I grew up with this kit. This is what I learned on. It's amazing & extremely customizable. I wish I still had it. Hearing you go through the kits is bringing me back to my childhood.
I grew up on it too! My drum teacher owned it, then passed it down to me about 6 years later. Still have it, still use it. I think I'm ready to change it up, but it has a place in my soul.
It's also pretty telling of quality that so many of the old Roland modules still work perfectly. My TD-5 is 26 years old! Still works and sounds great!
I got this kit for my high school graduation(23 years ago). Hearing these sounds brings back a lot of memories. This was such a good module for its day. I loved jamming along with the songs.
oh thank you man! That's actually a groove from one of my songs called "Helicopter Cop" in the chorus of the song ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-6iBkyJzJcyQ.html I also actually made a drum lesson about that song ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-V_JxM5hg3aY.html
So true I got this 2nd hand with the pads for 100 Aus dollars I still feel so lucky for getting it just a shame I got a td11 before it. never knew how much I was missing, the sound range and fine tuning U can tweak with to your liking is absolutely incredible especially for something of its age.. as long as it keeps running Il keep playing it.. Cheers for this vid much help🍻
@@demonicsweaters no doubt... It can lead so many directions with layering,sounds and patterns let alone the usual functions it should have. Whatever tips at all U continue discovering etc you will have my view for sure.
This is exactly why I subscribe to your channel! Thanks for sharing Justin. I’ve been using the TD-3 for years now! Roland modules will always be the best. BTW....Nice kick drum work my brother. You should do a smooth jazz 2.0 video with this module.
This module was my first V-Drums module, I got it for Christmas with the pads and rack. I have a -20 now but definitely miss the -8. As with several other commenters hearing the internal kits brings back memories.
Just got one of these this weekend from eBay. You were right D'S, this thing sounds richer than my Alesis Command, and my Pearl Redbox. And the hi hats sound and work a lot better with my Goedrum controller than the other modules. Game changer!
I've tried a variety of modules in stores and the TD-8 is just the best combination of functionality and ease of use. Some of the more expensive modules are too visually busy.
I see a cable snake (like an old printer cable from the 90s) for the snare / toms / cymbals it comes with. Also “crash 2” and “aux” for “trigger in” ports as well as “mix in”.
@@brentclark4204 I think the extra inputs are both dual zone, so with these you could have 2 dual zone triggers, 4 single zone triggers, or one dual and two singles. But I'm pretty sure the td17 ride is capable of 3 zone, bell, bow, and edge. So if you got a new ride you may want to go for a 3 zone. I would check all this first though because I'm not 100% sure of compatibility. I know Pintech does have 3 zone rides, but I would email or call them first (they always get back to you) to see which ride they would recommend. I do recommend Pintech cymbals for sure though. I am very happy with mine.
Thanks for the video! Perhaps I missed this but it would have been nice to see the names of the kits you were playing as examples. I have this module too but I haven't dived into it enough to make the fullest use. As an acoustic drummer, I found many of the snare and tom sounds not my style or are limited in their usefulness. A large library of other sounds though offer a wide range of additional sounds to any kit or as a standalone percussive tool. Great connectivity here too. I'm wondering how easily one adds more sounds (like sound effects ie thunder, running water, etc) but that's another matter.
Agreed, my Roland td-10 expanded still holds up, just gotta tweak stuff with the kits, but honestly I don't hear much difference in the older Roland kits other than the fact that the crappy kits they included sound a bit more usable, that being said, every kit is usable with some inner tweaking
Some questions: what would be the advantages of purchasing a new kit vs using an old Roland module and vice versa? Does the module even matter if you can simply connect it to the computer and use drum software?
If you're looking for simplicity and ease of use you'd most likely be better off with something more modern and self contained. Like an Alesis Surge or Roland TD-17kvm. If you plan on using mostly software a USB midi connection would be what you would want, and it's only on newer modules.
@@brentclark4204 it can, but with more adapters or interfaces. You can either get an audio interface with hardware midi ins/outs, or you can get a usb midi cable like this amzn.to/3iNlU6P
I see a lot of Nitro videos you’ve made. What’s the advantage of the Surge module or the command / crimson / strike modules? I ask knowing drum software can change the sound anyway...what difference does the module actually make?
@@brentclark4204 The surge is the exact same module as the nitro, but the surge kit has better pads/rack. It has all dual zone drums, where the nitro is only a dual zone snare and a smaller rack. The command and crimson (I think) are the same drums as the Surge, but another step up in the module, and sound quality. Though honestly I never thought the nitro/surge sounded terrible, it's just not the highest quality one they offer. The Strike Pro and Strike Pro SE are Alesis' best and most professional module and drums.
Can you, like the nitro, apply sounds to inputs that aren't those sounds? Like change the ride to a crash or a tom to a crash. If I like the price I prob really want this!
@@demonicsweaters Nice! I think I'm gonna go looking around. It will probs not be soon, but if you would ever thing of selling it... Great vid as always, gave a hoot representation of the module. Thanks!
Justin, TY ..... drummed for worship 25+ yrs ago ..... just got a nice roland kit 3 toms, snare crash 1,2 & hi-hat, kick with a TD-3 .... the module has some volume issues with potentiometer (cleaning w/hexan took out the scratch but still not working right) did all the resets and individual adjustments but still not right so ...... this module looks like a good way to go. TY will stay in touch. My music generes range pretty wide ..... like your drum skills ...... want to learn more ...... be back soon! Perry
There's already many videos on my channel on this topic. This one will get you started on the basics ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IWDXCRcK2Wk.html
Hey hey, nice playing. You still like the TD-8 after moving to Alesis? I've got the change to pick up a TD-8 module with cables for under $200 US. Now that you are on Alesis again, what's you take on the TD-8 in comparison? TD-8 is old, but it was a proper midline module the kind that Roland don't really make anymore. How deep have you gotten into VST on TD-8? You try out the dual zone snare in vst? How continuous is the Hi-Hat over midi? Is it truly continuous of just a few tiers? Without USB, it the latency more noticeable of standard midi?
I've had my TD-8 since '99. I'm looking for a way to add splitters to it so I can expand my kit. If anyone has any advice, I'm listening. Thanks in advance. 🤘
Hi there! Got an other question. I'm looking for a good duel zoned cymbal to use with the TD8 when i get it, and I want the 2nd zone on the bell. I see that most cymbals have the second on the bow. What cymbal like that would you say is good for say 100-150 bucks? Thanks a lot!
Weird, I replied to this earlier, but it's not here. Anyway, I'd say Pintech, but I know they're hard to get there. So maybe you should look for a used Roland or Alesis. The thing to note, is dual zone cymbals on the old rolands are piezo/switch, so to use a normal piezo/piezo dual zone ride, you need to plug it into the Aux input on the TD8. Unless you find one of the really old Rolands, then you can use the ride input.
Good boy! I really like your solution. I'm purchasing the triggers and mesh heads. Can you tell me what you put on the snare ring, I see some kind of black rubber cover. If you put the trigger on the snare drum, how do you get the rimshot or cross stick effect? Thank you
On this particular setup I was using a Pintech dual zone internal trigger, though I don't really recommend that one anymore. I'd go with a GoEdrum instead amzn.to/3I7qSJU. The rubber on the rim is also by Pintech, it's still good IMO amzn.to/48AfQI8.
hi. cool video you've uploaded here. ^^ can i ask do you record your drums using a daw? i also recently bought a td-8 and am trying to figure out how to record from it.
That's a tough call because $800 is more than most entry levels, but not quite enough for a real level up. So probably like the Roland TD-1DMK amzn.to/2K3k7xU or the Alesis Command Mesh amzn.to/36x4IgQ. Though the longer I work with electronic drums the more I prefer Roland products. If you can afford a little bit more, the new Roland TD-07 has a great sounding module, all mesh heads, TD-50/17 sounds, built in usb audio interface, and bluetooth. It's pretty damn killer I think.
@@demonicsweaters truly appreciate the thorough response. I’ve been contemplating buying the commander x but trying to figure out what it really has on over the surge. So with something like the Alesis commander x, what am I missing out on most?
So would the td-8 (or other Roland modules) work with all of the pads, cymbals, and hi-hat control pedal for the Alesis Surge mesh? Or is there some sort of setup or other things I have to buy?
Most likely, though I haven't done that myself. But generally Roland and Alesis are mostly compatible with each other. You could try starting with a TD-7 if you wanted to experiment. I see them pretty often on Reverb for $99.
I have a Roland HD3 (I'm not a proper drummer, I'm a guitarist that likes to hit things while counting to eight), which I like because of the small footprint, but I don't like not being able to edit the sounds at all. Would it be worth connecting a TD8 through MIDI, as the HD3 has a single big D-plug at the back?
Hi there, I have a Roland TD-6 Module one of the first Module from Roland. I was wondering because it's a old Module. Can it work with a FD-8 hi-hat controller. I need to replace my hi-hat it went out on me.
it does, but only certain pads that are piezo/switch type triggers such as the Roland PD-7 and PD-9. Possibly some others as well. The snare can use a standard piezo/piezo type trigger though.
Not easy to understand the evolution numbers on the Roland modules. But since you use a TD 6... Is that one better than the 8 ? Can you rank (your taste wise) all the Roland modules that you had/played ? Thanks
Well honestly the most realistic sounding one is the TD-27, but it’s not necessarily my favorite. I think there’s something about the sounds on the late 90s early 2000s modules I really like. They just work with what I do. The TD-8 and 6 are pretty equal as far as sounds, but the 8 has more features like 4 outputs and more v-drum tweaks, but the 6 is so cheap and great. If you want a more modern sound, the TD-17 sounds basically as good as the 27, just has less sounds, but is pretty affordable.
Just found and subscribed to your super channel. Justin can you give any advice on the following, we have 2 td 8 kits and use 1 for live kept at drummers house and 1 for recording with midi into my daw then choosing appropriate best sounds via software .The drummers prefers an accoustic kit for playing in both scenarios but it's just not practical however he does use an accoustic snare for live work. You seem to just use mainly the module can you advise what we could do to enhance the td8 experience in any way eg we are going to purchase td 8 sounds for live work but love how you seem to mix accoustic gear as well as electronic gear so any advice or tips to get the most out of this super module would be appreciated. Alan
Thanks Alan. One of my favorite tricks on the TD8 was to run a slight tube saturation or overdrive on the drums. Not a lot, but just enough to give it some bite.
@@demonicsweaters saw a youtube review ..... summary ...... is the better of the TD-20 / 12 modules. TD-12 is the only Roland unit that is "upgradeable" via a midi unit ..... also firmware updates are free at Roland website. This is a 30+ yr old dream .... I think I'm on the right track. If you have any programming tips or leads ...... I would appreciate them. All the best! Perry ..... TY for replies even with no positive answer ..... much appreciated!
The only way you can layer sounds with the td7. Is to use the aux inputs for pads. Use a spliter cable, and 2 external triggers. And place the triggers on a mesh pad. And now you can layer sounds. The module doesn't actually layer sounds. But this is a work around. That allows you to layer sounds
@@demonicsweaters TD12s are prone to screen failure, especially in damp conditions. Someone has now made a fancy aftermarket screen replacement, but they ain't cheap!
eDrumIn4 or eDrumIn10 will allow you to add 4 or 10 pads via MIDI without overriding the trigger inputs. As far as I know, this is the only Roland module that allows that. Other Roland modules allow either the trigger inputs or MIDI, but not both.
I’ve had a TD-7 for 25 years. Not a brilliant unit, but 10 pads, plus HH controller. Just purchased a TD-8 brain. My plan is to find some used V pads direct to the TD-8, then also run the 10 PD-7 pads “through” the TD-7, “in” to the TD-8. This would give me a standard 5 piece with cymbals - all V pads - and 10 PD-7 pads also triggering the TD-8. I just assumed that would work with any module. In your opinion, will this set up work with the TD-8?
And yeah, it's Yamaha that likes to be different. Alesis and Roland are 'mostly' compatible with things. But this controller I have a changeable part for Alesis and Roland, though the Roland seems to work fine with either, the Alesis only works with the Alesis one.
They're both really good. The TD-8 has more pro features, more sounds and outputs, but is older. The TD-9 is a bit more modern sounding and you can still get custom packs from Drum-Tec which is nice, but it doesn't have nearly as many sounds. If you really want more options and hands one controls, go with the TD-8. If you want something more compact and modern then the TD-9.
Thanks for the quick reply. I’m sure you see me creeping around your channel all the time LOL. I recently started converting an acoustic drum set to electric and I’m torn between which module to buy I’ve been looking at TD 8s 10s, TD 6’s. I like the sounds that come out of some of the old modules as well. But there’s just so many things to factor. You and Justin from #65drums has become my go to places for anything Edrum related
@@jonboydelivers1097 Thank you, yeah @65drums is a great channel! Well, the TD-6v (not the regular td-6) can accept a lot of different trigger types and splitters. It's very versatile. The TD-8 has amazing editing and a ridiculous amount of onboard samples.
In this video I was still using one I made ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xaoANCZ32AM.html, now I'm using a Pintech. Though the homemade one worked fine.
Thanks for your your advice! Got a good deal on a Roland TD17KV (not the KVX) so I went for it. It’s got one less cymbal and a different hi-hat than the KVX, but I saved a few hundred. I’m not sure exactly how I’d expand this kit with additional cymbals and pads - but I guess I could do what you did here on a separate module and feed it into the speaker system or headphones using a mixer. Do you think that would work?
Yes I can add one cymbal for sure and (I think) maybe one Tom. But if I wanted to add another module and more drums, would it be possible with a mixer? I’m thinking maybe an older used Roland or Alesis module with some acoustic conversions for the drums. And maybe a Pintech for the cymbal?
they do appear similar, but I haven't really heard anyone say they have trouble with the TD-8 screens. Maybe since they're smaller they died less often or something
I highly disagree It sounds like toys my--Alesis strike pro SE is 10x better. I had a td6. It was ok. But the ride siu da are garbage. I still don't understand why they can't get a good ride sample or a bunch of them it's like when you find one you have to really stick with it they're all either too ringing or almost like give . musical note. It's weird. I'm hoping to strike Pro module isn't that 1% that you're not speaking of LOL
Have to agree with this, though as mentioned earlier it depends what you're using it for. Old gear sounds old, that's all there is to it...but retro and vintage has its place.
There's a reason why roland drum sounds sound synthetic. It's because roland wants to give you a quality finished sounds. Kinda what you want to hear on a album. But most drummers want a natural or real sounding drum. And to get a realistic drum sound from roland. You need to start off by turning all effects of in your module. On a user kit. And then build your sounds on a custom kit.