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Roland HandSonic HPD-20 Overviewplay button

Roland HandSonic HPD-20 Overview

Roland HandSonic HPD-20 performance by Tioneb (with RC-505 Loop Station)play button

Roland HandSonic HPD-20 performance by Tioneb (with RC-505 Loop Station)

Roland

collapse expand iconDescription

The Roland HandSonic HPD-20 takes hand percussion into the digital realm. Equipped with Roland's renowned SuperNATURAL sound engine, this innovative pad controller offers 850 dynamic and expressive sounds, plus the ability to import your own custom sounds via USB flash memory. Its 13 ultrasensitive pads provide flexible control for playing internal sounds as well as external MIDI instruments with nuanced expression. For percussionists and electronic musicians alike, the HandSonic HPD-20 opens up a world of creative possibilities.

SuperNATURAL Sound Engine Delivers ultraRealistic Percussion

At the heart of the HPD-20 lies Roland's SuperNATURAL sound engine, renowned for its organic, multi-dimensional sounds and seamless response. From authentic ethnic percussion to electronic tones, the HPD-20's 850 onboard sounds cover an extensive range with pristine quality. The pads detect the subtlest playing nuances, allowing you to achieve natural swells, fades and pitch bends for an incredibly realistic experience.

Import and Layer Your Own Custom Sounds

In addition to its internal library, the HPD-20 lets you import your own WAV or AIFF audio files via USB flash memory. You can layer up to four sounds on a single pad, allowing for unique combinations of tones. This opens up possibilities for fusing acoustic percussion with electronic beats or any other blend of sounds your music demands.

Trigger Inputs Expand Your Setup

Two trigger input jacks let you connect a Roland pad and hi-hat controller to build a compact yet capable percussion set. The HPD-20 sends 12 independent audio outputs to your mixer or DAW, providing separate signals for each pad as well as additional outputs for onboard effects. With this flexible I/O configuration, the HPD-20 is ideal for studio productions and live performance.

Pad Controller Excels in Computer Music Applications

The HPD-20 pad interface is perfect for controlling virtual instruments, recording MIDI and audio in your favorite DAW software. Each pad can be customized to send specific MIDI notes, continuous controller data, program changes or pad clicks. You have full control over pad sensitivity, retrigger settings and more. The HPD-20 comes with free Mac and PC USB drivers and editor/librarian software to facilitate communication with your computer.

Roland HandSonic HPD-20 Digital Hand Percussion Controller Black
Roland HandSonic HPD-20 Digital Hand Percussion Controller Black
Roland HandSonic HPD-20 Digital Hand Percussion Controller Black

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • 850 percussion sounds including drums, modern electronica beats, and more
  • Roland's acclaimed SuperNATURAL sound engine
  • Import up to 500 WAV sounds via USB flash memory and assign them to pads
  • Editing capability allows you to tweak and layer instruments and process tones with three independent multi-effects engines, ambience, and EQ
  • 13 silicone rubber pads provide ultra-sensitive velocity response and a comfortable feel
  • Dynamic pad assignments let you dampen, mute, and tune sounds for authentic performance of acoustic hand percussion like congas and tabla
  • Roll button and Realtime Modify knob; D-BEAM for controlling sounds and effects with hand movements
  • Easily capture performances and ideas with the Quick Rec function and export them as WAV audio files to USB flash memory
  • Inputs for connecting a Roland pad and hi-hat controller (sold separately)
  • USB Computer port for audio/MIDI communication with popular music software, including DAWs and standalone virtual instruments

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Specs
  • Pad: 10", 13 sections, pressure-sensitive
  • * An external trigger input is provided, allowing you to connect a pad (sold separately).
  • Kits: 200
  • Instruments: 850
  • Kit Chains: 15 chains (50 steps per chain)
  • User Instruments: Maximum 500 (includes factory preloaded user instruments)
  • Sound Length (total): 12 minutes in mono, 6 minutes in stereo
  • File Format: WAV (44.1 kHz, 16 bits)
  • Multi-Effects: 3 systems, 25 types
  • Ambience: 10 types
  • 3-band Kit EQ
  • Quick Rec Resolution: 480 ticks per quarter note
  • Recording Method: Realtime
  • Maximum Note Storage: approx. 30,000 notes
  • Export File Format: WAV (44.1 kHz, 16 bits)
  • Controllers: D-BEAM, Realtime Modify knob
  • Display: Graphic LCD 64 x 128 dots
  • Connectors:
  • OUTPUT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type
  • PHONES jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
  • MIX IN jack: Stereo 1/4-inch phone type
  • TRIG IN jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
  • HH CTRL jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
  • FOOT SW jack: 1/4-inch TRS phone type
  • MIDI (IN, OUT) connectors
  • USB COMPUTER port: USB Type B (Audio, MIDI)
  • USB MEMORY port: USB Type A
  • DC IN jack
  • Interface: Hi-Speed USB (USB Audio, USB MIDI, USB Flash Memory)
  • Power Supply: AC Adaptor
  • Current Draw: 700 mA
  • Accessories: Owner's manual, AC adaptor
  • Options (sold separately)
  • Kicks: KD series
  • Pads: PD series, PDX series, BT-1
  • Cymbals: CY series
  • Hi-Hat Control Pedal: FD series
  • Pad Stand: PDS-10
  • Carrying Bag: CB-HPD
  • Foot Switch: BOSS: FS-5U, FS-6
  • Pedal Switch: DP-2
  • Personal Drum Monitor: PM-10
  • USB Flash Memory
  • * Use USB Flash Memory sold by Roland. We cannot guarantee operation if other products are used
  • Size and Weight
  • Width: 12-1/4 inches (311mm)
  • Depth: 15-15/16 inches (404mm)
  • Height: 4-1/16 inches (102mm)
  • Weight: 5 lbs. 5 oz. (2.4kg)

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collapse expand iconReviews

5

5 Reviews

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

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  • Worth Every Penny!

    5

    submitteda year ago

    byRichard

    fromChicago

    I can't say enough good things about this instrument! This spares me from having to invest in loads of percussion items for my animation studio; takes up practically no space; fits in a backpack and the sound quality and responsiveness are superb. I highly recommend this to just about any musician regardless of what their primary instrument is. I've read lots of "must-have" statements about different instruments and audio devices, but this one truly is a "must-have" type of thing seeing as how percussion & rhythm are so essentially foundational to music creation. If you are able; do yourself a favor and get one.

  • Excellent product

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted2 years ago

    byDan

    fromChicago

    Submitted as part of a sweepstakes

    Very responsive drum pads with many great sounds. Sounds focus mainly on hand percussion instruments, but can add more drum sounds. Bought this to use as my drum kit when looping guitar tracks.

  • PULL THE TRIGGER! 100% confirmed drumming cheat code

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    byDavid

    fromBakersfield, CA

    its the best equipment I have bought in my entire life.

  • Spectacular Instrument

    5

    submitted4 years ago

    bylkekjbn

    fromojnefv

    Ok so I just got my HPD 20 and I am comparing it to the original handsonic 10. To my delight the sounds in the 20 are different samples than the sounds in the 10 so it makes sense to have both. I love the sounds on the 10, they are recording worthy, no complaints about them at all. No complaints about the sound quality of the 20 ether, they seem to be thicker sounds, more computing power maybe. like painting with a broader brush. The palm muted slaps on instruments like djembe work better on the 20 than the 10, they worked every time for me, so great improvement there. I did not like the way the Roll function sounded when I heard people use it online but once I tried it out for myself I can make it sound great and I love that function. The 20 comes with 100 factory kits, they all sound great and 100 user kits to save your settings to, Drum kit sound quality is even better than Rolands electric drum kit sounds. maybe its time for Roland to make there electric kits sound as good as there Handsonic lol. we know they can do it. The dynamic range is really great. I can do tympany rolls with my two index fingers that sound just like the real thing. You can tune the entire kit or individual pads up or down way more than you could on the natural instrument. Great effects as well. My nieces love playing these things just as much as I do. So they are both ultra picky grown up and kid approved. Of course You can't expect the Handsonic to be a replacement for the real instruments they trigger but they are so good that someone listening to a recording you make with the Hand sonic would not be able to tell it was not the real thing. The samples sound that good and the dynamic range is that deep. so Its pro. and tones of fun.

  • Great sounds, fun to play

    5

    Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byJLN

    fromNew York

    The Handsonic is a lot of fun to customize and play, especially if you're patient, and enjoy tweaking. The out-of-the-box kits are hit or miss, as usual, but with a little tweaking, you can make most of them sound great. If you are familiar with other Roland percussion instruments like the Octopad or V-Drums, the tweaking is similar and flows well. I use it for my own enjoyment and have not used it to play out. I find it relaxing and a real joy to play.

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collapse expand iconQ&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • asked bymike

    fromhawaii

    Is it USB powered or battery powered?

    Is it USB powered or battery powered?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Neither, the Hand Sonic Percussion Pad requires an adaptor.
  • asked byBull's eye

    fromVa beach va

    Not trying to be negative but why would I want the 20 instead of the 15 .I owned a10 and 15 I'm just curious gonna be making a purchase soon

    Not trying to be negative but why would I want the 20 instead of the 15 .I owned a10 and 15 I'm just curious gonna be making a purchase soon

    Open Reply - Thomas
    Please give us a call to better help you out – 877-687-5403