Roland V-Drums TD-27 User manual

Quick Start (this document)
This explains basic use of the TD-27, such as playing the drums and practicing.
PDF Manuals (download from the web)
5Reference Manual
In addition to the content of this document, this explains
all the functionality of the TD-27, such as functions for live
performance and for recording.
5Data List
This explains all of the TD-27’s parameters and how to edit
them.
5MIDI Implementation
This is detailed information about MIDI messages that you
can use when connecting the TD-27 with MIDI devices.
Video Manual
You can view a quick start video.
Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (the leaet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and the Owner’s Manual
(p. 29). After reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate reference.
Quick Start
To obtain the PDF manuals
1. Enter the following URL in your
computer.
https://www.roland.com/support/
2. Search for TD-27.
3. Download the manual as directed by the
screen.
To access the“Video Manual”
http://roland.cm/td-27qs
© 2020 Roland Corporation

2
Main Specications
Roland TD-27: Drum Sound Module
Drum Kits 100 (Preset: More than 50)
Instruments More than 700
User Sample Import
Number of User Sample: Maximum 500
(includes factory preloaded user samples)
Sound Length (total): 24 minutes in mono,
12 minutes in stereo
File formats that can be loaded: WAV (44.1
kHz, 16/24 bits)
Eect Types
Pad Compressor: each pad
Pad Equalizer: each pad
Overhead Mic Simulator
Room/Reverb
Multi-Eects: 3 systems, 30 types
Master Compressor
Master Equalizer
Bluetooth
Supported standards: Bluetooth Ver 4.2
Supported prole: A2DP (Audio), GATT (MIDI
over Bluetooth Low Energy)
Codec: SBC (Support to the content
protection of the SCMS-T method)
Song Player
(SD Card)
File format: WAV (44.1 kHz, 16/24 bits), MP3
*1
Recorder
Recording Method: Realtime
Maximum length: 60 min (temporary
recording: 3 min) *2
File format: WAV (44.1 kHz, 16 bits)
Display Graphic LCD 256 x 80 dots
Power Supply AC adaptor (DC 9 V)
Current Draw 770 mA
Dimensions 238 (W) x 204 (D) x 79 (H) mm
9-3/8 (W) x 8-1/16 (D) x 3-1/8 (H) inches
Weight (excluding
AC adaptor) 1.1 kg / 2 lbs 7 oz
Accessories
Quick Start
Leaet“USING THE UNIT SAFELY”
AC adaptor
Dedicated connection cable
Sound module mounting plate
Wing bolt (M5 x 10) x 2
Options
(sold separately)
Pads: PD series, PDX series, BT series
Cymbals: CY series
Kick: KD series, KT series
Hi-hat: VH-13, VH-11, VH-10
Hi-hat control pedal: FD series
Acoustic drum trigger: RT series
Footswitch: BOSS FS-5U, FS-6
Personal drum monitor: PM series
Noise eater: NE series
*1: Audio les must be saved on an SD card.
*2: Song recording is required SD card. The case of no
inserted is capable to record the temporary recording
approximately 3 minutes.
* This document explains the specications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest
information, refer to the Roland website.

3
Contents
Panel Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Connect Your Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Side Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Getting Ready . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Mounting the TD-27 on the Stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Turning the Power On/O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Turning the Power On. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Turning the Power O. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Making Hi-Hat Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Settings for the VH-10 / VH-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Settings for the VH-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
About Performance Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Snare / Toms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Hi-Hat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Cymbals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Selecting a Drum Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
What Are “Drum Kits” and “Instruments”?. . . . . . . . . . . 12
Selecting a Drum Kit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Performing Along with a Song. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Performing Along with a Song from Your
Smartphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Connecting via a Cable to the MIX IN Jack . . . . . . . . 13
Connecting Wirelessly via Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Performing Along with a Song . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Practicing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Sounding a Click (Metronome) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Turning the Click On/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Practicing in Coach Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Correctly Playing in Time with the Beat (TIME
CHECK) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Developing Internal Timing Sense (QUIET COUNT) 16
WARM UPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Recording a Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Recording Your Performance Along with a Song . . . . 18
Recording on a Connected Computer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Installing the USB Driver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Editing a Drum Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Editing with the Sound Modify Knobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Editing with the [KIT EDIT] Button . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Importing and Playing Audio Files (USER SAMPLE). . 22
Importing an Audio File . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Assigning a User Sample to an Instrument and
Playing It . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Various Settings (SYSTEM). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Basic Operation in SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Formatting an SD Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Backing Up Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Backing Up to an SD Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Loading Backup Data from an SD Card . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Setting the AUTO OFF Function . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Restoring the Factory Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
USING THE UNIT SAFELY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
IMPORTANT NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

4
Panel Descriptions
Display
This shows various information
depending on the operation.
A short time after you turn on the power,
the DRUM KIT screen (basic screen)
appears.
&“Selecting a Drum Kit” (p. 12)
Function button ([F1]–[F5])
The function of these buttons will
change depending on the screen. The
names of the current functions are
shown in the bottom of the screen.
[t] button
This button record your performance.
&“Recording” (p. 18)
[s] button
Plays/stops the built-in song or recorded
performance data, or starts/stops
recording.
&“Performing Along with a Song”(p. 13)
&“Recording” (p. 18)
[CLICK] button
Allows you to sound the click
(metronome), or to make settings for the
tempo or beat.
&“Sounding a Click (Metronome)” (p. 15)
[COACH] button
Lets you use the coach menu to practice
drums in a way that’s appropriate for
your performance skill level.
&“Practicing in Coach Mode” (p. 15)
[SONG] button
Lets you make song-related settings,
such as demo performances or backing
(accompaniment) songs.
&“Performing Along with a Song”(p. 14)
[Drum KIT] button
Accesses the basic screen where you can
select drum set sounds (drum kits).
You can also press this to return to the
basic screen from another screen.
&“Selecting a Drum Kit” (p. 12)
Dial
In the DRUM KIT screen (basic screen),
turn the dial to select drum set sounds
(drum kits).
This is also used to change the value of
the parameter selected by the cursor
buttons.

5
Panel Descriptions
[MASTER] knob
Adjusts the volume of amplied
speakers etc. connected to the MASTER
OUT jacks.
[PHONES] knob
Adjusts the volume of headphones
connected to the PHONES jack.
[BACKING] knob
Adjusts the volume of the built-in
song or the click (metronome), and the
volume of a smartphone connected to
the MIX IN jack or via Bluetooth.
&“Performing Along with a Song”(p. 13)
&“Sounding a Click (Metronome)” (p. 15)
Sound modify knob
([INSTRUMENT], [LEVEL], [TUNING], [MUFFLING])
Select the sound (instrument) of a pad, adjust the volume (level) or pitch (tuning) of
the selected instrument, or adjust the decay length (muing).
&“Editing a Drum Kit” (p. 20)
[EXIT] button
Cancels an operation. Alternatively,
returns to the previous screen.
[ENTER] button
Conrms an operation or value.
Alternatively, proceeds to the next
screen.
By holding down the [ENTER] button
and pressing the [SYSTEM] button, you
can lock the pad you’re editing so that it
will not be switched (Trig Lock function).
Cursor buttons [ ][ ][ ][ ]
Move the on-screen cursor up/down/
left/right to select a parameter.
[KIT EDIT] button
You can shape the sound in various
ways, such as customizing the drum
itself by changing the type of head or
the shell depth, or by adjusting the
reverberation.
&“Editing a Drum Kit” (p. 20)
[USER SAMPLE] button
Audio les that you created on your
computer can be imported into the
TD-27, and played as instrument.
&“Importing and Playing Audio Files
(USER SAMPLE)” (p. 22)
[SYSTEM] button
Lets you make system settings for the
TD-27.
&“Various Settings (SYSTEM)” (p. 24)
Bluetooth indicator
The LED indicates the Bluetooth connection status.
You can wirelessly connect a smartphone or other device, and play the drums while a
song plays back from your smartphone.
Unlit Bluetooth is not connected
Blinking Pairing is in progress
Lit
Bluetooth audio is connected
* Rapidly blinks several times when connecting or
disconnecting.
&“Performing Along with a Song from Your Smartphone”(p. 13)
&“Recording Your Performance Along with a Song” (p. 18)
* If you are using TD-27 connected with a smartphone app, the appearance of the indicator
will be dierent. For details, refer to “Reference Manual” (PDF).

Rear Panel
6
Connect Your Equipment
* To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn o all the units before making any connections.
DC IN jack
Connect the included AC
adaptor here.
* Use the cord hook located
on the bottom of the unit
to secure the AC adaptor
cord as shown in the
illustration.
Cord
Hook
The cord of the
supplied AC
Adaptor
MIX IN jack
Connect your audio player
or smartphone here. You
can perform or record along
with a song that’s saved on
the smartphone.
&“Performing Along
with a Song from Your
Smartphone” (p. 13)
&“Recording Your
Performance Along with a
Song” (p. 18)
PHONES jack
Connect headphones
(sold separately).
* Even if headphones are
connected, sound will
still be output from the
MASTER OUTPUT jacks.
MASTER OUTPUT jack
(L/MONO, R)
Connect them to
amplied speakers etc.
(sold separately).
* If you’re outputting in mono,
connect only the L/MONO
jack.
MIDI connector (IN, OUT/
THRU)
Connect these to external
MIDI devices such as an
external sound module.
Use MIDI cables
(commercially available) to
make these connections.
&“Reference Manual” (PDF)
(transmitting device)
(receiving device)
DAW software etc.
DIGITAL TRIGGER IN jack
(1, 2, 3)
Connect pads that
support digital
connection (e.g., PD-
140DS or CY-18DR).
&“Settings for pads
that support digital
connection” (p. 7)
TRIGGER IN jack (CRASH
2, AUX 1–AUX 3)
Connect a crash cymbal
to CRASH 2. Use AUX 1–
AUX 3 to add more types
of pads.
[POWER] switch
Turns the power on/o.
&“Turning the Power On/
O” (p. 8)
FOOT SW jack
You can use a footswitch
(BOSS FS-5U, FS-6; sold
separately) to control the
unit in various ways, such
as operating a pedal to
recall drum kits.
&“Reference Manual”
(PDF)
TRIGGER INPUT jack
Connect the included
dedicated connection
cable to this connector,
and use it to connect the
pads and pedals.
DIRECT OUT jack (1, 2)
Connect these to your mixer
etc.
&“Reference Manual” (PDF)
(bottom)

7
Connect Your Equipment
USB COMPUTER port
Connect this to your computer. Use a USB cable (commercially available)
to make this connection.
You can use DAW software (commercially available) to record a TD-27
performance as audio or MIDI, or you can use the TD-27 to hear sound
that’s played back from the computer.
&“Reference Manual” (PDF)
SD CARD slot
Insert a commercially available SD card (SDHC cards (up to 32 GB) are
supported).
You can use an SD card to store songs for backing (accompaniment) or
to store settings of the TD-27 itself. You can also use it to import user
samples and or save performance data that you recorded.
&“Formatting an SD Card” (p. 24)
&“Performing Along with a Song”(p. 14)
&“Recording” (p. 18)
&“Importing and Playing Audio Files (USER SAMPLE)”(p. 22)
&“Backing Up Data”(p. 25)
* Before using an SD card for the rst time, you must format it on the TD-27
(p. 24).
* Never turn o the power or remove the SD cards while the screen
indicates “Processing...” or ”Now Saving...”
* Some SD card types or SD cards from some manufacturers may
not record or play back properly on the unit.
Side Panel
Settings for pads that support digital connection
The rst time that a pad that supports digital connection
is connected to a DIGITAL TRIGGER IN port, the following
screen appears.
Following the instructions in the screen, make settings
to specify the trigger input to which the connected pad
should be assigned.
* If you specify the same trigger input as a pad that
is connected to a dedicated connection cable or
TRIGGER IN jack, the pad that’s connected to that
TRIGGER INPUT jack and TRIGGER IN jack won’t
produce sound.
Reference
For details, refer to“Reference Manual” (PDF).
1. Use the cursor buttons to select “OK,”and
press the [ENTER] button.
2. Use the cursor buttons to select the pad
that you want to specify, and use the dial to
specify the Assign.
* You can’t specify the same assignment multiple times.
Pad Assign
PD140DS SNARE
CY18DR RIDE
Setting example
3. Press the [DRUM KIT] button to return to the
DRUM KIT screen.

8
Getting Ready
Mounting the TD-27 on the Stand
Use the included sound module mounting plate to attach the TD-27 to a drum stand
(e.g., MDS Series; sold separately). Use the included wing bolts to attach the plate as
shown in the illustration.
* Use only the included wing bolts. Using any other bolts will cause malfunctions.
* When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons and knobs from
damage. Also, handle the unit carefully; do not drop it.
MEMO
The All Purpose Clamp (APC-33; sold separately) can be attached to a pipe of 10.5–28.6 mm radius in case you want to
mount the TD-27 on a cymbal stand or other such stand.
Turning the Power On/O
* Before turning the unit on/o, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might
hear some sound when switching the unit on/o. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
Turning the Power On
1. Connect headphones (sold separately) or
amplied speakers (sold separately) to the
TD-27.
* If amplied speakers are connected, minimize the
volume of the amplied speakers.
2. On the TD-27’s rear panel, turn the [POWER]
switch ON.
When you turn the TD-27 on, the following screen
appears.
In this screen you can make settings to specify
whether the power will automatically turn o after a
predetermined amount of time (AUTO OFF function).
Button Explanation
[F1] (OFF) The power does not turn o automatically.
[F5] (4 HOURS)
When four hours have passed without
any pad being struck or any operation
being performed, the unit will turn o
automatically.
* If the AUTO OFF function is set to “OFF,” this screen won’t
appear.
* The power to this unit will be turned o automatically
after a predetermined amount of time has passed since it
was last used for playing music, or its buttons or controls
were operated (AUTO OFF function).
If you do not want the power to be turned o
automatically, disengage the AUTO OFF function (p. 26).
To restore power, turn the power on again.
3. If amplied speakers are connected, turn on
the power of the amplied speakers.
4. Use the [PHONES] knob to adjust the volume
of the headphones, and use the [MASTER]
knob to adjust the volume of the amplied
speakers.
Turning the Power O
NOTE
Settings that you edit on the TD-27 are saved when you
turn o the unit. Be sure to turn o the unit by turning
the [POWER] switch.
1. If amplied speakers are connected to the
TD-27, minimize the volume of amplied
speakers and turn o their power.
2. Turn the TD-27’s [POWER] switch OFF.
The screen will indicate“Please wait. Now saving...,”and
the unit will turn o when the settings have been saved.
Roland
logo faces
outward

9
Getting Ready
Making Hi-Hat Settings
If you’re using the hi-hat (VH-10/VH-11 or VH-13), adjust the oset on the TD-27.
This adjustment is required for hi-hat pedal movements such as open or close to be detected correctly.
&If you want to make ne adjustments to the hi-hat sensitivity etc., refer to “Reference Manual” (PDF).
Settings for the VH-10 /VH-11
1. With the hi-hat completely separated from the
motion sensor unit, power-on the TD-27.
motion sensor unit
Separated
clutch screw
2. Loosen the clutch screw and let the hi-hat rest
naturally on the motion sensor unit.
3. Press the [SYSTEM] button.
4. Use the cursor buttons to select “TRIGGER,”
and press the [ENTER] button.
5. Use the cursor buttons to select “HI-HAT,”and
press the [ENTER] button.
The TRIGGER HI-HAT screen appears.
6. Use the dial to set the Trig Type to “VH10.”
7. While reading the
meter displayed
on the right side of
the TD-27’s screen,
adjust the oset
with the VH-10’s oset adjustment screw.
Adjust the oset so that the appear in the meter.
Changes
from “ ”
to “AC”
8. Fasten the clutch screw at a position where the
hi-hat sways naturally when struck.
9. Press the [DRUM KIT] button to return to the
DRUM KIT screen.
Settings for the VH-13
1. Press the [SYSTEM] button.
2. Use the cursor buttons to select “TRIGGER,”
and press the [ENTER] button.
3. Use the cursor buttons to select “HI-HAT,”and
press the [ENTER] button.
The TRIGGER HI-HAT screen appears.
4. Use the dial to set the Trig Type to “VH13.”
5. Press the [F5] (OFFSET) button.
The VH OFFSET ADJUSTMENT screen appears.
6. Loosen the clutch screw of the top hi-hat and
let it sit on the bottom hi-hat.
* Do NOT touch the hi-hats or the pedal.
7. Press the [F5] (EXECUTE) button.
The “VH Oset” parameter is set automatically (approx. 3
seconds).
8. Press the [DRUM KIT] button to return to the
DRUM KIT screen.
OPEN CLOSE
oset
adjustment
screw

10
The TD-27 lets you use various performance techniques just as on acoustic drums.
NOTE
5 Use only wooden or plastic sticks. Using a carbon or metal stick may cause the sensor to malfunction.
5 Use nylon brushes. Using metal brushes may cause the sensor to malfunction, and may scratch the pad.
Snare / Toms
Playing method Explanation
Head shot
Tone changes depending on
strike point
Hit only the head of the pad.
For a certain snare drum, the tone will change naturally as you move the strike location
from the center of the head toward the rim.
Rim shot Strike the head and the rim of the pad simultaneously.
A sound (rim sound) dierent than the head shot will be heard.
Cross stick
Strike the rim while placing your hand on the head.
Snare sounds can produce dierent sounds in response to dierent playing techniques;
for example they can produce a rim sound when played using a rim shot, or a cross-
stick sound when played using a cross-stick technique.
Either connect a pad that supports the rim shot to “SN” of the dedicated connection
cable, or connect a pad (such as the PD-140DS) that supports digital connection and
allows cross-stick playing technique, and assign it to snare.
* On units other than the PD-140DS, strike only the rim so as not to touch the head.
* On some snare sounds, it might not be possible to play separate sounds in this way.
Playing with
brushes
You can use brushes to scrape the head (brush sweep).
Either connect a pad with a mesh head to “SN” of the dedicated connection cable, or
connect a pad (such as the PD-140DS) that supports digital connection and allows
brush playing technique, and assign it to snare.
In addition, assign an instrument that supports brush techniques to the head of the
snare, and turn the Brush Switch“ON.”
&For details, refer to “Reference Manual” (PDF).
Change the nuance of the rim shot
With certain snare and tom sounds, slight changes in the way you play rim shots changes the nuance.
Playing method Explanation
Normal rim shot
(Open rim shot) Strike the head and rim simultaneously.
Shallow rim shot Simultaneously strike the head near the rim and the rim itself.
About Performance Techniques

11
About Performance Techniques
Hi-Hat
Playing method Explanation
Open/closed
The hi-hat tone changes smoothly from open to closed in response to how far
the pedal is pressed.
You can also play a foot-close sounded by pressing the pedal, or a foot-splash
sounded by pressing the pedal and then immediately opening it. Depending
on the instrument, you can also express the tonal change that occurs when you
strike in the closed position and then open immediately.
Pressure
(VH-13)
When you strike the hi-hat while pressing on the pedal with the hi-hat closed,
you can then change the closed tone in response to the pressure you place on
the pedal.
* The VH-10, VH-11, FD-9, and FD-8 do not respond to pressure.
Bow shot This playing method involves striking the middle area of the top hi-hat. It
corresponds to the sound of the“head-side”of the connected trigger input.
Edge shot
Edge sensor
This playing method involves striking the edge of the top hi-hat with the
shoulder of the stick. When played as shown in the illustration, the “rim-side”
sound of the connected trigger input is triggered.
* Striking directly on the edge (i.e., exactly from the side) will not produce the
correct sound. Strike as shown in the illustration.
* Do not strike the bottom of the top hi-hat, and do not strike the bottom hi-hat. Doing so will cause malfunctions.
Cymbals
Playing method Explanation
Bow shot
Nuance changes
depending on the
strike location This is the most common playing method, playing the middle area of the
cymbal. It corresponds to the sound of the “head-side”of the connected trigger
input.
For specic ride sounds, the tonal nuance changes depending on the point at
which you strike the bow.
Edge shot
Edge sensor
This playing method involves striking the edge with the shoulder of the stick.
When played as shown in the illustration, the “rim-side” sound of the connected
trigger input is triggered.
Bell shot
This is the method of striking the bell. When the bell area shown in the
illustration is struck, the bell sound is heard.
Either connect a pad that supports ride three-way triggering to“RD” and “RDB”
of the dedicated connection cable, or connect a pad (such as the CY-18DR) that
supports digital connection and allows bell shot playing technique, and assign
it to ride.
Choke play
Edge sensor
Sensor
If you use your hand to choke (grasp) the edge sensor after striking the cymbal,
the sound stops.
On the CY-18DR, placing your hand on the sensor will also stop the sound.
When you strike the cymbal in the choked state, the sound is shorter.

12
Selecting a Drum Kit
The TD-27 lets you enjoy performing with a drum kits that are suitable for a variety of musical genres.
1. Press the [DRUM KIT] button.
The DRUM KIT screen appears. Depending on the settings, this screen shows the following content.
User sample icon (shown only if a drum kit that uses user
samples (p. 22) is selected)
Drum kit name
Drum kit number
Brush icon (shown only if Brush Switch is“ON”)
Tempo (shown only if the
kit tempo is “ON”)
The trigger meter shows the level of the trigger signal
that is received when you strike a pad.
2. Use the dial to select a drum kit.
Reference
For a list of the drum kits, refer to “Data List” (PDF).
Cross-Stick function
Selecting a Drum Kit
What Are“Drum Kits”and“Instruments”?
On the TD-27, a set of drums is called a “drum kit.”The sounds that play when you
strike each pad of the drum kit are called “instruments.”
The illustration below shows the structure of a drum kit.
Drum kit 100
Drum kit 1
Overall settings for the entire drum kit
Settings for the overhead mics of the entire drum kit, the performance
location, eects, drum kit name, MIDI settings, etc.
Pad settings
SNAREKICK TOM1 TOM2
TOM3 HI-HAT CRASH1 CRASH2
AUX1 AUX2 AUX3
RIDE
Instrument settings
Instrumental sounds,
tuning, volume, etc.
Instrument
Drum kit
Pads that are connected to aTRIGGER INPUT jack
Each time you press the [F3] (XSTICK) button, you’ll switch
between sounding and not sounding the cross-stick sound
(p. 10) from the snare pad.
When playing using a pad that supports digital
connection and cross-stick technique (such as the
PD-140DS)
If a trigger input is assigned to snare (p. 7), cross-stick
technique is always possible.
In this case, the XSTICK icon is not shown in the screen.

13
Performing Along with a Song
You can enjoy playing the drums along with songs on your smartphone or other mobile device (subsequently called
“smartphone”) or songs that can be played back on the TD-27 itself.
Performing Along with a Song fromYour Smartphone
Connecting via a Cable to the MIX IN Jack
1. Connect a stereo mini-plug cable
(commercially available) from your
smartphone to the TD-27’s MIX IN jack (p. 6).
2. Play back a song on your smartphone.
3. Turn the [BACKING] knob to adjust the volume
of the song.
Connecting Wirelessly via Bluetooth
In order to connect your
smartphone wirelessly to the
TD-27 via Bluetooth, you’ll
need to “pair” by registering the
TD-27 in your smartphone so that
the two devices can authenticate
with each other.
As an example, we explain how to make settings for an
iPhone.
* Once a smartphone has been paired with TD-27, there is
no need to perform pairing again. Refer to “Connecting
an already-paired smartphone”(p. 13)
Registering the smartphone (pairing)
1. Place the smartphone that you want to
connect near TD-27.
2. Press the [SYSTEM] button.
3. Move the cursor to“BLUETOOTH,” and press
the [ENTER] button.
4. Press the [F1] (PAIRING) button.
MEMO
If you decide to cancel pairing, press the [F1] (CANCEL)
button or [EXIT] button.
5. Turn on the Bluetooth function of your
smartphone.
6. Tap “TD-27 AUDIO”that appears in the
smartphone’s Bluetooth “DEVICES” eld.
TD-27 and smartphone are paired. When pairing is
completed, a display like the following appears.
smartphone “TD-27 AUDIO” is added to the “My devices”
area, and shown as“Connected.”
TD-27
The screen indicates“Completed (AUDIO).”
7. Press the [DRUM KIT] button to return to the
DRUM KIT screen.
Connecting an already-paired smartphone
1. Turn on the Bluetooth function of your
smartphone.
This unit and the smartphone are connected wirelessly.
* If the above step does not establish a connection, tap
“TD-27 AUDIO”that are shown in the “DEVICES” eld of
the smartphone.
Playing back songs from your smartphone
When you play back a song on your smartphone, you hear
the sound from the headphones or amplied speakers that
are connected to the TD-27.
To adjust the song volume, use the TD-27’s [BACKING] knob
or make adjustments on your smartphone.
MEMO
The song played back on your smartphone can be
recorded along with the sound of your performance on
the TD-27 (p. 18).
Pairing

14
Performing Along with a Song
Performing Along with a Song
All types of music that can be played back by the TD-27,
including its built-in songs, audio les saved on an SD
card, and performance data recorded to an SD card are
collectively called “songs.”
Types of song Explanation
Built-in songs
(INTERNAL)
Demo performances built-into the
TD-27 (MIDI data) and songs for
backing (audio data)
Songs saved on an SD card
(SD CARD)
Audio les (WAV/MP3) saved to an
SD card for backing
Songs recorded on an SD
card
(REC DATA)
A TD-27 performance saved
(exported) as audio data to an SD
card
1. Press the [SONG] button.
The SONG screen appears.
2. Turn the dial to select a song.
Each time you press the [F1] button, you cycle between
built-in songs (INTERNAL), audio les on the SD card
(SD CARD), and songs recorded (exported) to the SD card
(REC DATA).
3. Press the [s] button.
The selected song plays.
Operations during playback
[s] button Play/stop the song
[ ][ ] buttons Fast-forward [ ] / Rewind [ ] the song
[ ] button Move to the beginning of the song
Use the [ ] button to
move the cursor to
“SPEED”&dial
Make the song’s playback speed faster
(rotate right) or slower (rotate left)
[F4](A-B) button
Successively switch between loop
playback, normal playback, and A-B
repeat (*1).
*1: Specify the interval between A and B, and play back repeatedly.
Setting A-B repeat
1. Press the [F4] (A-B) button for normal playback, and play back
the song.
2. At the point where you want repetition to start, press the [F4]
(A-B) button (specify A).
3. At the point where you want repetition to end, press the [F4]
(A-B) button (specify B).
Reference
For the list of built-in songs, refer to“Data List”(PDF).
SD card folder structure
REC folder
Recorded data that was exported is
saved here.
IMPORT folder
If there are audio les that you want to
import as User Samples, save them in
this folder.
TD-27 folder
Roland folder
TD-27’s backup data is saved here.
Backup folder
Backup data is saved
here.
Kit folder
Drum Kit backup data is
saved here.
When transferring les from your
computer to an SD card
Audio les can be played back from the top level of
the SD card.
* You can put up to 200 song les in a single folder.
* Keep the song length within one hour per le.
Reference
For details, refer to the“Reference Manual” (PDF).
Audio les that can be played by the TD-27
WAV MP3
Format
(extension) WAV (.wav) MP3 (.mp3)
Sampling
frequency 44.1 kHz 44.1 kHz
Bit rate 16, 24-bit 64 kbps–320 kbps
* File names or folder names that contain more than
16 characters are not shown correctly. Files and
folders using double-byte characters are also not
supported.

15
Practicing
Sounding a Click (Metronome)
You can sound a click and practice drumming at a steady
tempo.
Turning the Click On/O
1. Press the [CLICK] button.
The CLICK screen appears.
2. Press the [F1] button.
The click sounds.
You can adjust the volume of the click using the
[BACKING] knob.
3. Press the [F1] button once again.
The click stops.
MEMO
5You can also turn the click on/o by holding down the
[ENTER] button and pressing the [CLICK] button.
5You can also output the click only to headphones. For
details, refer to “Reference Manual” (PDF).
Changing the tempo
1. In the CLICK screen (TEMPO tab), turn the dial
to adjust the tempo.
Changing the beat
1. In the CLICK screen (TEMPO tab), use the
cursor buttons to change the Beat.
2. Use the dial to specify Beat.
3. Press the [DRUM KIT] button to return to the
DRUM KIT screen.
Reference
For other settings related to click, refer to“Data List”
(PDF).
Practicing in Coach Mode
This unit provides practice modes called“Coach Mode”
which are designed to make your practicing as eective as
possible.
This provides three menus: “TIME CHECK,”“QUIET COUNT,”
and “WARM UPS.”These help you improve your speed
control, accuracy, and endurance. You can also change to
settings that are appropriate for your level of performing
skill.
Selecting a Practice Menu
1. Press the [COACH] button.
The COACH MENU screen appears.
2. Use the cursor buttons to select the coach
menu, and press [ENTER] button.
Correctly Playing in Time with the Beat
(TIME CHECK)
This lets you practice drumming in accurate time along with
the click.
1. In the TIME CHECK screen, press the [F5]
(START) button.
MEMO
If you decide to stop mid-way through practice, press the
[F4] (STOP) button.
2. Strike the pad in time with the click.
The screen indicates whether your pad strikes match the beat
sounded by the click.
BEHIND: Behind the beat
AHEAD:Ahead of the beat
The percentage of
your strikes that were
played with accurate
timing is displayed as
a “%” value.
Your strike timing is evaluated.
To resume practicing, press the [F5] (RETRY) button.

16
Practicing
3. Press the [EXIT] button to nish.
TIME CHECK settings
In the TIME CHECK screen, you can press the [F2] (SETUP)
button to change the pads that are evaluated and the
number of measures that are scored.
Parameter Value Explanation
Score
Species whether the score will be shown in the
screen.
OFF Your performance will not be scored.
Only the timing will be checked.
ON
(4, 8, 16,
32 meas)
The score will be shown in the screen.
You can also specify the number of
measures you’ll practice before being
scored.
Grade
Species the strictness of scoring.
EASY Normal
HARD Timing will be checked more strictly.
Display 1
Display 2
In the screen, select the pad for which a timing graph
will be shown.
Gauge
LEFT
BEHIND
The left side of the timing graph is shown
as BEHIND (late).
LEFT
AHEAD
The left side of the timing graph is shown
as AHEAD (early).
* You can press the [F3] (CLICK) button to make click
settings (p. 15).
Developing Internal Timing Sense
(QUIET COUNT)
This lets you practice keeping the tempo with your body.
For the rst few measures, the click is heard at the specied
volume, but for the next few measures the click is not heard.
This cycle of several measures will continue until you stop it.
1. In the QUIET COUNT screen, press the [F5]
(START) button.
2. Strike the pad in time with the click.
5The click will sound during the rst few measures. When
you reach the last measure during which the click will
sound, the screen will indicate “Ready..”
5When the click stops sounding, the screen indication will
change to “Quiet.” Continue striking the pads during this
time.
5After the Quiet region, the proportion of your strikes that
were played at an accurate tempo are shown as a “%.”
3. Press the [F4] (STOP) button.
4. Press the [EXIT] button to nish.
Quiet Count settings
In the QUIET COUNT screen, press the [F2] (SETUP) button to
access the settings screen.
Parameter Value Explanation
Measures 2, 4, 8, 16
(Measures)
Specify the length (measures) of
the interval for which the click will
alternate between“Sounding” and
“Quiet.”
Quiet
Of the measures specied by “Measures,”this setting
species the length of the measures that will be
“Quiet.”
RANDOM The length of the Quiet interval will
randomly change each time.
1, 2, 4
Species the length (number of
measures) of the Quiet interval.
* This setting cannot be longer than
half of the Measures value.
* You can press the [F3] (CLICK) button to make click
settings (p. 15).

17
Practicing
WARM UPS
In this mode you’ll successively practice steps 1–3, be
graded on your performance at each step, and then receive
a nal evaluation.
You can choose one of three courses (5/10/15 minutes),
ranging from easy to dicult. You can also adjust the tempo
according to your level of skill.
MEMO
After starting WARM UPS, you can press the [F5] (PAUSE)
button to pause or resume.
While paused, you can press the [F4] (STOP) button to
stop.
1. In the WARM UPS screen, press the [F5]
(START) button.
Step 1: Change-Up
In this step, the rhythm type will change every two
measures.
Starting from half notes, the note values will gradually
become shorter, and will then return to half notes; this
change in rhythms will be repeated.
Step 2: Auto Up/Down
The tempo will gradually be raised and lowered.
The tempo will increase by 1 BPM (beat-per-minute) for
each beat until the click reaches the upper limit; then
the tempo will continue slowing down by 1 BPM until it
reaches the initial tempo.
* Auto Up/Down will be executed if Duration is 10 MINS or
15 MINS.
* Auto Up/Down does not let you use the [TEMPO] knob
to adjust the current tempo.
* The current tempo value will be the lower tempo limit.
Step 3:Time Check
At this step, the accuracy of your playing will be checked
against the click. You can see in the screen if you are
ahead, behind or on the beat.
Overall evaluation
This grades your performance at each step, and displays
the overall evaluation.
To resume practicing, press the [F5] (RETRY) button.
Evaluation
(display)
EXCELLENT!, VERY GOOD!, GOOD, AVERAGE,
START OVER
2. Press the [EXIT] button to nish.
WARM UPS settings
In the WARM UPS screen, press the [F2] (SETUP) button to
access the settings screen.
Parameter Value Explanation
Duration
Species the time.
5 MINS
Time required: 5 minutes
Change-Up: 2 minutes
Time Check: 3 minutes
10 MINS
Time required: 10 minutes
Change-Up: 3 minutes
Auto Up/Down: 3 minutes
Time Check: 4 minutes
15 MINS
Time required: 15 minutes
Change-Up: 5 minutes
Auto Up/Down: 5 minutes
Time Check: 5 minutes
Grade
Species the strictness of scoring.
EASY Normal
HARD Timing will be checked more strictly.
Max Tempo Species the upper tempo limit during step 2: Auto
Up/Down.
* You can press the [F3] (CLICK) button to make click
settings (p. 15).

18
Recording
Recording a Performance
You can easily record your own performance and play it
back.
MEMO
You can record for up to 60 minutes if an SD card is
inserted, or up to approximately three minutes if an SD
card is not inserted. If an SD card is not inserted, you can
play back by pressing the [F5] (PREVIEW) button after
recording, but cannot save the recording to this unit.
Recording
* If you want to save (export) your recorded song to an SD
card, insert the SD card before you continue (p. 7).
1. Press the [t] button.
The REC STANDBY screen appears, and TD-27 is in the
record-standby condition.
MEMO
If you want to record along with a click (metronome),
sound the click at this point (p. 15).
2. Turn the dial to select what will be recorded.
Display Explanation
ALL Record all sound (except for the click and
the guide track).
DRUMS ONLY Record only the sound of the drums.
3. Press the [s] button to start recording.
4. Press the [s] button once again to stop
recording.
Playback and saving
5. Press the [F5] (PREVIEW) button.
The recorded performance plays back.
If you want to exit without saving the song to the SD
card, press the [F1] (DELETE) button.
6. Press the [F4] (EXPORT) button to save the
song.
A conrmation message appears.
7. Use the cursor buttons to select “OK,”and
press the [ENTER] button.
The song is saved on the SD card.
Recording Your Performance Along with a Song
You can record your performance along with one of the
TD-27’s built-in backing (accompaniment) songs or a song
saved on the SD card.
MEMO
If you want to record along with a song from your
smartphone connected via the MIX IN jack or via
Bluetooth, play back the song on your smartphone while
you record as described in “Recording a Performance.”
Selecting and recording a song
1. Press the [SONG] button.
The SONG screen appears.
2. Use the dial to select the song that you want
to record along with.
Each time you press the [F1] button, you cycle between
built-in songs (INTERNAL), audio les on the SD card
(SD CARD), and songs recorded (exported) to the SD card
(REC DATA).
* You can’t record along with a built-in demo performance.
3. Press the [t] button.
The REC STANDBY screen appears, and TD-27 is in the
record-standby condition.
4. Use the dial to select “ALL” as the recording
target.
5. Press the [F1] button and use dial to select
“with SONG.”
6. Press the [s] button to start recording.
TD-27 starts recording and the song starts playing.
7. Press the [s] button once again to stop
recording.
Playback and saving
8. Press the [F5] (PREVIEW) button.
The recorded performance plays back.
If you want to exit without saving the song to the SD
card, press the [F1] (DELETE) button.
9. Press the [F4] (EXPORT) button to save the
song.
A conrmation message appears.

19
Recording
10.
Use the cursor buttons to select “OK,”and
press the [ENTER] button.
The song is saved on the SD card.
Recording on a Connected Computer
You can connect the TD-27 to your computer and record
28 channels of multi-track audio onto your DAW software
(commercially available), or record your performance as
MIDI data.
Reference
For details, refer to“Reference Manual” (PDF).
Installing the USB Driver
The USB driver is software that transfers data between the
TD-27 and your computer software.
In order to transmit and receive audio as USB AUDIO, you
must install the USB driver.
USB cable (commercially available)
MEMO
For details on downloading and installing the USB driver,
refer to the Roland website.
http://www.roland.com/support/

20
Editing a Drum Kit
The TD-27 lets you shape your sounds in a wide variety of ways, from customizing the drum itself by changing the head type
or shell depth, to adjusting the reverberation. If you want to make changes intuitively, use the sound modify knobs. If you
want to make precise settings while viewing the values in the screen, start your editing from the [KIT EDIT] button.
* Since the TD-27 automatically saves the values that you change, there’s no need to perform a specic operation to save
your settings. Settings are also saved when you turn o the power.
MEMO
You can temporarily save the currently-edited drum kit, and compare it with the current settings or revert back to it
(Snapshot function). For details, refer to “Reference Manual”(PDF).
Editing with the Sound Modify Knobs
1. Press the [DRUM KIT] button.
The DRUM KIT screen appears.
2. Turn the dial to select the drum kit that you
want to edit.
3. Strike the pad that you want to edit.
To select the rim of a pad, strike the rim.
MEMO
By holding down the [ENTER] button and pressing the
[SYSTEM] button, you can prevent the pad you’re editing
from being switched. This is convenient if you’re playing
a phrase while you edit.
4. Use [INSTRUMENT] knob to select an
instrument.
Instrument
group
Instrument
name
Pad to edit
Pad location (head/rim/bell)
Instrument number
&For the Instrument List, refer to “Data List” (PDF).
5. Use the sound modify knobs to edit the
instrument.
[LEVEL] knob
Adjusts the volume (level) of the instrument
that’s selected in the screen.
[TUNING] knob
Adjusts the pitch (tuning) of the instrument
that’s selected in the screen.
[MUFFLING]
knob
Adjusts the decay length (muing) of the
instrument that’s selected in the screen.
MEMO
If you don’t perform an operation or strike a pad for a
certain length of time, you return to the previous screen.
6. Press the [DRUM KIT] button to return to the
DRUM KIT screen.
MEMO
You can rename a drum kit that you edited, or change
the controller illumination color for each drum kit. For
details, refer to “Reference Manual” (PDF).