BeatIt test: Roland TM-1 trigger module

During this year’s NAMM Show, Roland premiered a new trigger module called the TM-1. It is a simplified (thus, a slightly better budgeted) version of their widely acclaimed TM-2 unit, which has been doing exceptionally well in the global markets for a good few years now.

We’re testing the Roland TM-1 trigger module

1. Test

The test was carried out at our very own recording facility. To that end, we used a 22″ x 18″ Sonor Ascent bass drum and a matching 14″ x 5″ snare with Roland RT triggers. In the course of the test, we are going to present all the sound kits built into the module (clean ones and with acoustic sounds added).

2. Specs:

Producer: Roland
Model: TM-1
Device type: Trigger module
Dimensions: 150 mm (width), 95 mm (depth), 60mm (height)
Weight: 550 g / 1 lb 4 oz (including batteries)
Kits: 15
Preloaded sounds: 30
Data formats: WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless
Recording custom sounds: Yes
Connectors: USB, Trigger in 1/4″ (2 pcs.), DC IN, Output, Phones
AC adaptor: DC 9 V (sold separately)
Battery: 9V
Current draw: 100 mA (DC IN), 250 mA (USB)

3. Product

Thanks to this new unit from Roland, drummers can enhance their acoustic drum kits with additional sounds, both those inbuilt and recorded by them. The device is compatible with triggers and other accessories from Roland. The TM-1 is compact and easy to operate. Two foot switches allow a user to change sounds or completely mute the module. The 15 pre-programmed kits on board can be edited in the device but also from a smartphone application or a computer. When connected to a DAW program, it can also function as a MIDI controller.

Operating the Roland TM-1 is very easy and intuitive. With the help of just three cables, our acoustic drum kit was turned into a hybrid one in a smooth and effortless way. The unit worked equally as well when powered by a battery, an AC adapter and a USB port. All the foot switches are fully functional and cause no problems.

The same can be said about all the controls and switches, which are as follows:

[SENS] knob (TRIG1, TRIG2)
[PITCH] knob (TRIG1, TRIG2)
[DECAY] knob (TRIG1, TRIG2)
[LEVEL] knob (TRIG1, TRIG2)
[MODE SELECT] button
[MUTE] switch
[KIT SHIFT] switch
[POWER] switch

4. Summary

The Roland TM-1 is a great, compact device for every drummer who wants to enhance his or her kit. All that is left to do is to purchase triggers to work together with the module and we are all set and ready to play. Thanks to its handling ease, even a player who has never had anything to do with similar equipment should be able to work out how to operate the unit in no more than 10 seconds.

OUR VERDICT: 5/5