10 Reasons Why a Drummer Needs the Roland SPD-SX

Uploading .Wav Samples
Using a USB cable or a thumb drive uploading .wav files or MP3s is easier then ever. This gives you the ability to add samples to music or even create a custom click track.  For example if you have bpm, and time signature changes in the music you’re playing. This is important when playing a click live with these type of bpm and time signaturechanges.As a trick I was able to build an audio file on my computer’s audio software program (cubase) containing nothing but snare hits as a click track. I varied this hits to the tempo changes and time signature changes their by making my own custom click track out of an audio file. I then uploaded this to the SPD-SX. By playing the file back, you now effectivly have a customized click track for your song that changes tempo/time signature.

2 Dual Trigger Inputs
For the metal drummer who wants to add triggers to an acoustic kit, or anyone who wants the bass drum to have a little extra “oomph,” or different feel, the SPD-SX is perfect for mixing acoustic and triggered sounds together.  This sampling pad is equipped with two dual ¼” trigger inputs.  If you play double bass you could use a y-cable for the two bass drums and still have an extra trigger input to use as needed (such as snare drum or percussion instruments). Triggering your bass drums and mixing with mics is a common practice for professional touring musicians. If you happen to be playing a gig, and they don’t have two of the same bass drum mics, triggering is a great option.

Built in Click
When you don’t need a custom click track, the SPD-SX has its own with volume control and output control allowing personal monitoring or distribution to the band.  This way, if you are jamming with the band not everyone has to hear it.  You can also change the type of click (cowbell, beep, and others).

2 Dual Foot Switch Inputs
The SPD-SX has so much to offer.
Once you have everything set up the way you like, you can toggle between patch pages using a foot switch.  The Boss FS-6 is great for toggling up and down between pages. If you have multiple pages for different songs, this is a must for hands free control.  You can also use the Boss FS-5U to either go up or down on the pages, or what ever you assign the pedal to do.

Routing/ Configuration
Just about everything on the SPD-SX can be assigned to whatever output you desire, whether it be the headphone out, sub out, or Master out, giving you a total of 6 outputs to route to as your heart desires.

2 Controllable Effects knobs
Having two controllable effects knobs that work in real-time is nice when you want to add a little something extra to your sound.  Of course, you can choose to bypass effects within the output menu or from a foot-switch on the fly. You can assign a specified effect to individual outputs. This can be important if you want to hear effects through headphones and not the main outputs or vice versa.

Intuitive Menus
Compared to the old SPD-S, I found that the menus of the new SPD-SX much more intuitive.  The only thing I had to look up in the manual was how to upload .wav files.  And, once you know, it’s easy.

The Pads
Nine rubber pads give you plenty of options for sampling.  When a pad is in use, a red LED illuminates.  Also the LED is bright or dim depending on how hard you hit the pad showing the pads great dynamics.  You can set the sensitivity on virtually everything.

Recording Samples
In addition to the included sample library, or uploading your own samples, you also can record samples directly on the SPD-SX.  If you prefer not to build your samples on computer software, and have to upload your samples to the SPD-SX. You can just hit record and go.  If you have a unique sound you want to record quickly it as easy as hitting record, stop, and playing your 16-bit (CD Quality) or MP3 sample that you just recorded.

Wave Manager
The included Wave Manager disk CD-ROM software is great for organizing your library of .wav files.  You use a USB cable (Not Included) to upload and manage your files directly from your computer into the SPD-SX.  Then, you can assign samples to each pad, or patch page, as you would like.  Organizing samples becomes easy and efficient.

The only thing I could think of as a downside is that it does not include a USB cable to connect the SPD-SX to your computer.  This beast of a machine is a perfect addition to any drummer’s playing.  The only limiting factor is your creativity.

-Regards Brent Boutte’