TD27 + VH14D + SD3

This tutorial guides users on how to optimize settings for the Roland TD27 drum module, VH14D hi-hat, and Superior Drummer 3 software. The presenter suggests updating to the latest software versions for both the TD27 and Superior Drummer 3, and selecting the TD50X as a starting point for customizing presets. The focus is on adjusting the hi-hat settings, including position and offset, to achieve a better playing experience. The video demonstrates how to select and configure the hi-hat zones, calibrate the hi-hat, and ensure all articulations are loaded for accurate sound triggering. The presenter shares personal preferences for hi-hat settings and provides a step-by-step guide to achieving a responsive and realistic hi-hat performance with the digital setup.

Takeaways

• 🎛️ To optimize the TD27 for Superior Drummer 3 and the VH14D hi-hat, go to the system settings and adjust the trigger menu.
• 🔧 In the digital settings, select the hi-hat, press advanced, and set the right position adjust to one for optimal bell and tip sounds.
• 📍 The offset is set to -14 to allow for more travel before triggering open samples, providing a smoother transition between closed and open hi-hat sounds.
• 🆕 Ensure the TD27 module is updated to the latest software version to recognize the new hi-hats.
• 📈 Superior Drummer 3 should also be updated to the latest version, which is 3.2.8 at the time of the tutorial.
• 🎵 Use the Fields of Rock add-on pack for an excellent sound with Superior Drummer 3.
• 🔄 Start by selecting Roland and the TD 50X as a base, then modify and rename the preset for the TD27.
• 🧩 Add the tip (zone two) and bell (zone three) triggers to the hi-hat settings in addition to the default edge (zone one).
• 🔄 Calibrate the hi-hat and select the e-drum optimized transitions for better sound quality between tight, closed, and open hits.
• ⚙️ Adjust the transition settings to suit your playing style, moving the tight, closed, and open areas to your preference.
• 💾 Save your customized settings as a new preset for easy access and use.
• 🎶 Ensure all articulations are loaded to trigger all samples correctly for a full hi-hat sound experience.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the provided transcript?

The main topic of the transcript is about configuring the settings on a Roland TD27 drum module to work optimally with the VH14D hi-hat and Superior Drummer 3 software.

Why is it important to update the software version on the TD27?

Updating the software version on the TD27 is crucial because without the latest version, the module may not recognize the new hi-hats and may not work properly with Superior Drummer 3.

What is the recommended position adjust setting for the VH14D hi-hat?

The recommended position adjust setting for the VH14D hi-hat is one, as it provides a better balance between the bell and edge samples.

What is the purpose of the offset setting in the hi-hat configuration?

The offset setting allows for more travel on the hi-hat pedal, preventing the open samples from triggering too easily when the foot is lifted slightly.

Why is it suggested to select the TD-50X when configuring the settings for the TD27?

Selecting the TD-50X is suggested because the software will not recognize the digital hi-hats if the TD27 preset is used directly. By selecting the TD-50X and then modifying the preset, the user can ensure compatibility.

What is the latest version of Superior Drummer 3 mentioned in the transcript?

The latest version of Superior Drummer 3 mentioned in the transcript is version 3.2.8.

How many zones of the hi-hat should be selected in the settings?

Three zones of the hi-hat should be selected in the settings: the edge (zone one), the tip (zone two), and the bell (zone three).

What is the significance of calibrating the hi-hat and selecting e-drum optimized transitions?

Calibrating the hi-hat and selecting e-drum optimized transitions helps to ensure smoother and more accurate sound transitions between tight, closed, and open hi-hat positions.

How does the user adjust the playing area for the hi-hat?

The user adjusts the playing area by moving the tight, closed, and open position markers to their preferred locations within the hi-hat response area.

Why is it necessary to ensure that all articulations are loaded in the hi-hat settings?

Ensuring all articulations are loaded is necessary because if any are not, the hi-hat may not trigger all the samples correctly, leading to an incomplete or inaccurate sound.

What add-on pack is used for the demonstration in the transcript?

The Fields of Rock add-on pack is used for the demonstration, which is noted as an excellent choice for Superior Drummer 3.

How does the user save their custom hi-hat settings in Superior Drummer 3?

The user saves their custom hi-hat settings by selecting 'Save As' and then naming their preset, such as 'New VH14 Setup'.

Outlines

00:00

🎛️ TD27 and VH14D Hi-Hat Settings for Superior Drummer 3

This paragraph provides a tutorial on configuring the Roland TD27 drum module and VH14D hi-hat to work optimally with Superior Drummer 3. The speaker instructs users to access the trigger menu, select the hi-hat, and adjust settings such as position adjust to one for a better sound range. The offset is set to -14 for more travel and control over the hi-hat samples. The tutorial emphasizes the need for the latest software versions for both the TD27 and Superior Drummer 3 (v3.2.8) and suggests using the TD50X preset as a starting point, modifying it for the TD27. The importance of selecting the correct zones for the hi-hat and ensuring all articulations are loaded for accurate sound triggering is also highlighted.

05:01

🎼 Calibrating Hi-Hat and Optimizing Transitions

The second paragraph details the process of calibrating the hi-hat and selecting optimized transitions for better sound quality. The speaker discusses the importance of calibrating the hi-hat and choosing the 'e-drum optimized transitions' for smoother movement between tight, closed, and open hi-hat sounds. Personal preferences are shared, such as moving the light up for playing between tight, closed, and open positions, and adjusting the tight, closed, and open levels accordingly. The paragraph concludes with instructions on saving the settings as a custom preset and ensuring all articulations are active for correct sample triggering. A demonstration of the hi-hat's sound and its interaction with Superior Drummer 3 follows, showcasing the effectiveness of the settings discussed.

10:02

🎶 Demonstration of Hi-Hat Sound with Superior Drummer 3

The third paragraph is a brief indication of a demonstration to follow, signified by the word 'you,' suggesting that the speaker is about to or just began playing the hi-hat to illustrate its sound and functionality with the adjusted settings. The actual demonstration is not described in detail within the text provided, but it is implied that the speaker plays the hi-hat to showcase its performance after the adjustments.

Keywords

TD27

The TD27 is a model of electronic drum kit produced by Roland. It is mentioned in the script as the drum module that needs to be set up for compatibility with Superior Drummer 3 and the VH14D hi-hat. The TD27 is central to the video's theme as it is the device that the user is configuring to work optimally with other components.

VH14D

The VH14D is a digital hi-hat controller from Roland, designed to work with electronic drum kits. In the video, the user is focusing on setting up the VH14D to ensure it triggers the correct sounds when used with the TD27 and Superior Drummer 3 software. The VH14D is a key component in achieving the desired sound and feel for the drummer.

Superior Drummer 3

Superior Drummer 3 is a software drum module developed by Toontrack that provides a wide range of drum sounds and can be used with electronic drum kits. In the context of the video, it is important to have the latest version of Superior Drummer 3 to ensure compatibility with the new VH14D hi-hat and to take full advantage of its features. The software is integral to the video's narrative as it is the platform through which the user is customizing drum sounds.

Hi-Hat

A hi-hat is a pair of cymbals mounted on a stand played with a foot pedal. In the script, the user is adjusting settings for the hi-hat, specifically the VH14D digital hi-hat, to work with the TD27 and Superior Drummer 3. The hi-hat is a crucial part of the drum setup, and the video provides instructions on how to optimize its performance.

Trigger Menu

The trigger menu is a section within the TD27 module where users can adjust settings for individual drum pads and cymbals. The video script describes navigating to the trigger menu to select the hi-hat and adjust its settings for better performance with Superior Drummer 3. The trigger menu is essential for customizing the electronic drum kit's response and sound output.

Position Adjust

Position adjust is a setting within the digital menu of the TD27 that affects the hi-hat's playing area and the samples that are triggered. In the video, the user sets the position adjust to one to get a better balance between the bell and edge samples of the hi-hat. This setting is highlighted as critical for achieving the desired sound from the VH14D hi-hat.

Offset

Offset in the context of the video refers to a setting that allows for more travel on the hi-hat pedal before it triggers the open samples. The user has set the offset to -14, which provides a more natural feel and prevents the open samples from being triggered too easily. This setting is part of the customization process to make the electronic hi-hat respond more like an acoustic one.

Fields of Rock

Fields of Rock is an add-on pack for Superior Drummer 3 that provides additional drum sounds. The video script mentions using this pack for the demonstration, indicating that it is a preferred choice of the user for its quality and the sounds it offers. Fields of Rock is used to showcase the capabilities of the configured drum setup.

Latest Software Version

The latest software version refers to the most recent updates for the TD27 drum module and Superior Drummer 3. The video emphasizes the importance of having the latest versions installed to ensure compatibility with new hardware like the VH14D and to access new features. Keeping software up to date is a key step in the setup process discussed in the video.

All Notes

In the context of the video, 'all notes' refers to a setting within Superior Drummer 3 where the user can select which notes or zones of the hi-hat are active. The user selects all three zones (edge, tip, and bell) to ensure that all possible sounds of the hi-hat can be triggered. This is a crucial step in configuring the hi-hat for a comprehensive sound range.

Drum Optimized Transitions

Drum optimized transitions is a feature within Superior Drummer 3 that helps to smooth out the sound when moving from one type of hi-hat hit (tight, closed, open) to another. The user mentions calibrating this feature to improve the sound quality of the transitions. It is part of the detailed customization process to achieve a more realistic and pleasing drum sound.

Highlights

To optimize settings for Superior Drummer 3 and VH14D hi-hat on a TD27, go to the trigger menu, select digital, and then hi-hat.

Press advanced to access position adjust, which should be set to one for a better bell and tip sound.

Position adjust set higher than two or three may result in an edge sample that's too prominent.

Offset is set to -14 for more travel before triggering open samples.

The TD27 module does not fully utilize multi-positioning samples for hi-hats, which is a limitation.

Ensure the latest software version is installed on the TD27 to recognize new hi-hats.

Use the TD50X preset as a starting point and modify it for the TD27, renaming it accordingly.

Select 'All Notes' for hi-hat and assign the correct zones for tip and bell triggers.

Calibrate the hi-hat and select e-drum optimized transitions for smoother sound changes.

Adjust the transitions between tight, closed, and open hi-hat sounds to suit your playing style.

Save your custom settings as a new preset for future use.

Ensure all articulations are loaded for accurate sample triggering.

The tutorial demonstrates how to achieve a good balance between the closed and open hi-hat sounds.

The use of Fields of Rock add-on pack with Superior Drummer 3 is recommended for enhanced sound quality.

Visual feedback is provided to show the communication between the e-drum module and Superior Drummer 3.

The tutorial concludes with a live demonstration of the hi-hat setup in action.

Continuous tweaking may be necessary to fine-tune the hi-hat settings to personal preference.

The importance of having the latest version of Superior Drummer 3 (3.2.8) for compatibility is emphasized.