ROLAND TD-11 REVIEW
Overview
In the dynamic world of electronic drumming, the Roland TD-11 stands as a formidable contender, offering drummers a balance of affordability, performance, and versatility.
This review delves into the intricate details of the Roland TD-11 drum kit, exploring its features, sound quality, playability, and overall value for drummers of varying skill levels.
This review delves into the intricate details of the Roland TD-11 drum kit, exploring its features, sound quality, playability, and overall value for drummers of varying skill levels.
Roland TD-11
A Quick Rundown of Features:
- Well Priced
- More Suited For Practice
- V-Compact Series Pads
- Backing Songs & Loops
- USB & Recording Capabilities
- Realistic Feel
“I’m really impressed with the sound quality and playability of the TD-11, especially for the price. It’s got everything you need for an electronic drum kit”.
Thomas Lang
Features In Depth
Design and Build Quality
The Roland TD-11 boasts a sleek and ergonomic design, with a focus on providing a realistic drumming experience.
The drum pads, crafted with precision, mimic the feel of acoustic drum heads. The robust build quality ensures durability, making the kit suitable for both practice sessions and live performances.
Sound Module – The Heartbeat of the Kit
At the core of the TD-11 is the sound module, a crucial component that dictates the sonic character of the entire kit.
Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine powers the TD-11, delivering a rich and expressive range of drum sounds.
From the subtle nuances of a soft jazz brush to the thunderous kick of a rock beat, the sound module captures the essence of various drumming styles.
The Roland TD-11 boasts a sleek and ergonomic design, with a focus on providing a realistic drumming experience.
The drum pads, crafted with precision, mimic the feel of acoustic drum heads. The robust build quality ensures durability, making the kit suitable for both practice sessions and live performances.
Sound Module – The Heartbeat of the Kit
At the core of the TD-11 is the sound module, a crucial component that dictates the sonic character of the entire kit.
Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine powers the TD-11, delivering a rich and expressive range of drum sounds.
From the subtle nuances of a soft jazz brush to the thunderous kick of a rock beat, the sound module captures the essence of various drumming styles.
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Playability and Responsiveness
One of the standout features of the TD-11 is its responsive playability.
The mesh heads on the snare and toms provide a natural rebound, offering drummers a lifelike feel that closely emulates an acoustic drum set.
The sensitivity of the pads allows for intricate and nuanced playing, catering to the demands of both beginners and experienced drummers.
Versatility in Drum Sounds
The TD-11 offers a diverse selection of drum sounds, covering a spectrum of genres.
Whether you’re into rock, jazz, electronic, or world music, the kit provides a comprehensive library of high-quality drum samples.
The ability to customise and tweak each sound allows drummers to tailor their kit to match their preferred sonic palette.
Coach and Practice Functions
A noteworthy aspect of the TD-11 is its incorporation of coaching and practice functions.
These features make it an excellent tool for drummers looking to enhance their skills.
The metronome, timing exercises, and recording capabilities provide valuable tools for both practice and performance improvement.
One of the standout features of the TD-11 is its responsive playability.
The mesh heads on the snare and toms provide a natural rebound, offering drummers a lifelike feel that closely emulates an acoustic drum set.
The sensitivity of the pads allows for intricate and nuanced playing, catering to the demands of both beginners and experienced drummers.
Versatility in Drum Sounds
The TD-11 offers a diverse selection of drum sounds, covering a spectrum of genres.
Whether you’re into rock, jazz, electronic, or world music, the kit provides a comprehensive library of high-quality drum samples.
The ability to customise and tweak each sound allows drummers to tailor their kit to match their preferred sonic palette.
Coach and Practice Functions
A noteworthy aspect of the TD-11 is its incorporation of coaching and practice functions.
These features make it an excellent tool for drummers looking to enhance their skills.
The metronome, timing exercises, and recording capabilities provide valuable tools for both practice and performance improvement.
Pros and Cons of the Roland TD-11 Drum Kit
PROS
- Realistic Feel
- SuperNATURAL Sound Engine
- Versatility
- Practice and Coaching Features
- Build Quality
1. Realistic Feel:
The mesh heads offer a realistic and responsive playing experience, mimicking the feel of acoustic drums.
2. SuperNATURAL Sound Engine: The sound module produces a diverse and expressive range of drum sounds, thanks to Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine.
3. Versatility: With a broad array of customisable drum sounds, the TD-11 caters to drummers across various genres.
4. Practice and Coaching Features: The kit includes features like a metronome and coaching functions, making it an effective tool for skill development.
5. Build Quality: The durable construction ensures the kit can withstand the rigours of regular playing, providing long-lasting reliability.
2. SuperNATURAL Sound Engine: The sound module produces a diverse and expressive range of drum sounds, thanks to Roland’s SuperNATURAL sound engine.
3. Versatility: With a broad array of customisable drum sounds, the TD-11 caters to drummers across various genres.
4. Practice and Coaching Features: The kit includes features like a metronome and coaching functions, making it an effective tool for skill development.
5. Build Quality: The durable construction ensures the kit can withstand the rigours of regular playing, providing long-lasting reliability.
CONS
Limited Expansion Options
Basic User Interface
Cable Management
1. Limited Expansion Options:
Compared to higher-end models, the TD-11 has limited options for expansion, which may be a consideration for drummers looking to build an extensive electronic drum setup.
2. Basic User Interface: Some users may find the user interface and menu navigation somewhat basic compared to more advanced models.
3. Cable Management: The presence of cables can be cumbersome, and managing them for a clean setup may require additional effort.
2. Basic User Interface: Some users may find the user interface and menu navigation somewhat basic compared to more advanced models.
3. Cable Management: The presence of cables can be cumbersome, and managing them for a clean setup may require additional effort.
Summary
In conclusion, the Roland TD-11 drum kit stands as a testament to Roland’s commitment to delivering quality electronic drumming experiences.
Its realistic feel, versatile sound options, and practice-enhancing features make it an ideal choice for drummers seeking a reliable and affordable electronic drum kit.
While it may have limitations in terms of expansion options and user interface sophistication, the overall value it provides makes the Roland TD-11 a commendable choice for drummers at various skill levels.
Whether you’re practising in your home studio or rocking a live performance, the Roland TD-11 brings precision and versatility to your drumming journey.
Its realistic feel, versatile sound options, and practice-enhancing features make it an ideal choice for drummers seeking a reliable and affordable electronic drum kit.
While it may have limitations in terms of expansion options and user interface sophistication, the overall value it provides makes the Roland TD-11 a commendable choice for drummers at various skill levels.
Whether you’re practising in your home studio or rocking a live performance, the Roland TD-11 brings precision and versatility to your drumming journey.
Q & A
Q. When did Roland TD-11 come out?
The TD-11 was officially released in 2012 at The Music Trade Fair and it was dubbed the smallest “real V-Drum Series”. The TD-11 is one of the highest-selling electronic drum kits of all time.
Q. What is the difference between TD-11 and TD 15?
The TD-11 sits within the more budget-friendly spectrum of the V-Drums range, offering accessibility without compromising on quality.
In contrast, the TD-15 justifies its elevated price tag by incorporating a plethora of additional features tailored for the performing drummer.
Despite their price disparity, both kits adhere to a common concept and share many of the same exceptional features.
Q. What are the outputs of the Roland TD-11?
The TD-11 features dual 1/4″ outputs that can be configured to assign each instrument within a kit independently.
This setup proves advantageous when aiming to direct two distinct, isolated channels to a live sound mixer or recording console.
Q. What is the difference between Roland TD-9 and 11?
The TD-11 comes with better cymbals, all mesh heads and a Pearl Eliminator pedal. Some would say the TD-9 has the better module, but this depends on your requirements.
The TD-11 was officially released in 2012 at The Music Trade Fair and it was dubbed the smallest “real V-Drum Series”. The TD-11 is one of the highest-selling electronic drum kits of all time.
Q. What is the difference between TD-11 and TD 15?
The TD-11 sits within the more budget-friendly spectrum of the V-Drums range, offering accessibility without compromising on quality.
In contrast, the TD-15 justifies its elevated price tag by incorporating a plethora of additional features tailored for the performing drummer.
Despite their price disparity, both kits adhere to a common concept and share many of the same exceptional features.
Q. What are the outputs of the Roland TD-11?
The TD-11 features dual 1/4″ outputs that can be configured to assign each instrument within a kit independently.
This setup proves advantageous when aiming to direct two distinct, isolated channels to a live sound mixer or recording console.
Q. What is the difference between Roland TD-9 and 11?
The TD-11 comes with better cymbals, all mesh heads and a Pearl Eliminator pedal. Some would say the TD-9 has the better module, but this depends on your requirements.
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If there is something we have forgotten to mention, please contact us so we can continue to help and serve the wider drumming community.
