does anybody know if roland have ever introduced new sound sets for the available td modules?
i have only just aquired a new td12 (yippee)
i hope to have longevity with the module but cant help feeling that some of the sound on the preset kits are cheesy to say the least. i love the deep editing and hope to program my own kits, but as i am not a great sound designer, i would hope that those with a wealth of experience will update the sound set some day.
There are some 3rd party sound sets available by Vexpressions.
http://www.vexpressionsltd.com/
You will need to load them via MIDI, so you will need some form of MIDI interface on your computer, and some form of program to allow you to load in the data.
Vexpressions also sell VDrumLib, an editor/librian program for TD-12/20 owners. You can use a simple sysex program like Midi-Ox.
I actually quite like some of the kits on the TD-12. Preferred them to the TD-20's presents.
The latest system update for the TD-12 (v 1.10) turns the it into a virtual clone of the unexpanded TD-20.
http://www.roland.co.uk/products/productdetails.aspx?p=971
So when you do start designing your own kits, you will have even more power to your elbow.
As you've recently purchased yours, it may already be updated to it. More info on it, and how to check your OS version:
http://www.halilit.com/pdf/TD-12.pdf
in respect of the mentioned updating, i have downloaded the smfupdate from the roland website, run it, and the module shows the update in progress screen. the problem i have is that when the "transfer is finished, i click the ok button on my oc and the screen on the td12 doent change? according to roland website PDF the unit is supposed to restart, but does nothing. when i turn it of and on manually, nothing has changed and the version stays at 1.0? please help
Here's a link to the V drums forum, perhaps there is something in here that will help:
http://www.vdrums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=56876&highlight=TD12+update
There does appear to be a few TD-12 owners that have similar update lock ups.
One suggestion, download the update file from another Roland site, Roland Japan would be a good choice.
It might be a computed file.
It could be an issue with the software you are using to update with, what did you use?
Some of the troubles other TD-12 owners have had have come down to the MIDI interface used, so that might be something to consider.
At least it's still working as a normal TD-12.
Yet me know if you do get it to work.
sorry but i have tried and failed again to update mu module. it is definatley version 1.0 only.
i have tried the alternative download site, and re-dowloaded the smf player, the module screen acknowleges the update is in progress and runs until patch 64, but when i click the "end update" or similar at the end of the update on the computer, the module does not restart as the "how to" suggests.
is there some kind of memory protect feature? i have noticed a small slot at the rear of the unit, it says for shop use only in the manual then www.kingston,com?
please help, i am missing my new sizzle feature!!!!! ha ha
Don't think there is a memory protection feature..
Did you look at any of the V-drum forum messages regarding similar issues?
Some seem to think it can be related to the MIDI interface used.
Some have found doing a factory reset, and then an update works.
Some have found doing an update, and then a factory reset works. (Bizarre I know)
With regard o the OS version, it should be 1.01, but I suspect it's 1.02.
If it's 1.01, perhaps it's worth updating to 1.02 first, and then 1.10.
The Kingston slot, is a security device. You will find them on laptops too.
A special thingy (technical talk) goes in the slot, and it locks in place. Stops someone walking off with your unit.
If you do have some joy with the update I will have a question about it.
I have a TD-20 (I know, jammie sod), as well as ambience effects, it has a multi effects processor.
Now I would assume this is powered by electronics and circuitry. Not by software.
So the update doesn't quite turn the TD-12 into a TD-20, or does it?
once i get the flaming update to install i will tell you of the changes, i know that you can select pic positioning and various other v edit features on as on the td20, but i think the td20 retains its efeects section as a td20 only feature
i live in deepest west wales, i have got a few options locally on lending a different interface, i will lwt you know how it goes.
i did however manage to sysex in some new kits from vdrumlib? so the module will take info, just not the update!!!!!!!!!!!!!arrrrrggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh
If you've managed to load in some kits, it would appear your MIDI interface handles sysex reasonably well.
So I think it should handle the update... (I'm beginning to wish I hadn't mentioned it).
Believe me, not all MIDI interfaces are made equal:
The troubles I've had trying to get my old lappy to work with sysex data. I wanted to carry back-ups of the synth data, and drum module data the band I work with uses.
Tried a Happy Shopper L-Cheapo tm USB-to-MIDI .. couldn't even handle note data.
I've a couple of serial MIDI interfaces, so I tried a serial-to-USB interface, which then inturn plugged into the serial interface. Showed promise, but any sysex just locked it all up.
A friend has lent me a midiman 2X2 USB unit. No troubles what so ever.
So I think the next thing I would try is another sysex program.
MIDI-OX is a MIDI tool kit. Not just a sysex program, it can monitor the MIDI data coming it, and out. It offers MIDI filtering too. It is quite daunting:
www.midiox.com
If you want something simpler to use, give C6 from Elektron's web site a try:
http://www.elektron.se/support-and-downloads
I've used it to dump sysex data, and samples with SDS into a Yamaha RM50.
If you've been using a sequencer program to send the data, one thing to try is slow the tempo down of the sequencer. Sysex is very intensive on the MIDI data stream. Giving it a little more time may help.
In terms of MIDI connection:
Try only using the MIDI out from the computer to the MIDI in of the TD-12.
Try having both MIDI in and outs connected to each others ins and outs.
I know others have had issues with the update reading through the Vdrum forum. I've no idea why some have no troubles at all, and some unlucky ones (like you) struggle.
Every time I've updated my TD-20 I've gone the CF route. Not an option for you sadly.
At least your TD-12 is all still functional.
at last i have done it. i took your advise, and tried another midi interface, i tried a novation sl remote midi controller thst has a midi through function, and it worked.
i am now happily running version 1.1,
to answer your quiery in repsect of the update. the change is quite good. it has added mic positioning, snare buzz and better handling of the hi hat. no changes to the fx set up boo!!!!! the efects on the td12 are pretty poor i might add.
thank for all your help, all i need to do now is invest in a decent sound monitor, to do the kit justice.
Nice one..
Weird that your own interface handles sysex, but couldn't cope with the update.
Glad to hear that all the effort was worth it, and the new bits are good.
With effects, less is more anyway.
I've a few of the Vex packs from Vexpressions. There's some which are smothered in verb (or soup as I sometimes call it).
When I joined my current band, they were having issues with lead vocals not being heard well.
PA system was a Mackie set-up, including the mixing desk with built in reverb.
I check the settings, reverb preset used? 'Cathedral' mmmmMuussshhhh.....
Switched to 'plate' vast improvement.
