How To Use EQ And Audio Compression With The Roland TD-27 V-Drums

What is EQ?

Equalization involves adjusting volume levels of specific frequencies in order to modify the tonal colour of sound.

In order to improve the clarity and audibility of sounds, EQ has been used in nearly every music mix since the very early days of sound recording.

EQ comes in many hardware and software configurations, with the most common being:

• High and low-cut filters for reducing hiss and rumble.
• Shelving filters for boosting or cutting all frequencies above or below certain values.
• Peaking or Parametric EQ that allow surgical adjustment of specific frequencies over a narrow bandwidth, via their unique ‘Q’ or ‘quality’ control.

For shaping individual sounds, the TD-27 features a three-band semi-parametric EQ per pad.

The TD-27 also has a four-band semi-parametric master EQ over the entire kit, for polishing and mastering the total kit sound.

See the video showing ways to use the EQ. This is done in the TD-50 module but it’s the same process with the TD-27.

Contributed by Simon Ayton for Roland Corporation Australia

What is audio compression and how do compressors work?

Now let’s look at how and why to use audio compression with the TD-27.

The TD-27 compressors were designed specifically to adjust dynamics of percussive sounds.

Firstly, let’s make sure we understand exactly what compressors do so we can best apply them.

Audio compression is used to reduce dynamic range, to improve audibility and enhance the perceived average volume, power and impact of sounds.

Audio compression is a method for controlling the dynamics of sound.

Compressors began as tools for overcoming the limited dynamic range and noise floor of early tape recorders to keep the music consistent and audible above the noise.

Along with EQs, compressors have become widely exploited tools for sound shaping.

Different types of compressors are used on drums extensively throughout the recording and mixing process. The creative use of compression on drums has become an art form all of its own.

Together with a multi-band master compressor which can be applied over the entire kit, the TD-27 features single-band compressors for every pad sound.

To eliminate confusion, common audio compressor settings are explained here as simply as possible.

The main adjustments for compressors are:

• THRESHOLD
• RATIO
• ATTACK
• RELEASE
• GAIN

Compression Threshold

The threshold determines the volume level at which the compressor starts to act on the incoming signal.

When the input volume is above the set Threshold level, the compressor begins to work.

A threshold set to maximum will not allow any compression to occur.

Setting the threshold to minimum will allow any input signal to be compressed.

Compression Ratio

The compression ratio determines by what factor the output level is reduced once the input signal exceeds the Threshold.

We can “squash” our signal quite dramatically by increasing the Ratio causing gain reduction.

If we have an input signal that is 4 decibels over the Threshold at a Ratio of 4:1, the output will be 1 decibel greater above the Threshold volume.

Tip: Compressors with ratios above 20:1 are known as limiters, as they hardly allow any signal to exceed the Threshold.

Compressors with negative ratios are known as expanders which increase dynamics.

Compressor Attack Time

Attack controls how quickly the compressor kicks in and starts to work, once the input signal has exceeded the threshold.

Once the input exceeds the signal level set by the threshold, we can choose to have the compressor act immediately or later.

For more aggressive or punchier sounds, long or slow attack times allow the initial sound transients to pass through first.

The initial transient also has the effect of making the sound more upfront and immediate.

Slower or shorter attack times soften the blow faster and effectively push the sound back into the listening space.

Compressor Release Time

Release time determines the time it takes the compressor to return to its pre-compression state, once the level drops below the threshold.

The longer the Release Time, the longer the compressor acts on the sound.

Compression stops being effective once the level drops again below the threshold.

Compressor Gain Control

“Makeup gain” allows us to increase or decrease the volume of the compressed signal to account for any average loss of level from the compression.

This volume adjustment is useful because contrary to common belief, compression reduces the dynamics of a sound and as such, it makes a sound smaller – not larger.

Multi-Band Compression

Multi-band or ‘split-band’ compressors are often used in the final mastering process. They allow independent compression of high and low frequencies, affording greater control.

The TD-27 compressor also provides a ‘Knee’ for control of how hard or soft the compressor acts.

[KIT EDIT] | [CURSOR ARROW] | MASTER ‘COMP’ | [ENTER]

As a useful starting point, try the following settings.