| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| CraigDrums |
Posted - 15/09/2011 : 04:44:29
Good morning all, I'm Very excited, honoured and privileged to be doing one of the first clinics worldwide featuring the Roland SPD-Sx at music Moscow today, a very proud moment. I've had a prototype for a couple of weeks and can honestly say it's incredible and blows everything out the water, I'll be showing it in Manchester next Tuesday evening on the dawsons clinics and a few up and down the country. I'll post pics and vids soon..
C |
| 50 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Unkle Kev |
Posted - 12/04/2013 : 16:19:00
Phew! :-)
Send me a list of BPMs and I'll send you the click loops. |
| Cuban |
Posted - 12/04/2013 : 00:06:23
Noooooo - I want my money back! 
.
.
.
.
.
I'm kidding of course, it's a cracking upgrade and I appreciate all your help!
What I described above does work in a roundabout way to be honest.
I start the backing track (keeping the backing track stick count in attached) and simply hit pad 1 to start the on board click which is sent to headphones only.
If you or anyone has any 1 bar clicks that are measured to loop accurately, that would be great too.
Thanks again.  |
| Unkle Kev |
Posted - 11/04/2013 : 22:36:54
Erm, I did say answers not guaranteed! Oops.
I'm just home from working away, got the beastie out and tried the Pad Link to start the click. It doesn't work. Apologies. I was led to believe it would too, but it's not how I use mine.
I know it's not what you wanted, but Blackstone is right. Make a small 1 bar audio click WAV on a computer, assign it to a pad and loop it, use Pad Link to link it to your backing track pad, and you'll get what you need. This even lets you assign the loop to any output so you can get it just in your phones or in a sub out.
Hope this works for you. I'll be happy to make the click loops and email them to you if it helps. |
| Cuban |
Posted - 11/04/2013 : 20:47:57
Thanks Blackstone.
From what Unkle Kev said above, he led me to believe it could be done with the internal click, so paging Unkle Kev! |
| Blackstone |
Posted - 11/04/2013 : 20:27:59
I think Unkle Kev or ChrisK could answer this better than me. I don't use full backtracks. But from what I understand, you need to create a wave for your click. Just like 1 measure,in the BPM you need. I've had luck using Unkle Kev's tip on how to create a loopable wave that is exact. (it's in another link in this forum.) Now link that pad to pad 9 with your back track. I havn't done this with a backtrack, but I have done it with a 16 measure loop, and I let it run for 20 minutes just to test and when I came back, the click and loop were spot on.
The SX has a learning curve to it for sure. good luck. |
| Cuban |
Posted - 11/04/2013 : 18:57:44
Thanks for the reply Blackstone.
I've just done as you described and it's not doing what I want.
Basically. Pad 9 has a full backing track, currently complete with count in.
Having assigned the click to Pad 1 and followed your steps, I assumed striking pad 9 would trigger the click on Pad 1 or even the other way around, hit Pad 1 to start the click and Pad 9 would also trigger?
I have also done:
MENU>KIT>PAD LINK>Pad1-Pad9 while I have also tried MENU>KIT>PAD LINK>Pad9-Pad1
Am I missing something here? |
| Blackstone |
Posted - 11/04/2013 : 17:52:20
pg 57 in the manual.
From Main menu
System
PAD/FS Control
hit the pad you want to set up and scroll to 'CLICK'
this doesn't do exactly what you think it would do. The click is always running. this just makes it audible. So if you want the click to be audible on the 1, you need to hit this pad on the one. It works for me and what I do, but many people have an issue with it. |
| Cuban |
Posted - 11/04/2013 : 17:35:14
Well I took the plunge and having spent a few hours with it, very impressed so far.
So much easier to work with than the old S!
First question at this stage, is I can't see how you trigger the on board click from a pad?
|
| Cuban |
Posted - 07/04/2013 : 15:41:10
Excellent, thanks for that info. |
| Unkle Kev |
Posted - 06/04/2013 : 17:49:47
No, you can start the on board click with a foot switch or any pad/trigger. You can trigger two pads at once with one hit by linking them. So you can trigger a sample and start the click simultaneously with a single pad hit or foot switch hit. |
| Cuban |
Posted - 06/04/2013 : 16:40:56
quote:
Originally posted by Unkle Kev
Cuban, answers below, not guaranteed!
You can assign a pad (or one of the four trigger inputs or the foot switch) to start and stop the click with alternating hits. To get it to start with a sample, use the Pad Link function to link your sample pad with the Click Start/Stop pad. Then when you hit either of the two linked pads, both trigger simultaneously. I use pads 1 and 2. I now make audio click tracks on my PC and trigger it with the backing track sample as described. That's so I can have a click with time changes.
A foot switch can be used to start and stop the click track if you assign that function to it.
Yes. Each kit can have its own set tempo. You set it in Kit Mode.
Excellent, thanks for the quick reply.
So do I understand that the on board SPD-SX click can't be set up to trigger with a sample or be used by a foot switch, only, in effect, a sampled click allocated to a pad can work this way? |
| Unkle Kev |
Posted - 06/04/2013 : 16:25:24
Cuban, answers below, not guaranteed!
You can assign a pad (or one of the four trigger inputs or the foot switch) to start and stop the click with alternating hits. To get it to start with a sample, use the Pad Link function to link your sample pad with the Click Start/Stop pad. Then when you hit either of the two linked pads, both trigger simultaneously. I use pads 1 and 2. I now make audio click tracks on my PC and trigger it with the backing track sample as described. That's so I can have a click with time changes.
A foot switch can be used to start and stop the click track if you assign that function to it.
Yes. Each kit can have its own set tempo. You set it in Kit Mode. |
| Cuban |
Posted - 06/04/2013 : 15:42:16
quote:
Originally posted by PaulB
How do you start the backing track and the internal click then Kev? As far as I am aware you can't link the two together, you have to start the internal click, and then strike the pad containing the backing track pad at precisely the right time.
Looking to upgrade my S to an SX.
A couple of questions:
Is there a solution to the above or can you only manually start the click and the sample independently?
Can the click by operated by one of the boss foot switches or does the foot switch only trigger/stop the pads?
Finally, can the click be assigned to each kit, so in effect I could program a set list as kit 1, kit 2, kit 3 etc and each of those will have the correct tempo click loaded for the track?
This is for use with backing tracks rather than setting a sample to a tempo.
Thanks in advance. |
| DrumminMuppet |
Posted - 20/02/2013 : 22:41:09
Hi there, does anyone know whether the spd-sx usb midi & audio interfaces are class compliant, that is, can be used with ipads via a camera connection kit &!apps supporting core midi / audio?
Cheers,
James |
| New Tricks |
Posted - 19/01/2013 : 20:00:28
quote:
Originally posted by Dickster
Right guys.
Just read all this post and I'm excited and confused...
I'm looking at having some extra sounds for the band and also would like to have some backing tracks available to trigger. I want to do this without too much trouble, gadgets and messing about. I've never used anything like this before either.
Does this mean I can download a backing track to the computer, transfer it to the SPD SX via USB, assign it to a pad n then play it? All in one box?
Anything else for a simple fellow?
Ta.
Dickster.
I think you are looking to do the same thing that I have been doing for the past 6 months. If you have any questions or need guidance, send me a PM. I'd be happy to share the knowledge I've picked up.
I started from scratch also and have managed to come a long way in a short time. We now use backing on about 30 cover songs. It's also helpful for original music because Ii can record it/play it/teak it without having my band mates here.
If I can do it, pretty much anyone can. |
| Geoff_fry01 |
Posted - 17/10/2012 : 10:30:45
dont worry I found it.. you can do this and set pads to change kits etc etc..P57 in the manual..
G
|
| Geoff_fry01 |
Posted - 17/10/2012 : 08:25:45
Anyone know if the all sound off button can be assigned to a pad rather than using mute groups?
I have 2 samples that need to be in different groups but I would like to be able to stop both by hitting a different pad....
Thanksg
|
| Chris_ |
Posted - 01/10/2012 : 22:22:38
quote:
I'm surprised how many people use an SPD-S/SX exclusively for triggering back tracks? Its seems a massive waste of money and overkill for something which could so easily be done with an ipod/mp3 player? What's the benefit I wonder?
I think most use these to start and stop loop and trigs on the fly sample, and backing track, in my case, I use to trigs sample and start full song backing track, I need both.
As for Ipod\mp3, you will have to do this in mono only of you want a click track, and a good one that have a great battery for 2 hour at least.. |
| Bewdy |
Posted - 26/09/2012 : 09:31:56
quote:
Originally posted by Unkle Kev
Sounds like you want a digital file player that can read off flash memory and let's you make playlists. If you don't need the SPD-S for anything other than your backing tracks, you could probably sell it to fund the purchase. Let us know what you choose.
I'm surprised how many people use an SPD-S/SX exclusively for triggering back tracks? Its seems a massive waste of money and overkill for something which could so easily be done with an ipod/mp3 player? What's the benefit I wonder? |
| Chris_ |
Posted - 26/09/2012 : 01:07:57
The big difference is spd-s long mode is not acceptable for good and pro quality, it sound way compressed, now in spd-x you can have in "long mode" in pro quality.
Spd-s 512MB CF in mono mode:
(In stereo about half time remain from below.)
-Fine mode is 96 min (normal quality still compressed a bit)
-Standard mode 180 min (medium quality)
-Long mode 336 min about (6hours) ( terrible quality, poor low end and poor high frequency sound bad.
Spd-Sx in mono mode is 360min (6hours) without compression and in stereo about 180min (3hour), high frequency and low frequency sound excellent quality better then the fine mode in the spd-s, and this add to increase 10x speed to transfert the wav in about drag and drop timing, compression need much more time to do works and convert like spd-s have.
In fact, I have alot more natural low frequency and high frequency clarity then the spd-s I got for so many years.
Spd-s reduce punch and low freqency and add grainy noisy sound more noticable with the standard more with metal percussion\cymbal, piano, strings, brass etc.
Spd-S have limited to 500 slots sample, which reduce potential wave acess if you have many wave are less then 600kb, you ran out of slots.
Spd-sx have 10,000 slots samples available
As for click track, you can create the complete click track in wav, as a loop or variable complete track in mono and output seperatly. |
| Unkle Kev |
Posted - 04/09/2012 : 16:46:27
Sounds like you want a digital file player that can read off flash memory and let's you make playlists. If you don't need the SPD-S for anything other than your backing tracks, you could probably sell it to fund the purchase. Let us know what you choose. |
| Sperrry |
Posted - 03/09/2012 : 21:19:13
quote:
Originally posted by Unkle Kev
Sperry, the SPD-SX has a USB input allowing you to instantly access samples, only limited by the size of the memory stick you use. As long as you don't expect to open any single patch with more than 2 Gb of samples in it (the only limit to patch size is the 2 Gb internal memory), the SX has practically unlimited memory with a memory stick.
You'll also get to have a click without frigging your samples into mono, extra outputs, better effects, blah, blah, blah. The SX is designed exactly for the job you want it to do.
I think it uses uncompressed WAV format for samples, but I'm not certain. I'd think you'd have a very good chance of getting all your samples on internal memory, as the S used some CompactFlash card space for setup files, so your samples will likely be under 500 Mb. And you will notice a big improvement in sound quality when comparing the SX to the S.
Thanks for your reply.
From what I understand, you can't play samples directly from a USB drive. You have to import them into the internal memory first. Therefore, I'm still limited to the 2GB internal memory.
Also, the internal click function of the SX will do me no good since most of my click tracks are not set to an exact bps. Some songs have changing tempos and others have a variable tempo which will fluctuate over the progression of the song. I can't use the internal click at all unless I recreate all my tracks which I'm not going to do.
You did tell me that you think the SX uses uncompressed .wav files. This is what I was afraid of. Every imported .wav file is going to take the same amount of internal memory as the original .wav file. The S is able to import in "long" mode a .wav file of, lets say, 40MB and turn it into two smaller files totaling only 10MB (left channel 5MB and right channel 5MB). Roland's failure to include in the SX the same three sample rates that the S has (fine, standard, and long) has effectively made the 2GB internal memory the SAME as 512MB of "long" samples. Get it? For someone like me who's looking to break the 512MB CF card barrier, the SX won't do!
I'm really glad I researched this and found out before I dropped $600+ on an SX only to find myself right where I started again.
Sperrry |
| sludge |
Posted - 03/09/2012 : 11:52:49
sorry if this is a stupid question but i thought the octapad did everything one could want, from the clinic, so what's the difference between this and that? |
| Unkle Kev |
Posted - 02/09/2012 : 21:11:25
Sperry, the SPD-SX has a USB input allowing you to instantly access samples, only limited by the size of the memory stick you use. As long as you don't expect to open any single patch with more than 2 Gb of samples in it (the only limit to patch size is the 2 Gb internal memory), the SX has practically unlimited memory with a memory stick.
You'll also get to have a click without frigging your samples into mono, extra outputs, better effects, blah, blah, blah. The SX is designed exactly for the job you want it to do.
I think it uses uncompressed WAV format for samples, but I'm not certain. I'd think you'd have a very good chance of getting all your samples on internal memory, as the S used some CompactFlash card space for setup files, so your samples will likely be under 500 Mb. And you will notice a big improvement in sound quality when comparing the SX to the S. |
| Sperrry |
Posted - 02/09/2012 : 06:37:37
Howdy folks,
I've been searching and searching various forums looking for an answer to this particular concern I have about replacing my SPD-S with an SPD-SX to get the larger memory capacity, but haven't found a blunt answer yet. I get the feeling from what I've read that I know what the answer will be (and it won't suit my needs), but I'm looking for a direct answer to confirm my suspicions.
I use my SPD-S for backing tracks with click track on left channel and the track on the right channel. I can get roughly 40 songs on one 512MB card by importing them all in "long" mode which makes each track only a quarter of the original .wav file size (which actually still sounds great). It seems from my research that the SPD-SX does NOT give us the option to import .wav files in "long" mode! Therefore, if all the samples are imported as full .wav files, the SPD-SX ends up having the SAME amount of capacity so to speak.
So here's my question. Does the SPD-SX import .wav files in their full file size? If I have a .wav file track that is 32MB on my computer, does it also take 32MB of the internal memory of the SPD-SX? If I can't get more than 40-some songs into the internal memory of the SPD-SX, then I'm actually better off sticking with my SPD-S and changing memory cards (which is what I'm trying to get away from doing).
Sperrry |
| PaulB |
Posted - 29/06/2012 : 10:11:41
How do you start the backing track and the internal click then Kev? As far as I am aware you can't link the two together, you have to start the internal click, and then strike the pad containing the backing track pad at precisely the right time. |
| Unkle Kev |
Posted - 29/06/2012 : 07:04:00
Sorry Chris. I wiped my machine when I got it. I have backing tracks up to 5 mins long and various song sections of a few minutes that I've made on my pc or recorded on the SPD-Sx as a performance, and they all match the internal click. I didn't realise it was a problem for other users. |
| Chris_ |
Posted - 29/06/2012 : 06:24:43
quote:
Originally posted by Unkle Kev
I've used mine with v1.00 and v1.02 software and had no issues with backing tracks not matching the internal click when they have been generated using DAW or editing software to an exact bpm.
The thing to check is that your backing tracks are in time, both from a normal perspective i.e. not wandering, and they have to be a non-decimal speed i.e. 120 bpm not 120.4 bpm. If you are using samples of live performances, either effect isn't uncommon due to tape flutter or just loose time. You can correct small differences with software time stretch.
Also, tracks generated electronically could have a bit of air at the start, making the track out of step.
Recording straight into the unit is a doddle. 5 minutes was all it took to get from plugging in to editing and triggering.
Generally it is best to edit any backing tracks using software as waveform editing makes life much easier on a big screen.
?? how? I have tested the default patch from roland and no one matching the click, trigs it off the click and you will see off timing all the way |
| Unkle Kev |
Posted - 25/06/2012 : 15:18:27
I've used mine with v1.00 and v1.02 software and had no issues with backing tracks not matching the internal click when they have been generated using DAW or editing software to an exact bpm.
The thing to check is that your backing tracks are in time, both from a normal perspective i.e. not wandering, and they have to be a non-decimal speed i.e. 120 bpm not 120.4 bpm. If you are using samples of live performances, either effect isn't uncommon due to tape flutter or just loose time. You can correct small differences with software time stretch.
Also, tracks generated electronically could have a bit of air at the start, making the track out of step.
Recording straight into the unit is a doddle. 5 minutes was all it took to get from plugging in to editing and triggering.
Generally it is best to edit any backing tracks using software as waveform editing makes life much easier on a big screen. |
| Dickster |
Posted - 25/06/2012 : 14:20:07
Now then.
I love the unit but I'm really struggling with the click issue.
We use it for back tracks (brass, piano etc) and it is great for that but the sample doesn't tie in with the click at all so I have to be 100% spot on when starting it which is a bit hit and miss.
I'm going to spend a bit more time with it this week as the gig on Saturday went a bit odd due to that...
Also going to sample guitar straight into it soon to give us a bit more filling. |
| logic_user99 |
Posted - 16/05/2012 : 20:51:25
quote:
Originally posted by Unkle Kev
Wimp. DT250s are proper cans. :-)
I prefer the response of the 100s; have been using them in-studio and live for about 12 years now. Same pair and they're still going strong! |
| Unkle Kev |
Posted - 16/05/2012 : 19:10:35
Still to do mine. Not home often enough to do it.
PS Are you stalking me tonight? :-) |
| Prog |
Posted - 16/05/2012 : 19:02:57
Finally got round to updating the firmware yesterday. That hourglass is very annoying. |
| Unkle Kev |
Posted - 16/05/2012 : 18:38:24
Wimp. DT250s are proper cans. :-) |
| logic_user99 |
Posted - 16/05/2012 : 10:01:51
quote:
Originally posted by Prog
quote:
Originally posted by threebobs
Tempo dependant stuff is a bit more complicated (someone has to wear headphones...not very rock-ish)
No, but IEMs are.
Ooh, suits you! I prefer my DT100s...
  |
| Prog |
Posted - 16/05/2012 : 09:42:34
quote:
Originally posted by threebobs
Tempo dependant stuff is a bit more complicated (someone has to wear headphones...not very rock-ish)
No, but IEMs are. |
| logic_user99 |
Posted - 16/05/2012 : 09:26:29
Hiya threebobs,
I'm getting one, no question; I've been speaking to a couple of folk and they've raved about it no end. Because of the kind of music I'm into and want to play, a computer was always a necessity, but the SX does seem to have taken it out of the equation. Even an Akai MPC (a unit that I love dearly) won't cut it. I don't mind wearing headphones on stage, either; it keeps things in time!
Have you any videos of your band?
Time to warm up the credit card, methinks... |
| threebobs |
Posted - 15/05/2012 : 06:15:21
Hi Logic,
I'm new to the SX. But 'm in a regular band...not a dance DJ outfit.
I use it triger prerecord musical lines (organ lines, backup vocals, sound effects, mood setters between songs...also, for solo acoustic sets you can basically have your own band)
A computer onstage is a bummer...but the SX is HARDWARE. So it's more 'legit' imho.
Tempo dependant stuff is a bit more complicated (someone has to wear headphones...not very rock-ish)
It's nice if you want a full sound with lots of layers.
The effects are super easy to use too.
And my FAVORITE thing is....it fits in a backpack. So so so nice for gigging. |
| logic_user99 |
Posted - 13/05/2012 : 22:42:14
Gents. Wondering what styles of music you're using your SPD-SX's for? I'm strongly considering getting one (over, say, an Akai MPC) and was just wondering what you actually use them for. I play, basically, jazz and lo-fi stuff now so it'll all be sample driven. I can only find videos of wonky dubstep and techno music!
The feature-set looks utterly brilliant (watched a video of Blunders taking the SX through it's paces) and seems to be the way to go if a sampler is on the cards. I really don't fancy using my Macbook Pro plus a software DAW plus an audio interface plus trigger pads on stage, especially when the rest of my kit consists of a little gear as possible.
Cheers! |
| Alpine |
Posted - 12/05/2012 : 19:20:56
Hi Craig, Do you know if they plan on fixing the click issue? (click does not sync with backing tracks).quote:
Originally posted by CraigDrums
In a word, yes dickster...
|
| Alpine |
Posted - 09/05/2012 : 02:22:00
Hope so too. What is the work around? Sorry, cant find the post your referring to.quote:
Originally posted by CON5150
I hope so...that's why I bought it.There is a way around it if you look through this post but I would prefer the easy way!
|
| CON5150 |
Posted - 09/05/2012 : 00:09:03
I hope so...that's why I bought it.There is a way around it if you look through this post but I would prefer the easy way! |
| Alpine |
Posted - 08/05/2012 : 22:38:23
This is one of the reasons I would consider purchasing it. Any word if this is something they plan to fix? quote:
Originally posted by CON5150
The click won't sync with a backing track at the moment.
|
| CON5150 |
Posted - 07/05/2012 : 19:30:53
The click won't sync with a backing track at the moment. |
| Alpine |
Posted - 07/05/2012 : 03:59:13
What is the click issue? quote:
Originally posted by CON5150
Really wish they would fix the click issue.I would have thought that this was something that they would have sorted before it was sold to the public.Come on Roland....please sort it out.
|
| Alpine |
Posted - 07/05/2012 : 03:57:16
What is the problem with the metronome?quote:
Originally posted by PaulB
no metronome fix? gah!
|
| onomat |
Posted - 30/04/2012 : 05:11:30
guys, IMPORTANT the Yamaha Multi-12 is NOT a sampler. It has no audio inputs for sampling. It is a sample playback device with limited memory and playback length. The SPDSX can playback full-length audio, has mic and line recording inputs (for recording real snares, percussion, voice etc etc) and can even sample via USB. Big difference. even has waveform editing so no computer needed. |
| CON5150 |
Posted - 29/04/2012 : 01:15:23
Really wish they would fix the click issue.I would have thought that this was something that they would have sorted before it was sold to the public.Come on Roland....please sort it out. |
| Chris_ |
Posted - 23/04/2012 : 04:00:08
quote:
Originally posted by PaulB
no metronome fix? gah!
I agree this is a huge problem to fix, right now the internal click works as a seperate 30$ metronome, no sync at all possible with waves. |
| Unkle Kev |
Posted - 19/04/2012 : 19:46:16
It's a start. A very, very slow start. Come on Roland, get your finger out! |
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