Roland Snares

[jnorris]

So I've been through the Roland TD-3, TD-4, TD-9 and TD-15 and am still unimpressed by the Roland snare sounds, although I'm pleased with the responsiveness of the kit. Honestly, I don't know who programs the snares on the Rolands but they truly sound awful. I've also tried multiple Vex kits and, while better, still leave me wanting. I've been watching YouTube videos of the Alesis DM-10 and the snare sounds seem much better, deep, throaty and natural with a good ring. Has anyone else looked into this? I might even pick up an Alesis module just for the snares.

[jpsquared482]

I agree with you that Roland should do a better job with the entry-level modules, but the TD-30 "steel snare" is very nice. I suspect that Roland intentionally baits us to get into a lower price point and then we drool over the flagship so we upgrade. Then they may two or three sales in the process. They could EASILY have put a much higher quality snare sound in the modules you listed.

[Anyware]

I haven't used the stock TD-15 sounds since a few weeks after I bought it. I mostly trigger Superior Drummer 2.0 with The Metal Foundry kits (even though I don't play metal). If I get tired of those sounds, I have many others that I can switch to. I did VEX the TD-15, and while that's much better, it doesn't compare to the high quality triggered samples (IMO). If triggering sounds is an option, I'd go with hardware that feels good to you.

[jnorris]

I've heard the improvement when using third party samples through triggering, but I just want to sit down and play, not be hassled by running it through a computer with the attendant wires, software and latency issues. The fact is that I spent $1100 on the TD-15, not to mention what I paid for the other modules (each purchase made in hopes of improvement), and I would expect that the snare sounds would be the single most important aspect of the module instead of the kibuki tin nonsense we get.

[jnorris]

I've heard the improvement when using third party samples through triggering, but I just want to sit down and play, not be hassled by running it through a computer with the attendant wires, software and latency issues. The fact is that I spent $1100 on the TD-15, not to mention what I paid for the other modules (each purchase made in hopes of improvement), and I would expect that the snare sounds would be the single most important aspect of the module instead of the kibuki tin nonsense we get.

[jnorris]

I've heard the improvement when using third party samples through triggering, but I just want to sit down and play, not be hassled by running it through a computer with the attendant wires, software and latency issues. The fact is that I spent $1100 on the TD-15, not to mention what I paid for the other modules (each purchase made in hopes of improvement), and I would expect that the snare sounds would be the single most important aspect of the module instead of the kibuki tin nonsense we get.

[jnorris]

Apologies for the triple posts...response is somewhat sluggish when posting and I thought my posts were going into a black hole.

[Anyware]

I've heard the improvement when using third party samples through triggering, but I just want to sit down and play, not be hassled by running it through a computer with the attendant wires, software and latency issues. The fact is that I spent $1100 on the TD-15, not to mention what I paid for the other modules (each purchase made in hopes of improvement), and I would expect that the snare sounds would be the single most important aspect of the module instead of the kibuki tin nonsense we get.

I hear you. I wish the included TD-15 sounds were better too, but unfortunately, wishing didn't get me anywhere. As for hassle, my laptop is permanently attached, and Superior Drummer is always loaded. All I do to play is turn on the TD-15, turn on the monitors (or put on headphones), and play. I don't touch the computer...unless I want to change sounds, of course.

Have you tried the VEX sounds? That's an inexpensive way to add better sounds to the kit.

[PhillyDrum]

Highly recommend that you purchase and load this VEX pack onto your TD-15: http://www.vexpressionsltd.com/evolution.html

[EssKayKay]

+1 on VEX

[jimorlando]

I'm using the wood and brass snare and tweaked it so it has some ring especially on the rims following TommyD's TD 30 guide. It sounds pretty good. I did this after instating one of the vex kits.