Divided into 15 parts, the HPD-15's ultra-sensitive 10-inch rubber pad can be used to trigger up to 15 different sounds using techniques from hard conga slaps to the light finger touch needed for tabla performances. And because the main pad supports positional sensing, you can create timbre changes just by striking different areas of the pad.

In creating the HPD-15's sound set, Roland traveled the globe—from Latin America to southeast Asia, China, India, the Middle East and Africa. There are 600 sounds total, including a fine collection of acoustic percussion sounds, electronic drums and sound effects. And unlike acoustic instruments, you don't have to worry about tuning, humidity and temperature.

The HPD-15's knobs can be used for controlling pitch, timbre and multi-effects, while dual ribbon controllers create realistic conga slides and make triggering guiro sounds more natural. You can even create rolls by pushing harder on the pads. The D Beam, on the other hand, uses an infrared light beam for adjusting pitch, filter cutoff and triggering sounds like a gong or a bell tone. An optional expression pedal may also be used.

Perfect for practice or composition, the HPD-15's 4-part pattern sequencer provides 99 Preset and User patterns. And with MIDI In and Out, you can use the HandSonic as a sound module or as the ultimate controller for playing into your sequencer. Live performers will appreciate the ability to add an optional hi-hat controller and kick trigger, as well as the HPD-15's 1/4-inch Line input for blending in external sounds.