Mountable with huge beefy pads, the new Roland Octapad SPD-30 is about the size of a briefcase and comes packed with percussion sounds from around the world with 30 plus types of multi-effects.

This drum trigger looks perfect for anything you can throw at it, be it your hands, brushes, drums sticks or Barbie Dolls.  The press release doesn’t mention availability or price (isn’t that the point?), but it will be on display at NAMM 2010.

ROLAND ANNOUNCES OCTAPAD SPD-30

Los Angeles, CA, January 14, 2010 — Roland is proud to announce the OCTAPAD™ SPD-30 digital percussion pad. Featuring eight trigger pads, built-in sounds, multi-effects, and external trigger inputs, the OCTAPAD SPD-30 is the perfect portable electronic percussion instrument for any playing application.

Using the latest trigger technology from Roland’s industry-leading V-Drums®, the pads on the OCTAPAD SPD-30 feature an extremely natural and responsive playing feel. The eight separate trigger surfaces provide superior dynamic response, trigger consistency over a pad’s entire surface, and the elimination of crosstalk.

The OCTAPAD SPD-30 includes 50 kits and hundreds of cutting-edge drum and percussion sounds. Powerful onboard effects include 30 types of multi-effects that can be used on individual kits, and Ambience with an Equalizer and Limiter that can be applied to the overall OCTAPAD SPD-30 sound.

The Phrase Loop recording feature allows the player to loop record sounds in real time, and then overdub additional parts or sounds. With the ability to record three parts per phrase, Phrase Loop is a powerful creative tool for live performance and recording.

With its large backlit LCD and intuitive interface, navigating menus and editing parameters on the OCTAPAD SPD-30 is extremely easy. The pads also feature illuminated LEDs, helpful for performing in low-light settings.

The external trigger/control inputs allow players to connect additional pads, and a hi-hat controller to create a powerful yet portable mini-electronic kit. The OCTAPAD SPD-30 is also compatible with Roland RT-Series acoustic drum triggers, creating additional options for drummers who want to add electronics to their acoustic drum set.

In addition, the OCTAPAD SPD-30 has USB connectivity for both data backup and MIDI allowing players to expand their recording capabilities with personal computers. Standard MIDI connections are also included, allowing connection to external sound modules, samplers and other MIDI devices.

For more information, please visit www.RolandConnect.com.