Roland TD-50X Owner’s Manual

Reference Manual

© 2021 Roland Corporation

01

Contents

	Getting Ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . .4. . .	. . . .	Customizing the Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 28. . . . .
	:: An Overview of the TD-50X . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . 4		:: Editing Instruments (INSTRUMENT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	28
	Drum Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . 4. . .	. . . .	. . .Selecting the Instruments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 28
	Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . 5. . .	. . . .	Selecting the Pad to Set . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	29
	:: Turning the Power On/Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . 12. . . .		Previewing the Pad Sounds ([PREVIEW] Button) . . . . . . . . . . .	. 29. . . .
	Making the Power Automatically Turn Off After a Time			Listening Only to the Currently-Selected	29
	(AUTO OFF) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . 13		Instrument (LAYER PREVIEW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
	:: Making Hi-Hat Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . 13		Adjusting the Attack and Release (TRANSIENT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
				Layering Instruments (SUB INSTRUMENT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	30
	Performing	16.
				Listening Only to the Currently-Selected	31
	:: Drum Kits and Instruments	16		Instrument (LAYER PREVIEW) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
				:: Recreating the Reverberations of a Performance
	:: Selecting a Drum Kit	16
				Location (AMBIENCE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	32
	Selecting a Drum Kit from the List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . . . 16		:: Editing the Mixer (MIXER)	32
	Using a Cross-Stick Technique	17
				Setting the Volume and Pan for Each Pad	32
		17.
	Stopping All Currently Played Sounds (ALL SOUND OFF) . . .			Applying Effects	33
	:: Using the Click
		. . . 17		Adjusting the Overall Sound of the Drum Kit
	:: Performing Along with a Song	18		(MASTER COMP/MASTER EQ) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	34
				:: Comparing with or Reverting to the Unedited Drum
	Playing Along with a Song on an Audio Player . . . . . . . .	. . . . .18.			35
	Playing Along with the Songs on the TD-50X	18		Kit (SNAPSHOT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
				:: Editing a Drum Kit (MENU)	36
	Repeatedly Playing a Specified Region (A-B Repeat) . . . . . . . . .	. . . 19
	Changing the Settings for Each Song	20		Setting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	36
				Setting the Illumination Colors for the [KIT] Button and Knobs	36
	Playing Back a Audio File as a Click (Click Track)	21
				Changing a Drum Kit Name	36
	:: Rhythm Training (Coach Mode)	21
				Playing with Brushes	37
	Correctly Playing in Time with the Beat (TIME CHECK)	21
				Setting a Tempo for Each Drum Kit	37
	Developing Internal Timing Sense (QUIET COUNT)	22.
				Setting a Font for Each Kit	37.
	WARM UPS	23
			. . .	Controlling the Changes in the Sound	38
	:: Registering/Recalling Your Favorite Drum
				Making MIDI Transmit/Receive Settings for Each Pad	39
	Kits (FAVORITE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. . . 24
				:: Importing and Playing Audio Files (USER SAMPLE) . . . . . . .	39
	Recording	25
				Importing an Audio File (IMPORT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	39
	:: Recording a Performance	25		Bulk Import of Audio Files Within a Folder (IMPORT ALL) . . . . . . . .	40
				Assigning a User Sample to an Instrument and Playing It	40
	Recording Your Performance Along with a Song	25
					41
	Deleting Your Recorded Data	26		Listing the User Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
					41
	Naming Your Recorded Data	26		Specifying How the User Sample Is Sounded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
					41
	Exporting the Recorded Data to an SD Card (SONG EXPORT)	. . . . 26		Specifying the Sounded Region of a User Sample . . . . . . . . .
					41
	Connecting and Recording to Your Computer	27		Deleting a User Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
					42
				Renaming a User Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
				Organizing User Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	42
				Using the Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
				:: Connecting to Your Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	43
				Installing/Setting Up the USB Driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.43
				Configuring the Output for USB Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	44
				Specifying the Input for USB Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 44
				Configuring the Routing for USB Audio (Audio Routing) . . . . . . . . .	45
				:: Copying Settings (COPY) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	45
				:: Recalling Drum Kits Successively (SET LIST) . . . . . . . . . . . . .	47
				Creating a Set List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	.47. . .
				Using Set Lists . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	48. . . . . . . . .

2

Contents

Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 49. .
:: Trigger Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	. 49. . . . . . . . . . .
Specifying the Pad Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	49
Making Settings for Digitally-Connected Pads . . . . . . . . . . .	49. . .
Adjusting the Sensitivity of Individual Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	50
Making Hi-Hat Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	50. . . . . . . . .
Making Detailed Trigger Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	50
Making Detailed Settings for Digitally-Connected Pads . . . . . .	51
Viewing Trigger Information for Each Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . .	51. . . . .
Eliminate Crosstalk Between Pads (Crosstalk Cancellation) . . . . . . . .	52
:: Backing Up Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	53
Backing Up to an SD Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	53. . . . . .
Loading Backup Data from an SD Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
Backing Up Drum Kit to an SD Card (1 KIT SAVE) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	54
Loading Kit Backup Data from an SD Card (1 KIT LOAD) . . . . . . . . .	55
Deleting Backup Data from an SD Card (DELETE/1 KIT DELETE) . . . .	55
:: Using a Connected Computer to Manage the SD Card	56
Checking the Usage Status of an SD Card (INFO) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56
Formatting an SD Card (FORMAT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	56. .
:: Making Overall Settings for the TD-50X (SETUP) . . . . . . . .	57
Audio Output Assignments (OUTPUT) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	57.
Other Settings (OPTION) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	60
Assigning Functions to Footswitches or Pads (CONTROL) . . . . . . .	60
MIDI Settings (MIDI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	61. . . . . . . . .
Viewing Information for the TD-50X Itself (INFO) . . . . . . . . . .	61. . .
:: Restoring the Factory Settings (FACTORY RESET) . . . . . . . . .	62
Restoring All Settings (Including Roland Cloud License Data) to Factory
Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	62
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63. . .
:: List of Displayed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	63. . .
Error Message List .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ..	63
Other Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	64
:: Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	65
:: Main Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	67

3

Getting Ready

An Overview of the TD-50X

Drum Kits

On the TD-50X, the	the respective pads is
called a “drum kit.”

Drum kit 100

Drum kit 1

Pads
	Bass drum	Snare drum			High tom		Middle tom		Low tom
	(KICK)		(SNARE)		(TOM 1)		(TOM 2)		(TOM 3)
	HEAD		HEAD		HEAD		HEAD		HEAD
			RIM		RIM		RIM		RIM

Floor tom

Hi-hat cymbal

Crash cymbal 1

Crash cymbal 2

Ride cymbal

(TOM 4)

(HI-HAT)

(CRASH 1)

(CRASH 2)

(RIDE)

HEAD

HEAD (bow)

HEAD (bow)

HEAD (bow)

HEAD (bow)

RIM

RIM (edge)

RIM (edge)

RIM (edge)

RIM (edge)

Expansion 1

Expansion 2

Expansion 3

Expansion 4

BELL

(AUX 1)

(AUX 2)

(AUX 3)

(AUX 4)

HEAD

HEAD

HEAD

HEAD

Overall instrument settings (head)

Volume, pan, pad equalizer, how the sub-instrument is played, etc.

Instruments

Instrument sounds, transients, etc.

Sub-instruments

Instrument sounds, transients, etc.

Overall instrument settings (rim)

RIM

RIM

RIM

RIM

Ambience settings	Mixer settings
Overhead mics for the drum kit overall,	Multi-effect, master compressor, master
performance location, etc.	equalizer, etc.

MEMO

Overall settings for the entire drum kit

Overall drum kit volume, drum kit name, MIDI settings, etc.

55When you change a drum kit setting, the changed setting is saved automatically.

55For details on the parameter configuration of the drum kits, please refer to the “Data List” (PDF).

Instruments (p. 28)

The snare drum, kick drum and other instrument sounds are referred to as “instruments.”

You can allocate different instruments to the head, rim and other parts of each pad.

Create the sound you like by modifying the settings of each instrument. With the instruments, you can recreate the changes in sound from different depths of drum shells, add transient effects and change the sound in other ways.

Also, audio files that you created on your computer can be imported from an SD card into the TD-50X, and played as instruments (with the User Sample function).

Ambience (p. 32)

“Ambience” is an effect that recreates the reverberations of a performance space.

You can adjust the overhead mic sound (which picks up the overall sound of the drum kit), the room ambience and the reverb (room type and size, reverberation sound, etc.).

Ambience can be applied individually for each drum kit. You can also set how much effect is applied for each pad.

Mixer (p. 32)

This sets the volume balance, pan, effects and so on for each pad.

The TD-50X features the following effect types. Some of these can be applied per pad, and some are applied to the entire drum kit.

Effects	Explanation

Pad equalizer/ Pad compressor

(PAD EQ/PAD COMP)

Multi-effect (MFX)

Master compressor/ Master EQ

(MASTER COMP/MASTER EQ)

Use the equalizer to adjust the sound balance for each frequency range, divided into high, middle, low range and so on.

Use the compressor to suppress peaks in volume by adjusting the attack and sound pressure.

With the pad equalizer, you can apply the effect differently per pad zone; and with the pad compressor, you can apply the effect for each individual pad.

With the multi-effect, you can select and apply three effects from a total of 38 effect types.

The multi-effect can be applied individually for each drum kit. You can also set how much effect is applied for each pad.

This lets you apply compressor and equalizer effects to the entire drum kit.

4

Getting Ready

Memories

The settings for drum kits, triggers and so on are saved in “memories.”

TD-50X
User memory		Temporary memory	SD card
		(saved temporarily)
Preset memory			Recorded data
Drum kits	Drum kits
Set lists	Set lists	COPY	Backup
Trigger settings	Trigger settings	Recorded data	drum kit
User samples	Setup		(including kit backup data
			downloaded from Roland
(presets)
	User samples		Cloud)
			User sample
		LOAD
		SAVE

Preset memory

This is where the factory default settings are saved.

You can copy the preset memory data to a user memory and restore it to the default settings (p. 62).

The following settings are stored in preset memory. 55Drum kits (p. 4)

55Set lists (p. 47)

55Trigger settings (p. 49)

55User samples (presets) (p. 39)

*User samples (presets) cannot be copied. By executing a factory reset, you can return the user samples in user memory to their factory-set state.

User memory

The settings saved in user memory that are used when editing or playing.

Data from SD card or preset memory can also be loaded or copied into this area (p. 45).

The following settings are saved in user memory. 55Drum kits (p. 4)

55Set lists (p. 47)

55Trigger settings (p. 49)

55Setup (p. 57)

55User samples (p. 39)

Temporary memory (saved temporarily)

The data (one song) recorded on the TD-50X is held in the unit’s temporary memory.

You can copy the recorded data in temporary memory to an SD card (p. 45), or export it as an audio file (WAV) or SMF to an SD card (p. 26).

*When you turn off the power, the data recorded in temporary memory is erased.

SD card

The settings saved in user memory can be saved as a set on an SD card, allowing you to save (back up) up to 99 sets.

Separately from backups, 999 drum kits can also be saved.

Also, you can directly record what you play on the TD-50X to the SD card.

MEMO

55The data that is saved on an SD card can be loaded into user memory, or copied. For details, refer to “Backing Up to an SD Card” (p. 53).

55For details on the folder structure of an SD card, refer to “SD card folder structure” (p. 53).

5

Getting Ready

About Performance Techniques

As with an acoustic drum kit, the TD-50X supports a variety of playing techniques.

NOTE

55Use only wooden or plastic sticks. Using carbon or metal sticks may cause the sensors to malfunction. 55Use nylon brushes. Using metal brushes may cause the sensors to malfunction or damage the pads.

Pads

Head shot	Hit only the head of the pad.
	For a certain snare drum, the tone will
	change naturally as you move the strike
	location from the center of the head toward
Tone changes depending on	the rim.
strike point
Rim shot	Strike the head and the rim of the pad
	simultaneously.
	A sound (rim sound) different than the head
	shot will be heard.
Cross stick	Strike the rim while placing your hand on
	the head.
	Snare sounds can produce different sounds
	in response to different playing techniques;
	for example they can produce a rim sound
	when played using a rim shot, or a cross-
	stick sound when played using a cross-stick
	technique.
	Connect a pad that supports rim shot
	techniques to the TRIGGER IN (2 SNARE)
	jack, or connect a digitally-connected pad
	(such as the PD-140DS) that supports cross-
	stick techniques and assign the pad to the
	snare drum.
	For pads other than the PD-140DS, strike the
	rim only—do not touch the head.
	On some snare sounds, it might not be
	possible to play separate sounds in this way.
Playing with brushes	You can use brushes to scrape the head
	(brush sweep).
	Connect a pad with a mesh head to the
	TRIGGER IN (2 SNARE) jack, or connect a
	digitally-connected pad (such as the PD-
	140DS) that allows brush playing technique
	and assign it to the snare.
	Further, assign an instrument that supports
	brush techniques to the head of the snare,
	and turn the Brush Switch “ON.”
	For details, refer to “Playing with Brushes” (p.
	37).

Change the nuance of the rim shot

With certain snare and tom sounds, slight changes in the way you play rim shots changes the nuance.

Normal rim shot

Strike the head and rim simultaneously.

(Open rim shot)

Shallow rim shot

Hi-hat

Open/closed

Pressure

(VH-14D, VH-13)

Bow shot

Nuance changes depending on the strike location

Simultaneously strike the head near the rim and the rim itself.

The hi-hat tone changes continuously from open to closed in response to how far the hi-hat stand pedal is pressed.

You can also play a foot-close sound by pressing the pedal, or a foot-splash sound by pressing the pedal and then immediately opening it.

When you strike the hi-hat while pressing on the pedal with the hi-hat closed,

you can then change the closed tone in response to the pressure you place on the pedal.

The VH-11, VH-10, FD-9 and FD-8 do not support pressure.

This is the technique used when striking the surface of the top cymbal. It

corresponds to the sound of the “head-side” of the connected trigger input.

If you are using a digitally-connected pad that distinguishes between where you strike it (such as the VH-14D), the nuances of certain hi-hat sounds change depending on where you strike the bow.

6

Getting Ready

Edge shot

Nuance changes depending on the strike location

Edge sensor

Choke play

Sensor

Edge sensor

Cymbals

Bow shot

Nuance changes depending on the strike location

Edge shot

Edge sensor

Bell shot

Choke play

Sensor

Edge sensor

This technique involves striking the edge of the top cymbal with the shoulder of the stick. When played as shown in the illustration, the “rim-side” sound of the connected trigger input is triggered. Striking directly on the edge (i.e., exactly from the side) will not produce the correct sound. Strike the cymbal as shown in the illustration.

If you are using a digitally-connected pad that distinguishes between where you strike it (such as the VH-14D), the nuances of the sound change depending on where you strike the edge.

If you use your hand to choke (grasp) the edge sensor after striking the hi-hat, the sound stops.

With the VH-14D, the sound stops (is muted) even if you simply place your hand on the sensor detection area.

The sound is shorter when you strike the cymbal while it is choked or muted.

This is the most common playing method, playing the middle area of the cymbal. It corresponds to the sound of the “head-side” of the connected trigger input.

For specific ride sounds, the tonal nuance changes depending on the point at which you strike the bow.

This playing method involves striking the edge with the shoulder of the stick. When played as shown in the illustration, the “rim-side” sound of the connected trigger input is triggered.

Striking directly on the edge (i.e., exactly from the side) will not produce the correct sound. Strike the cymbal as shown in the illustration.

This is the method of striking the bell area. When the bell area shown in the illustration is struck, the bell sound is heard.

Connect a pad that can be connected to the TRIGGER IN (10 RIDE - BELL jack), or connect a digitally-connected pad (such as the CY-18DR) that lets you use the bell shot playing technique, and assign it to the ride.

If you use your hand to choke (grasp) the edge sensor after striking the cymbal, the sound stops (mutes).

With the CY-18DR, the sound stops even if you simply place your hand on the sensor detection area.

The sound is shorter when you strike the cymbal while it is choked or muted.

7

Getting Ready

Panel Descriptions

Top Panel

1	3	9
2		8

7

4

5

6

	1	PAGE [DOWN] [UP] buttons
	[MASTER] knob	Press these buttons when the PAGE [UP] [DOWN] buttons are lit to
	Adjusts the volume from the MASTER OUT jacks.	switch between screen pages.
		TRIGGER ACTIVITY indicator
	[PHONES] knob
	Adjusts the volume of headphones connected to the PHONES jack.	These indicators light when a trigger signal (the signal outputted
		from a pad when it is struck) is received. Use them to check whether
	2 TRIG SELECT	the pads are properly connected.
	[LOCK] button	Display
	When you press the [LOCK] button to make it light up, the pad to	Shows various information for the operation.
	set does not switch to a different pad even if you strike it.	4
	[RIM] button	[MIX IN] knob
	When using a pad that supports rim playing, this selects whether to	Adjusts the volume of the input sounds from the MIX IN jacks on
	set the head or the rim. For pads that support three-way triggering,
		the front and rear panels.
	this switches between the head, rim and bell.
		[SONG] knob
	SELECT [K] [J] buttons
		Adjusts the volume of a song (audio file). Note that this has no
	Selects the pad to configure (trigger input number).
		effect on the built-in drum performance sounds or the performance
	3	sounds of recorded drums.
	[F1]–[F5] buttons (Function buttons)	[SONG] button
	The function of these buttons changes depending on what is	Displays the SONG screen. Press this when you want to play back a
		song or recorded data, or to make song-related settings.
	shown in the display. Use them to switch between the tabs shown
	in the upper part of the display, or to set the functions in the upper	[CLICK] knob
	and lower parts of the display.
		Adjusts the click volume.
	[R1]–[R3] knobs (rotary knobs)
		[CLICK] button
	The function of these knobs changes depending on what is shown
		This lets you play the click sound and make click or tempo-related
	in the display. Use these controls to change the function values
	shown in the lower part of the display.	settings. You can also use this for training your sense of rhythm.

8

Getting Ready

[s] button

9

Plays/stops the song or recorded data.

[t] button

Press this to record your playing.

5Faders

Use these to adjust the volume of the kick, snare, hi-hat and other percussion, the ambience and so on.

6

[KIT] button

The DRUM KIT screen appears.

[-] [+] buttons

Use these buttons to switch between drum kits and change values.

[EXIT] button

Press this once to return to the next-higher level screen. When you press this several times in a row, the display eventually returns to the DRUM KIT screen. Also, when you press the [EXIT] button

while holding down the [SHIFT] button, this stops (mutes) all of the sounds that are playing (ALL SOUND OFF). This is useful when you want to stop several loop phrases all at once.

[ENTER] button

Press this button to confirm a value or operation.

[SHIFT] button

This is used in conjunction with other buttons. The function of other buttons changes while you are holding down this button.

[PREVIEW] button

This button is for previewing instruments. Pressing the button harder makes the volume louder.

If you use the SELECT [K] [J] buttons to select a trigger input number, you can still hear sound even when the TD-50X is not connected to a pad.

7

[H] [I] [K] [J] buttons (Cursor buttons)

Move the cursor.

Dial

This functions in the same way as the [-] [+] buttons. Use this dial when you want to make broad changes to the drum kit or settings.

8KIT CUSTOMIZE [INSTRUMENT] button

Sets the instrument (sound). By pressing the [INSTRUMENT] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button, you can go directly to the instrument’s edit (V-EDIT) page.

[AMBIENCE] button

Sets the sound of the overhead mic that captures sound from the entire kit, as well as the reverberation and sound of the place where the drums are played.

[MIXER] button

Sets the volume, pan, multi-effects, equalizer, compressor and other settings for each pad.

[SNAPSHOT] button

You can temporarily save the currently-edited drum kit, and compare it with the current settings or revert back to it (Snapshot function).

[SD CARD] button

Use this for operations related to the SD card, such as saving or loading data. Also, you can copy settings such as drum kit and instruments by pressing the [SD CARD] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button.

[SETUP] button

This button is used for settings related to the TD-50X overall, such as output destination (output assign), MIDI and so on. Press the [SETUP] button while holding down the [SHIFT] button to use the User Sample functions (p. 39) such as loading user samples and so on.

[TRIGGER] button

Sets the trigger parameters.

[SET LIST] button

Use this button to create set lists, and to switch between drum kits in the order specified in the set list. The [SET LIST] button lights when the Set List function is on.

9

Getting Ready

Side Panel/Front Panel

* To prevent

turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.

Computer

SD card

Audio player

B

C

Headphones

AUSB COMPUTER port

Connect your computer to the TD-50X’s USB port via USB cable (p. 43). You can use DAW software to record a TD-50X

performance as audio or MIDI, or you can use the TD-50X to hear sound that’s played back from the computer.

BSD card slot

Insert a commercially available SD card (SDHC cards (up to 32 GB) are supported).

You can save the songs and data from the TD-50X to an SD card. You can also use an SD card to import user samples and export the songs that you recorded, among other uses.

Before using an SD card for the first time, you must format it on the TD-50X (p. 56).

*Never turn off the power or remove the SD cards while the screen indicates “Processing...”

*Some memory card types or memory cards from some manufacturers may not record or play back properly on the unit.

C

PHONES jacks

Connect your headphones here.

Even if your headphones are connected, sound is still output from each output jack.

MIX IN jack

Connect an audio playback device here, such as an audio player (your smartphone).

Bottom Panel

Mounting on a stand

Use the included sound module mounting plate to attach the TD-50X to a drum stand (e.g., the MDS or PDS series; sold separately).

Use the screws at the bottom of the TD-50X to mount the sound module as shown in the illustration.

*Do not use screws other than those on the bottom of the TD-50X. Using improper screws may cause the unit to malfunction.

*When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons and knobs from damage. Also, handle the unit carefully; do not drop it.

MEMO

The All Purpose Clamp (APC-33; sold separately) can be attached in case you want to mount the TD-50X on a cymbal stand or other such stand. The unit can be mounted on a pipe with a diameter between 10.5 and 28.6 mm.

Wide part

Narrow part

Sound module mounting plate

10

Getting Ready

Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment)

MIDI devices	Footswitch	Mixer	Electronic instruments	Mixer or
(external sound module, etc.)			(sampling pads, etc.)	amplified speakers

A	B	C	D	E
				F
	H
G
Pads and other		Pads and other
triggerable instruments		triggerable
(connected digitally)		instruments

A

[L] switch

Turns the power on/off.

AC IN jack

Connect the included power cord.

BMIDI connectors

Connect an external MIDI device such as an external sound module.

CFOOT SW jack

You can connect a footswitch (sold separately: BOSS FS-5U, FS-6) and use it to control various things.

DDIRECT OUTPUT (BALANCED) jacks

Connect these to your mixer etc.

Use the [SETUP] button to set which of the DIRECT OUT 1–8 jacks that the instruments or other sounds are outputted to.

* Pin assignment of DIRECT OUTPUT (BALANCED) jacks

EMIX IN (STEREO) jack

Connect this to an electronic instrument such as a sampling pads.

FMASTER OUT (BALANCED) jacks /

MASTER OUT (UNBALANCED) jacks

Connect this to your amplified speakers, mixer or recording equipment.

To output in mono, connect only the L/MONO jack of the MASTER OUT (UNBALANCED).

*Pin assignment of MASTER

OUTPUT (BALANCED) jacks

GTRIGGER IN jacks

Connect these jacks to the cymbals, toms, kick drums and so on.

*Use a stereo type (TRS) cable when connecting a digitally-trigged pad.

HDIGITAL TRIGGER IN ports

Connect pads that support digital connection (e.g., PD-140DS, CY18DR, or VH-14D).

11

Getting Ready

Turning the Power On/Off

*Once everything is properly connected (p. 11), be sure to

follow the procedure below to turn on their power. If you turn on equipment in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction or equipment failure.

*Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Turning the power on

1.Minimize the volume of the devices connected to the TD-50X.

2.Press the TD-50X’s [L] switch.

When you turn the unit on, the following screen appears.

You can set whether to enable or disable the Auto Off function on this screen.

	Button	Explanation
	[F1] (OFF) button	The power does not turn off automatically.
		When four hours have elapsed without
	[F4] (4 HOURS) button	any pad being struck or any operation
		being performed, the unit will turn off
		automatically.

MEMO

When connecting a digitally-connected pad, a settings screen may appear for the pad. For details, refer to “Settings for pads that support digital connection” (p. 12).

3. Turn on the connected devices and adjust the volume.

Turning the power off

NOTE

Settings that you edit on the TD-50X are saved when you turn off the unit. You must turn off the power by pressing the [L] switch.

1.Minimize the volume of the devices connected to the TD-50X.

2.Turn off the power of the connected devices.

3.Press the TD-50X’s [L] switch.

The screen will indicate “Please wait. Now saving...,” and the unit will turn off when the settings have been saved.

*If you need to turn off the power completely, first turn off the unit, then unplug the power cord from the power outlet.

Settings for pads that support digital connection

The first time you connect a pad that supports digital connection to a DIGITAL TRIGGER IN port, the following screen appears.

Following the instructions in the screen, make settings to specify the trigger input to which the connected pad should be assigned.

*If you assign the same trigger input used by a pad connected to a TRIGGER IN jack, the pad that’s connected to that TRIGGER IN jack does not output sound.

& For details on the pad settings, refer to the “Specifying the Pad Type” (p. 49).

1.Select “OK,” and press the [ENTER] button.

2.Use the cursor buttons to select the pad that you want to configure, and use the [-] [+] buttons or the dial to configure the assignment.

When you select a

(Setting example)	Pad	Assign
	PD140DS	SNARE
	CY18DR	RIDE
	VH14D	HI-HAT

* You can’t specify multiple instances of the same assignment.

3.Press the [KIT] button to return to the DRUM KIT screen.

Getting Ready

Making the Power Automatically Turn Off

After a Time (AUTO OFF)

The power to this unit will be turned off automatically after a predetermined amount of time has passed since it was last used for playing music, or its buttons or controls were operated (Auto Off function).

If you do not want the power to be turned off automatically, disengage the Auto Off function.

* To restore power, turn the power on again (p. 12).

1.Press the [SETUP] button.

2.Use the PAGE [UP] [DOWN] and function buttons to select “AUTO OFF.”

The AUTO OFF screen appears.

Making Hi-Hat Settings

When using the VH-14D digital V-hi-hat or the VH-13, VH-11 or VH-10 V-hi-hats, adjust the offset on the TD-50X.

This is necessary in order to correctly detect open/close operations and pedal movement.

Settings for the VH-14D

1.Press the [TRIGGER] button.

2.Press the PAGE [UP] button several times to display the topmost page.

3.Press the [F4] (HI-HAT) button.

The TRIGGER HI-HAT screen appears.

*“VH-14D” is not shown as a Trig Type when the VH-14D is not connected or if it is not assigned as the hi-hat. In this case, connect the VH-14D and assign it as the hi-hat (p. 12).

3.Use the [-] [+] buttons or the dial to set the Auto Off function.

	Value	Explanation
	OFF	The power does not turn off automatically.
		When four hours have elapsed without
	4 HOURS	any pad being struck or any operation
		being performed, the unit will turn off
		automatically.

4. Press the [F5] (OFFSET) button.

The VH OFFSET ADJUSTMENT screen appears.

4. Press the [KIT] button to return to the DRUM KIT screen.

MEMO

If the AUTO OFF function is set to “4 HOURS,” the message “WARNING: AUTO OFF, The TD-50X will turn off in 30 min.” appears 30 minutes before the power turns off.

5.Loosen the clutch screw of the VH-14D and let it sit on the bottom hi-hat.

* Do NOT touch the hi-hats or the pedal.

Clutch screw

6. Press the [F5] (EXECUTE) button.

The “VH Offset” parameter is set automatically (approx. 3 seconds). The [TRIGGER] button flashes and then remains lit.

7. Press the [KIT] button to return to the DRUM KIT screen.

Make detailed adjustments to the parameters as necessary. &“Data List” (PDF)

13

Getting Ready

MEMO

You can also press the [TRIGGER] button while holding down the [KIT] button on the TD-50X to adjust the offset.

When first connecting the VH-14D to the drum sound module, the trigger parameters are set to the recommended values. The trigger parameters may need to be adjusted depending on the environment where the VH-14D is used, including how it is mounted and the position in which it is set up.

&“Data List” (PDF)

Settings for the VH-13

1.Press the [TRIGGER] button.

2.Press the PAGE [UP] button several times to display the topmost page.

3.Press the [F4] (HI-HAT) button.

The TRIGGER HI-HAT screen appears.

4.Use the [-] [+] buttons or the dial to set Trig Type to “VH13.”

5.Press the [F5] (OFFSET) button.

The VH OFFSET ADJUSTMENT screen appears.

6.Loosen the clutch screw of the VH-13 and let it sit on the bottom hi-hat.

* Do NOT touch the hi-hats or the pedal.

7. Press the [F5] (EXECUTE) button.

The “VH Offset” parameter is set automatically (approx. 3 seconds). The [TRIGGER] button flashes and then remains lit.

8. Press the [KIT] button to return to the DRUM KIT screen.

Make detailed adjustments to the parameters as necessary. &“Data List” (PDF)

Configuring the VH-11 (or VH-10)

This shows how to configure the VH-11. The steps are the same for the VH-10, with only the model name being different.

1.With the hi-hat completely separated from the motion sensor unit, power-on the TD-50X.

2.Loosen the clutch screw of the VH-11, so that the hi-hat naturally rests atop the motion sensor unit.

3.Press the [TRIGGER] button.

4.Press the PAGE [UP] button several times to display the topmost page.

5.Press the [F4] (HI-HAT) button.

6.Use the [-] [+] buttons or the dial to set Trig Type to “VH11.”

7.Turn the VH offset adjustment screw on the VH-11 while watching the meter on the right side of the TD-50X’s screen.

Adjust the offset so that the appear in the meter.

8. Press the [KIT] button to return to the DRUM KIT screen.

Make detailed adjustments to the parameters as necessary. &“Data List” (PDF)

14

Getting Ready

Basic Operations

Adjusting the overall volume

([MASTER] knob or [PHONES] knob)

Use the [MASTER] knob to adjust the volume output from the MASTER OUT jack, and the [PHONES] knob to adjust the headphone volume.

Switching between tabs and setting functions

([F1]–[F5] buttons, [R1]–[R3] knobs)

You can use the [F1]–[F5] buttons to switch between the tabs shown in the upper part of the display, or to set the functions shown in the upper and lower parts of the display. The [R1]–[R3] knobs can be used to edit the values shown at the bottom of the display.

F1	F2	F3	F4
?	?	?	?

=	=	=	=
R1	R2	R3	F5

Switching between pages

(PAGE [UP] [DOWN] buttons)

Use the PAGE [UP] [DOWN] buttons to switch between screen pages.

On screens where you can switch between pages, the PAGE [UP] [DOWN] buttons light; and the right side of the display indicates what part of the page you are looking at.

Moving the cursor (cursor buttons)

The cursor highlights the area of the screen where you can change the settings. If there are multiple items in the screen, press the cursor buttons to move the cursor to the desired item.

Adjusting the volume balance of the pads (faders)

Adjust the overall volume balance for the TD-50X with the faders.

With the mixer (p. 16), you can adjust the volume balance between the pads in a kit. The mixer settings can be saved for each kit. You can adjust the trigger inputs and volumes as follows.

Fader	Explanation
KICK	KICK
SNARE	SNARE
TOMS	TOM1–4
HI-HAT	HI-HAT
CRASH	CRASH 1, 2
RIDE	RIDE
AUX	AUX1–4
AMBIENCE	AMBIENCE

Returning to the

screen ([EXIT] button)

Press the [EXIT] button to previous screen.

Confirming an

([ENTER] button)

Press this button to confirm operation.

Changing values

([-] [+] buttons or dial)

Use the dial or the [–] [+] buttons to edit the value highlighted by the cursor. Hold down the [SHIFT] button while using these controls to change the value in larger increments.

MEMO

If you hold down the [+] button and press the [-] button, the value increases quickly. If you hold down the [-] button and press the [+] button, the value decreases quickly.

15

Performing

Drum Kits and Instruments

On the TD-50X, the sounds that play when you strike each pad are called “instruments.” A set of sounds (instruments) allocated to the respective pads is called a “drum kit.”

Drum kits

Instruments

The drum kits are configured as shown below.

Drum kit 100

Drum kit 1
Pad settings
KICK	SNARE	TOM1	TOM2	TOM3
TOM4	HI-HAT	CRASH1	CRASH2	RIDE

AUX1 AUX2

Instruments settings

Instrumental sounds, tuning, volume, etc.

Ambience settings

Overhead mic sound, the reverberation of the location in which the drums are played and related properties

Mixer settings

Volume, pan, multi-effect, equalizer, compressor and other settings for each pad

Overall settings for the entire drum kit

Volume, drum kit name, lit colors, etc.

Selecting a Drum Kit

1. Press the [KIT] button.

The DRUM KIT screen appears.

2. Use the [-] [+] buttons or the dial to select a drum kit.

DRUM KIT screen

This is the main screen for the TD-50X, which appears when you press the [KIT] button.

Drum kit number			Tempo	Brush icon
		Kit name	Shown only if the kit tempo is “ON.”	Shown only if Brush Switch is “ON.”

Sub-kit name	User sample icon
	Shown only if a drum kit that uses user samples
	(p. 39) is selected.
	Favorite icon
	Shown only if a drum kit registered as a
	favorite (p. 24) is selected

MEMO

You can change how the kit names (on the top row) shown on the DRUM KIT screen look (the font used). For details, refer to “Data List” (PDF).

Selecting a Drum Kit from the List

On the DRUM KIT screen, turn the [R1] (LIST) knob to display the kit list, and select a drum kit from the list.

16

Performing

Using a Cross-Stick Technique

Using a pad that is connected to a TRIGGER IN jack

Each time you press the [F4] (XSTICK) button, you’ll switch between sounding and not sounding the cross-stick sound (p. 6) from the snare pad.

When playing using a pad that supports digital connection and cross-stick technique

(such as the PD-140DS)

Assign a trigger input to the snare (p. 12) to always use the crossstick technique.

In this case, the XSTICK icon is not shown in the screen.

Using the Click

Turning the click on/off

1. Press the [CLICK] button.

The CLICK screen appears.

2.Press the [F1] (TEMPO) button.

3.Press the [F5] button.

The click sounds.

You can adjust the volume of the click using the [CLICK] knob.

Stopping All Currently Played Sounds

(ALL SOUND OFF)

Stops the currently-sounding drum performance sound or user sample (p. 39) playback.

* The effect reverberation, the song, and the click do not stop.

1.To stop a sound that’s still playing, hold down the [SHIFT] button and press the [EXIT] button.

Reference

You can stop all sounds currently playing with a pad or footswitch (p. 60).

4. Press the [F5] button once again.

The click stops.

MEMO

55You can also turn the click on/off by holding down the [SHIFT] button and pressing the [CLICK] button.

55You can also output the click only to headphones. & “Audio Output Assignments (OUTPUT)” (p. 57)

Changing the tempo

1.On the CLICK screen (TEMPO tab), turn the [R1] knob to change the tempo.

Reference

You can specify a tempo for each drum kit (p. 37).

Changing the beat settings

1.On the CLICK screen (TEMPO tab), turn the [R2] knob to change the beat.

2.Press the [KIT] button to return to the DRUM KIT screen.

	Parameter	Value	Explanation
	Tempo	20–260	Tempo
	([R1] knob)
	Beat	1–9	Number of beats per measure
	([R2] knob)
	Rhythm	ˇ, ¸, ˙, ¯, ˜	Interval of the click
	([R3] knob)

17

Performing

Editing the sound settings

1.On the CLICK screen (SOUND tab), use the knobs to change the settings.

	Knob (parameter)	Value	Explanation
		METRONOME,
		CLICK, VOICE,
		BEEP 1, BEEP 2,
		TEK CLICK,
		STICKS,
	Sound	CLAVES,
		WOOD BLOCK,	Selects the metronome’s sound.
	([R1] knob)
		COWBELL,
		AGOGO,
		TRIANGLE,
		TAMBOURINE,
		MARACAS,
		CABASA
	Level	-INF–+6.0dB	Adjusts the click volume.
	([R2] knob)
			Specifies whether the [CLICK]
	LED Ref	OFF, ON	button blinks in time with the
	([R3] knob)		click (ON) or does not blink
			(OFF).

2. Press the [KIT] button to return to the DRUM KIT screen.

Changing other settings

1.On the CLICK screen (OTHER tab), use the cursor [H] [I] buttons to select a parameter, and use the [-] [+] buttons or the dial to edit the setting.

	Parameter	Value	Explanation
	Pan	L30–CTR	Adjusts the stereo location of
		(CENTER) –R30	the click.
			You can specify the tempo by
	Tap Sw	OFF, ON	striking the pad specified by
			Tap Pad or by pressing a button
			(Tap Tempo).
		KICK–	Selects the pad (or the
	Tap Pad	AUX4 (RIM),	[PREVIEW] button) to use to set
		PREVIEW	the tap tempo.

2. Press the [KIT] button to return to the DRUM KIT screen.

Performing Along with a Song

Playing Along with a Song on an Audio Player

Connect an audio player (your smartphone or other device) to the MIX IN jack, and try playing along with some songs.

1.Connect the audio player to the MIX IN jack (p. 10, p. 11).

2.Play back the song on your audio player.

3.Turn the [MIX IN] knob to adjust the volume of the song.

Playing Along with the Songs on the TD-50X

The TD-50X features songs in a variety of genres.

Some of the built-in songs are provided as audio data, and others are MIDI data recordings of drum performances. You can also play audio files (WAV/MP3) stored on an SD card as songs.

Let’s try playing along with a song here.

1. Press the [SONG] button.

The SONG screen appears.

2.Use the [F1]–[F3] buttons, the [-] [+] buttons or the dial to select a song.

	Button	Explanation
	[F1] button	Built-in songs
	(INTERNAL)
	[F2] button (SD	Songs stored on SD card
	CARD)
	[F3] button (REC	Songs recorded on this unit or on the SD card
	DATA)

3. Press the [s] button.

The selected song plays.

Controller

[s] button

[H] () button

[I] () button

[K] (x) button

[J] (y) button

[SONG] knob

[CLICK] knob

Function

Plays/stops the song

Returns to the beginning of the song

Returns to the end of the song (*1)

Rewinds the song (*1)

Fast-forwards the song (*1)

Adjusts the song (audio file) volume

Adjusts the volume of the click track (p. 21)

(*1) Depending on the type of song, this might be disabled.

18

Performing

MEMO

55You can repeatedly play back an entire song or just one part. 55You can make the click sound in time with the song by outputting

When transferring files from your computer to an SD card

You can play back audio files that are saved either at the top level or in a folder within the SD card.

*You can put up to 200 song files in a single folder.

*Keep the song length within one hour per file.

Reference

For details, refer to “SD card folder structure” (p. 53).

Audio files that can be played by the TD-50X

	WAV file	MP3
Format (extension)	WAV (.wav)	MP3 (.mp3)
Sampling frequency	44.1 kHz	44.1 kHz
Bit rate	16, 24-bit	64–320 kbps

*File names or folder names that contain more than 16 characters are not shown correctly. Files and folders using double-byte characters are also not supported.

Repeatedly Playing a Specified Region

(A-B Repeat)

You can make a certain part of a song repeat.

*You cannot set the A-B repeat for the built-in songs of the drum performances or the recorded songs (REC DATA).

AB

1.Select and play a song.

2.In the SONG screen, press the [F4] (A-B) button at the location where you want to start repeating.

The character “A” appears.

MEMO

You can use the [K] (x) / [J] (y) buttons to move backward or forward in five-second steps. Hold down a button to fast-rewind or fast-forward.

3.At the location where you want to stop repeating, press the [F4] (A-B) button.

The character “B” appears, and the region of the song between “A” and “B” plays repeatedly.

Press the [F4] (A-B RPT) button to return to normal playback.

19

Performing

Changing the Settings for Each Song

You can set the volume, method of playback and playback speed for each song.

1.Select a song on the SONG screen (p. 18).

2.Edit the settings of the song.

	Knob	Explanation
	[R1] (SONG) knob	Selects a song.
	[R2] (FOLDER)	To play back a song from the SD card, select a
		folder on the SD card (p. 18).
	knob
		* The SD CARD tab is shown.
		Changes the playback speed of the song.
	[R3] (SPEED) knob	* When you switch songs, this returns to 100%.
		Depending on the type of song, this setting
		might not be available.

SONG INFO/FUNC screen (press the PAGE [DOWN] button)

	Parameter	Value	Explanation
		ONE SHOT	The song plays back only once
	Loop Type		and then stops.
		LOOP	The song plays repeatedly.
	Song Level		Volume of the song
		-INF–+6.0 [dB]	Volume of the click track
	Click Track Level
			* Only if there is a click track
			corresponding to the song

View the information for a song

1.Select a song on the SONG screen (p. 18).

2.Press the PAGE [DOWN] button.

The SONG INFO/FUNC screen appears.

Indication	Explanation
Type	Types of song
Name	Song name
	Song save location
Folder	For SD cards, this indicates where the song is
	saved on the SD card.
	Song playback time
Total Time	* This is not shown for songs containing only a
	drum performance.

3.Press the PAGE [UP] button to return to the SONG screen.

20

(TIME CHECK)

Performing

Playing Back a Audio File as a Click (Click Track)

You can use an audio file (WAV) separate from the song for the click, and play it back as the click (click track).

Since the click track plays simultaneously with the song, this is useful when you want to play a click sound along with the songs you like.

*To play back a click track, you must prepare a song as well as an audio file to use for the click, both in WAV format. MP3 files are not supported.

Getting the click track audio file ready

1.Have ready an audio file (WAV file) to play back as the click track.

2.On your computer, edit the file name of the file that you prepared in step 1.

Specify “song file name+_Click” as the name of the audio file to play as the click track.

Example:

To play the click track along with a song named “TD-50X.wav,” specify “TD-50X_Click..wav” as the name of the click audio file.

3.Save the click audio file in the same directory as the song that’s on the SD card (p. 53).

In the example above, you would save “TD-50X.wav” and “TD-50X_ Click.wav” in the same directory.

Playing the click track along with the song

1.On the SONG screen, press the [F2] (SD CARD) button (p. 18).

2.Use the [R2] knob, [-] [+] buttons or the dial to select the song that you want to play back along with the click track.

In the example above, select the song “TD-50X.wav.”

3.Press the [F5] button to specify “CLICK ON.”

4.Press the [s] button.

The click track plays back together with the song.

To adjust the click track volume, turn the [CLICK] knob.

In the example above, use the [SONG] knob to adjust the volume of “TD-50X.wav,” and use the [CLICK] knob to adjust the volume of “TD-50X_Click.wav.”

MEMO

55To mute the click track, press the [F5] button to specify “CLICK OFF.” 55You can also output the click track only to headphones (p. 57).

Rhythm Training (Coach Mode)

This unit features practice modes, collectively called “Coach Mode.” These modes help you to practice as effectively as possible.

Three menus are available:

“TIME CHECK,”“QUIET COUNT,” and “WARM UPS.”These menus help you improve your speed control, accuracy, and endurance. You can also change the settings as appropriate for your level of performing skill.

Selecting a practice menu

1. Press the [CLICK] button.

The CLICK screen appears.

2. Press the [F4] (COACH) button.

The COACH MENU screen appears.

3.Use the cursor buttons to select the coach menu, and press [ENTER] button.

Correctly Playing in Time with the

Beat

This lets you practice drumming in accurate time along with the click.

1.In the TIME CHECK screen, press the [F5] (START) button.

If you decide to stop mid-way through practice, press the [F4] (STOP) button.

2. Strike the pad in time with the click.

The percentage of your strikes that were played with accurate timing is displayed as a “%” value.

The screen indicates whether your pad strikes match the beat sounded by the click. BEHIND: Behind the beat

AHEAD: Ahead of the beat

Your strike timing is evaluated.

To resume practicing, press the [F5] (RETRY) button.

3. Press the [EXIT] button to finish.

21