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The new CY-12 C (above), CY-13R (right) and the KD-9 (below) While there’s no change in the number of preloaded songs, the module gets a significant boost – and one that takes it ahead of its bigger brothers, the TD-12 and TD-20, by gaining MP3 playback. Previously, the TD-9 could only play .wav files from its USB interface, but now the popular MP3 format is also playable. The upgrade is available on USB stick in various markets, while some Roland distributors are asking customers to send their modules in for the “turbo boost”. Unlike some previous upgrades, the TD-9 Version 2 tweak incurs a fee, which varies from country to country. The Wiggles’ kit also missed out on some new trigger pads which were launched earlier this year in the kit overhaul. One of the key changes is the new KD-9 kick pad that replaces the old rubber-covered KD-8. The new pad has a fabric head – denser and more solid than mesh. Although the playing surface is the same – at 13 cm – the triggering sensitivity across the surface is more even, making it far easier to use double pedals. The feel of the new material is very much like an acoustic bass, without the bounce of mesh or the harshness of rubber, and the new pad is also marginally quieter than the KD-8.
of the CY-8. Best of all, it has a 360-degree choke and more consistent triggering The second addition to the kit, the CY-13R, is a three-zone cymbal, with separate jacks for the bow/edge and the bell. It is an improvement on the CY-12R/C, with a lighter, more sleek design and excellent response and feel. I was, however, a little disappointed in the bell triggering using the standard setting and found that I had to hit quite hard and very accurately with the shoulder of the stick to get consistent bell sounds. The other big difference is found only in the new upscale TD-9KX2 kit which now includes the VH-11 one-piece moving hat which mounts on a standard acoustic hi-hat stand. The VH-11 is a huge leap forward from the static CY-5/FD-8 combination, with a real hi-hat feel.
The CY-8 cymbals of the original TD-9 kit have also been upgraded in the version 2 kits, replaced by dedicated ride and crash triggers. The CY-12C is not only bigger than the model it’s replacing, it also has a significantly enlarged strike zone, a vast improvement on the rubberised wedge digitalDRUMMER, AUGUST 2011
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