SPD-20 PRO
Roland R&D team interviewed many Indian artists from 2018-2019, and their opinions helped shape the SPD-20 Pro. To sum it up, the SPD-20 PRO has the same DNA as the classic SPD-20 and the SPD-20X. One could call the SPD-20 Pro is the modernized version of the SPD-20 and SPD-20X, but there is so much more in the SPD-20 PRO. Come, let’s find out.
The classic SPD-20 “Octapad” or “Rhythm pad” in India, revolutionized the percussion industry. Musicians all across the country got multiple instruments right at their fingertips- from western, Latin, world percussion, and several other sounds from various regions of India, which they have been using for all their performances. Then came the SPD-20X, which had added features and functions, and most importantly, more Indian instruments added!
As the quality of music and technology improved with time, there came a need for something more powerful, expressive and at the same time felt comfortable and familiar to use.
Keeping in mind the needs of the musicians in India, Roland has designed a super powerful-yet convenient and easy to use – Octapad Roland SPD-20 PRO!
As the name suggests, the SPD-20 PRO has the same DNA as that of the classic SPD-20 and SPD-20X, but it has been enhanced by many levels using Roland’s advanced sound technology (BMC chip). A lot of other modern features have been added to this all new octapad to give a new experience to all percussion and rhythm pad players.
SPD-20 VS SPD-20X VS SPD-20 PRO:
Display:
SPD-20 –The classic SPD-20 came with 1 small LED display which shows the Kit No.
SPD-20X – The SPD-20X comes with 1 two lines LCD display.
SPD-20 PRO-The SPD- 20 PRO comes with 2 displays – including one large LED display. This new addition makes the toggling between menus and the overall user-interface super easy!
Sounds/Kits:
SPD-20 – The classic SPD-20 came with 700 instrument sounds. These could be arranged into 99 kits (50 user kits).
SPD-20X – The SPD-20X came with 754 instrument sounds. These be arranged into 99 kits (50 user kits).
SPD-20 PRO- The all new SPD-20 PRO comes with over 900 instrument sounds which include all the sounds from the classic SPD-20. These new traditional instruments include sounds from Chenda, Duggi, Ghatam, Morsing, Tasha, Dholak, Kanjira, Khol, Madal, Mridangam, Shankh, Udukai, and more!
These tones can be arranged into 200 kits! (100 user kits).
Kit lock:
SPD-20 – The classic SPD-20 did not have a panel lock button. This is new addition made in the SPD-20 PRO.
SPD-20X – The SPD-20X too does not have a panel lock button. This is new addition made in the SPD-20 PRO.
SPD-20 PRO- The latest SPD-20 PRO features a “Kit lock” button placed right on the front panel. Its function is to lock all other buttons on the SPD-20 PRO, and is especially useful on a crowded stage, or small venues-where constant movement across the stage could result in someone accidently changing the settings of your kit!
Pad Link:
SPD-20 – The pad link feature was not available in the classic SPD-20.
SPD-20X – The pad link feature is not available in the SPD-20X.
SPD-20 PRO – The pad link feature enables the user to play the sound of two pads together, but only by striking on of the pads. Often in some songs, we need the sound of two pads simultaneously- but striking the pads together using both the sticks may not be physically possible to keep the rhythm steady. In such a situation, this feature is of huge help because now we can just link the two pads together! This is a lifesaver for any performer!
Storage:
SPD-20 – The classic SPD-20 came with SD card storage to load/save user kits.
SPD-20X – The classic SPD-20 too comes with SD card storage to load/save user kits.
SPD-20 PRO – The SPD-20 PRO features a USB input at the back panel. Users can now comfortably load/save their data (kits) into the octapad.
4 External Inputs with HH control:
SPD-20 – The classic SPD-20 came with 3 external inputs with HH control.
SPD-20X – The SPD-20X comes with 4 external inputs. Out of these, the 4th trigger input can be used either as a HH control or as an external trigger input.
SPD-20 PRO – Users now have 4 additional external inputs- connect hi-hats, snare, bass drum and play on your own new drum set up! There are so many other options that you have, to create your style of music. The additional inputs surely will go a long way in expanding your set up.
Velocity Sensitive Pads:
SPD-20 – The classic SPD-20 came with velocity sensitive pads too. However, the new SPD-20 PRO gives a higher quality, realistic and dynamic tones using the BMC chip.
SPD-20X – The SPD-20X comes with velocity sensitive pads too.
SPD-20 PRO – The top-quality rubber trigger pads on the SPD-20 Pro are velocity sensitive – meaning they respond depending on how hard or soft they are hit. This feature produces high quality, realistic and dynamic tones.
Kit Chain:
SPD-20 – The classic SPD-20 came with 8X8 kit chain.
SPD-20X – The SPD-20X too comes with 8X8 kit chain.
SPD-20 PRO – The 16X16 kit chain feature enables the user to arrange 16 different kits in their preferred order, to be used in future performances. Think about how many different genres of music the user can now play along to, without having go from Kit No. 001 to Kit 088 one-by-one manually.
A/B Layering:
SPD-20 – The classic SPD-20 has the capability to assign both A and B layers.
SPD-20X – The SPD-20X too has the capability to assign both A and B layers.
SPD-20 PRO- The A (main) and B (Sub) sounds in the SPD-20 PRO can be layered in 3 ways- i.e. Fade, Switch and Mix. The volume levels of each of the main and sub instruments can also be assigned. Using layering the feature, users can create some unique and interesting sounds.
EQ, COM and Other Effects:
SPD-20 – The classic SPD-20 came with 4 multi-effects that could be used.
SPD-20X – The SPD-20X too comes with 4 multi-effects that can be used.
SPD-20 PRO – Effects such as EQ, Compressor and 38 multi-effects can be chosen from to apply to each pad. Not just this, 3 multi-effects can be applied to the same pad at a time!
5 X Room Ambience:
SPD-20 – The classic SPD-20 did not come with room ambience.
SPD-20X – The SPD-20X does not come with room ambience.
SPD-20 PRO – Room Ambience is a universal feature on the SPD-20 PRO. Once applied, it affects all the kits. The effect can be applied to change the feel of the kits. You can choose from different rooms like- closed room, studio, open air venue etc.
Revolution in Sounds:
As we know, the classic SPD-20 is widely accepted and used throughout India because of its high-quality tones and versatility (one can play a wide range of genres using just this octapad!) In recent years, there came a need for something more advanced, but keeping the same basic composition of the SPD-20. There were still many instruments that were not added into the database of the SPD-20. Musicians all around the country found ways and means to edit the existing sounds and create the sounds that they wanted, but always wished they could have higher quality and authentic sounds of more traditional instruments.
Fully understanding the wishes and needs of Indian Musicians, Roland has designed the all-new SPD-20 PRO!
These new traditional instruments include sounds from Chenda, Duggi, Ghatam, Morsing, Tasha, Dholak, Kanjira, Khol, Madal, Mridangam, Shankh, Udukai, and more!
In earlier times, in order to get such traditional instruments sounds, the user would have to spend time and edit the given sounds to create the desired instrument sound (For example, the “tasha” sound could be developed by adjusting the tuning and other parameters of the “timbale rim” sound). A major drawback of this process was that one could never get a true tone, or authentic instrument sound. Now with the addition of many such Indian percussion instruments, Roland has made it very easy and convenient for the User to play along to their style of music.
Comparison Chart for SPD-20 VS SPD-20X VS SPD-20 PRO:
Conclusion:
The classic Roland Octapad SPD-20 has been a benchmark for octapads since its release. It won the hearts of many musicians across India as it could be used for different kinds of devotional as well as pop (Bollywood) music.
The SPD-20 PRO works great for all level of players- be it a beginner or advanced. The technology inside this octapad is unmatched and the sounds are authentic. So, whether you are just getting your first octapad, or you are a regular performer who used to play on the classic SPD-20, you will feel right at home!
