Although there are others in the electronic drum business, Roland's V-Drum products have kept them firmly planted at the top of the heap for quite a few years. Rather than wait for someone else to catch up, Roland has pushed the bar upwards with the introduction of the V-Pro™ Series TD-20S. At first glance it may look similar to previous sets, but look closer. There's a new percussion module, the TD-20 (also available separately,) with over 500 new sounds and increased dynamic range and expression. V-Editing, a new feature, includes new parameters like snare buzz, kick beater selection and customization of cymbal settings, including mic position, size and "sizzle." Now put the new module together with the latest in V-Pads; two new mesh-head dual trigger pads, the 12-inch PD-125 and 10-inch PD-105, offer better dynamic response, improved head/rim triggering, and rim shot capability on toms (requires the TD-20 module.) Even the rim click sound is captured! The VH-12 V-Hi-Hat is another big step forward; it uses two cymbals and operates completely like an "analog" hi-hat, with full motion on conventional hardware. Even the MDS-20 Drum Stand is an improvement, with heavier-duty hardware, a easier vertical adjustment with quick release cam levers on legs and cymbal stands, a modern eye-catching design, a raked, arc layout that puts every pad at the right height and reach, and the ability to run the cables internally, which really cleans up the visuals!

The V-Drum concept is based on Roland's COSM™ modeling technology. This has been upgraded in the TD-20 to analyze and incorporate more of the variables that make percussion sound and play the way it does. All of this falls under V-Edit. An example is what Roland has done with kick beaters; now you can choose between felt, wood and plastic beaters. Cymbals may now be sized, and chain or rivet sizzle can be added. In a live set there's interaction (sympathetic vibration) caused by the kick and tom drums that makes the snare drum "buzz"... this is fully adjustable thanks to V-Edit. The complete list of V-Edit parameters includes Shell Material, Shell Depth, Head Type, Head Tuning, Muffling, Strainer Adjustment, Snare Buzz level, Beater Type, Cymbal Size, Cymbal Sizzle, and Tambourine as an addition to the hi-hat. Amazing control!

The TD-20 story only gets better. You'll find eight group faders for adjusting the relative levels of each part, and no less than 15 individual compressors and EQs for complete tonal and attack control, drum by drum. You'll also find multi-effects, a master comopressor, and a master EQ for overall control, plus Reverb/Chorus for the backing parts. A five-part sequencer can store up to 20,000 notes, and has room for 100 patterns. The unit arrives loaded with lots of backing patterns (along with 262 Backing Instrument sounds built in) for you to practice with or modify, along with plenty of room to store your own stuff. There are also a full 20 varieties of Clicks to work with. Resolution is quite fine (192 clicks per quarter note,) so even your most syncopated stuff should be captured in all its glory. The TD-20 provides 64-voice polyphony, so you're not likely to exhaust its sound-generating powers even if you stack sounds up. For quick changes during performance, you can organize the 50 Drum Kits into as many as 16 Chains; each Chain can contain up to 32 steps. Ten analog outs plus a stereo digital S/PDIF out provide all the connections you'll ever need. The backlit graphic LCD is reasonably large (64X240,) so it's easy to see what you're doing and where you're going. Using V-Link and associated video gear from Roland's Edirol division, a drummer can change cameras or trigger video images from the drums. A CompactFlash™ slot provides a quick and inexpensive means of storing and loading sequences and drum kits. Finally, the TD-20 has an expansion bay for future sound upgrades and expansions.