The Complete Guide to the Roland SPD-SX Sampling Pad

Since its release in 2003, the Roland SPD-SX sampling pad has become one of the most widely used electronic instruments for drummers. 

See the history of Roland V-Drums here

Being able to record and playback any sound with the hit of a pad or stomp of a foot-switch allows musicians to expand their creative possibilities enormously.

In this blog, we’ll explore the typical day-to-day uses and functions of the Roland SPD-SX sampling pad in detail.

Contributed by Simon Ayton for the Roland Australia Blog

Getting Sounds into the SPD-SX

Packed with sounds already but with hours of additional space free, the SPD-SX is really designed to trigger your own WAV files easily on stage and in the studio but first you have to get some in there. 

USB provides quick connection to MAC/PC and memory sticks and there are a few ways to load the SPD-SX with samples.

Learn more about the steps here in Getting Sounds Into The SPD-SX

Triggering Samples with the SPD-SX

The SPD-SX is designed to trigger WAV files easily on stage and in the studio from the front pads and external inputs.

Loops, single shots and phrases are assigned to pads and triggered instantly.

Triggering sounds is covered here in detail.

Sampling with SPD-SX

It’s not called a sampling pad for nothing!

As far as fun functions go, realtime sampling is one of the unique features of the SPD-SX. 

Grab any sound from phones, instruments and mixing desks directly via the line inputs.

For sampling percussion, voice and other sounds, connect a microphone to the L (mono) input for realtime recording with effects.

Explore the sampling function of the SPD-SX here in detail.

Using Clicks and Backing Tracks with SPD-SX

Musicians are expected to have their show tight and professional. 

The SPD-SX makes the job of running click and backing tracks easy all from one instrument.

As far as controlling the show and creating a professional performance goes, the SPD-SX is relied on daily the world over by all types of musicians. 

Built-in click with it’s own volume control and routable outputs are just two of the many features that make the SPD-SX so useful for working with backing tracks.

See the guide on running clicks and backing tracks from the SPD-SX here.

Applying and Using Effects with SPD-SX

Add reverb, delay or pitch type effects easily to individual sounds using KIT FX in the SPD-SX.

For effecting the entire sound output, the master efx section gives hands-on control of two parameters in realtime such as delay time and delay feedback.

Effects can be syncronized to the internal metronome click and controlled from external pedals and controllers too. 

See all the possibilities in the following in-depth SPD-SX effects guide.  

Expanding the Roland SPD-SX Sampling Pad

Add a kick trigger, connect a snare pad or a compact BT-1 bar trigger

The SPD-SX has nine front panel pads that can be expanded via the two external trigger inputs.

For adding more external triggers, split the trigger inputs using standard insert cables. 

Choose a trigger type for perfect triggering from the huge range of V-Drums triggers.

Here we’ll cover how to expand the triggering capabilities of the SPD-SX.

Backing up and Saving SPD-SX Sounds and Settings

Easy to do but often forgotten until too late, learn how easy it is to create safety backups of your sounds and settings.

It’s simple to save the entire SPD-SX state onto USB stick or your desktop for easy recall at any stage.

In this guide, learn the steps involved and never worry about losing your data again!

Read all about saving your SPD-SX settings here

Register Your Interest

The SPD-SX PRO is the ultimate sampling pad for the most demanding gigs. It's packed with features and provides nearly unlimited sounds under your sticks. To find out more [and keep updated!], register your interest below and we'll keep you in the loop!

Marketing Opt In*
Roland Indonesia Privacy Policy

We ( Roland Corporation ) process your personal data in order to provide high quality services according to the characteristics of each of our customers. We process your personal data according to the following principles because we are aware of our social responsibility to protect it.

1. Intended use
We always limit the use of personal data limited to the scope of purposes as specified below.
The intended use

I. Provision of services on membership websites, such as on Roland Cloud, Roland Backstage, etc.
To identify applicants for member registration (creating a Roland Account), membership, and users of various services To check user legitimacy when using the service To provide various services for the members

II. Provision of various information via email and direct mail
To offer information related to our and our group companies' products and services (including promotions and advertising) as well as information about events
To offer information regarding third party products and services we distribute (including promotions and advertisements) as well as information about various events
To notify and inform registered users of various other information

III. Customer Support
To receive and answer various questions and consultations with users
To provide after-sales services, such as version updates, to users
To deliver the repaired product to the user

IV. Marketing (to plan, develop and improve various products and services)
To understand the user registration status and conditions of use of the membership site
Conducting questionnaires/surveys and monitoring various surveys

V. Others
To comply with legal or regulatory obligations, and to notify changes to the purposes for which personal data are used
In addition, for use within the range of consent provided separately by members
We will process your personal data when you consent to our processing of your personal data for the purposes stated above, when we need to process the same for the performance of the contract, and/ or when there is another legitimate interest.

2. Categories of personal data
In order to achieve the "Purpose of use" stated above, we collect your personal data as listed below in an appropriate and fair manner:

Personal data that you provide at the time of registration for membership (creation of a Roland Account) such as name, address, telephone, email address, gender, date of birth, etc.; And
Cookie information, IP address, etc.
Disclosure to third parties

Taking into account applicable laws and regulations and your interests, we will not disclose your personal data to any third party except under the provisions below:
If you consent to the disclosure
When shared within our company group (please note that our company group is responsible for protecting your personal data.)
If we need to outsource the processing of personal data, and the outsourced company is obliged to protect the personal data
Where appropriate to allow our group companies, outsourcing companies or distributors to respond to your inquiries
If we are required to disclose or provide such personal data on legal or regulatory grounds
Where disclosure is necessary to protect human health or safety or assets, and it is difficult to obtain your prior consent
When we need to cooperate with the central or local government in their official duties
Where disclosure is permitted by applicable laws and regulations

4. Overseas transfers
We store your personal data on servers located in the US and managed by Roland Corporation. In addition, we may transfer your personal data abroad in the cases listed in section 3 above, taking into account applicable laws and regulations and your interests. For the protection of your personal data, if it is transferred abroad in such cases, we have provided appropriate measures to safeguard personal data.

5. Period of retention of personal data
We will retain your personal data only for the period necessary to fulfill the "Purpose of use" stated above. Periods for specific retention will be determined taking into account the intended use, property, and the legal or operational need for storage, of personal data.

6. About cookies
A "cookie" is a small piece of data sent from a web server and stored on your computer. Although our web server can identify your computer using cookies, these cookies will allow you to efficiently access our web pages.

You can opt out of cookies being stored on your computer via your computer's browser settings, but please note that, in such cases, our website may be partially limited in functionality for you.

In addition, in order to provide the best advertising to our customers, we use behavioral targeting advertising services provided by the following companies (third party distribution service operators) by means of cookies. Operators of third-party distribution services deliver advertisements based on previous access information to our website using cookies. They may also be able to deliver advertisements based on matching personal data held by us and those held by them after being permanently converted to non-personally identifiable data. They may not use the data for any purpose other than advertising delivery. If you wish to disable this service, access the company page provided below and follow the instructions.

Google, LLC

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Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook)

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7. About access records
Our website records contain information about the persons who have accessed our website, in access records, as described here:

Access records include IP addresses, domain names, browsers, access dates/times, etc., of persons accessing our website.

We will notify you of any purposes for which your access records are used in combination with your personal data when we use them for any purpose except as specified below:
Answer questions that arise when you use our services
Create statistical data, which do not identify individuals

8. About Tracking system
A tracking system based on the use of our corporate cookies used on Roland websites functions to collect IP addresses, access dates/times, etc. We will not use it in combination with any information that can identify individuals, beyond what is stated in the "Purpose of use" as stated above.

There is also a tracking system based on the use of third-party cookies that is used on parts of the Roland website to collect anonymous statistical information that is not linked to specific personal data.

9. Use of the YouTube API Service
When using this website or our application, videos and other content may be displayed through the YouTube API service provided by Google LLC. Please refer to YouTube's Terms of Service and Google's Privacy Policy for more information.

10. Permissions
If you are required to obtain parental or similar consent by laws and regulations in your jurisdiction of residence to allow you to enter this Privacy Policy and to obtain consent for you to receive information (including promotions and advertisements) from us, please complete the necessary procedures before give consent.

By agreeing to this Privacy Policy or agreeing to receive information (including promotions and advertisements) from us, you will be deemed to have performed the necessary procedures for such consent.

You are not obligated to provide us with your personal data by law or regulation. However, if you choose not to provide your personal data, you may not be able to utilize our services. In addition, if we process your personal data based on your consent, you can withdraw the consent at any time, but withdrawing the consent will not affect the legality of processing our personal data based on your consent before you withdraw.

11.Modification of personal data
To confirm or change your registration information, please log in to Roland Cloud or Roland Backstage and confirm or modify in “Profile” or “Account/Settings” respectively.

Roland Cloud

Roland Backstage

In addition to the above, to request suspension of use, deletion of your personal data or other inquiries, please log in to Roland Cloud and submit your inquiries in "Support". We will carry out the necessary identification and investigation and respond to the extent and extent possible under applicable laws and regulations.

Services are only available in English. Please send your questions in English.

Data Controller :

Roland Corporation

2036-1 Nakagawa, Hosoe-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-1304, Japan

Global Marketing Division

12. Amendments to the Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to change this Privacy Policy at any time to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations.
Register Your Interest

The SPD-SX PRO is the ultimate sampling pad for the most demanding gigs. It's packed with features and provides nearly unlimited sounds under your sticks. To find out more [and keep updated!], register your interest below and we'll keep you in the loop!

Marketing Opt In*
Roland Indonesia Privacy Policy

We ( Roland Corporation ) process your personal data in order to provide high quality services according to the characteristics of each of our customers. We process your personal data according to the following principles because we are aware of our social responsibility to protect it.

1. Intended use
We always limit the use of personal data limited to the scope of purposes as specified below.
The intended use

I. Provision of services on membership websites, such as on Roland Cloud, Roland Backstage, etc.
To identify applicants for member registration (creating a Roland Account), membership, and users of various services To check user legitimacy when using the service To provide various services for the members

II. Provision of various information via email and direct mail
To offer information related to our and our group companies' products and services (including promotions and advertising) as well as information about events
To offer information regarding third party products and services we distribute (including promotions and advertisements) as well as information about various events
To notify and inform registered users of various other information

III. Customer Support
To receive and answer various questions and consultations with users
To provide after-sales services, such as version updates, to users
To deliver the repaired product to the user

IV. Marketing (to plan, develop and improve various products and services)
To understand the user registration status and conditions of use of the membership site
Conducting questionnaires/surveys and monitoring various surveys

V. Others
To comply with legal or regulatory obligations, and to notify changes to the purposes for which personal data are used
In addition, for use within the range of consent provided separately by members
We will process your personal data when you consent to our processing of your personal data for the purposes stated above, when we need to process the same for the performance of the contract, and/ or when there is another legitimate interest.

2. Categories of personal data
In order to achieve the "Purpose of use" stated above, we collect your personal data as listed below in an appropriate and fair manner:

Personal data that you provide at the time of registration for membership (creation of a Roland Account) such as name, address, telephone, email address, gender, date of birth, etc.; And
Cookie information, IP address, etc.
Disclosure to third parties

Taking into account applicable laws and regulations and your interests, we will not disclose your personal data to any third party except under the provisions below:
If you consent to the disclosure
When shared within our company group (please note that our company group is responsible for protecting your personal data.)
If we need to outsource the processing of personal data, and the outsourced company is obliged to protect the personal data
Where appropriate to allow our group companies, outsourcing companies or distributors to respond to your inquiries
If we are required to disclose or provide such personal data on legal or regulatory grounds
Where disclosure is necessary to protect human health or safety or assets, and it is difficult to obtain your prior consent
When we need to cooperate with the central or local government in their official duties
Where disclosure is permitted by applicable laws and regulations

4. Overseas transfers
We store your personal data on servers located in the US and managed by Roland Corporation. In addition, we may transfer your personal data abroad in the cases listed in section 3 above, taking into account applicable laws and regulations and your interests. For the protection of your personal data, if it is transferred abroad in such cases, we have provided appropriate measures to safeguard personal data.

5. Period of retention of personal data
We will retain your personal data only for the period necessary to fulfill the "Purpose of use" stated above. Periods for specific retention will be determined taking into account the intended use, property, and the legal or operational need for storage, of personal data.

6. About cookies
A "cookie" is a small piece of data sent from a web server and stored on your computer. Although our web server can identify your computer using cookies, these cookies will allow you to efficiently access our web pages.

You can opt out of cookies being stored on your computer via your computer's browser settings, but please note that, in such cases, our website may be partially limited in functionality for you.

In addition, in order to provide the best advertising to our customers, we use behavioral targeting advertising services provided by the following companies (third party distribution service operators) by means of cookies. Operators of third-party distribution services deliver advertisements based on previous access information to our website using cookies. They may also be able to deliver advertisements based on matching personal data held by us and those held by them after being permanently converted to non-personally identifiable data. They may not use the data for any purpose other than advertising delivery. If you wish to disable this service, access the company page provided below and follow the instructions.

Google, LLC

https://policies.google.com/technologies/ads

Meta Platforms, Inc. (Facebook)

https://www.facebook.com/policies/cookies/

7. About access records
Our website records contain information about the persons who have accessed our website, in access records, as described here:

Access records include IP addresses, domain names, browsers, access dates/times, etc., of persons accessing our website.

We will notify you of any purposes for which your access records are used in combination with your personal data when we use them for any purpose except as specified below:
Answer questions that arise when you use our services
Create statistical data, which do not identify individuals

8. About Tracking system
A tracking system based on the use of our corporate cookies used on Roland websites functions to collect IP addresses, access dates/times, etc. We will not use it in combination with any information that can identify individuals, beyond what is stated in the "Purpose of use" as stated above.

There is also a tracking system based on the use of third-party cookies that is used on parts of the Roland website to collect anonymous statistical information that is not linked to specific personal data.

9. Use of the YouTube API Service
When using this website or our application, videos and other content may be displayed through the YouTube API service provided by Google LLC. Please refer to YouTube's Terms of Service and Google's Privacy Policy for more information.

10. Permissions
If you are required to obtain parental or similar consent by laws and regulations in your jurisdiction of residence to allow you to enter this Privacy Policy and to obtain consent for you to receive information (including promotions and advertisements) from us, please complete the necessary procedures before give consent.

By agreeing to this Privacy Policy or agreeing to receive information (including promotions and advertisements) from us, you will be deemed to have performed the necessary procedures for such consent.

You are not obligated to provide us with your personal data by law or regulation. However, if you choose not to provide your personal data, you may not be able to utilize our services. In addition, if we process your personal data based on your consent, you can withdraw the consent at any time, but withdrawing the consent will not affect the legality of processing our personal data based on your consent before you withdraw.

11.Modification of personal data
To confirm or change your registration information, please log in to Roland Cloud or Roland Backstage and confirm or modify in “Profile” or “Account/Settings” respectively.

Roland Cloud

Roland Backstage

In addition to the above, to request suspension of use, deletion of your personal data or other inquiries, please log in to Roland Cloud and submit your inquiries in "Support". We will carry out the necessary identification and investigation and respond to the extent and extent possible under applicable laws and regulations.

Services are only available in English. Please send your questions in English.

Data Controller :

Roland Corporation

2036-1 Nakagawa, Hosoe-cho, Kita-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-1304, Japan

Global Marketing Division

12. Amendments to the Privacy Policy
We reserve the right to change this Privacy Policy at any time to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations.

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THIS TD-50 CUSTOM PATCHES

Created by Roland V-Drums specialist Simon Ayton, these patches were designed using the internal factory sounds and many of the techniques covered in the TD-50 guide. Enjoy exploring the possibilities!