Our Roland TD-50X module review can help you to decide if this flagship drum brain is worth the cost. As of the time of writing, the TD-50X is the top of the line Roland drum module and comes complete with loads of excellent features. However, everything is not perfect when it comes to the TD-50X and we do find some faults with it.
This post provides a detailed evaluation of the Roland TD-50X. We feel highly qualified to speak on the subject, since we use the TD-50X on our primary studio kit and became intimately aware of each and every one of its assets and downsides when designing our Thunder Custom Kits pack for the 50X.
Ok, enough chit chat… Let’s get to the review!
Roland TD-50X Module Details
The TD-50X is a typical flagship module from Roland. It is built on the older TD-50 chassis, which is really just a reworked TD-30 (being a reworked TD-20X, being a reworked TD-20, being a reworked TD10, going back 24 years now!) The 50X is incredibly well built, solid and roadworthy. It is solid and very heavy. This is certainly a professional grade module geared towards people who will use it on stage, in the studio and in other situations where only the best will do.
The TD-50X uses individual cables to connect its triggers, including the option to connect up to 3 digital pads via USB cable. The module can handle 14 trigger inputs and allows for the division of inputs via head and rim splitters. For all those who don’t know (and ask this question on a daily basis on various drum forums), you CAN NOT use the analog cable inputs for the snare, ride and hi hats if you are using the digital USB inputs. You can use one or the other. Not both! Yes, it would be awesome to be able to connect 2 snares, hats and rides, but that is just not how the module works.
The design of the module is rather complicated and can be intimidating for novice users. There are many buttons and knobs, allowing virtually all functions to be easily accessed and controlled without menu deep-diving. However, there are a few control omissions that we will be critical of later in this review…
Roland TD-50X Best Features
We could go on and on when it comes to the great aspects of the Roland TD-50X module. So, we will narrow it down to the features we like best of all:
The sound library comes with 900 great sounds, including very nice acoustic drum samples. Furthermore, you can layer sounds, as well as user samples, to create an endless variety of instruments for use in your drumming.
The TD-50X has a transient designer that allows you to change the attack and release of individual samples in both layers of an instrument individually.
The module has many onboard effects and soundstage environments. Full support for overhead and direct mics is provided.
The module has a nice onboard headphone amp that will drive even higher ohm phones and comes complete with front-facing jacks for both 1/4” and 1/8” headphones.
The module has a complete set of sliders that allow easy on-the-fly volume adjustments when playing. This has always been a fantastic Roland flagship feature that we love.
The TD-50X has a tremendous selection of input and output options, including 5 pin MIDI, direct outs, balanced outs and more, all neatly arranged on an organized back panel.
The TD-50X has the best copy functionality of any Roland module, allowing the user to copy and share all types of parameters between instruments and kits. This made our job of creating Thunder Custom Kits TD-50X edition much more convenient! Thanks Roland!
Roland TD-50X Downsides
We did find a few notable complaints with the TD-50X. When you are spending this amount of money on a drum module, it really should leave you thoroughly satisfied; not wanting more…
The price is a major downside. This is a super expensive drum module, but in all fairness, it does hold its resale value very well.
There is no Bluetooth. What? Seriously? We do not use it, but most users do and will miss it. We really can’t comprehend this omission, to be honest!
We feel that the drum sounds could have been better chosen. The kick drums, in particular, have far too much focus on “ambient” samples with baked in sound artifacts from floppy heads, etc. These suck! Including 1 or 2 would have been sufficient. Roland felt it necessary to include 13 of them out of only 40 acoustic kicks! Crap! Dude!!!
There is no dedicated copy button. You must shift at the bottom of the module, while simultaneously pressing the SD Card button at the top. This is super stupid, considering how often a professional user will use this function. It is our worst pet peeve on the module.
We never liked the Roland USB module inputs. The weight of the cables tends to really pull on them and they can become disconnected rather easily, especially if snagged on stage by a roadie, engineer or errant guitarist. We would like to see some type of locking mechanism like on the trigger end of the USB cable to help mitigate this issue.
Finally, as with all newer Roland modules, sample use is limited to 1 shot samples, which are really quite horrible. This feature makes modules like the Alesis Strike, 2Box and all the new Yamaha DTX Pro brains far more capable when it comes to the sounds that can be added and subsequently played. Roland is losing the momentum they have built over many years due to this omission.
Roland TD-50X Review Summary
Ok, so all in all, we love the Roland TD-50X… Enough to have bought it ourselves! If you want a top of the line module that can do virtually everything, then this is the one for you. It is a safe investment, since Roland flagships really retain their value for resale.
We had a blast creating Our Thunder Custom Kits for the TD-50X. They are our best work to date and this module really gave us the flexibility to express ourselves to the fullest potential. If you want the very best punchy, powerful and professional pop, metal and rock kits for your Roland TD-50X, then look no further than our Thunder collection!
What are your thoughts on the Roland TD-50X? Please share your experiences on our social media posts to tell us your side of the story!
