Description
The Roland OCTAPAD SPD-30 is a professional-grade digital percussion pad that has been a staple for drummers and percussionists for many years. Unlike the SPD-SX series, which focuses heavily on sampling, the SPD-30 is an all-in-one instrument with its own rich library of high-quality, editable sounds. It’s often considered a modern evolution of the original Roland Octapad, which was a landmark electronic percussion controller.
Key Features and Highlights:
- Integrated Instrument: The SPD-30 is a self-contained instrument. It comes pre-loaded with a diverse library of sounds, eliminating the need to load your own samples. The latest Version 2 firmware upgrade expanded this library to include over 670 instruments and 99 kits.
- Highly Playable Pads: The unit features eight independent, velocity-sensitive pads. They utilize Roland’s advanced V-Drums trigger technology, providing excellent sensitivity and a natural feel. The pads are also isolated to prevent crosstalk, ensuring that only the pad you hit triggers a sound.
- Onboard Phrase Looper: This is a key creative feature. You can record your playing in real-time and overdub up to three layers to create complex and layered phrases. This is perfect for building rhythms, practicing, or creating spontaneous loops in a live performance.
- Comprehensive Sound Editing: The SPD-30 allows for deep customization of its internal sounds. You can edit parameters like tuning, muffling, attack, tone color, and pitch sweep, giving you the ability to shape the sound to your exact needs.
- Powerful Multi-Effects: The unit includes a robust multi-effects engine with 30 different multi-effects types, plus a seven-type ambience processor, an equalizer, and a limiter. You can apply these effects in real-time, adding a professional polish to your sound.
- Extensive Connectivity: The SPD-30 is designed for versatility. It includes:
- Four dual-trigger inputs: This allows you to connect up to four additional pads, kick triggers, or cymbals to build a mini electronic drum kit.
- Hi-Hat Control Jack: You can connect a Roland hi-hat controller (like the FD-8 or VH-11) for realistic hi-hat control.
- USB Connectivity: A USB memory port for backing up your kits and phrases, and a USB MIDI port for connecting to a computer.
- Rugged and Road-Worthy Design: The SPD-30 has a durable, molded plastic frame that can withstand the rigors of live performance and touring.
