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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller, an intuitive electronic drum pad designed for musicians who crave expressive possibilities. Incorporating 15 dynamic pads that respond to the lightest touch, this controller allows you to play with precision and nuance. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the HPD-15 provides an extensive range of percussion sounds and effects to elevate your performance.

The HandSonic comes loaded with an impressive array of onboard sounds, including ethnic percussion, drum kits, and melodic instruments, giving you a versatile palette to create your unique soundscape. With the ability to customize and save your own settings, you can tailor the instrument to fit any musical style or genre. Its ergonomic design ensures comfort and ease of use, allowing you to focus on what matters most—your music.

For tech-savvy musicians, the HPD-15 includes MIDI compatibility, expanding your possibilities by connecting to other instruments and digital audio workstations. Effortlessly integrate it into your existing setup or use it as a standalone instrument.

Key Features:

  • 15 dynamic and pressure-sensitive pads
  • Wide range of onboard sounds, including ethnic and melodic instruments
  • Customizable settings for personalized performances
  • MIDI compatibility for seamless integration with other gear
  • Built-in effects for enhanced sound sculpting
  • Ergonomic design for comfortable playability

Product specs

Brand Roland
Model HPD-15 HandSonic Digital Hand Percussion Controller
Finish Silver
Year 2000 - 2015
Categories Percussion Pad Controllers

FAQs

What are the main features of the Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller?

The Roland HPD-15 features a responsive 10-inch playing surface with 15 velocity-sensitive pads, 600 percussion sounds, and built-in effects. It also includes MIDI connectivity for integration with other equipment and is designed for versatile hand percussion performance.

Can the Roland HPD-15 HandSonic be used as a MIDI controller with other devices?

Yes, the Roland HPD-15 includes MIDI in and out ports, allowing it to function as a MIDI controller for triggering sounds from other devices or software.

How does the Roland HPD-15 HandSonic handle dynamic playing?

The HPD-15 is equipped with velocity-sensitive pads that respond to varying dynamics, making it suitable for expressive hand percussion techniques.

What kind of sounds are available on the Roland HPD-15 HandSonic?

The HPD-15 offers over 600 onboard sounds, including a wide range of percussion instruments, melodic tones, and effects, providing extensive sound variety for different musical genres.

Is the Roland HPD-15 HandSonic suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Roland HPD-15 is designed for both studio and live performance settings, offering robust build quality and a wide range of sounds that can be easily accessed during a live show.

musicosonline

musicosonline

Roland Handsonic HPD15

Video thumbnail for Roland Handsonic HPD15 by musicosonline

Roland Handsonic HPD15

musicosonline

musicosonline

Video thumbnail for HPD-15 (1/7) Overview by RolandChannel

HPD-15 (1/7) Overview

RolandChannel

RolandChannel

Video thumbnail for Roland HPD-15 Handsonic electronic drum demo and review by Gearfacts

Roland HPD-15 Handsonic electronic drum demo and review

Gearfacts

Gearfacts

Video thumbnail for Roland Handsonic Hpd15 by KirtiZmusic

Roland Handsonic Hpd15

KirtiZmusic

KirtiZmusic

Video thumbnail for Handsonic HPD-15 | Conga Bongo Dholak Khol Tabla Dhofki Darbuca Drums Patch | playing by Rocky by Rocky Drummer

Handsonic HPD-15 | Conga Bongo Dholak Khol Tabla Dhofki Darbuca Drums Patch | playing by Rocky

Rocky Drummer

Rocky Drummer

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller.

Features and functionality

  • Offers looping and sampler capabilities, making it versatile for live performances and beat creation.

    Source
  • Users express a desire for more on-board sound-sculpting capabilities in the Handsonic, indicating a gap for those not wanting to rely on external software.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Particularly beneficial for DJs with a percussion background, providing a unique alternative to traditional MIDI controllers.

    Source
  • Known to be used by Mannie Fresh in older beat productions, highlighting its suitability for hip-hop and electronic music creation.

    Source

User experience

  • Best suited for users with a strong hand percussion skill set to avoid poor sound quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Yamaha DTX Multi is noted as an alternative to the Roland Handsonic for hand drumming playability.

    Source
  • The Korg Wavedrum is mentioned for its expressiveness, contrasting with more traditional pad-based models.

    Source
  • The SPD-SX is confirmed as unsuitable for hand drumming due to its stiff pads designed for stick use.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Roland HPD15 Handsonic

soundonsound.com

The Roland HPD-15 HandSonic is a groundbreaking percussion controller that impresses with its wide array of over 500 sounds and real-time control features, including ribbon controllers and a D-Beam. While its plastic build and retro-futuristic design might raise durability concerns, its playability and sound quality are remarkable, making it a must-have for percussionists and rhythm enthusiasts alike. Though pricey and aesthetically questionable, it offers a depth of expression that can elevate any rhythmic setup, whether in the studio or live performances. A trendsetter in electronic percussion, it's a serious piece of kit despite its toy-like appearance.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brian Eno uses Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller

Brian Eno

Singer, Keyboardist

David Bowie (band)

...
Verified via Photo

In this undated image of Eno working in his studio, we can see an HPD-15 positioned in the foreground.

See how Jean Michel Jarre uses Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller

Jean Michel Jarre

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Dustbins

...
Verified via YouTube

The Handsonic HPD-15 can be seen in different moments of this video

See how Tash Sultana uses Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller

Tash Sultana

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Instagram

Tash Sultana is shown using the Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller for hand and finger drumming in an Instagram post captioned "Magic hands."

See how Erykah Badu uses Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller

Erykah Badu

Singer, Music Producer

Soulquarians

...
Verified via YouTube

Erykah Badu uses the device during Soul Stage live performance

See how Plaid uses Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller

Plaid

Music Producer

...
Verified via MusicRadar

the HPD-15 can be seen on page 2

See how Jack Conte uses Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller

Jack Conte

Guitarist, Music Producer

Scary Pockets

...
Verified via YouTube

Several shots in this Jack Conte music video show a Roland HPD-15 in the background.

See how Vinnie Colaiuta uses Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller

Vinnie Colaiuta

Drummer

Five Peace Band Live

...
Verified via Photo

Visible in the bottom left corner of this photo of Colaiuta's drum kit, taken from this 2007 Modern Drummer interview, archived on Colaiuta's official website. It is mentioned by name in the accompanying kit rundown.

See how Jeremy Stacey uses Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller

Jeremy Stacey

Drummer

King Crimson

...
Verified via Photo

You can clearly see the HPD-15 in this photo.

See how Frank "Knuckles" Walker uses Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller

Frank "Knuckles" Walker

Drummer

The Roots

...
Verified via Drummagazine

This item is listed among the equipment.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Roland HPD-15 HandSonic Percussion Controller, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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