eDRUMin vs. Roland module* (as a trigger-to-MIDI device) - the crucial differences

There are posts on e-drum forums claiming that the “eDRUMin” comes close to a Roland module in terms of trigger quality, at around 80% (as an example value). Of course, this is complete nonsense in most respects. If the piezo voltage is not excessively high (➜ in which case it must be reduced by means of an added resistor), the eDi trigger evaluation (i.e., velocity translation and double trigger suppression and crosstalk suppression) is absolutely flawless.



∙ What features does the eDRUMin have that a Roland module does not? (And I'll leave out all eDRUMin features that could be somewhat imprecise or vague, such as “Bell Sense” and “Hotspot Suppress” and SideTrigger PositionalSensing) :

1.) * Compared to non-PositionalSensing Roland modules (such as the TD-17), the eDRUMin is of course superior in terms of its Positional Sensing feature.

2.) Almost all pads and e-hihats from almost all manufacturers are compatible (e.g., a 3-zone Yamaha pad can be connected with full functionality using only one trigger input)

3.) All eDRUMin trigger inputs are capable of handling any analog pad type with different modes of operation (piezo/piezo or piezo/switch), and they are always capable of Positional Sensing. (On Roland modules, the analog Crash cymbal inputs are not piezo/piezo capable, and Cymbal Positional Sensing is not possible there.

4.) 3-zone capability for all suitable snare pads (such as drum-tec Diabolo and Pro3 snares) ( = Center + RimShot from authentic rimshot playing method + SideStick or RimClick (Rim Only)) (Roland modules only allow for 2 zones here.)

5.) Multiple 3-zone pads (Roland design with two connectors) can be connected simultaneously.

6.) Trigger input splitting (dual mono): with a standard Y-cable/adapter, both pads can then be operated with equivalent trigger features and properties. (Roland splitters, on the other hand, do not offer equivalent trigger features and properties.)

7.) Optimal trigger settings for all analog electronic hihat systems on hihat stands (e.g., “VH-10”). These hihat trigger settings are much more detailed and sophisticated than those offered by Roland (which is why this applies here).

8.) Separately adjustable Hihat Pedal "Chick" Gain ( = Sensitivity -> This is extremely important for many drum samplers!) and Velocity Gate (Threshold).

9.) Variable E-Hihat: “Hihat Levels Mode” enables many drum libraries and drum samplers with insufficient or even missing variable CC hihat functions to operate effectively.

10.) Separate trigger settings such as Gain ( = Sensitivity) and velocity gate (Threshold) for individual zones within a pad

11.) Separate velocity curves for individual zones within a pad (this feature is also extremely important! and can compensate for the lack of such features in drum samplers (e.g., EZDrummer3). See also this thread.)

12.) Velocity curves can be freely edited to a certain extent (➜ shape and steepness, which is also very important!).

13.) 3-zone capability for all suitable tom pads (such as drum-tec Diabolo and -Pro3 toms) ( = Center + RimShot from authentic rimshot playing method + RimClick (Rim Only))

14.) Note output for hihat pedal splashes (important for drum samplers (e.g., “Steven Slate Drums 5”) that require note input for pedal splashes. These drum samplers require a fix engine within a DAW if you want to generate pedal splashes with Roland (and similar modules).


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∙ What features does a Roland module have that the eDRUMin does not? :

1.) The state-of-the-art trigger pads with all their unique and best-in-class trigger features, namely the Roland digital pads (snare, hihat, ride), can only be connected to the corresponding Roland modules.

2.) If you want to call this a feature: a current Roland module (e.g., V51) is slightly (approx. 1-2 ms) faster than the eDRUMin in terms of module latency (at default scan time values).

What are the advantages of the Roland digital hats, ride and snare compared to pure eDRUMin operation? 👉