduces SPD-20 Total Percussion Pad540
Acoustic, Electronic, Ethnic and World Music Drum and Percussion Sounds at the
Ready January
29, 1998Since
the introduction of the popular Roland SPD-11 in 1993, drummers have been able
to instantly add hundreds of high-quality drum and percussion sounds to their
existing kits with a single compact percussion multi-pad. This year, with the
introduction of the new SPD-20 Total Percussion Pad, Roland gives drummers and
creative MIDI musicians more of what they want. The SPD-20 picks up where the
popular SPD-11 left off, packing 540 high quality drum and percussion sounds (twice
as many as the SPD-11) and an array of groove enhancing sound effects inside the
classic eight-pad, single-unit design. New SPD-20 samples include strikingly realistic
acoustic drum sounds as well as electronic drum sounds ranging from the classics
(808 and 909 kicks, snares, toms, hi-hats, etc.) to other distinct analog drum
sounds. Also onboard is an amazing collection of pitched instruments and ethnic
and world music instruments, including percussion sounds from India, Japan, China,
Korea, South America, Africa, Australia and the Middle East. The SPD-20's eight
velocity-sensitive rubber pads can trigger a wide range of expressive sounds based
on a player's style and technique, while user-stored velocity cross fade and triggering
parameters can be used to create new sounds and effects. Up to 99 customized,
user-selectable patches (including sound-to-pad assignments, parameter settings,
and settings for external pads and pedals) can be stored and accessed via a footswitch
or the SPD-20 keypad. Patch chains can also be stored and accessed via a remote
footswitch for live playing/set list applications. New to the SPD-20 is the
ability to directly trigger any of the 540 internal sounds from an acoustic kit
without having to use a separate triggering unit. Up to four additional pads/triggers
may be connected to the back of the SPD-20, including all of Roland's electronic
percussion pads, the popular KD-7 Kick Drum Trigger and FD-7 Hi-Hat Control Pedal.
These capabilities make the SPD-20 a versatile instrument which can be used to
supplement an acoustic or electronic drum set or act as a stand-alone unit. MIDI
In and Out ports add to the possibilities for sequencing and triggering other
MIDI instruments in a more rhythmic, drummer-friendly manner. An external phone
jack allows headphones to be plugged in for personal playing and practicing. The
SPD-20 furthers Roland's commitment to drummers, percussionists and creative MIDI
musicians of all types. With the SPD-20's increased sound palette and proven,
reliable design, the rhythmic possibilities are endless. Roland is a world
leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of electronic musical instruments,
professional audio equipment, multimedia products and music accessories. For more information, contact Roland Corporation
U.S., 7200 Dominion Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90040, 213.685.5141, www.rolandus.com.
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