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Roland SPD-S Sampling Percussion Pad

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Roland SPD-S Sampling Percussion Pad

^# 9

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$299.00

4.0 (15)

1 Critic Review

1 Review

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Roland SPD-SX Sampling Pad

$674.35 - $1,099.99

5.0 (92)

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2 community setups

16 wishlisted

39 saved

Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

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5.0 (6)

$299.00 4 available Used

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Description

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Step into the future of percussion with the Roland SPD-S Sampling Percussion Pad, a versatile tool that bridges the gap between electronic and acoustic drumming. This dynamic device empowers musicians to expand their sonic palette with ease, allowing for both performance and studio creativity. The SPD-S is designed to seamlessly integrate into any setup, offering a unique blend of sample playback, sound creation, and live performance capabilities.

What sets the SPD-S apart is its ability to capture and playback custom samples. With the capability to store up to 399 samples, drummers and producers can effortlessly trigger an array of sounds, from custom loops to sound effects. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate through its features, ensuring that even in the heat of a live performance, you can focus on your creativity rather than complicated operations.

The SPD-S also includes onboard effects that can be applied to samples, enabling you to sculpt your sound in real-time. Whether you're looking to add a bit of reverb, delay, or more complex effects, this pad has got you covered. Its responsive rubber pads are designed to withstand the rigors of live performance while offering a natural feel, whether you're laying down beats in the studio or performing live.

Key Features:

Ability to capture and playback up to 399 samples
Onboard effects for real-time sound manipulation
Intuitive user interface for easy navigation
Responsive rubber pads for natural feel and durability
Seamless integration with both acoustic and electronic setups

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	SPD-S 9-Zone Digital Percussion Sampling Pad
Finish	Black/Silver
Year	2010s
Categories	Percussion Pad Controllers

FAQs

What types of sounds can I create with the Roland SPD-S Sampling Percussion Pad?: The Roland SPD-S allows you to sample and trigger a wide range of sounds, from drum hits to loops and effects, making it versatile for various musical styles and live performances.
How many pads does the Roland SPD-S have, and are they velocity-sensitive?: The Roland SPD-S features nine pads, all of which are velocity-sensitive, allowing for dynamic and expressive playing.
Can I import my own samples into the Roland SPD-S?: Yes, you can import your own samples into the SPD-S via CompactFlash cards, enabling you to customize your sound library for performances.
Is the Roland SPD-S suitable for live performances?: The Roland SPD-S is designed for live use, offering durable construction and reliable triggering, making it a popular choice for drummers and percussionists on stage.
What connectivity options does the Roland SPD-S offer?: The SPD-S provides MIDI in/out, stereo output, and headphone output, allowing for integration with other gear and monitoring during performances.

Videos

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RolandChannel

SPD-S Turbo Start (1/6) Introduction

RolandChannel

Roland SPD-S Sampling Pad Effects w/ Johnny Rabb | UniqueSquared.com

UniqueSquared

Roland SPD-S Sampling Pad: Sampling Tutorial | UniqueSquared.com

UniqueSquared

SPD-S Turbo Start (3/6) Sampling from an audio CD

RolandChannel

Roland SPD-S demo by Texas Tim Root at Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Roland SPD-S Sampling Pad: Phrase Maker Function | UniqueSquared.com

UniqueSquared

Roland SPD-S Sampling Pad: Interview with Johnny Rabb | UniqueSquared.com

UniqueSquared

Reviews

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PROS

Ability to play two sounds on one pad, unlike the SPD-SX
Easier setup without needing a computer for sample management
Solid build quality, feels durable and reliable on stage
Perfect for triggering samples in live performances
Ideal for musicians who prefer a more tactile and simple interface

CONS

Outdated interface, not intuitive or user-friendly
Proprietary file structure limits compatibility and flexibility
MIDI update process is complicated and browser-dependent
Limited to a 500MB partition on a 4GB CF card
Challenging to assign sounds and edit settings without external help

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SPD-S Sampling Percussion Pad.

Comparisons

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The Yamaha FGDP-50 offers a wireless finger drumming feature, working well with the SPD-SX Pro, and is significantly cheaper than both Roland and Alesis options.
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The Alesis Strike Multipad is noted for its modern features compared to the Roland SPD-SX, though owners still lean towards Roland for its reliable triggering.
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The SPD-SX Pro's pad linking and routing capabilities are significantly improved over the SPD-SX, offering more control during live performances.
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The SPD-SX offers a dedicated click output, unlike the SPD-S, simplifying live sample triggering with click tracks.
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Build quality

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Alesis Sample Pad Pro's build has been criticized for cheap plastic construction, causing issues with the power button and unexpected restarts.
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Features and functionality

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The Yamaha DTX12 allows very little memory for adding samples (only 64 MB), making it less suitable for custom sampling needs.
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The SPD-SX lacks hi-hat control, a feature desired by users looking to use it in acoustic gigs, though the SPD-SX Pro version includes this functionality.
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The SPD-SX Pro includes a metronome auto-sync feature that aligns MIDI sync data with specific pad strikes, enhancing live performance precision.
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SPD-S users must route stereo L/R outputs creatively to embed a click track for live performance.
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The SPD-1P model has a 5-second WAV file limit, affecting its suitability for longer samples compared to other Roland models.
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User experience

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Owners of the Alesis Multipad mention that the preset kits are not appealing but appreciate the vast selection of 6000 onboard samples available for customization.
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Owners report SPD-SX units experiencing right channel dropout and reduced volume, potentially due to jack connection, board issues, or file/bit-rate inconsistencies.
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Owners report confusion due to the SPD-1P's sample length limitation, prompting some to consider alternative gear.
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Use cases and applications

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One user employs the SPD-SX for triggering backing tracks and clicks, with over 10 years of reliable use, emphasizing its durability.
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The SPD-SX can be used as an alternative to a cajon in acoustic settings, demonstrating its versatility beyond traditional electronic applications.
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SPD-SX is preferred for triggering samples during live performances due to its dedicated click output.
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Critic Reviews

A Roland SPD-S Sampling Primer - DRUM! Magazine

drummagazine.com

The Roland SPD-S Sampling Percussion Pad is a drummer's dream for versatility and ease of use. As the sole sampling pad on the market, it offers an intuitive interface for capturing, editing, and playing back sounds without needing a computer. With nearly 900 sample slots and onboard effects, it’s perfect for creating custom sounds on the fly. However, the limited eight-voice polyphony requires careful planning to avoid cutting off sounds. Some may find the process of creating and trimming samples manually a bit daunting, but the device's comprehensive features and ability to sync tempos without altering pitch make it a standout tool for percussionists.

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4.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 15 Ratings

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shok

1509

almost 8 years ago

Decent

I was glad to have used two of these on stage for a long time though the interface is quite rubbish. The SPD-SX is certainly a huge step up from this. This is great in that you can store sounds and record sounds inside of it however, the file structure and type is proprietary which was dropped for a regular wave file and streamlined structure with the SX.

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Guitarist Bassist Drummer

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Electronic Rock Pop