RolandUniqueSquared Pro Audio Blog

PRO AUDIO

Taylor
April 8, 2013

Roland SPD-30 Octapad and BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad Review

The last video in our series of Roland electronic drum videos has Trevor Root showing off the Roland SPD-30 Octapad and the Roland BT-1 Bar Trigger. The SPD-30 Octapad is similar but also very different when compared to the Roland SPD-SX. The looping features are similar but you get a lot more sounds inside the Octapad. The main difference between the two are that the SPD-SX is meant for loading in your own sounds, while the SPD-30 Octapad is loaded with tons of its own percussion and FX sounds. The BT-1 Bar Trigger pad is a simple trigger for either expanding your existing electronic drum or drum pad setup. It can also function as a simple solution for adding electronic elements to your existing drum kit. Here is our review of both the Roland SPD-30 Octapad and the Roland BT-1 Bar Trigger Pad.

Roland SPD-30 Octapad

Things We Liked

The first …

PRO AUDIO

Taylor
April 2, 2013

Roland SPD-SX Sampling Pad Review

Its been close to a decade since we last saw a sampling pad from Roland with the SPD-S. The latest version in this sampling pad line, the Roland SPD-SX, is the combination of features from Roland’s own engineers as well as those requested by the public in terms of what they wanted to see on a sampling pad. Sampling pads are nothing new in the world of digital based percussion but with new crops of rock bands and electronic music makers using them in live scenarios, more and more drummers are starting to utilize the expansive technology within pad triggered sampling devices. For drummers looking to expand their pallet, this is a great tool which you can completely customize so you can leave the laptop at home.

So maybe you’re a DJ looking to add more dynamics to your live set, or maybe you’re a drummer who wants to …

PRO AUDIO

Taylor
March 26, 2013

Roland TD-4KP Portable V-Drums Review

When you ask drummers, “Which brand has the best electronic drum kit?”, the typical answer is Roland. However Roland V-Drums are rather expensive even if you are getting what you are paying for in terms of build quality, performance, and overall fidelity. Roland has delivered a kit that is not only affordable, but also makes portability a staple feature on the new Roland TD-4KP V-Drums Portable electronic drum kit. Following in the footsteps of previous models within the TD-4K line, the TD-4KP retails for under $1000 with all the quality you can expect from a Roland V-Drum kit. Included in the kit are the TD-4 drum module, eight pads total (kick, snare, toms x3, hi-hat, crash and ride cymbals), the FD-8 Hi-Hat Controller, and drum rack for mounting your drum and cymbal pads. Not included are a drum throne and kick pedal but you can purchase the Roland DAP-3X V-Drums Accessory Package which …

PRO AUDIO

Taylor
December 13, 2012

iPad Controlled Digital Mixing Console Comparison

The Apple iPad has quickly become more than just a tablet for reading books and watching video. It is now a fully functional tool for doing all sorts of things including controlling your home security system, creating music, or having control of your home entertainment system. The pro audio world has found new and interesting ways of incorporating the iPad as well. Keyboard controllers, audio interfaces, DJ controllers, and live sound mixers are all getting a tech facelift with the application of the iPad. One of the more practical and prominent uses has been the iPad’s ability to sync with digital mixing consoles to control everything from monitor mixes to EQ settings. We first saw this with the introduction of the Presonus StudioLive and the StudioLive Remote application.

Since we first saw this at Winter NAMM 2011, more mixing consoles have been showing up which allow for intuitive and wireless control …

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UniqueSquared
October 16, 2012

Free Roland SH-101 Synth Patches For Ableton Live

Sourcing a classic analog synthesizer is a small task on its own, and this is assuming you have the cash and bargaining skills to take it home with you if you do find one. Roland’s SH-101 is not an easy find, and I’m sure synth lovers who own one would have a hard time letting it go. Of course there are other options out there like the newer Roland GAIA SH-01 Virtual Analog Synthesizer if you want something you can touch or feel.

If you’re just looking for the audio and effects, Francis Preve has created his own patch for Ableton Live, which feature the sounds of the SH-101, complete with the basic simpler instruments (saw, square, pwm, noise, etc.)…