App Audio File Play - Trigger song/sample playback of an audio file from the pads. List of built-in sounds in the Yamaha can be found here:Īnd Yamaha has a dedicated iOS app, with as most important features:ġ.
The Yamaha will be able to store approx 12 min of mono samples in CD quality (6 min.s in stereo), max approx 23 seconds per sample. Looks like there are no sounds built-in in the Roland. (See Roland’s Acoustic Drum Triggers and the vast array of drum pads and controller options.) In either case, adding an SPD-SX and SPD-30 to your existing drum rig will greatly expand your sound options and open up your playing to new possibilities." The SPD-30 is a percussion pad with on-board sounds and phrase loop technology (sounds cannot be imported for sampling like the SPD-SX.) Another difference is that you can trigger up to four external sound sources on the SPD-30, or trigger two external sources on the SPD-SX. So, what’s the difference between the SPD-SX and the SPD-30? The SPD-SX is a powerful sampler with sound import functionality. The Roland might have this too, but it could be worth investigating. The Yamaha lets you choose between pad sounds through main out only and click through headphones only, both sounds through both, or pad sounds through main and pads + click through headphones. Other small things could be the extensibe sound library in the Yamaha, and the ability to sync a programmed loop (not and imported sample) with the click and the choke (touch trigger) function (great on cymbals). the more elaborate and difficult Yamaha, and the limited storage on the Yamaha vs the Roland. Even with hands (unlike the Rolands).Īs I see it, for your needs, I would recommend the M12, but there are two main things to consider: The ease of programming the Roland vs. They respond great for live, or any, playing. I do like the Roland pads better, but I don't feel inhibited by the Yamaha pads, they're just different. The pads are difficult the play press rolls on, as the sticks won't bounce. You also get 12 pads, the Roland will give you 9. In CD quality the samples can be no longer than 23 seconds (2MB mono/4MB stereo). You can import samples, and loop these if you wish, but the 64MB could limit you somewhat. I use it to start/stop the click, which will work in sync with your programmed loops (use ones pre-programmed or create your own), unlike the Roland. It also has a foot switch input that can be used as an additional pad (not velocity sensitive) if you don't want to use it to as a foot switch. The reason I got it was the ability to use it as a drum kit, with its 4 single zone/2 dual zone + 1 tripple zone input (more than the Roland), in addition to a separate hi hat controller input (Roland doesn't have one).
It is not easy to program, I would think the Roland is more intuitive, and you will need your manual to begin with, and a bit futher too. Your experience with not all pads working if you hit them simultaneously must be a setting or fault on that particular M12, because all pads can be hit at any time, also together. The drum kit sounds aren't gonna blow you away, but a lot of the other percussion sounds are good. I ended up buying the M12, and I'm quite happy with it.
I would really appreciate any and all thought on this comparison, because I plan to make a purchase before our next season and implement the new toy. I have heard that the Roland SPD-SX has less impressive preset sounds, but I've also heard that the Yamaha trigger pads don't respond well for live playing. This would be SO useful in a live performance setting. you can play timpani sounds, and dampen them accurately). The negative things I've heard about either one seem to be based solely on user preference, although there are a couple differentiating features I can't ignore: I've done a fair amount of research on both the Yamaha DTX multi12 and the Roland SPD-SX, but I would appreciate opinions from those of you that make use of them regularly. Ability to loop effects and trigger samples and run backing tracks/click tracks Potential to mix electronic drums with acoustic (through trigger expandability) To have a **compact**, great sounding set of percussion sounds and effects for live theatre applications My immediate applications for either of these items would be as follows: