Interesting new instruments for November
Electricity to the drums
Roland’s TD316 V-Drums promise to bring a lot of innovation to the mid-range of electronic drums. Professional upgrades, two crash cymbals and standard rack-mountable sleeves offer a playing feel reminiscent of an acoustic set. The sound source V31 module delivers a dynamic sound, using the same advanced technology as the manufacturer’s top-of-the-range V71.
With gig-level features, modern connectivity and expansion options, the TD316 is a good choice for players looking for expressive power and flexibility in a handy package.
The racquet features three sensors and beat point detection, which are promised to provide better response to such things as whip play and stance/centre articulation.
The offset sensors on the dome are said to provide natural dynamics and reduce the unwanted hotspot effect.
According to the manufacturer, cymbal pads also respond to playing like a real cymbal, triggering from the edge, top and pattern and responding to muting.
All topped off with a sturdy, quick-assembly chassis.
The TD316 set costs just under €2200.
High and hard
The SE Chleo from PRS is a new product from DragonForce metal band guitar hero Herman Li, whose Fishman Fluence Signature Series Omniforce microphones with active electronics offer a dozen sound combinations with their versatile switching options – from tanaka aggressive hooks to smooth solos and bright single-string sounds.
Designed with the modern metal guitarist in mind, the SE Chleo’s microphones are actually the same as the previous, more expensive Limited Edition model.
The SE Chlo has a maple lid and mahogany body, a carbon fibre reinforced maple neck and an ebony 24-strand spout decorated with Eclipse Dragon knobs. The distinctive PRS design provides easy access to the top strings, and the thinness and lightness of the body makes playing comfortable and energetic even on long gigs.
Priced at around €2200, the Floyd Rose 1000 guitar with lockable Floyd Rose 1000 comb is available in three colours (Mantis Burst, Orchid Dusk and Charcoal Purple Burst) and of course comes with a hard case.
Midi controller for backpack
The Akain MPK Mini IV midi controller is designed to meet the needs of today’s music maker. It offers power, creativity and portability – whether you’re producing beats in your home studio, composing on the road or adding a compact controller to your live set-up.
According to the manufacturer, the Mini IV features a two-octave keyboard with an even better feel, eight RGB-illuminated pads that respond to speed and pressure, and an equal number of programmable pots for editing and mixing sounds.
Also included are pitch and modulation wheels, and the transport section can be used to control external recording software. Mini IV includes pre-built profiles for Ableton Live, Logic Pro and Cubase. On the connectivity side, you’ll find both USB-C and Midi connections.
The Akai MPK Mini IV weighs just over a kilo and costs around 110 euros.
Shine and roughness
Meinl has introduced a new addition to its Byzance Brilliant collection this year, the Polyphonic range of sympathetic instruments. As in the Byzance collection, the new cymbals in the new series are hand-forged in high-quality B20 bronze, but unlike previous models, the cup, or bell, has been left unfinished. The aim of this is to make the chime light up quickly, while at the same time slightly shortening the duration of the chime. The raw bell also provides a visual contrast to the rest of the polished surface.
The top of the range includes the 10-inch Splash, 18- and 20-inch Crashit and 22-inch Ride. The Hihat pair in the Polyphonic series is 15-inch and is described as having a delicately fiery and dynamic sound. The Ride is clearly articulate, warm and full-bodied, and its unfinished bell is described as penetrating.
All cymbals in the series have a narrow and deep turning groove, which is intended to add brightness to the sound.
Depending on size and model, polyphonic cymbals cost around €170-600.
