Drum pads, check; built-in effects, check; lots of internal memory, check. Roland has all the bases covered when it comes to the SPD-SX Sampling Pad, the company's new multi-pad percussion instrument.

Featuring 2 GB of onboard sampling memory and three powerful effects engines, the SPD-SX replaces the original Roland SPD-S -- the sampling pad that, according to Roland, has been the overwhelming choice of professional drummers and percussionists. The SPD-SX leads the way with the latest pad-sensing technology, enhanced sampling performance, an assignable click output, and a host of other features.

About the new unit, Roland writes: "The new SPD-SX Sampling Pad puts powerful sample creation and playback under your sticks with innovative audio-capturing features, expressive playability, three multi-effects engines, and much more. The perfect addition to any acoustic or electronic drum kit, percussion setup, DJ booth, or keyboard rig, the SPD-SX is equally at home on the live stage, in the recording studio, pre-production suite, or dance club. The SPD-SX takes many of the proven concepts from its predecessor and raises them to a new level. Whether you’re firing off one-shot samples, looped phrases, or complete audio playback tracks, the SPD-SX is loaded with the latest technology and tools to get the job done with speed, precision, and convenience. Enjoy the most advanced triggering and sampling technology in a sleek, easy-to-use percussion instrument."

The SPD-SX has nine sensitive rubber pads with two independent real-time control knobs and four dedicated effect buttons. Advanced triggering technology provides accuracy and a fully dynamic performance, while a large backlit LCD provides easy-to-read data in all kinds of environments. Each pad has a companion LED that illuminates to show the pad’s status. When you trigger sample phrases, the LEDs remain lit to show you which pads are in play and which are not. In addition, the LEDs change illumination strength according to audio-level activity (similar to level meters on a mixing board). The high-contrast red divider lines help you see the pad zones clearly onstage.

The sampling pad boasts three multi-effects units onboard: one master unit and two units that are assignable per kit. The master effects engine lets you perform in real-time like a DJ using the dedicated front-panel controls. You can get your hands on the filter, delay, short looper, and user-assignable effect, all of which can be creatively adjusted with the four front-panel buttons and two control knobs.

SPD-SX features:

• Unique sampling-pad concept
• 2 GB internal memory, enabling approximately 360 minutes of sampling (mono) without requiring external memory
• Nine velocity-sensitive rubber pads, two external dual-trigger inputs
• Easy capturing and assignment of audio data through Multi-Pad Sampling
• Three units of multi-effects onboard, with two real-time control knobs and four dedicated effect buttons
• Individual Pad Dynamics indicators show pad status and audio-level activity during performance
• Expanded USB functionality (USB Mass Storage, USB MIDI / AUDIO, USB Memory)
• Wave Manager software included for easily importing, assigning, and organizing samples
• Large backlit LCD

Roland expects the new SPD-SX Sampling Pad to be available in October, 2011 for $1,199 (MSRP). For more information, please visit rolandconnect.com.