Roland has always been a major player in the electronic drum world, known for pushing boundaries and giving drummers top-notch gear. Their latest offering, the VQD106, is a bold step in a specific direction: extreme quiet. This kit, part of their “V-Drums Quiet Design” series, promises to reduce playing noise by up to 75% compared to other electronic drum kits. That’s a big claim, especially for apartment dwellers or those with sensitive housemates. After spending some time with it, here’s what I found.
The Big Idea: Silence is Golden
The VQD106 is designed from the ground up to minimize sound. Every component, from the pads to the pedals and even the stand, has been re-engineered with noise reduction in mind. Roland has gone so far as to claim it produces the “lowest playing-noise in the history of electronic drum kits.” This isn’t just about mesh heads; it’s a holistic approach to dampening vibrations and impact noise.
What’s Under the Hood? (Features and Build)
The kit includes the TD-07 sound module, which is a solid, upper-tier beginner module. It comes with over 20 preset kits (and 25 user kits) and a library of 143 instruments, giving you a good range of sounds to play with. Bluetooth connectivity is a welcome addition, allowing you to stream audio or MIDI wirelessly, which is fantastic for playing along to tracks or using music apps.
The real stars of the show are the pads. The snare (PDQ-8S) and tom (PDQ-8) pads feature a unique design with a honeycomb rubber insert and a mesh head, plus specially placed vents to disperse stick vibrations. The snare is dual-zone, offering head and rim triggering, while the tom pads are single-zone. The cymbal pads (CYQ-12) also incorporate this quiet design with honeycomb rubber and mesh, and they provide bow/edge triggering and choke support. The hi-hat pad is paired with a low-noise FD-9 control pedal.
For the kick, there’s the KDQ-8 pad with a quiet KDB-Q beater. Both the kick and hi-hat pedals come with noise-isolating bases (NEQ-K and NEQ-H) to minimize vibration transfer to the floor, which is often the biggest culprit for noise complaints. The overall stand is sturdy yet lightweight, making it fairly manageable for transport if needed.
Playing Experience: Surprisingly Responsive
Despite all the noise-dampening tech, the playing feel is remarkably good. The mesh heads provide a natural rebound, and while they might feel a little “spongier” than standard mesh pads, they’re still very responsive and forgiving on your hands. You can even adjust the tension of the heads to customize the feel somewhat. The cymbals, with their softer edges, also feel good, absorbing impact effectively.
The TD-07 module, while not Roland’s most advanced, delivers quality sounds that are realistic and customizable. It also has helpful built-in coach functions and a metronome, which are great for practice.
The Trade-offs: Price and Module
Here’s where some drummers might pause. The VQD106 isn’t cheap and some might expect a more advanced module like the TD-17, especially since the TD-07 is found on kits that cost less. The tom pads being single-zone is also a limitation tied to the TD-07 module.
However, if your primary concern is noise reduction, this kit truly delivers on its promise. It’s noticeably quieter in the room compared to other electronic kits, and the vibration isolation for the kick and hi-hat is genuinely impressive. For apartment living or late-night practice, this could be a game-changer.
Conclusion
The Roland VQD106 isn’t just another electronic drum kit; it’s a solution. If you’ve been held back from drumming by noise concerns, this kit offers an unprecedented level of quiet performance without sacrificing playability. While the price point for the included TD-07 module might raise an eyebrow for some, the innovative quiet technology makes it a compelling option for anyone who needs to keep their drumming to themselves. It’s a testament to Roland’s commitment to finding innovative ways to make drumming accessible for everyone, everywhere.
Come visit us at Marshall Music Woodmead – we have a Roland VQD kit set up for anyone to come and check out!
