I got the SPD-S about a year ago, and I 'm just getting to a point where I can incorporate it effectively in my set-up/ I play a lot of worship, and while most guys are using Ableton and Reason, I opt to use this unit.

I like having a distorted 2 or 4 bar drum sample to open some songs; its sets the tempo without cheesy counting and, if you got a good guitar player or someone that knows how to pad, your transitions become so much smoother.

Totally agree with the other guys, delete everything and start over.

I have the #1 Patch holding all my intro drum loops with the filter effects set on it, Patch 2 is an effects patch with and 808, 909, and super low kick samples, distorted snare and hihat, some white noise, and some other samples. I have a few other patches that are for misc. stuff.

Since the sampler has a midi out, you can set it up to trigger samples out of Reason or Ableton. A lot of guys are asking drummers to be able to play with this software, so put aside you views on it and learn to play with it. The SPD-S makes it easier because as soon as the song is over, you start the next loop, keeps you from fooling with your laptop.

Lastly- My SPD-S fits perfectly in a TAMA ROAD PRO Snare Stand- saved me a bundle on that over priced stand they sell.

I bought this to run a click along with backing tracks live. I run a backing track with a click and some guitars panned all the way left, so I've been using an iPod with a splitter. Not the best way.

I was able to record all the tracks straight into the SPD-S from the iPod. The sound quality is not the best, but it'll do for live.

I'm very happy with the product. I'm more happy with the company itself. Even with the manual, some features are difficult to figure out. Roland customer service is top notch. They are only a phone call away, and they speak English! The two reps I talked to on different occasions were very knowledgeable and helpful.

Now I can use my tracks and add other sounds for each song. I'm a fan!

I have been using the SPD-s for 6 years now, (I own 3 of them) and consider myself somewhat of an expert. I trigger loops and samples all night with it, all of which I sampled and tweaked myself. The performance section is great, although, if you record phrases in the lower sample rate, you better check them! They sometimes change a bit during saving. Have I had problems? Yes, where do i begin? After using my first SPD-s for a couple years, pad # 8 went dead, and I had to replace the "membrane". It cost me 200 bucks to fix, and the unit never worked right again. So, I bought another one. Used it (again) for a couple years, and then the main output jacks started distorting, my quick fix was to split the stereo output, which worked, but it is not regulated by the volume control. I bought a third unit. And am going to take the second to the local shop to see if he can fix the output problem. BUT, there is nothing out there like the SPD-s, and I am addicted to it!

I'm a drummer and bought the SPD-S right around Christmas of '08 to use w/ my uptempo top 40 band. The unit works great and does much more that you'll probably ever need. The manual takes some getting use to but like anything new, the learning curve is high at the beginning and then tapers-off w/ experience.

I'm happy to know that someone's successfully using a 4mb card w/ the unit; although, I'm no where near filling-up the 512 card. If you're sampling entire tunes, sure, you'll use lots more memory. If sampling hits, beats, vocals, etc. off of CD's, or creating patterns using the Phrase Maker feature, one 512 card will hold LOTS of data.

Long story short, and I'm not a techie, the more I use the product, and the more familiar I become w/ it, the more I like it. Experience (w/ anything in life) = less frustration, work through it, it's worth it!

I did have some real problems w/ a venue that didn't haven't sufficient power; otherwise, zero problems. The unit is durable (so far) but if you're a basher and and play like you're clubbing a baby seal, you're probably going to tear this up.

Note: I cut a small piece of plexi glass and used double-sided tape to cover the LCD diplay due to horror stories of people hitting it w/ a stick and shattering it...

I would advise buying the Pearl clamp rather than the Roland, much nicer.

BigRed

This thing is great, the velocity works fine, especially if you learn to adjust it...

Also, I USE A 4GB SDcard with mine with no problem, you can use 512, 1gb, 2gb or 4gb, but 4 is the limit. You can also use a play through line and manipulate the audio with the pads as the audio is being played as well as add real time control of effects with a standard Roland volume pedal.

You have to do your homework and really read the manual and use your imagination when buying into a product, this thing is worth EVERY dime!