The Roland TD-27KV is a high-quality mid-tier electronic drum kit that introduces digital pads to the mix. It’s ideal if you want to have true, authentic sound and great playability. Along with its incredible pads, this kit features a powerful module. There is one available set in the TD-27 series, and it’s a powerhouse option to consider.
TD-27 Drum Module
The TD-27 has an amazing number of tools for drummers. It comes with 55 preset kits ready to use. Plus, it has 45 open slots to make your own kit combinations from the 728 onboard sounds. The module bases the sounds on the same sound engine used for the TD-50X drum module, so it provides the same pro-level experience.
Tweak every sound with the Prismatic Sound Modeling engine and PureAcoustic Ambience Technology. Prismatic Sound Modeling ensures every hit has the subtle tone differences and authentic reaction you expect from any drum set. And with PureAcoustic Ambience Technology, it’s easy to achieve the sound of sitting behind an acoustic drum kit in any room—from tight recording studios to big live concert stages. Get the drums sounding exactly how you want by leveraging every editing tool. The module even allows you to import your own samples, providing the ultimate freedom when it comes to sound selection.
The TD-27 module’s power goes beyond sound. Use preset kits or custom kits to jam with music streamed via Bluetooth too. Bluetooth eliminates the need for cables, which keeps things simple and clean. When using a USB cable to record through a DAW, export as many as 28 tracks simultaneously. This makes the TD-27 a powerful recording tool. Lastly, it has excellent coaching functions to aid in your practice sessions. These features help any drummer get more mileage from a single electronic drum kit at home, in the studio, and on stage.
"The TD-27KV is a powerhouse kit with authentic sounds and great playability."
Drum Pads
The TD-27KV electronic drum kit comes with a full set of responsive mesh pads. You get PDX-100 pads for toms, which are 10” and have dual trigger zones, so you get separate tones when striking the head or rim. The larger diameter gives you a similar feeling to playing toms on an acoustic drum set. The bass drum is a KD-10 pad. It’s built solidly and keeps up with intense pedal work, whether you use a single or double bass pedal.
On snare, the TD-27KV features the digital PD-140DS. It’s 14” in diameter, just like a standard acoustic snare drum, and has many sensors to trigger precise sounds. All the sensors allow you to play rimshots, ghost notes, and cross-sticks, all the while transitioning smoothly between each sound. The pad knows what you’re playing by detecting the position of the hand and stick, creating the same subtle tone differences you get with acoustic drums. All of this makes the snare a joy to play on.
The PD-140DS snare gets placed on a standard snare drum stand too. This provides a solid base to play from. And it also gives the player more adjustability than when mounting the snare to the drum rack.
"With a powerful drum module that takes inspiration from the TD-50X, this kit is ready to take on the practice room, the studio, and live stages."
Cymbal Pads
With an array of cymbals, the TD-27KV creates a great playing experience. The kit features VH-10 hi-hats, a powerful pad that connects to a regular acoustic hi-hat stand. The benefit of being on a hi-hat stand is that the pedal feels more resemblant to that of acoustic hi-hats.
You get a 12” CY-12C and 13” CY-13R for the crash cymbals with this kit, each having two distinct playing zones. The TD-27KV also includes one CY-18DR for the ride cymbal. It’s an 18” digital pad that has remarkable expressiveness thanks to its multiple sensors. While you can play the bow, edge, and bell for different sounds, you can also hold your hand on it while playing to create a muted tone.
A Compact, Economical Option
If you’re looking for a simpler, more compact setup, the TD-17KVX may be a good choice to consider. The kit has more economical pad options, making it more affordable.
The TD-17 drum module also has technology based on the TD-50X sound engine, but the sound editing tools are not as extensive. Still, the sounds you get with the preset kits are the legendary Roland tones that drummers know and love.
Beyond affordability, another benefit of using the TD-17KVX is that it fits into tighter spaces. It may be ideal compared to the TD-27KV for bedrooms, dining rooms, or small apartment corners.
Top-Line TD Electronic Drums
If you need a bigger kit with more sounds and features, check out the TD-50K2. It uses the same snare and tom pads as the TD-27KV, but all other aspects have major upgrades. Roland’s flagship TD-50X drum module powers the set. It offers an extraordinary number of advanced features.
You also get a KD-140 for the bass drum, which has a larger size that feels more like an acoustic drum than the KD-10 tower. The included VH-14D hi-hats, another digital pad offered by Roland, come with this kit. These hi-hats have similar response to the digital snare and ride pads. Touch the hi-hat cymbals to mute them, get higher open/close resolution, and get the greatest playing expression available. And while the TD-50K2 has the same 18” digital ride as the TD-27KV, the crash cymbal pads are larger and each have three zones.
This kit is priced higher than the TD-27KV, yet it’s more affordable than the flagship TD-50KV2. This makes it a strong choice to consider.
The Crème de la Crème
If you love the sounds of the TD-27 module but want the best experience, the VAD506 is worth a look. It has mesh pads mounted onto full acoustic shells, giving you an authentic playing feel and a cool acoustic drum look.
This kit is ideal for live gigs, as you get the visual of an acoustic set and all the benefits of electronic drums. It’s a top-quality option for drummers who prefer the nature of a full-sized drum set. The drum pads are the same sizes as acoustic drumheads, and the cymbals pads are just as big too. This further enhances the playing experience.
The TD-27KV kit feels amazing to play on, and it allows you to get unique sounds thanks to the extensive sound editing tools. If you love what digital drum and cymbal pads add to the experience, then this kit is a perfect addition to your gear collection.
With a powerful drum module that takes inspiration from the TD-50X, this kit is ready to take on the practice room, the studio, and live stages. The more time you spend with these drums, the more you will love everything they offer.
