Roland Introduces SPD-20 Total Percussion Pad

540 Acoustic, Electronic, Ethnic and World Music Drum and Percussion Sounds at the Ready

January 29, 1998 -- Since the introduction of the popular Roland SPD-11 in 1993, drummers have been able to instantly add hundreds of high-quality drum and percussion sounds to their existing kits with a single compact percussion multi-pad. This year, with the introduction of the new SPD-20 Total Percussion Pad, Roland gives drummers and creative MIDI musicians more of what they want.

The SPD-20 picks up where the popular SPD-11 left off, packing 540 high quality drum and percussion sounds (twice as many as the SPD-11) and an array of groove enhancing sound effects inside the classic eight-pad, single-unit design. New SPD-20 samples include strikingly realistic acoustic drum sounds as well as electronic drum sounds ranging from the classics (808 and 909 kicks, snares, toms, hi-hats, etc.) to other distinct analog drum sounds. Also onboard is an amazing collection of pitched instruments and ethnic and world music instruments, including percussion sounds from India, Japan, China, Korea, South America, Africa, Australia and the Middle East.

The SPD-20's eight velocity-sensitive rubber pads can trigger a wide range of expressive sounds based on a player's style and technique, while user-stored velocity cross fade and triggering parameters can be used to create new sounds and effects. Up to 99 customized, user-selectable patches (including sound-to-pad assignments, parameter settings, and settings for external pads and pedals) can be stored and accessed via a footswitch or the SPD-20 keypad. Patch chains can also be stored and accessed via a remote footswitch for live playing/set list applications.

New to the SPD-20 is the ability to directly trigger any of the 540 internal sounds from an acoustic kit without having to use a separate triggering unit. Up to four additional pads/triggers may be connected to the back of the SPD-20, including all of Roland's electronic percussion pads, the popular KD-7 Kick Drum Trigger and FD-7 Hi-Hat Control Pedal. These capabilities make the SPD-20 a versatile instrument which can be used to supplement an acoustic or electronic drum set or act as a stand-alone unit.

MIDI In and Out ports add to the possibilities for sequencing and triggering other MIDI instruments in a more rhythmic, drummer-friendly manner. An external phone jack allows headphones to be plugged in for personal playing and practicing.

The SPD-20 furthers Roland's commitment to drummers, percussionists and creative MIDI musicians of all types. With the SPD-20's increased sound palette and proven, reliable design, the rhythmic possibilities are endless.

Roland is a world leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of electronic musical instruments, professional audio equipment, multimedia products and music accessories.

For more information, contact Roland Corporation U.S., 7200 Dominion Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90040, 213.685.5141, www.rolandus.com.