BeatIt Test: Roland TD-1DMK

Recently, we’ve been sent an electronic drum kit from Roland Polska. This time it is the Roland TD-1DMK, which we spent a few days checking out, testing all its functions hidden under the buttons, knobs and sockets, which EVERY panel of the device was equipped with. This has allowed us to create a visual tutorial briefly illustrating ALL the options available on board.

We’re Testing a Roland TD1-DMK electronic drum kit

1. Test

We conducted the test in our live room, which is especially prepared for recording. We started off with a presentation of all the sounds offered by the Roland TD-1DMK set. The next stage of our tests was going through all the training functions. In the course of the test, we will present all the sound sets offered by the module.

2. Basic product specification

Producer: Roland
Model: TD1-DMK
Pads: Kick, snare, hi-hat, 3x tom, crash, ride
Rack: Steel
Weight: 17,8 kg
Kits: 15
Training functions: 10
Connectors: OUTPUT/PHONES; MIX IN jack; USB; DB-25 Trigger Input
Current draw: 150 mA

3. Sound

Thanks to the low weight and the application of a steel rack, the instrument is easy to install and we were able to pull it out of the box and start playing it in just 10 minutes. Upon making a purchase, a user gets a set of 4 mesh pads responsible for the snare and 3 toms, 3 cymbal pads, a hi hat controller and a double bass drum pad. All the cables have been properly described. We can also connect a smartphone to this electronic drum kit and edit the sounds.

The Roland TD1-DMK set that we have tested is very adjustable and practical – all the instruments are mounted on a solid rack. The mesh pads are made at the highest quality level. They feature the function of adjusting the head tension using a standard drum key. The double bass drum pad works very well, has great sensitivity, and feels very comfortable when playing. It perfectly reflects the dynamics applied by the player.

The two-zone cymbal pads are very quiet and equipped with the cymbal choke function.

The module is equipped with 15 sets of sounds and 15 songs to play to. On board, we also have such training functions as:TIME CHECK (easy), TIME CHECK (hard), CHANGE-UP, AUTO UP/DOWN, QUIET COUNT, TEMPO CHECK (easy), TEMPO CHECK (hard), STROKE BALANCE, TIMER, RECORDING.

4. Summary

The biggest advantage of this set is the mesh pads, which perfectly reflect the rebound that accompanies playing an acoustic set. Obviously, this will never be 100% reminiscent of the “normal” drum kit but it is a great alternative, definitely better than standard rubber pads.

Naturally, we are not able to comment on the mechanical durability of elements such as, for example, mesh strings. To this end, we would have to keep the instrument at our drum school for a longer period of time. Despite the fact that the clamps are made of plastic, they seem to be very solid. They do not loosen or look like they are about to crack.

We can recommend electronic drums from Roland (including the TD1-DMK) to anyone who wants to practice drumming at home or some other place that was not originally intended for that purpose. Wedding drummers will not be disappointed either. Also, each drum school can confidently stock up one or more of these.

OUR VERDICT: 5/5