Roland has unveiled its new 7 Series electronic drum set configurations, replacing the TD-50X-equipped V-drums and VAD kits with the innovative V71 module at the core. This new lineup features updated pads, sounds, and exciting enhancements.
The V71 module is a key component across all three configurations, retaining beloved features like kit-part volume controls, individual trigger inputs, three digital trigger slots, and balanced direct outputs, while introducing significant upgrades.
Roland claims the “onboard drum library has been created from the ground up with world-class instruments never featured in any previous module.” This bold statement comes in light of recent competition, such as Alesis’ Strata Prime, which incorporated the entire BFD sound library. However, Roland has used multi-sampled, 32-bit/192kHz samples captured in new sessions for its module, marking a notable shift from its earlier hesitance towards sample-heavy offerings.
The onboard sound engine employs ‘round-robin’ sample playback, allowing for up to 16,000 samples per instrument. This approach ensures that no sample is played consecutively, helping to eliminate the unnatural machine-gunning effect.
Additionally, Roland, which also owns DW, has integrated its Soundworks software sound engine with the 7 Series kits. Users will receive a copy of Soundworks, and the original Soundworks samples have been adapted for module use, allowing for multi-sampled kits to be played directly from the V71 without needing a laptop.
The V71 also boasts WiFi connectivity, enabling direct wireless access to Roland Cloud for downloading expansion packs and jam tracks. New owners of the 7 Series will receive a 6-month trial of Roland Cloud, granting unrestricted access to all upgrades. After the trial, users can opt for a paid subscription or cancel, noting that downloaded assets will cease to function without a subscription or the purchase of a lifetime key.
Bluetooth connectivity is also included, a feature previously absent from Roland’s flagship modules. The V71 is equipped with a color screen for improved navigation.
In addition to the V71 module, Roland has made notable upgrades to its drum pads. The snare pad, the PD14-DSX, features a digital throw-off similar to DW’s design but includes a digital strainer for adjusting the tension of virtual snare wires like on an acoustic drum.
The tom pads on the TD-716 have also been enhanced. The PD-10X rack toms and PD-12X floor toms now feature die-cast hoops and a new rim bumper design, providing a lower profile while maintaining necessary articulations for rim shots and rim hits.
At launch, the 7 Series electronic drum sets are available in three configurations, all featuring the V71 module. The TD-716 includes a real-shell KD-18 bass drum, two PD10X rack toms, two PD14 floor toms, and the PD14-DSX snare drum, along with VH-14D digital hi-hats, CY-18DR digital ride, and two CY-16R-T crashes, all mounted on an MDS-STG2 rack system with internal cable routing.
The more compact TD-713 setup swaps the bass drum pad for a KD-12 mesh head tower, replaces one crash cymbal with a CY-14C-T, and uses the current PDX-100 mesh-head models for the four tom pads. It is supported by the lighter MDS-GND2 rack.
Finally, the VAD716 configuration features a six-piece setup with real wood shells throughout (excluding the PD-14DSX snare). The cymbal setup mirrors that of the TD-716, and the VAD716 is available in Pearl White, Satin Walnut, and three transparent lacquer finishes over maple veneers: Gloss Cherry, Gloss Natural, and Gloss Ebony.
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