What’s the difference between the TD-9 and the TD-15 V-Drum kits?

What’s the difference between the TD-9 and the TD-15 V-Drum kits?

What are the differences between the Roland TD-9 and new TD-15 V-Drums series | Roland UK

In 2012, Roland launched a brand new range of V-Drums electronic drum kits. Featuring our SuperNATURAL technology, these new drum kits offer an incredibly realistic and dynamic playing experience. The mid-range TD-15K is one of the most popular V-Drums kits, as it’s affordable, expressive and ready to gig. But what’s the difference between the new Roland TD-15 series and the older TD-9 series that it replaced? We explain all…

THE CURRENT V-DRUMS RANGE

The current V-Drums range comprises eight different kits, ranging from beginner to pro:

  • V-Drums Lite (HD-3)
  • V-Drums Portable (TD-4KP)
  • V-Compact series (TD-11K and TD-11KV)
  • V-Tour series (TD-15K and TD-15KV)
  • V-Pro series (TD-30K and TD-30KV)

The top three V-Drums kits (V-Compact, V-Tour and V-Pro) are available in two configurations; a more affordable version with smaller pads/cymbals and a more advanced version with larger pads/cymbals;

TD-9 SERIES (PREVIOUS MODEL)

  • TD-9K2 (smaller pads and cymbals)
  • TD-9KX2 (larger pads and cymbals, stand mounted VH-11 hi-hat)

TD-15 SERIES (NEW MODEL)

  • TD-15K (smaller pads and cymbals)
  • TD-15KV (larger pads and cymbals, stand mounted VH-11 hi-hat)

The module (or brain) is identical for whichever kit you choose in a particular series. So both kits in the TD-15 series feature the same TD-15 module, while both kits in the TD-11 series feature the same TD-11 module. The TD-15 and TD-11 modules offer similar features and looks, but they are not the same.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TD-15 MODULE AND THE TD-9 MODULE?

Simply put, the biggest difference in the new TD-15 series is the SuperNATURAL technology. SuperNATURAL technology improves the way the instrument responds to your playing, making it feel far more natural and authentic.

TD-9 MODULE

TD-15 MODULE

SuperNATURAL Technology?
No
Yes

Number of instruments
522
500

Number of kits
50*
100 (50 Kits/50 User kits)

Instrument Editing Parameters
Head Tuning, Muffling, Cymbal Size, Sustain, Pitch, Decay
Head Tuning, Muffling, Snare Buzz, Snare Strainer, Tone Colour, Volume, Pan

Quick edit feature (Tuning, Muffling, Snare strainer)
No
Yes

Ambience and Effects
Ambience (9 types), 2-Band Equaliser
Ambience (10 types), 4-band equaliser

On board ‘FX’ engine
No
Yes (10 multi-FX such as compression, saturator, distortion and more)

Song player with internal songs
Yes (50 songs installed)
Yes (38 installed + 23 on CD)

Internal click (metronome)
Yes
Yes

Route click track through headphones only?
No
Yes

Internal coach and timing check
Yes (Scope type)
Yes (Time Check, Quiet Count and Warm Up’s)

Quick Record function
Yes
Yes

USB Memory back up?
Yes
Yes

USB Song player (.wav/.mp3 files)
Yes (.wav only)
Yes (.wav/.mp3 files)

USB Wireless Connectivity
No
Yes

USB Direct recording
No
Yes (Stereo L/R)

MIDI In/out
In/Out (Thru)
Out

Number of Auxiliary Trigger Inputs
2
2

Auxiliary ‘Mix In’ Input
Yes (3.5mm Jack)
Yes (3.5mm Jack)

Illumination Ring with click sync
No
Yes

*TD-9 module software upgrade allowed 99 kits

WHAT ABOUT THE PADS AND CYMBALS?

The TD-9 series and TD-15 series use similar pads. The TD-9K2 and TD-15K share the same pads and cymbals. Many of the pads and cymbals used on the TD-9KX2 and the TD-15KV are the same, with the exception of a brand new pad design (Roland PDX-100 pad) for the snare and tom 3 on the TD-15KV kit.

There are two kit configurations available in each series. You can choose between affordability (smaller pads/cymbals) and performance (larger pads). Again, the modules are the same for both TD-15 kits.

TD-15K (SMALLER PADS)

  • Smaller PDX-8 (8 inch) all-mesh, dual-zone pad for Snare and Tom 3
  • Smaller PDX-6 96 inch) all-mesh, dual-zone pad for Tom 1 and Tom 2
  • CY-5 stand mounted hi-hat with FD-8 foot controller
  • 12-inch CY-12C dual-zone Crash, 13 inch CY-13R three-zone (bell, bow, edge) Ride
  • The discontinued TD-9K2 model uses the same pad configuration as the new TD-15K kit

TD-15KV (LARGER PADS)

  • Larger PDX-100 (10 inch) all-mesh dual-zone pad for snare and Tom 3
  • Larger PD-85 (8 inch all-mesh dual-zone pad for Tom 1 and Tom 3)
  • VH-11 V-Hi-Hat cymbals mounted to an acoustic hi-hat stand (not supplied) for natural playability
  • 12-inch CY-12C dual-zone Crash, 13 inch CY-13R three-zone (bell, bow, edge) Ride
  • The discontinued TD-9KX2 model uses the same pad configuration as the new TD-15KV kit

The TD-9 series and TD-15 both use the MDS-9 series drum stand, which has a bigger footprint to allow a set-up more akin to a full size drum kit. With features like ball clamps on the snare and cymbals, it makes for a very flexible set-up. After all, it’s important that you can adjust your kit and make it fit around your playing style.

IS THE TD-15 SERIES RIGHT FOR ME?

The TD-15 series V-Drums kit is ideal for the established drummer and has been designed for use in the recording studio, on the live stage and for rehearsals and practice. The TD-15 module has many advanced features and upgrades beyond the TD-11 V-Compact Series to make it useable in every-day musical situations, such as gigging or recording drum tracks, as well as features to help you develop your playing and timing.