When using the VH-12, you will need to make the settings for the sound
module. Refer to p. 8
201a
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 2; p. 3). These sections provide important information
concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that
you have gained a good grasp of every feature provided by your new unit, Owner’s
manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved and kept on hand
as a convenient reference.
The VH-12 V-Hi-Hat is to be used in combination with the Roland TD-20 or TD-12 Percussion
Sound Module.
• Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts
within it (except when this manual provides
specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer
all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland
Service Center, or an authorized Roland
distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.
• Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is
level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on
stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.
• Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material,
coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft
drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.
The symbol alerts the user to important instructions
or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is
determined by the design contained within the
triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for
general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.
The symbol alerts the user to items that must never
be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that
must not be done is indicated by the design contained
within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it
means that the unit must never be disassembled.
The ● symbol alerts the user to things that must be
carried out. The specific thing that must be done is
indicated by the design contained within the circle. In
the case of the symbol at left, it means that the powercord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.
013
• In households with small children, an adult should
provide supervision until the child is capable of
following all the rules essential for the safe
operation of the unit.
• Install the unit only on the hi-hat stand which
satisfies the specifications described on p. 10.
Remove only the specified screws during the
installation.
• Should you remove clutch/clamp bolts, make sure
to put them in a safe place out of children’s reach,
so there is no chance of them being swallowed
accidentally.
In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2, please read and observe the
following:
558d
• This instrument is designed to minimize the extraneous
Placement
354a
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near
devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed
vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes.
Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
355b
• When moved from one location to another where the
temperature and/or humidity is very different, water
droplets (condensation) may form inside the unit. Damage
or malfunction may result if you attempt to use the unit in
this condition. Therefore, before using the unit, you must
allow it to stand for several hours, until the condensation
has completely evaporated.
356
• Do not allow rubber, vinyl, or similar materials to remain
on the unit for long periods of time. Such objects can
discolor or otherwise harmfully affect the finish.
Maintenance
401a
• For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth
or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To
remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a
mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe
the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
402
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any
kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or
deformation.
sounds produced when it’s played. However, since sound
vibrations can be transmitted through floors and walls to a
greater degree than expected, take care not to allow these
sounds to become a nuisance to neighbors, especially
when performing at night and when using headphones.
559a
• When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box
(including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise,
you will need to use equivalent packaging materials.
add
• The hi-hat stand is supported by means of a tripod. When
installing the hi-hat, make sure the legs of the tripod are
opened wide enough to keep the equipment from falling
over.
add
• The hi-hat’s rubber surface may turn white, but this has
no effect on the hi-hat’s function.
add
• The section indicated by the arrows in the figure below
contains high-precision sensors. Take care not to subject
this to excessive shock, and do not allow any foreign
objects to enter the gap.
Top Hi-Hat
fig.Top2
Additional Precautions
553
• Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s
buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks
and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.
556
• When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the
connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you
will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s
internal elements.
558a
• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s
volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use
headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about
those around you (especially when it is late at night).
Bottom Hi-Hat
fig.Bottom2
3
Getting Started
Features
Similar Touch and Feel as with an
Acoustic Hi-Hat
The superior design has taken into account not only the shape
of the hi-hat, but also the bounce of the stick, and even the
movement caused by playing, making it possible to play with
the same feel as an acoustic hi-hat.
Smooth Transition Between Closed
and Open Tones
When you strike the pad while gradually opening the pedal,
the tone smoothly opens in response to how much the pedal is
opened.
Pressure Sensitive
You can alter the closed tone by continuing to press harder on
the pedal after it is closed (p. 10).
Allows Foot Splashes
You can play foot splashes by pressing the pedal and then
instantly opening it.
Quick-Open Tone Changes
Get realistic tonal changes by hitting the closed hi-hat and
immediately opening it.
Natural-Feeling Action
The top hi-hat weight, gap between the top and bottom
cymbals, and hi-hat stand tension gives the pedal action an
extremely natural feel.
Package Contents
Top Hi-Hat
fig.Top
Bottom Hi-Hat
fig.Bottom
fig.Accessories
Special VH-12 Clutch
* The clutch included with the hi-
hat stand will not be used.
Clamp
Holder (3 types)
Dual Trigger Capability
Sensors in both the top and edge portion make it possible to
get different sounds by striking the bow (upper surface) and
the edge (p. 10).
They’re Quiet!
Rubber is used on the striking surface for a damping effect.
Compatible with Commercially
Available Hi-Hat Stands (p. 10)
4
Link Cable
Cable Tie
Tuning Key
Mounting on the Hi-Hat Stand
* Orient the stopper so that it matches the groove in the top hi-
(1) Assembling the Top Hi-Hat
* Due to the different shape, the clutch included with the hi-hat
stand cannot be used with the VH-12. Be sure to use the special
VH-12 clutch.
fig.Clutch.e
Clutch Top
Clutch Screw
Lock Nuts
Felt Washer
Stopper
1.
Use the tuning key included with the VH-12 to
loosen the clutch bolt, then simultaneously turn
and remove the clutch top.
fig.Clutch-2.e
Clutch Bolt
hat.
fig.Top-02
4.
Attach the felt washer, the two lock nuts, and
the clutch top, in that order, above the top hihat.
5.
Confirm that the upper end of the screw pipe of
the stopper can be seen through the slit of the
clutch top, as shown in the figure.
fig.Top-03.e
The upper end of the
screw pipe of the
stopper can be seen
Clutch Top
Clutch Bolt
2.
Remove the two lock nuts and the felt washer.
3.
Pass the screw pipe of the stopper through
from the underside of the top hi-hat.
fig.Top-01.e
Top Hi-Hat
6.
Orient the clutch screw so it’s in a convenient
location, then tighten the clutch bolt with the
tuning key.
7.
Securely tighten down the felt washer and two
lock nuts.
fig.Clutch-3.e
Lock Nuts
* Looseness or play in the clutch may prevent the hi-hat from
operating properly.
5
Mounting on the Hi-Hat Stand
(2) Assembling the Bottom Hi-Hat
1.
Remove the clutch included with the hi-hat
stand from the cymbal rod.
* The clutch included with the hi-hat stand will not be used.
* It is not necessary to remove the felt (or rubber) pad on the hi-
hat stand used for supporting the bottom cymbal.
2.
Confirm that the cymbal rod is firmly secured.
For instructions on tightening the cymbal rod, refer to the
owner’s manual for your cymbal stand.
Cymbal Rod
At this point, position the LINK jack so it’s on the far side
of the unit, facing away from the performer.
fig.Bottom-01.e
LINK jack
* Looseness or play in the cymbal rod can make the top hi-hat
unstable, causing it to shake or turn, and prevent proper
functioning.
3.
Place the bottom hi-hat on the hi-hat stand with
the cymbal rod passing through the bottom hihat hole.
At this point, position the “▲” mark so it’s facing the
performer.
fig.Bottom-00.e
Hi-hat stand felt
(or rubber)
cymbal pad
4.
Select the holder that matches the diameter of
the pipe at the top of the hi-hat stand.
There are three holders to match different pipe diameters.
L:
25.4 mm (1")
M:
22.2 mm (7/8")
S:
19.1 mm (3/4")
5.
Remove the clamp bolt, then fit the holder and
the clamp so they are nested together.
fig.Bottom-02
LLMM
25.4 mm
LMS
(1")
22.2 mm
(7/8")
SS
19.1 mm
(3/4")
6
6.
Attach the clamp and holder to the pipe on the
upper part of the hi-hat stand, then slightly
tighten the assembly with the tuning key.
fig.Bottom-03.e
Slightly tighten
7.
Pass the ends of the holder through the
grooves in the metal portion of the bottom hihat, then while strongly pulling the clamp
downward, secure it with the tuning key.
fig.Bottom-04.e
Mounting on the Hi-Hat Stand
(3) Assembling the Overall Unit
1.
Place the top hi-hat assembly on the hi-hat
stand with the cymbal rod passing through the
top hi-hat hole.
At this point, position the “Roland” logo on the farther
side, as viewed from the performer.
2.
Use the link cable to connect the bottom hi-hat
and the top hi-hat LINK jacks.
3.
Pull the bend of the cable softly with your
fingers.
fig.LinkCable
Pull down
and tighten
* Not pulling strongly enough on the clamp can make the bottom
hi-hat unstable, causing it to shake or turn, and prevent proper
functioning.
* After extended use of the hi-hat stand, the stand’s felt (or
rubber) pad on which the bottom cymbal rests becomes
compressed, which may cause the bottom hi-hat to become
unstable. If this occurs, loosen the clamp bolt and perform Step
7
again.
* Make sure that both the top hi-hat and bottom hi-hat can be
closed smoothly.
7
Mounting on the Hi-Hat Stand
(4) Connecting to a Sound Module
921
* To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other
devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power
on all devices before making any connections.
1.
Connect the VH-12’s TRIGGER OUTPUT jack to
the sound module’s TRIGGER INPUT HI-HAT
jack, and the VH-12’s CONTROL OUTPUT jack
to the sound module’s HH CTRL jack.
fig.Connect.e
TRIGGER
OUTPUT
jack
to
TRIGGER INPUT
HI-HAT jack
* Use stereo (TRS) cables to make the connections. If monaural
cables are used, edge shots cannot be supported.
2.
Secure the cables in place with the cable tie,
while leaving some slack in the cables.
fig.CableTie.e
CONTROL
OUTPUT
jack
to
HH CTRL jack
(5) Adjusting the Sound Module
When using the VH-12, you will need to make the
settings for the sound module.
When Using with the TD-20
1.
Loosen the clutch screw, and set the hi-hat in
the closed position.
2.
Hold down the TD-20’s [KIT] button and press
the [TRIGGER] button.
The offset is adjusted automatically.
When Using with the TD-12
1.
Press the TD-12’s [TRIGGER] button, then
press the [F1 (BANK)] button.
2.
Press the [CURSOR] buttons to move the
cursor to the trigger type for TRIGGER INPUT 6.
3.
Use the [+/-] buttons or the [VALUE] dial to
select “VH12.”
4.
Press the [F3 (HI-HAT)] button.
5.
Press the [CURSOR (up/down)] to move the
cursor to “Hi-Hat Type.”
6.
Use the [+/-] buttons or the [VALUE] dial to set
the Hi-Hat Type to “VH12.”
7.
Loosen the clutch screw, and set the hi-hat in
the closed position.
8
Wind the
cable tie
once
Leave some
slack in the
cables
Tighten it
not to slip
Turn back to
fix the cables
8.
Hold down the TD-12’s [KIT] button and press
the [TRIGGER] button.
The offset is adjusted automatically.
For details, refer to the TD-12 owner’s manual.
(6) Adjusting the Hi-Hat
1.
Adjust the gap between the top hi-hat and
bottom hi-hat to a clearance of approximately
10 mm, then tighten the clutch screw.
fig.Gap.e
Clutch
Screw
10 mm
(3/8")
* Although the gap can be adjusted to a clearance that makes
playing the hi-hat easier, setting too narrow or wide a gap can
cause improper function of the unit and prevent the hi-hat from
sounding as you intend. Setting the gap to
the most natural feel when playing the VH-12.
2.
Change the spring tension by adjusting the hihat stand.
For instructions on adjusting the tension, refer to the
owner’s manual for your hi-hat stand.
* The tension may not be adjustable on some stands.
10 mm
provides
Mounting on the Hi-Hat Stand
While playing, always align the marks on the top hi-hat
and bottom hi-hat (▼ and ▲) to prevent malfunction.
fig.Mark
9
Playing Methods
Open/Closed
The hi-hat tone changes smoothly and continuously from
open to closed in response to how far the pedal is pressed.
You can also play the foot closed sound (playing the hi-hat
with the pedal completely pressed down) and foot splash
sound (playing the hi-hat with the pedal fully pressed and
then instantly opening it).
Pressure
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.
Bow Shot
This playing method involves striking the middle area of the
top hi-hat. It corresponds to the sound of the “head-side” of
the connected trigger input.
fig.Play-01
Edge Shot
This playing method involves striking the edge of the top hi-
hat with the shoulder of the stick. When played as shown in
the figure, the “rim-side” sound of the connected trigger input
is triggered.
fig.Play-02
Edge Sensor
Do not strike the bottom hi-hat or the underside of the
top hi-hat.
Specifications
Size:12 inches
Trigger:2 (Bow/Edge)
Connectors:TRIGGER OUTPUT Jack
CONTROL OUTPUT Jack
Dimensions:314 (W) x 314 (D) x 89 (H) mm
12-3/8 (W) x 12-3/8 (D) x 3-9/16 (H) inches
Weight:1.9 kg / 4 lbs 4 oz
OptionsOwner’s Manual, Clutch, Clamp,
Holder (3 types), Link Cable,
Tuning Key, Cable Tie
962a
* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/
or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior
notice.
10
Compatible Stand
Diameter: 6.0–7.0 mm
(0.236"–0.276")
Diameter: 11.7 mm (1/2") Max.
Diameter: 25.4 mm (1")
22.2 mm (7/8")
19.1 mm (3/4")
Troubleshooting
Hi-hat not closing
Was the unit adjusted after being
connected to the sound module?
When using the VH-12, be sure to run the automatic offset
adjustment on your sound module (p. 8).
No sound is heard
Is the TRIGGER OUTPUT connected to
the sound module’s HH CTRL jack?
Connect the VH-12’s TRIGGER OUTPUT jack to the sound
module’s HI-HAT jack, and the CONTROL OUTPUT to the
sound module’s HH CTRL (p. 8).
The sound does not change when an
edge shot is made
Is a monaural cable being used?
When a monaural cable is used, the sound does not change
when an edge shot is made.
Use a stereo (TRS) cable.
Sounds are not triggering properly
Is the trigger type set correctly?
Make the trigger parameter settings for your sound module.
Are you using the special VH-12
clutch?
Clutches included with hi-hat stands are shaped differently
than the VH-12’s special clutch, so use of such other clutches
prevent the sensors within the VH-12 from functioning
properly. Be sure to use the clutch designed especially for the
VH-12.
Is the clutch correctly attached to the
top hi-hat?
Failure of the upper end of the screw pipe of the stopper to be
seen through the slit of the clutch top is one cause of double
triggering and incorrect opening and closing (p. 5,
“Assembling the Top Hi-Hat” Step 5).
Loose lock nuts can cause improper functioning (p. 5,
“Assembling the Top Hi-Hat” Step 7).
Are you striking the area where an
edge sensor is located?
The VH-12 has an edge sensor only at the area closest to you,
at the front (p. 10).
Align the marks (▼ and ▲) on the top and bottom hi-hat, and
position the marks so they face toward the player (p. 9).
Is the bottom hi-hat attached
correctly?
After extended use of the hi-hat stand, the stand’s felt (or
rubber) pad on which the bottom cymbal rests becomes
compressed, which may cause the bottom hi-hat to become
unstable. If this occurs, loosen the clamp bolt and perform
Step 7 on p. 7 again.
Is the gap between the top and
bottom hi-hat correct?
Setting too narrow or wide a gap can cause improper function
of the unit and prevent the hi-hat from sounding as you
intend. Setting the gap to 10 mm provides the most natural
feel when playing the VH-12 (p. 9).
Is the sound module’s offset adjusted
correctly?
The offset may change somewhat as you perform. If this
occurs, run the automatic offset adjustment procedure for the
sound module once again (p. 8).
11
InformationWhen you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland