Roland Forums

Hey anyone,

I looking to buy either a spd-s or a spd-30.

I know both have there pro's and cons

like the spd-s only have a max of 512 mb memory and only one trigger input ( that can be split into two)
and the spd-30 doesnt have a line/mic sampler but does have alot of trigger inputs?

And is hard to import new samples on to the spd-30 and does it have lots of space

I'm trying to my research but I can't make my mind up

I just want it for looping and some samples on my acoustic kit

if anyone else has anymore pros and cons of the two item
you will be much loved

I know, I know. Tricky call isn't it?

Pretty sure it's impossible to import samples into the SPD-30. So that might swing your decision.
The phrase looping on the SPD-30 is impressive, you've no doubt seen the on-line demos. These are using sounds contained within the SPD-30.
You could trigger a sampler via MIDI, if you wanted to trigger your own samples.

If the sampling side is the most important - the SPD-S is the way to go. You often see them integrated with acoustic kits on televised events.
Again, on-line demos will show that loops are possible, but these would be fixed to the samples.
The phrase looping of the SPD-30 is more 'real time' and interactive.
512MB should be enough sampling for most live use, but finding the 'right CF' card can be tricky, I'm sure many of the SDP-S users here will tell you.

You mention trigger inputs.. did you plan to use your kit to trigger sounds as well, or did you want to add additional trigger pads?




Post #760... Another famous Roland sampler the S-760

Thanks man! i think youve sorted me

yeah i do want to use my own samples so i think the spd-s would be better.
i do want to use it with my acoustic kit to trigger samples. or even a kick trigger ( for double bass cheating)
although it only has a 2 trigger max if i get really keen for more triggers i can always use the trigger to midi unit roland sells

even though i dont know [censored] about midi yet... i think i need a crash course in midi.

Just a case of selecting the right tool for the job..

As the SPD-S has been around a while, they do pop up second hand on a well know on-line auction site
That might save you some pennies.
That said, a brand spanking new one will have a guarantee, and if you are UK based that's for 3 years.

The TMC-6 would indeed add 6 extra trigger inputs via MIDI, also factor in the cost of adding the triggers too. Price starts getting scary.

Another consideration, you will need something for the SPD-S to plug into to make it heard.
If you plan just to plug it into the sound system, fine. You might need a DI box, especially is a stage box / multi-core / snake is used. You will then need some form of monitor too.
If the band has a keyboard player, he might have a spare channel available on their keyboard amp.
You could use a bass amp, at a push (may well lack top end frequencies).
Electric guitar amps - not a good idea. They lack the 'full range' frequency spread the SPD-S can generate.

I think the first hurdle to overcome, is learning the SPD-S, or SPD-30 if the decide on that route.
Both will have a learning curve to overcome, and it's quite a big one as they are complex units.

If you haven't already, have a look at the v-drums.com forum. There's experts-a-plenty, and you may find answers to questions you hadn't even considered yet.

http://www.vdrums.com/forum/index.php?

Another 'heads up', download the pdf manual. It might seem information overload, but again it may answer some issues you may be having.

ftp://ftp.roland.co.uk/ProductSupport/SPD-S/

ftp://ftp.roland.co.uk/ProductSupport/TMC-6/

http://www.roland.com/products/en/_support/om.cfm?PRODUCT=SPD-30&iRcId=25862050&dsp=1

thanks heaps!

its looks like ill be getting the spd-s. but maybe roland is making a new one? who knows?!

now i have to learn about midi..

Roland did announce on Facebook that there are some new products on the horizon (Sept 1st), but no clues to what.
Then there's the time taken from announcement to actually getting the products available to buy.

Learn the SPD-S first, then perhaps look into learning MIDI, I might be able to help with the MIDI side, but I don't own a SPD-S, so you'll need other SPD-S owners to help you out there.

how do you rate the yamaha dtx muilti 12 ??. it seems to be the spd-s compirtion

Difficult to say.. as with both SPD-30, and the SPD-S, I've never actually used one.

It would appear to have been 'inspired' in it's design by the SPD-S.
When looking at it's specs, it appears to offer some of what the SPD-30 offers;
In built sounds
Additional trigger inputs
Sequencer / phrase loop
64 note poly (surprised to find the SPD-S is 8)
It can load in samples, but doesn't sample directly - has 64Meg of storage.

Price wise, it's around £100 more than a SDP-S, but £30 cheaper than a SPD-30.
As it's a fairly new item, it's not likely you'll see any on ebay for a while, where as you will with SPD-S.
It's your money, and decision at the end of the day, but the Yammy does offer some stiff competition.