Roland PD-80

The Roland PD-80 V-Pad is an excellent piece of equipment for any serious drummer. The 8-inch single-trigger pad makes for a great tom. It can function alongside its dualtrigger cousin, the PD-80R—designed for use as a snare.

Roland and Remo USA, Inc., partnered to produce a special mesh-head design that allows for near-silent triggering. Its precise sensitivity distinguishes the Roland PD-80 from other pads on the market and even allows for playing with brushes.

Much more durable than an acoustic drum head, the mesh head creates an exceptionally realistic and natural feel. The rim even contains a rubber coating to promote a natural rebound.

The drum pad comes with a connection cable, tuning key, and owner’s manual. Users can adjust the head tension with the device’s five tuning bolts. However, "tuning" will not affect the sound of the synthetic drum; rather, it changes the rebound of the mesh-head. With extensive use, the head will eventually wear out. It may be replaced by unscrewing the tuning bolts and removing the hoop.

 

Users can connect the PD-80 to a variety of Roland percussion sound modules. The manual lists suggested settings for the TD-10, TD-8, TD-7, TD-6V, TD-5, SPD-20, SPD-11, SPD-S, and HPD-15. Rock Band fans know the PD-80 for its compatibility with the ION Drum Rocker.

Overall, the Roland PD-80 V-Pad is an attractive device. Its mesh-head design creates the unique, noiseless experience of a powerfully responsive head that closely mimics the feel of an acoustic drum.