Style Meets Functionality in Roland’s Latest V-Drums Kit
Traditional looks, authentic acoustic response, and unlimited sonic possibilities: Roland’s VAD hybrid drum sets meet at the crossroads of natural feel and electronic versatility. Real wooden shells with tunable mesh heads capture the lively feedback of an acoustic drum, with a customizable response that’s easily tuned to your personal playing preferences. Next, a flexible array of multi-zone V-Cymbals is thinned down from previous generations to provide enhanced expressive potential. However, what truly takes the VAD516 to the next generation is the V51 module, which sports the same sound engine as Roland's flagship V71 module in a streamlined, compact form factor. The Roland VAD516 is an electronic drum set that excels equally on the stage, in the studio, or in the practice room.
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What’s included with the Roland VAD516:
- V51 sound module
- 14-in. PD-140DSX snare
- 14-in. VH14D hi-hat
- 18-in. CY-18DR ride
- 14-in. CY-14R-T crash
- 16-in. CY-16R-T crash
- 10-in. PDA100-MS rack tom
- 12-in. PDA120-MS rack tom
- 14-in. PDA140F-MS floor tom
- 20-in. KD-20-MS kick
- DBS-30 boom stand
- 2 DCS-30 tom/cymbal combo stands
- PDS-5 module stand
Kick pedal, hi-hat stand, and snare stand are not included.
Meet the V51 Sound Module
The most realistic drum sounds available
DW Soundworks represents a revolutionary virtual instrument designed to provide creators with authentic drum sounds. Offering a comprehensive collection of drum sounds that cater to a wide array of musical styles and genres, DW Soundworks is an invaluable resource for drummers, producers, and songwriters. With its ability to serve as a virtual studio instrument (VST) and as a drum sample library inside digital audio workstations (DAWs) for creating acoustic drum tracks, DW Soundworks is a go-to solution for musicians looking to incorporate high-quality drum sounds into their productions. The V51 module features the same sounds and expansions as Roland's top-of-the-line V71 module in a compact, streamlined design.
Keep it fresh
With the Roland Cloud Connect mobile app and the included Roland Cloud Ultimate membership, your V51 module will always stay up to date. First, the Roland Cloud Connect app works in conjunction with the V51's onboard Wi-Fi to install sounds directly from your iOS/Android mobile device. This setup enables seamless wireless connectivity, making it easy to update and expand your V51's sound library without needing a computer. Second, the Roland Cloud Ultimate membership is the highest tier of Roland's subscription service, providing access to an extensive library of Roland's iconic sounds, including synthesizers, drum machines, and other instruments. Finally, the companion V51 Editor software and enhanced V-Edit tools will help you craft your own unique sonic signature from studio to stage.
V-Drums software editor
One of Roland’s most frequently requested features for its V-Drums has been a software-based editor. Well, now it’s here! Simply jump on Roland Cloud, where you’ll find it as a free download. Your instrument changes are instantly reflected in both the module and editor software, and the module’s audio processing tools are accessible as well, allowing you to shape tones with a similar workflow to music production software. The ability to alter your V51's sounds using a larger computer screen with mouse control is indeed a very welcome addition.
Craft a custom kit
In addition to the vast collection of preset drum kits, the V51 module allows you to import your own WAV sounds via SD card (sold separately) to build your own instrument or integrate a specific sample into a preset kit. From lo-fi percussion samples to full-length audio loops, the V51’s customization possibilities are endless.
Simplify your recording setup
If you’re building up a home studio, an electronic drum kit is just about the easiest way to lay down your drum tracks — no mics, interface, or excessive noise required. The V51 module effortlessly outputs multitrack audio to your DAW via a single USB-C cable for near-silent recording of studio-quality beats. Plus, with MIDI In and Out/Thru connections, the V51 can be configured as a USB MIDI interface, allowing you to retrack or trigger parts using virtual instruments within your DAW. Lastly, the L/R Stereo outputs and L/R Direct Outs are must-have features for performing musicians who regularly hook up their set to a PA mixer.
Expand your potential
While the VAD516 comes with just about everything a drummer could ever want, we more than understand the never-ending need to tinker and build upon your setup. Fortunately, Roland includes four extra auxiliary trigger inputs on the V51 sound module, plus three Digital Pad inputs to easily expand and upgrade your kit. Furthermore, the V51's coaching tools will take your accuracy, speed, and endurance to heights you never thought possible. Roland classics like Time Check and Quiet Count are onboard, as well as the brand-new Phrase Trainer, Stroke Monitor, and aptly named Blast Beat Builder. Spend some time with these features, and it won't be long before the trickiest of beats and fills become second nature.
Bluetooth MIDI and song streaming
The VAD516’s built-in Bluetooth transceiver is sure to elevate your practice and recording sessions. Music can be streamed directly from your device to the module, allowing you to practice with your favorite grooves and fills. If you prefer connecting to a wired external device, then no problem! The V51 features a 1/4-inch Mix In input for that as well.
Kick pedal, hi-hat stand, and snare stand are not included.
VAD516 Pads and Cymbals
14-inch digital snare plays like the real deal
The VAD516's snare drum is as sophisticated as its sound module. Eight sensors across the digital 14-inch Roland PD-140DSX's head and rim accurately translate your performance into the electronic realm. This means fat backbeats, cutting rimshots, delicate ghost notes, brush sweeps, and natural cross-sticks that connect every time. And because of its 14-inch diameter, the Roland PD-140DSX transitions seamlessly between your acoustic kit and back. Particular about your tuning? So are we at Sweetwater. Fortunately, the PD-140DSX's 8-lug design and 3-ply mesh head make it easy to dial in your desired level of tightness or sponginess.
Top-of-the-line VH-14D hi-hat
The crown jewel of the VAD516’s impressive set of pads is the VH-14D, a 14-inch digital hi-hat pad that sets the standard for acoustic-like realism. A 2-piece design, open/closed resolution, and touch-sensitive multi-sensor system deliver unmatched expression potential, tracking every subtlety of your stick’s strike. Foot splashes sound better than ever, and you can even mute the cymbal with a quick grab, just like a real cymbal. It might not be made out of bronze, but you’d be hard-pressed to tell the VH-14D apart from the real thing.
18-inch digital ride is Roland’s most convincing V-Cymbal yet
Electronic cymbals have a reputation for being utilitarian — a means to an end. But the Roland CY-18DR invites players to bring their acoustic touch back to their electronic drum kit. This 18-inch digital V-Cymbal sways and plays like a real cymbal. Multiple sensors across the playing surface eliminate the feeling of zones; distinct edge, bow, and bell tones melt into one another seamlessly. And the Roland CY-18DR's multi-touch technology lets you not only choke crash attacks with your hand but also soften cymbal attacks with a finger's touch. If you have trouble getting the full emotion of a performance to translate through traditional electronic cymbals, Sweetwater recommends putting the Roland CY-18DR V-Cymbal digital ride through its paces. You won't be disappointed.
Thinned-down cymbals
This generation of Roland V-Drums features thinner, more sensitive CY-14R-T and CY-16R-T crash cymbals than previous generations. In addition to their low profile, these cymbals offer a choke control that functions just like a traditional cymbal — just grab the edge! Their dual-trigger design has sensors on both the bow and the edge for a wide variety of configuration options.
Full-size wood shells, tunable mesh heads
Nothing looks or plays like a wood drum, and, arguably, nowhere is this more apparent than with the kick drum. The KD-20-MS is a genuine 20-inch kick drum with a wide playing surface that enhances longevity and even supports double pedals. Roland also added a new sensor and a standard-style head, providing you with the utmost natural response, feel, and accurate kick drum representation. Kick drum aside, the VAD516's full-size wood shells and tunable mesh heads supply the feel of your favorite acoustic kit, all with an acoustic output that's easy to control onstage or in a residential setting. Shells come decked out in a premium Roland Midnight Sparkle wrap and feature chrome hardware for an unmistakable look, whether on the platform or in the studio.
Kick pedal, hi-hat stand, and snare stand are not included.Roland VAD516 Features:
- V51 module with the same multi-sampled sound library as Roland's flagship V71 module in a streamlined package
- Touch-sensitive V-Drums cymbals and pads with real wood shells for a professional aesthetic
- DW Soundworks software instrument for a seamless transition to computer-based playing
- Large color display and easily navigable user interface make finding and editing kits a breeze
- Full-depth PDA100-MS and PDA120-MS rack toms, KD-20-MS kick, and PDA140F-MS floor tom deliver the feel and response of a traditional acoustic shell
- Tunable mesh heads to dial in your sound
- 8-sensor PD-140DSX digital snare trigger picks up meaty backbeats, delicate grace notes, and accurate buzzes and flams
- 5-sensor CY-18DR digital ride trigger offers distinct edge, bow, and bell tones without the feeling of zones
- Thinned-down crash cymbals unlock enhanced expression capabilities
- Top-of-the-line VH-14D 2-piece digital hi-hat
- Importable WAV files over SDHC card (card not included)
- Effortless audio and MIDI over USB-C and MIDI In and Out/Thru connections
- 4 additional analog trigger inputs and 3 Digital Pad inputs let you expand or upgrade your kit down the line
- Download new sounds, samples, and signature artist kits with your 6-month subscription to Roland Cloud Ultimate
- Coach mode with 3 new tools provides daily practice tools and progress tracking to sharpen up your chops
- Road-ready DCS-30 tom/cymbal combo stands, DBS-30 boom stand, and PDS-5 module stand included for easy setup
