Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer variety of Roland V-Drums products at Sweetwater? You’re not alone. With so many kits, modules, pads, and accessories to choose from, even seasoned eDrummers may struggle to make heads or tails of all the options available.
Whether you’re shopping for your first kit or looking to upgrade, Sweetwater is here to help. As one of the industry’s leading V-Drums authorities, we’re in the groove and up to speed on today’s leading V-Drums solutions for stage and studio.
To streamline your shopping journey, we’ve ranked our V-Drums kits by level and assembled common questions into an easy-to-follow Q&A format. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which Roland V-Drums kit is right for you.
Table of Contents
- The Roland V-Drums Story
- How to Find Your Ideal V-Drums Kit
- V-Drums Kit and Module Comparison Guide
- Roland V-Drums FAQs
- Complete Kit or Piecemeal: Which V-Drums Are Right for Me?
- Rubber Pads vs. Mesh Heads: How Do They Stack Up?
- Roland VAD Kits: Hybrid or Not?
- Digital Trigger Pads: Worth the Investment?
- Are V-Drums Modules Interchangeable?
- Can I Expand My V-Drums Kit?
- Which V-Drums Should I Buy If I’m Just Starting Out?
The Roland V-Drums Story
To many players, Roland V-Drums isn’t merely a class of electronic drums. It’s an institution. For nearly 30 years, V-Drums have represented a new way forward for any drummer who’s dreamed of pairing lifelike acoustic tone and response with the convenience and customization of electronics.
With the debut of the V-Drums (short for “Virtual Drums”) V-Pro Kit at Summer NAMM 1997, Roland single-handedly made the hexagonal pads and wood-paneled drum synths of the past look like child’s play. The line rolled out with many of the features that would come to define the V-Drums series, including full-size drum pads, tunable mesh drumheads, virtual sound editing, and onboard training tools to take players to the next level.
From simple piezoelectric pad sensors to groundbreaking multi-positional digital pads, V-Drums technology has grown with each new release. Today, there’s a V-Drums kit or module to meet drummers at every stage of their drumming journeys.
How to Find Your Ideal V-Drums Kit
Finding the perfect V-Drums electronic setup means choosing the right tools for the job. Here are some tips to ensure your next V-Drums purchase has the sounds and features to elevate your drumming experience.
Step 1: Choose a Module
The heart of every V-Drums kit is the sound module, often referred to as the “brain.” This central hardware hub produces sounds when pads are struck and provides access to the built-in editing tools. Tones, features, and connections can vary greatly from one module to the next, so potential buyers should first ask themselves how they plan to use their V-Drums.
Are you someone who primarily needs a silent practice tool for weekends and greenrooms? Then your needs may differ from a player who requires the best possible stage and studio sounds from the comfort of their kit.
Additional questions to ask yourself might include:
- Does the module include integrated training tools to sharpen my skills?
- Is there Bluetooth so I can jam wirelessly to my mobile song library?
- Can I expand my setup with additional crash and tom pads down the road?
- Can it record multitrack audio and interface with external drum VSTs?
- How many custom presets can it store?
- Can I import custom samples and intro tracks?
Once you’ve identified your module needs and wants, you can easily compare features by referencing this V-Drums Comparison Chart or by building your own using the “Compare” toggle on any V-Drums product at Sweetwater.com.
Step 2: Select a Pad Setup
After deciding on a V-Drums module, it’s time to consider a pad configuration that suits your playing style. Ask yourself questions like:
- How many drum and cymbal pads do I need?
- Are multiple playing zones important — and if so, then on which pads?
- Do I prefer the customization of mesh heads or the consistency of rubber pads?
- Do I want the sleek look of electronic pads or the acoustic vibe of wood shells?
- Do I plan to use traditional kick and hi-hat hardware or space-saving foot controllers?
Use the comparison tools on Sweetwater.com to find the pad and module combo that’s right for your needs.
V-Drums Kit and Module Comparison Guide
Got a particular kit in mind? Great! Read on for an overview of the many tiers of V-Drums kits and modules you’ll find at Sweetwater.
Entry Level: Best Options for Beginners
TD-02 Series
Roland’s value-minded TD-02K and TD-02KV kits make great options for beginners and space-challenged MIDI drummers. Both models center around the TD-02 drum module, with “K” (standard) and “KV” (premium) suffixes denoting the included pads and hardware. You’ll see this naming convention used throughout the V-Drums lineup, where a module is named first and is followed by letters indicating the kit configuration.
The TD-02 module’s 16 preset kits cover a fair amount of musical ground, spanning arena rock to Euro house. Fan favorites include the hyper-processed Metal Beast kit, the four-on-the-floor House Party kit, and the surprisingly nuanced Jazz Legend kit.
The module features a stereo audio input so you can connect a laptop or smartphone and drum along to your favorite tunes. Additionally, both TD-02 kits make great learner kits due to their onboard metronome (with flashing LED) and Coach Mode — a fantastic tool that can help any young drummer move up to first chair. You also get the all-important audio- and MIDI-over-USB functions for streamlined studio tracking and virtual instrument triggering. This same USB connection can interface TD-02 kits with the Melodics for V-Drums lesson app.
The standard TD-02K’s quiet rubber pads and height-adjustable stand will aid young drummers on their journeys to stardom. The premium TD-02KV has a more familiar 4-post layout and steps up the player to a tunable mesh PDX-8 snare drum that more accurately emulates the feel of a real snare drum — including cross sticks and rimshots.
Specifications:
- Preset Kits: 16
- User Kits: N/A
- Instrument Sounds: N/A
- Audio over USB: Yes
- MIDI: USB
- Trigger Inputs: DB-25
- Outputs: 1/8-inch TRS
- Bluetooth: Audio In, MIDI (with optional BT-Dual adapter)
- Pads Expandable: Yes
TD-07 Series
The next rung up the V-Drums ladder is represented by the six kits within the TD-07 family. The TD-07 module retains the TD-02’s practice-enhancing Coach Mode and metronome functions but distinguishes itself in some important ways.
Not only are there more sounds (143) and stock kits (25) to enjoy in the TD-07, but the module also allows you to create 25 of your own custom drum kits. This is perfect for unleashing creativity behind the kit and preparing diverse drum sounds for a concert program or set list.
Three of the six TD-07 V-Drums kits differ only in their pad and hardware configurations, all of which offer substantial upgrades over the TD-02 series. The 3-cymbal TD-07DMK gives players a full fleet of custom-tunable PDX mesh pads while boasting a unique post-mounted kick pad for the ultimate in storage and mobility. Heavy foot? Discover the stability and beater-sinking satisfaction of the KD-10 kick tower in the TD-07KV (standard) and TD-07KVX (premium) kits, which also come with a supersized snare and cymbals.
There are two additional standouts in the TD-07 series: the VQD106 (discussed below in greater depth) and the wood-shelled VAD103. The VAD103 is the entry point into Roland’s V-Drums Acoustic Design (VAD) kits. Though its sounds are fully electronic, its large wood shells resemble those of a traditional 4-piece acoustic stage set. Many gigging drummers at Sweetwater and throughout the industry find Roland VAD kits to be the best of both worlds: the silence and versatility of V-Drums paired with the familiar look and setup of an acoustic kit.
Specifications:
- Preset Kits: 25
- User Kits: 25
- Instrument Sounds: 143
- Audio over USB: Yes (2-channel Record/2-channel Playback)
- MIDI: USB
- Trigger Inputs: DB-25
- Outputs: 1/8-inch Output/Headphones
- Bluetooth: Audio In, MIDI In/Out
- Pads Expandable: No
Intermediate Level: Perfect for Progressing Players
TD-17 Series Gen 2
Roland’s original TD-17 series is where many Sweetwater drummers sat up and took notice of the response speed and sound control found in these compact, mid-level kits. Now, with the introduction of the TD-17 Generation 2 lineup, even more top-tier sounds and sculpting tools can be had for an intermediate price. All kits in the TD-17 family tree make well-rounded standalone tools for practice and performance and blazing-fast trigger platforms for your virtual drum library of choice.
Let’s start with the module: The TD-17 Gen 2 includes 70 preset kits and 30 user slots, so you can build custom drum palettes for just about every song in your repertoire or worship set. This module also marks the entry point for users to import their own one-shots for triggering and sound augmentation. TD-17 Gen 2 users can even download free artist kits and sample packs via the Roland Cloud software.
Coach Mode is now joined by Time Check, Quiet Count, and warm-up menus for substantially more practice-session superchargers. There’s even an onboard recorder that lets you capture up to three minutes (60 minutes via optional SD card) of your drumming. The TD-17 Gen 2 also features far more effects than its predecessors; these include compression, reverb, and EQ, and they are adjustable per individual drum/cymbal pad.
As for kits, the TD-17 core lineup includes the TD-17KV Generation 2 (standard) and the TD-17KVX Generation 2 (premium), the latter offering an extra crash and a stand-actuated VH-10 floating hi-hat. Pad upgrades from the TD-07 series include the incredibly lifelike PDX-12 dual-zone mesh snare and the tri-zone CY-14R-T ride, whose natural motion and articulate sticking across bell, bow, and edge send this already great kit screaming into the value stratosphere. The TD-17 Gen 2 module also comes stock on the wood-shelled VAD307 kit and is available as an optional upgrade on the VQD106-TD17.
Specifications:
- Preset Kits: 70
- User Kits: 30
- Instrument Sounds: 310
- Audio over USB: Yes (2-channel Record/2-channel Playback)
- MIDI: USB, 5-pin MIDI Out
- Trigger Inputs: DB-25; 1/4-inch TRS Crash2 and Aux
- Outputs: 1/4-inch TS L/R Master; 1/8-inch Headphones TRS
- Bluetooth: Audio In, MIDI In/Out
- Pads Expandable: Yes, 1/4-inch TRS Crash2 and Aux Inputs
V-Drums Quiet Design
Drummers in shared living spaces know the challenges of tracking and rehearsing while keeping the peace with neighbors and loved ones. Thankfully, the days of reserving practice sessions for timely thunderstorms and road construction can finally come to an end.
Roland V-Drums Quiet Design kits and pads offer an uncompromising playing experience to eDrummers in any living situation. They promise up to a 75% noise reduction over traditional V-Drums kits, bringing the average performance down to a range of just 60dB to 70 dB.
How loud is 60dB to 70dB? It’s about as gentle as a polite conversation (or a Canadian fender bender). So, unless your neighbors are waiting in the wings with drinking glasses pressed between their ears and the wall to catch you in the act, you’re unlikely to cause a stir whenever you pick up sticks — day or night.
The secret behind the V-Drums Quiet Design’s noise savings is a unique honeycomb rubber insert underneath the mesh head. This padding layer helps absorb impacts between the stick and pad while reducing vibrations from being transmitted down the stand to the floor. Despite the impressive technology, VQD pads are every bit as fast, dynamic, and responsive as flagship V-Drums pads.
Moving onto perhaps the most difficult eDrum instrument to contain: the bass drum. The VQD series’ KDQ-8 kick tower features a dense 3-ply cushion and 2-ply mesh playing surface to act as a first line of defense against beater noise. Meanwhile, a floating 4-post frame and four air-filled rubber feet stabilize play while reducing the vibrational energy of each heel-up hammer stroke from transferring to the floor below.
Even the VQD series’ rack stand is specially designed to decouple pad noise from the floor. The stand features four air-filled rubber isolation feet to float the kit off the floor, reducing the dreaded “elephant effect” of traditional kits.
If you’re looking to reclaim your practice life and not let eDrum noise keep you from pursuing your passions, then the Roland V-Drums Quiet Design series is well worth a look. Each VQD106 kit is available with your choice of module — TD-07, TD-17, or TD-27 — or as a standalone pad set, allowing you to pair it with Roland’s TD-50X and V71 modules.
Specifications (with Base Model TD-07)
- Preset Kits: 70
- User Kits: 130
- Instrument Sounds: Over 1,000
- Audio over USB: Yes, 1x USB-C (32-channel Record/32-channel Playback)
- MIDI: USB, 5-pin DIN In/Out/Thru, Bluetooth
- Trigger Inputs: 14 x 1/4-inch Analog; 3 x USB-A Digital
- Outputs: XLR L/R Master; 1/4-inch L/R Master; 8 x 1/4-inch Direct; 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch Headphones
- Bluetooth: Audio In, MIDI In/Out
- Pads Expandable: Yes
Professional Level: The Pinnacle of V-Drums Performance
TD-27 Series Gen 2
Next up are the TD-27 models — considered by many to be the gateway into Roland’s pro-tier V-Drums kits. The TD-27 Gen 2 module’s Prismatic Sound Modeling gives you control over nearly every aspect of each drum and cymbal sound: shell dimensions, pitch, dampening, and more. It also lets you apply stellar effects like compression, reverb, delay, flanger, and beyond.
This technology, along with Roland’s PureAcoustic Ambience technology (which uses virtual mic placements to dial in room ambience), is derived from Roland’s former flagship modules. When experienced through the 8-zone PD-140DS digital snare, VH-14D digital hi-hat, and 18-inch CY-18DR digital ride of the TD-27KV2, the TD-27 Gen 2 makes quantum leaps in V-Drums realism and customization.
And talk about convenience. The second-generation TD-27 functions as a fully integrated 28-channel USB audio interface for self-contained tracking sessions and includes a stereo mix out plus two assignable outputs for live applications. Additionally, the TD-27 Gen 2 retains everything its TD-17 sibling has regarding built-in practice tools, onboard Bluetooth, WAV file import for layering, and expandability via the Roland Cloud software.
The TD-27 Gen 2 module also comes integrated into two of Roland’s VAD electronic drum sets: the 4-piece VAD504 and the 5-piece VAD507. These kits pair full-size wood shells topped with tunable mesh heads for stage presence so real that only your sound guy needs to know they’re electronic.
Specifications:
- Preset Kits: 75
- User Kits: 25
- Instrument Sounds: 728
- Audio over USB: Yes, 1 x USB-B (28-channel Record/4-channel Playback)
- MIDI: USB, 5-pin MIDI In/Out/Thru
- Trigger Inputs: DB-25; 4 x 1/4-inch TRS; 3 x USB Type-A; 1 x 1/4-inch TRS Footswitch
- Outputs: 1/4-inch TS L/R Direct; 1/4-inch TS L/R Master; 1/4-inch TRS Headphones
- Bluetooth: Audio In, MIDI In/Out
- Pads Expandable: Yes, Aux1–Aux3, Crash 2
V-Drums 7 Series
The best-sounding and most expressive V-Drums kits to date are found in Roland’s flagship V-Drums 7 Series, thanks to a completely redesigned sound engine and a bold trio of groundbreaking kits. The secret? Roland’s flagship V71 drum module.
What’s behind the 7 Series hype? Here are five reasons these flagship kits are turning heads throughout the industry:
- Multi-sampled DW sound library: V-Drums modules of the past have been proud to feature streamlined model-based sound engines (e.g., COSM, SuperNATURAL, and Prismatic Sound Modeling). The V71 now incorporates massively multi-sampled sound libraries into its 70 preset kits. In this way, V-Drums 7 Series users can achieve sounds on par with the latest drum VSTs without connecting to an external laptop.
- DW Soundworks support: If you’re a MIDI drummer, then you’ll be thrilled to know all 7 Series kits support integration with DW Soundworks software — available for free in the included Roland Cloud Ultimate membership.
- On-demand kit access: Have you ever been in the middle of a session and realized you needed a special snare, ride, or clap to serve the track? The 7 Series’ V71 module connects wirelessly to the Roland Cloud Connect mobile app, so you can download fresh tones and complete artist kits on demand like you’re Neo drumming in the Matrix.
- V71 Editor app: If you can imagine it, then the V71 Editor can help you realize it. This desktop app lets power users manage kits, load samples, and customize settings with lightning speed. As much as we love the V71 module’s streamlined interface, it’s hard to beat the speed and convenience of a traditional screen, mouse, and keyboard.
- Cutting-edge pads: Roland’s latest tom and kick pads play with greater realism than ever before. Even so, the PD-14DSX digital snare may be the star of the show. In addition to multi-sensor triggering and positional sensing, Roland’s latest snare features automatic hand detection to reduce machine-gunning, a working throw off lever to enable/disable virtual snare wires like an acoustic snare, and even a working snare strainer to adjust virtual snare tensions on the fly.
And that’s just the start! There are three kits currently available in the 7 Series: the TD713, the TD716, and the wood-shelled VAD716. All sets are driven by the V71 module and Roland’s flagship digital snare (PD-14DSX), ride (CY-18DR), and hi-hat (VH-14D) pads. What differentiates each kit are the kick, toms, and crashes.
Specifications:
- Preset Kits: 70
- User Kits: 130
- Instrument Sounds: Over 1,000
- Audio over USB: Yes, 1x USB-C (32-channel Record&/32-channel Playback)
- MIDI: USB, 5-pin DIN In/Out/Thru, Bluetooth
- Trigger Inputs: 14 x 1/4-inch Analog; 3 x USB-A Digital
- Outputs: XLR L/R Master; 1/4-inch L/R Master; 8 x 1/4-inch Direct; 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch Headphones
- Bluetooth: Audio In, MIDI
- Pads Expandable: Yes
V71 Sound Module
If V-Drums sound modules are famous for one thing, then it’s fusing tactile controls with on-screen visuals to give drummers instant access to deep levels of customization: shell material, muffling type, reverb tails, and more.
The flagship of Roland’s proud V-Drums fleet, the highly anticipated V71 drum module, is the first of its kind to feature a large color display and custom graphics for each of its 70 factory kits. This deepens the immersive experience while making it easier than ever for players to identify presets at a glance.
And the best news? The V71 is available as a standalone module for compatible pad sets. Under the hood, the V71’s redesigned sound engine is poised to deliver VST-quality drums and cymbals straight from the source. Fine-tune your headphones and FOH mix using the 8-group fader bank from the comfort of your kit. Or, for greater control, capture up to 32 channels of pre-fader audio into a nearby laptop or tablet via a single USB-C cable.
The V71’s tight-knit DW Soundworks MIDI integration sweetens the pot, allowing players to browse and tweak hyperrealistic sample libraries of several world-class DW kits. Need a special artist kit fast? Beam it directly into the V71 using the Roland Cloud Connect mobile app. Now, how’s that for expandability?
The V-Drums V71 is also the first kit to take full advantage of Roland’s latest digital pads. Take it from those of us who have spent time behind the V71: experience the speed of the VH-14D digital hi-hat, the fidelity of the CY-18DR digital ride, and the resolution of the hand- and position-sensing PD-14DSX digital snare, and you may never want to go back to traditional pads.
Simply put: if you desire the absolute best in V-Drums sound quality, editing capabilities, and stage and studio versatility, then it doesn’t get any better than Roland’s V71 V-Drums module.
Specifications:
- Preset Kits: 70
- User Kits: 130
- Instrument Sounds: Over 1,000
- Audio over USB: Yes, 1 x USB-C (32-channel Record/32-channel Playback)
- MIDI: USB, 5-pin DIN In/Out/Thru, Bluetooth
- Trigger Inputs: 14 x 1/4-inch Analog; 3 x USB-A Digital
- Outputs: XLR L/R Master; 1/4-inch L/R Master; 8 x 1/4-inch Direct; 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch Headphones
- Bluetooth: Audio In, MIDI
- Pads Expandable: Yes
Roland V-Drums FAQs
As you can see, the V-Drums family caters to a wide range of needs and budgets. Still scratching your head about a particular V-Drums feature or compatibility? In this next section, we break down common V-Drums questions we’ve received from drummers like you.
Complete Kit or Piecemeal: Which V-Drums Are Right for Me?
Going whole hog on a full kit is the most common way to experience the latest V-Drums sounds and features. V-Drums kits include the sound module, drum and cymbal pads, a rack-style stand, and all required connection cables. This route tends to make the most sense for most players, as it’s a wholly integrated system comprising parts designed to perform well together.
However, several of Roland’s V-Drums modules are available à la carte in addition to being sold in kits. If you already have a set of pads you enjoy playing and are just after some rhythmic reconstruction, then buying a module by itself can be a smart move. Many of our customers assemble their dream kits this way — buying the module first and adding pads and hardware over time.
Zone-compatible Roland drum pads:
Only zone-compatible Roland pads are guaranteed to unlock the full expression of your V-Drums module. Contact Sweetwater for more information.
Rubber Pads vs. Mesh Heads: How Do They Stack Up?
Roland V-Drums drum pads come in two varieties: those with rubber playing surfaces and those with tunable mesh heads.
Roland’s rubber pads are among the best in the industry; they’re long-lasting, articulate, and offer a reasonably quiet and comfortable response under sticks. Rubber pads are also cost-effective, which is why you’ll find them in many lower-cost V-Drums kits.
For as much as we love our rubber pads, Roland’s PowerPly mesh heads are the calling card of the series. These micro-perforated drumheads respond much like traditional drumheads, allowing players to fine-tune how much rebound and “give” each pad produces. Mesh heads are not only more customizable than rubber pads, but they also tend to be quieter and easier on the wrists. And if you and your V-Drums occupy a shared living space or a quiet stage, then you need all the sound reduction you can get.
Need more sound reduction?
Pair your V-Drums with Roland Noise Eater drum hardware and isolation pads for even greater isolation.
Roland VAD Kits: Hybrid or Not?
V-Drums kits are known for their acoustic-styled sensibilities. It’s often true that the higher you move up the V-Drums ladder, the more of a traditional look you get, with larger pads and shells closely resembling acoustic drums.
While Roland’s VAD (V-Drums Acoustic Design) kits may take the cake for their acoustic-meets-electric visual vibes, they’re not true hybrid kits. A true hybrid would allow the player to swap the factory heads and electronics for high-tension acoustic drumheads — effectively turning the electronic kit into a working acoustic drum set. The Roland VAD series simply does not offer this kind of functionality.
Is that a strike against the series? Not a chance. The VAD series includes some of the finest (and most fun!) kits we’ve tested here at Sweetwater HQ. We feel Roland’s VAD kits are perfect for stage players seeking the convenience and flexibility of an electronic kit with as few “growing pains” as possible. The series’ life-size pads, real-wood shells, and traditional mounting hardware make it super-easy for acoustic-kit players to make the switch to electronics without losing the soul and thrill of a conventional kit.
Digital Trigger Pads: Worth the Investment?
A vital factor to consider in today’s V-Drums is whether you want traditional analog trigger pads — those with one, two, or three internal piezo sensors to capture performances — or Roland’s groundbreaking multi-sensor digital pads found on its TD-27, TD-50X, VAD, and 7 Series kits. These digital pads raise the bar by incorporating as many as eight internal sensors into their playing surfaces for zone realism and dynamics that are unlike anything else on the market.
Are V-Drums Modules Interchangeable?
For the most part, yes. Roland has always endeavored to keep its sound modules backward compatible with existing V-Drums pads and cymbals. This means that upgrading the sonics of your existing V-Drums kit is often as simple as swapping the brain — provided your pad and module connections match.
However, note that mismatched zone handling, cable types, polarity, and module settings can sometimes cause performance issues. Be sure to call Sweetwater’s drum experts to verify compatibility between your current pads and desired module.
Can I Expand My V-Drums Kit?
Expandability has always been a strong suit of the V-Drums series. Look for trigger inputs labeled “Crash 2,” “Tom 4,” or “Aux” to know if your V-Drums module can be augmented with additional pads.
Which V-Drums Should I Buy If I’m Just Starting Out?
Sweetwater understands that an electronic drum set is a major purchase. The last thing we’d want to do is steer a player in the wrong direction — either by upselling unnecessary features or by underselling all the great ways V-Drums have enhanced our lives.
After much deliberation, we feel that the TD-17KV Generation 2 has the most to offer the widest range of student and semiprofessional drummers. This kit comes out of the gate swinging with:
- A snappy, low-latency response
- Great-feeling pads and cymbals
- A well-rounded selection of kits
- A large mesh snare with natural cross-stick and rimshot motions
- A collapsible 4-post stand that can tuck away inside a linen closet
- A host of important grow-with-you features, including MIDI control for virtual instruments, onboard training tools, Roland Cloud integration, and Bluetooth streaming for jamming along to songs
We just can’t say enough good things about this kit for the price. Whether you’re a gospel drummer on a crowded silent stage or a metal drummer programming bomb blasts into Superior Drummer, the TD-17KV2 has something for everyone.
Ready to Begin Your V-Drums Journey? Start at Sweetwater
We hope this guide has helped you narrow down your V-Drums options. If you still have questions, then call Sweetwater’s knowledgeable Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700 and let us know what you’re looking for in your next electronic drum purchase. Our team is standing by to help you find the perfect kit to take your skills to the next level.











