The undisputed king of electronic drums just got an upgrade. In the universe of e-drums, few names command as much respect and excitement as Roland. Their V-Drums kits have consistently set the standard for realistic feel, innovative technology, and studio-quality sound, making them the premier choice for practising, recording, and live performance. With a fresh lineup launching for 2025, the Roland V-Drums family continues to push the boundaries of what their electronic drum kits can do.
Shop Roland V-Drums at Swee Lee
This comprehensive 2025 Roland V-Drums Buyer’s Guide is specifically tailored for musicians like you. We’ll break down the features and specs of the latest Roland V-Drums models – the Roland TD313, TD316, TD513, TD516, VAD316, and VAD516 – available at Swee Lee. Whether you’re a beginner seeking a powerful practice tool or a seasoned pro needing a stage-ready kit, we’ll help you find the perfect digital drums to elevate your drumming experience.
Drum Module Revolution: The New V31 and V51 Sound Modules
At the heart of the new Roland V-Drums 3 and 5 Series kits are the powerful Roland V31 and V51 Drum Sound Modules. Both share the same flagship-grade sound engine, which includes an authentic, multi-sampled drum library created in collaboration with Drum Workshop (DW). This ensures you get unparalleled acoustic realism and nuance right out of the box.
Flagship Sound Engine & Connectivity
The commonality across the series is the next-generation sound engine, which delivers incredible expressiveness and dynamic range.
Both Roland V31 and V51 sound modules feature:
- Flagship-Grade Sound: The core engine of the V31 and V51 is identical to Roland’s top-tier V71 module, providing rich, multi-sampled sounds and behaviour modelling for a lifelike playing experience.
- Wireless Expansion: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allow for seamless access to Roland Cloud. This lets you wirelessly download new V-Drums Instrument Expansions and Kit Packs – keeping your sound fresh and your playing inspired.
- Coach Mode: An integrated Coach Mode with tools like Phrase Trainer and Stroke Monitor helps drummers of all levels develop their timing, speed, and consistency.
V31 vs. V51: Key Differences & Similarities
While the Roland V31 and V51 share the same sound engine, these two modules have different features that cater to different user needs. Here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know about the Roland V31 and the Roland V51:
| Roland V31 Module (TD313, TD316, VAD316) | Roland V51 Module (TD513, TD516, VAD516) | |
| Core Sound Engine | Identical to both the Roland V51 and their flagship V71 module. | Identical to both the Roland V31 and their flagship V71 module. |
| Sound Library | Shared flagship-grade, multi-sampled DW (Drum Workshop) kits and core library. | Shared flagship-grade, multi-sampled DW (Drum Workshop) kits and core library. |
| Coach Mode | Available (Time Check, Quiet Count, Phrase Trainer, Stroke Monitor, Blast Beast Trainer, Advanced Metronome). | Available (Time Check, Quiet Count, Phrase Trainer, Stroke Monitor, Blast Beast Trainer, Advanced Metronome). |
| Digital Pad Support | 1 USB-A Digital Pad Input (for Snare or Ride or Hi-Hat). | 3 USB-A Digital Pad Inputs (supports Digital Snare, Digital Ride, and Digital Hi-Hat simultaneously). |
| Control/Editing | EZ Edit controls for fast changes. Deep editing via companion V31 Editor software (macOS/Windows). | Powerful front-panel editing options. Deep editing via companion V51 Editor software (macOS/Windows). |
| Faders/Mixers | No dedicated faders (uses on-screen controls). | Six dedicated faders for Kick, Snare, Toms, Hi-Hat, Cymbals, and Ambience. |
| Pedal Switch Input | Not Available | TRS 1/4″ |
| Outputs | Stereo (L/Mono, R 1/4″) | Stereo (L/Mono, R 1/4″) + 2x Direct Outs |
| Headphones | 1/4″ Stereo Jack | 1/4″ Stereo Jack + 1/8″ Mini Jack |
| Bluetooth | Yes (Audio + MIDI) | Yes (Audio + MIDI) |
| Recording | USB Audio/MIDI | USB Audio/MIDI + Direct Outs |
Roland V-Drums TD Series: Compact Power and Performance
The Roland TD series is the classic Roland electronic drums setup, known for its space-saving rack design and high-performance mesh-head pads. Without further delay, here is the breakdown of the V-Drums TD series available at Swee Lee:
The Roland TD313: The Starting Point
The TD313 is the entry point into the V-Drums 3 Series – offering professional-grade sound and features in a highly compact, home-friendly setup. It’s perfect for serious beginners and players focused on dedicated practice and home recording.
Here are some of the must-knows about the Roland TD313:
- Compact Footprint for Home: The MDS-COM drum rack provides a sturdy, efficient setup that fits easily into smaller spaces. This makes it an excellent choice for apartment living or tight home studios where space is a premium.
- V31 Sound Module: Features the next-generation V-Drums sound engine with a library created in collaboration with Drum Workshop (DW). You get over 1,000 instruments and 200 kits, all ready for deep tonal editing. You can also import your own WAV sounds via an SD card.
- Mesh Head Pads: Comes with the Roland PDX-12 snare pad and PD-8H/PD-10H tom pads – all utilising multi-ply mesh heads for a realistic, quiet playing feel and a superior rebound response.
The Roland TD316: The Performance Kit
Stepping up from the TD313, the TD316 provides a more authentic acoustic feel, making it the perfect balance between playing enjoyment and professional-level performance. It’s a great choice for musicians who need a more expressive kit for live settings or advanced practice.
Discover the essential features and key specs of the Roland TD316.
- Acoustic-Style Hi-Hat: Features the VH-10 V-Hi-Hat, which mounts onto a standard acoustic hi-hat stand (not included). This provides natural open/closed control, superior motion, and an acoustic-style feel that greatly enhances playability.
- Dual Crash Cymbals: The kit includes two CY-12C-T crash pads, giving you more expressive options for complex fills and accents. This expanded cymbal layout is closer to a traditional acoustic kit setup.
- Larger Snare Pad: Comes with the PD-12P 12-inch snare pad with triple piezo sensors, providing a larger hitting surface and more nuanced response for accurate rimshots and ghost notes compared to the TD313. Additionally, Roland has equipped the PD-12P with a genuine die-cast hoop and a chrome finish for an authentic snare look and feel.
The Roland TD513: Expressiveness Personified
The TD513 is the entry into the V-Drums 5 Series, built around the V51 sound module. This kit focuses on superior expression and playability in a streamlined, space-saving format, ideal for serious players who want flagship sound control without a full acoustic shell design.
- V51 Sound Module Power: The V51 module unlocks deep studio-grade processing tools like advanced EQs, compressors, and ambience effects, allowing for unparalleled sound customisation. This provides the sonic flexibility needed for professional studio work.
- Upgraded Analogue Pad Sensitivity: Features next-generation PD-12P snare and redesigned tom pads with advanced sensors for more natural dynamics and reduced hot spots. This leads to a smoother, more consistent response across the playing surface.
- Three-Zone Ride Cymbal: The kit includes the CY-16R-T ride pad, which offers bow, edge, and bell triggering with choke support. This multi-zone functionality gives you the full range of ride cymbal articulations required for complex drumming styles.
The Roland TD516: The Pro-Level Workhorse
The TD516 is designed for professional drummers who demand the highest level of expression and connectivity in a traditional e-drum rack format. It integrates Roland’s premier digital pads for the ultimate in subtle control.
- Integrated Digital Pads: Features the PD-140DS digital snare, VH-14D digital hi-hats, and CY-18DR digital ride cymbal. These pads connect via USB to the V51 module, enabling ultra-realistic response, positional sensing, and multi-zone triggering for unmatched playing realism.
- Studio Connectivity: The V51 module includes two direct audio outputs and USB-C multi-channel audio/MIDI, making it a professional-grade tool for multitrack recording in a DAW. This allows for flexible mixing and routing options in the studio or on stage.
- Larger Kick and Toms: Comes with the KD-12 Kick Pad and larger PD-10P/PD-12P tom pads. This configuration offers a larger, more stable playing experience that is closer to an acoustic kit feel, ideal for heavy-hitting and double bass drumming.
Roland V-Drums Acoustic Design (VAD) Series: Acoustic Aesthetic, Digital Power
The VAD series merges the aesthetic appeal and familiar feel of a traditional acoustic kit with the revolutionary technology of V-Drums, perfect for stage and studio use where appearance and realistic feel matter. Here’s what you need to know about the Roland V-Drums Acoustic Design (VAD) Series models we have in Swee Lee:
The Roland VAD316: Acoustic Feel With Electronic Mastery
The VAD316 brings the sought-after V-Drums Acoustic Design experience into the 3 Series. It offers the impressive stage presence of an acoustic kit while retaining the V31 module’s streamlined control and advanced features.
- Acoustic Shells: Features shallow-depth wood shells for the toms and a full-size KD-18-BK 18-inch kick drum. This provides the classic, immersive look and familiar layout of an acoustic kit, enhancing stage presence and feel.
- KD-18-BK Kick Drum: The full-size 18-inch kick drum delivers a genuine acoustic presence and feel, compatible with single- or double-pedal setups. The enlarged trigger area ensures a solid, consistent response even with aggressive playing.
- Professional Hardware: The kit uses the DCS-30 combo stands, offering flexible mounting and rock-solid stability in a full-sized setup. This robust hardware is designed to withstand the rigours of gigging or heavy practice sessions.
The Roland VAD516: The Ultimate Hybrid Drumming Experience
The VAD516 is the crown jewel of the V-Drums 5 Series, combining the most advanced digital drums technology with a full, stage-ready acoustic design. It’s one of the most coveted kits for professional touring and recording – a top choice amongst some of the most discerning drummers around.
- Full-Depth Acoustic Design: Features full-depth wood shells for the snare, toms, and a 20-inch KD-20-MS kick drum, complete with the fantastic Midnight Sparkle wrap. This kit looks and feels like a premium acoustic kit under the sticks.
- Full Digital Pad Integration: Includes the full suite of premier digital pads: PD-14DSX digital snare, VH-14D digital hi-hats, and CY-18DR digital ride. These elements provide the most detailed, ultra-realistic expressiveness currently available in e-drums.
- Expanded Hardware Setup: Comes with full acoustic-style, double-braced tom and cymbal hardware (DCS-30 and DBS-30 stands). This heavy-duty hardware package offers maximum stability, flexibility, and the robust look of a high-end acoustic set.
The 2025 Roland V-Drums lineup, powered by the new V31 and V51 modules, is undoubtedly the new standard electronic drums. Every kit from their V-Drum series offers the same powerful, flagship-level sound engine that will help drummers sound their best, no matter the budget.
Shop Roland V-Drums at Swee Lee
Whether you’re a beginner new to the sticks or a drum veteran looking for the ultimate electronic kit, there is a Roland V-Drums kit ready to meet your demands for realism, quiet practice, and performance. Give us a holler at Swee Lee and elevate your drumming experience with the best in digital drums technology.
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