Roland Pad SPD-SX

Product Description

The Roland SPD-SX is a sampling pad instrument that works just as well next to an acoustic or electronic drum kit as it does in a DJ booth or a keyboard rig. With nine velocity-sensitive pads, built-in effects and a large internal memory, you can trigger samples, loops and full backing tracks straight from the pad – on stage, in the studio or in a club. The display and per-pad LED indicators make it easy to keep track of what's playing, even in a dark venue.

• Unique sampling pad concept – the only instrument of its kind
• 4 GB internal memory gives long sampling time without extra memory cards
• Nine velocity-sensitive rubber pads plus two inputs for external dual-trigger pads
• Easy recording and splitting of audio data via Multi-Pad Sampling
• Three built-in multi-effects units with two real-time control knobs and four dedicated effect switches
• Large, backlit LCD with individual Pad Dynamics indicators

Pads and Triggering

The nine rubber pads offer extra-high sensitivity, each with a dedicated LED that shows the pad's status – lighting up throughout a triggered phrase and changing brightness according to the audio signal's activity, similar to a level meter on a mixing console. High-contrast red dividers make the pad zones easy to see even on a dark stage. Beyond the built-in pads, two external trigger inputs allow for up to four additional pads in total. Maximum polyphony is 20 voices, though this can drop to 16 voices depending on the operating mode.

Memory, Sound and Effects

4 GB of internal memory provides up to 720 minutes of mono sampling time without needing external memory, and you can store up to 10,000 waveform data files, including the preloaded factory samples. Audio is recorded as 16-bit linear PCM (WAV/AIFF) at 44.1 kHz. The SPD-SX holds 100 kits and 8 kit chains with 20 steps per chain, plus three built-in effects units: master effects (21 types), an equalizer, and two kit effects (20 types each) – all controllable via two real-time knobs and four dedicated effect switches.

Connectivity and Included Items

Extended USB functionality (USB Mass Storage, USB-MIDI/AUDIO, USB Flash Drive support) makes it simple to move audio to and from a computer, and the included Wave Manager software helps you import, assign and organise samples. The box includes a CD-ROM (SPD-SX Wave Manager, USB driver, preinstalled waveform data), a user manual and an AC adapter. A wide range of accessories – pads, cymbal pads, kick triggers, a floor stand and trigger mics, among others – are sold separately, including the PDS-10 stand for the SPD-SX.

Who It's For

The SPD-SX suits percussionists looking to expand a drum kit, DJs triggering loops and backing tracks, and keyboard players who want to bring samples into a live rig. It performs equally well on stage, in the studio, or during pre-production work.

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Specifications