Wiktor Wise
Roland's V-Drums are a great way to practice without the noise of a traditional drum kit, and they allow you to play a variety of kits on the hardware and hook up to a computer to play any software-based drum instrument. To map out your Roland V-Drums, you need to connect your e-drum module to your PC. You can do this with a MIDI-to-USB cable, such as the Roland MK-2, or by using the USB port on newer Roland models such as the TD-11KV and TD-25. Once connected, you need to map your MIDI channels and data through the V-Drums hardware to your software instrument so that they sync up properly. You can use presets to quickly link up the two systems, or create custom maps.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| MIDI interface | External sound card |
| MIDI-to-USB cable | Roland MK-2 |
| MIDI input | Connects to e-drums module |
| MIDI output | Direct USB port |
| Drum module inputs | Found on higher-end drum modules |
| Drum module connection | USB cable |
| MIDI note numbers | Pre-assigned or customized |
| MIDI mapping | Centre of snare vs. edge of snare |
| Drum module | Connects to PC |
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What You'll Learn
Connecting your e-drum module to your PC
The next step is to connect the drum module to your computer. There are a few ways to do this:
- Using a USB Cable: If your drum module has a USB port, simply plug it into a USB port on your computer. This is usually the easiest option.
- Using an audio/MIDI Interface: If you're using a MIDI interface, connect your drum module to it with a MIDI cable. Ensure that you connect the cable from the "MIDI OUT" port on the module to the "MIDI IN" port on the audio/MIDI interface.
- Using a MIDI-to-USB Cable: This cable is an adapter that runs from the MIDI plug to the USB interface. One side of the cable has one or two MIDI audio cables, while the other side has a USB connection cable. The Roland MK-2 is a popular option for this type of cable.
- Using iRig: iRig is a small device that costs around $11 and allows you to connect your drum module to your phone or laptop. Use a standard instrument cable from the mono-out on your drum module into the iRig, and then connect the other end of the iRig to the 1/8th-inch microphone jack on your device.
Once your drum module is connected, you may need to update your DAW's MIDI settings to communicate with it. Launch your DAW and navigate to the MIDI settings window. Locate the drum module and enable its MIDI Input and Output ports.
Finally, to ensure that your e-drums are mapped out correctly, you need to sync your MIDI channels and data through the hardware to your software instrument. This means that your physical snare, hi-hat, and other components should correspond correctly to the software snare, hi-hat, etc. Additionally, ensure that all associated velocity data is correct for optimal sound quality.
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Using Roland TD-11KV and TD-25 models
The Roland TD-11KV is a popular low-to-mid-range kit, suitable for drummers of all skill levels. It is a 5-piece kit with dual trigger mesh pads, dual trigger crash cymbals, and a 3-way trigger ride (bell/bow/edge). It also comes with a Roland KD9 kick drum pad, which can accommodate a double bass pedal, and a PDX8 dual-zone snare drum. The TD-11KV offers an upgrade from the TD-11K with its PDX-6 and PDX-8 mesh pads, although the mesh pads have a plastic ring that makes the playing surface slightly smaller.
The TD-25 series is a significant upgrade from the TD-11, particularly with its VH-11 hi-hat, which offers a more authentic drumming experience. The PDX-100 snare on the TD-25KV also has positional sensing, meaning the sound of the drum changes depending on where you hit it, just like a real snare. The TD-25KV is a streamlined and simplified version of the TD-30, with easy-to-use presets and the ability to fine-tune each kit piece. It also comes with upgraded toms and an extra cymbal compared to the TD-25K.
However, the TD-25 has limited expandability options. Unlike most other Roland modules, you cannot use drum splitters to add more pads, as the rim sounds cannot be reassigned. To expand the TD-25, you would need to add a second module and plug it into the mix input port, but this will only play the samples on the second module, not trigger them on the TD-25.
Both the TD-11KV and TD-25KV are recommended for mid-level drummers, depending on your budget. The TD-25KV is pricier but offers more advanced features, while the TD-11KV is a solid choice for those on a tighter budget.
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Using a MIDI interface
Firstly, connect your e-drum module to your PC. You can do this using a MIDI-to-USB cable, such as the Roland MK-2, which connects to your PC via a USB cable. Alternatively, some newer Roland models, such as the TD-11KV and TD-25, have both MIDI output and a direct USB port, so you can connect the drum module directly to your PC with a USB cable.
Once your drum module is connected, you need to map your MIDI channel through the Roland drums hardware to your software instrument. This ensures that the physical snare, for example, is routed to the software snare, and so on. You can use presets to link up the two systems, but sometimes you will have to create custom maps. Your Roland MIDI note numbers are usually pre-assigned to each pad, but you can also create customised MIDI note number assignments through mapping presets.
If you don't see your drum module or interface listed as an available MIDI device, check that everything is connected correctly and that you have the correct drivers installed. Once your module is connected and enabled within your DAW, you can start recording your electronic drums. You can record MIDI, audio, or both simultaneously.
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Using presets to link systems
When it comes to electronic drums, using presets is a quick and efficient way to link up two systems. In some cases, you may be fortunate enough to have a preset readily available. However, there will be times when you need to create custom maps to suit your specific setup. Understanding the fundamentals of MIDI mapping is crucial to achieving the desired sound.
The first step is to ensure proper mapping of your MIDI channels and data. This involves routing your physical snare to the software snare, hi-hat to hi-hat, and so on. It is important to note that different areas of virtual drums are designed to respond to different MIDI notes. For instance, the centre of the snare may use one value, while the edge uses another. Therefore, accurate velocity data is essential for achieving a pleasing sound.
To connect your electronic drum kit to speakers, you can use a 1/4 inch or XLR cable. One end of the cable should be plugged into the output jack of your drum set, while the other end connects to either the amplifier's input jack or one of the channel inputs on the PA mixer. For active speakers, a 1/4 inch cable is used to link the drum module's output jack directly to the speaker's input jack or the mixer. It is recommended to power off the entire kit during setup to avoid any mishaps.
Additionally, you can connect your electronic drum module directly to your PC using a USB cable if you own a newer Roland model, such as the TD-11KV or TD-25, which feature both MIDI output and a direct USB port. In this case, the module serves as the MIDI interface, simplifying the process. Alternatively, if your drum module lacks a direct USB port, you can utilise a MIDI-to-USB cable, such as the Roland MK-2, to establish the connection.
By following these steps and utilising presets, you can effectively link up different systems and customise your electronic drum setup to suit your preferences and performance requirements.
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Mapping MIDI channels and data
Understanding MIDI Channels:
MIDI channels serve as pathways for communication between your electronic drums and the connected device, such as a computer or audio interface. Each channel carries specific information about the sounds produced by different components of your drum kit. For instance, one channel might carry data for the snare drum, while another channel transmits data for the hi-hat.
Connecting Your Drum Module:
The first step in mapping MIDI channels is to connect your electronic drum module to your computer or audio interface. Roland's newer models, like the TD-11KV and TD-25, offer both MIDI output and a direct USB connection. Using a USB cable, you can conveniently connect your drum module directly to your computer, eliminating the need for additional adapters or interfaces.
Software Configuration:
Once your drum module is connected, you'll need to configure the software to recognize and map the incoming MIDI data correctly. This typically involves assigning specific MIDI channels to different parts of your drum kit. For example, you'll want the physical snare drum to trigger the software snare, the hi-hat pad to trigger the corresponding software hi-hat, and so on. This ensures that the audio output accurately reflects the specific drum pad you're playing.
Velocity Data:
In addition to mapping the physical drum pads to their software counterparts, it's crucial to consider velocity data. Velocity refers to the dynamic range of your playing, from soft to loud. Correctly configured velocity data ensures that the software snare, for instance, responds with an appropriate volume level depending on how hard you strike the physical snare drum pad.
Using Presets:
To streamline the mapping process, you can take advantage of presets. Presets are pre-configured settings that map the MIDI channels for you. While presets can save time, they might not always offer the level of customization you desire.
Creating Custom Maps:
For a truly tailored experience, you may need to create custom maps. This involves assigning specific MIDI notes and values to different areas of your drum pads. For example, the centre of the snare drum pad might trigger one MIDI value, while the edge triggers another, allowing for nuanced sounds and expressions.
By following these steps and carefully configuring your MIDI channels and data, you can achieve a seamless and immersive electronic drumming experience, opening up a world of creative possibilities.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need your electric drum kit, a MIDI channel, and a software instrument. You can also use an external drum controller.
Mapping out your drum kit ensures that your MIDI channels and data are correctly synced with your software instrument. This allows your physical snare, for example, to be routed to the software snare.
You can map out your Roland electric drums by connecting your e-drum module to your PC. This can be done via a MIDI-to-USB cable or, if your drum module has a USB port, by connecting it directly to your PC with a USB cable.
A MIDI interface is another name for an external sound card. It is used to connect your e-drum module to your PC via a USB cable and often has additional audio inputs for guitars and microphones. While it is not necessary, a MIDI interface can be useful if you want to trigger sample software via an electronic drum kit.
Use a high-quality VST along with great drum samples. Some of the best VSTs include Addictive Drums and Superior Drummer. Additionally, make sure that all associated velocity data is correct.
