Roland TD-17 Quickstart Guide

In this guide, we will show you how to register, set up, and use the Roland TD-17 module. Follow the sections below to get started.

1. How to register the Roland TD-17 
2. TD-17 setup and connections
   • Connecting cables to the module
   • Connect the TD-17 kit to your computer
   • Pair TD-17 via Bluetooth
3. Working with the module
   • Customize a kit
   • Import custom samples

How to register the Roland TD-17

Before you get up and running, the first thing you’ll need to do is register the TD-17 with Roland. After registering the module, you’ll get access to Roland’s product support, an extended warranty, and training videos, and clinic information. Follow the steps below to register your TD-17.

1. Log in to your Roland Backstage account. If you don’t have one yet, you can create one here. 
2. Roland will then send an account activation email to the registered email address to complete the account creation process. 
   • Check your spam folder if you don’t see the email.
3. On your account home page, click My Gear, and select Register a Product.
4. Fill out the required information, including the serial number located on the drum module, and click Register.
5. Keep your Sweetwater invoice handy, as you will need to enter the purchase date, method, and Dealer (Sweetwater).

Click the image to register your TD-17

TD-17 setup and connections

All of the drum kits in the TD-17 line are straightforward to assemble and store. Each kit has a slightly different hardware assembly procedure, however. So to make sure everything is set up correctly, be sure to check the included assembly instructions below for more details:

• TD-17KV Assembly Instructions
• TD-17KVX Assembly Instructions
• VAD306 Assembly Instructions

Connecting cables to the module

TIP: Keep the cabling tidy and use velcro straps or zip ties to secure them to the rack. This will also help prevent any tangles.

The TD-17 uses a breakout cable for its cable connections. Each cable is labeled with the pad it’s associated with, so be sure they’re connected to the correct drum or cymbal pad so the right sound is triggered. This is especially true with the hi-hat connections. Also, be sure that the wiring harness is securely connected to the module. If you can wiggle the connector attached to the module, then it’s too loose.

• You can connect two additional pads via the Trigger In jacks on the back of the module using TRS cables. Once connected, you can then go into the module’s sound settings and assign the sample you want.
• If you own the TD-17KVX kit, the Crash 2 jack must be used for a cymbal; not an auxiliary pad.

Connect the TD-17 to your computer

You can connect the TD-17 drum module to your computer to record MIDI data from your drum kit and trigger virtual instruments. You can connect it directly to your computer using a USB A to B cable, or if you wish, you can also connect it using a 5-pin MIDI cable.

If you connect the TD-17 via USB, you’ll need to download and install the latest driver for your OS beforehand. Check out the Roland TD-17 support download page for the latest drivers and firmware available for download.

Connecting Electronic Drums to Your Computer

Learn more about how to set up and connect your electronic drums to your computer!

Pair TD-17 via Bluetooth

One feature that sets the TD-17 apart from the rest is that you can pair it with your mobile device via Bluetooth. Once paired, you can stream audio and if the app supports it, record Bluetooth MIDI! Follow these steps to pair the TD-17. Check out our guides to learn more about setting up Bluetooth devices on Android and iOS devices!

1. Press the SETUP button, use the jog wheel to navigate to Bluetooth, then press the ENTER button.
2. Press the F1 (PAIRING) button. 
3. Once you see “Now Pairing…” on the display, enable the Bluetooth feature on your mobile device.
4. Pull up the list of nearby Bluetooth devices on your mobile device and select TD-17 AUDIO.
5. Press DRUM KIT to exit.

Working with the module

The TD-17 is a powerful drum module with many features, flexibility, and ease of use in mind. Unlike other drum modules where you have to dive through menus, updating settings and changing pad samples are effortless on the TD-17. Even its Practice mode is easy to work with! In this guide, we’ll show you how to create a kit and update its settings, so to learn more about features like the Practice and Coach modes, check out the TD-17 Owner’s Manual.

Customize a kit

1. Press the Assign button and highlight the drum you want to edit. You can do so by striking the pad or pressing the PAD SELECTION button.
2. Use the up and down arrow buttons to switch between the instrument group selection and individual instrument.
3. Use the jog wheel to scroll through and select the instrument. You can preview the sample by striking the pad.
4. Use the three FUNCTION buttons under the display to update various settings such as decay, tuning, and pitch. 
   • The functions differ between instrument groups, so check out the TD-17 data list for a complete list of editable functions for each instrument group. 

Import custom samples

You can import custom samples to the module via SD cards (SDHC with a 32GB max capacity). The process is simple, but you will need to format the SD card using the module first before loading the samples onto your SD card.

Format the SD card

IMPORTANT: Formatting SD cards will erase any data currently stored in the card. Be sure to back everything up beforehand.

1. Insert the SD card to the TD-17, then press the SETUP button.
2. Use the down arrow button to select SD Card, then press F3 (ENTER).
3. Navigate to SD Card Format, then press F3 (ENTER) twice to format the SD card.

Import the samples

Once formatted, you can then load the samples from your computer onto the SD card then transfer them to your TD-17 module. If you don’t have an SD card slot on your computer, you’ll need a USB SD card reader.

1. Once you’ve loaded your samples to your SD card, insert the SD card back into the TD-17, then press USER SAMPLE.
   • Try and keep the sample names short as you won’t be able to see the full file name.
2. Highlight Import, then press F3 (ENTER).
3. Use the up and down arrow buttons to select the sample you want to import, then press F3 (SELECT).
4. Use the jog wheel to select an empty spot, press F3 (EXECUTE), then press ENTER.
   • Depending on the sample’s file size, it may take up to 30-45 seconds to import. 

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