The First Electronic Hi-Hat, Designed Like an Acoustic
Realistic Feel,
Streamlined Design
Wow! That’s what you’ll say once you try the VH-12 V-Hi-Hat. This
breakthough electronic hi-hat is designed to precisely model the look
and feel of its acoustic counterpart. So much so, it mounts on an
acoustic hi-hat stand! The VH-12 uses top and bottom cymbals with full
motion capability for ultra-natural stick/pedal work, and is designed to
With eyes closed, drummers will think they’re playing a
regular two-piece hi-hat. But examine the innovative
VH-11 floating hi-hat, and you’ll see that it’s actually
comprised of one floating cymbal pad atop a fixed
lower base. Great for fast setup and easy transport,
the VH-11 mounts on conventional hi-hat stands,
and provides a similar playing feel to a 2-piece hi-hat.
The VH-11 is fully compatible with Roland's TD-20,
TD-12, TD-9, and can be used with the TD-10 w/TDW-1,
TD-8, TD-6V, and TD-6.
work with the TD-20/12’s enhanced dynamics. The dual-trigger VH-12
creates smooth hi-hat sounds from open to closed — including the
half-open position — with all of its delicate nuances. By applying
pressure to the pedal (even after closing), you can vary the pitch and
decay for playing fast and tight articulations.
Roland V-Drums Innovation File No.03
Advanced Sensor Technology for Ultimate Realism
In creating the world’s finest modeled hi-hat, Roland embarked upon
a time-intensive mission to create a virtual hi-hat that would perform
like the real thing. The winning formula features three different types
of sensors on the top of the cymbal’s bow, the edge, and in the
center of the bottom cymbal where it detects the foot pedal
movements. Sophisticated triggering data, such as the distance
between the top and
bottom cymbals, are
detected by having the
three sensors working
perfectly in sync. The
end result is amazing
playability and realism,
with the same nuances
and tonal coloration of
an acoustic hi-hat.
VH-12 Technology in a Compact, One-Piece Format
Derived from the groundbreaking VH-12 hi-hat, Roland’s VH-11
combines two hi-hat cymbals into one with an ingenious one-piece
floating design. Amazingly, it performs like a real hat, and provides a
realistic up/down pedaled response thanks to the stationary base
mounted below the cymbal pad. With the combination of two sensors
on the bow and edge, plus a motion sensor unit mounted in the
center, subtle nuances
(including foot
movement) can be
achieved. The
one-piece design
makes for easy setup
on conventional hi-hat
stands.
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Roland V-Drums Innovation File No.04
Quest For the Perfect V-Cymbal
Developing the ultimate electronic cymbal required the
Roland design to create numerous prototypes
comprised of a wide range of materials. After extensive
research, the team arrived at the perfect combination
of internal and exterior materials that are durable and
can properly simulate the resistance and swing amount
that drummer’s feel when an acoustic cymbal is struck.
The Technology Within
What may look like a simple rubber/plastic disc is actually a sophisticated slice of
cutting-edge technology. Inside the V-Cymbal’s bell and edge is a thin film-like
sensor that lies beneath the rubber playing surface. The sensors detect sticking
position, velocity, and edge pressure (for cymbal choking). This complex detection
and calculation happens instantly, providing drummers with a realistic and accurate
playing experience. A small but important Roland design principle is that the cymbals
are not completely round, which minimizes vibration that can cause mis-triggering.
Ultra-sensitive sheet-like
sensors (shown in blue) are
located beneath the bell
and the edge. Under the
bow area is a sensor for
detecting the strength and
location of the impact.
* V-Cymbal Technology for use under one or more of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,632,989 / 6,881,885 U.S. Patent Pending
