The SPD-20's sound set includes everything from ethnic and world percussion instruments to classic and modern acoustic and electronic drum sounds—700 sounds total! Out of the box, you get 99 Preset Patches and six rhythm loops that can be played via eight high-quality pads with natural response—even when playing with common drumming techniques like rolls and flams.

Four external dual-trigger inputs make the SPD-20 compatible with a dedicated hi-hat or kick drum controller and any of Roland’s drum pads (including V-Pads™). The trigger inputs can also be used with acoustic drum triggers for triggering acoustic drums. Other noteworthy features include a velocity-sensitive Layer function, onboard effects and MIDI connections for using the SPD-20 as a controller or sound module.