Roland V-Drums Innovation File No.03

Advanced Sensor Technology for Ultimate Realism

In creating the world’s finest modeled hi-hat, Roland embarked upon a time-intensive mission to create a virtual hi-hat that would perform like the real thing. The winning formula features three different types of sensors on the top of the cymbal’s bow, the edge, and in the center of the bottom cymbal where it detects the foot pedal movements. Sophisticated triggering data, such as the distance between the top and

bottom cymbals, are detected by having the

three sensors working perfectly in sync. The end result is amazing playability and realism, with the same nuances and tonal coloration of an acoustic hi-hat.

VH-12 Technology in a Compact, One-Piece Format

Derived from the groundbreaking VH-12 hi-hat, Roland’s VH-11 combines two hi-hat cymbals into one with an ingenious one-piece floating design. Amazingly, it performs like a real hat, and provides a realistic up/down pedaled response thanks to the stationary base mounted below the cymbal pad. With the combination of two sensors on the bow and edge, plus a motion sensor unit mounted in the center, subtle nuances

(including foot movement) can be

achieved. The one-piece design makes for easy setup on conventional hi-hat stands.

The First Electronic Hi-Hat, Designed Like an Acoustic

Wow! That’s what you’ll say once you try the VH-12 V-Hi-Hat. This

work with the TD-20/12’s enhanced dynamics. The dual-trigger VH-12

breakthough electronic hi-hat is designed to precisely model the look

creates smooth hi-hat sounds from open to closed — including the

and feel of its acoustic counterpart. So much so, it mounts on an

half-open position — with all of its delicate nuances. By applying

acoustic hi-hat stand! The VH-12 uses top and bottom cymbals with full

pressure to the pedal (even after closing), you can vary the pitch and

motion capability for ultra-natural stick/pedal work, and is designed to

decay for playing fast and tight articulations.

Roland V-Drums Innovation File No.04

Realistic Feel, Streamlined Design

Quest For the Perfect V-Cymbal

Developing the ultimate electronic cymbal required the Roland design to create numerous prototypes comprised of a wide range of materials. After extensive research, the team arrived at the perfect combination of internal and exterior materials that are durable and can properly simulate the resistance and swing amount that drummer’s feel when an acoustic cymbal is struck.

The Technology Within

What may look like a simple rubber/plastic disc is actually a sophisticated slice of cutting-edge technology. Inside the V-Cymbal’s bell and edge is a thin film-like sensor that lies beneath the rubber playing surface. The sensors detect sticking position, velocity, and edge pressure (for cymbal choking). This complex detection and calculation happens instantly, providing drummers with a realistic and accurate playing experience. A small but important Roland design principle is that the cymbals are not completely round, which minimizes vibration that can cause mis-triggering.

Ultra-sensitive sheet-like sensors (shown in blue) are located beneath the bell and the edge. Under the bow area is a sensor for detecting the strength and location of the impact.

With eyes closed, drummers will think they’re playing a regular two-piece hi-hat. But examine the innovative VH-11 floating hi-hat, and you’ll see that it’s actually comprised of one floating cymbal pad atop a fixed lower base. Great for fast setup and easy transport, the VH-11 mounts on conventional hi-hat stands, and provides a similar playing feel to a 2-piece hi-hat. The VH-11 is fully compatible with Roland's TD-20, TD-12, TD-9, and can be used with the TD-10 w/TDW-1, TD-8, TD-6V, and TD-6.

* V-Cymbal Technology for use under one or more of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,632,989 / 6,881,885 U.S. Patent Pending

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Roland TD-9KX manual Roland V-Drums Innovation File No.03, First Electronic Hi-Hat, Designed Like an Acoustic