Roland has released a free Version 2.0 firmware update for its SPD-SX PRO Sampling Pad, adding several new features and workflow improvements.
The most significant addition for existing Roland users is support for SPD-SX back-up files, allowing owners of the standard SPD-SX to load their existing performance set-ups directly into the SPD-SX PRO when upgrading.
The update expands the unit’s time-stretching capabilities, enabling users to tempo-match samples in a manner similar to a DAW. Two modes are available — a real-time option for immediate results and an offline processing mode for higher-quality output.
Other new features include per-kit master effects assignment, which previously operated only at a global level. Users can now assign master effects within individual kits and control them via the panel knobs during performance.
Two new muting functions have been added. DJ-style muting allows continuous backing tracks to be dynamically silenced during live performance, while trigger muting enables connected acoustic drum triggers and external devices to be muted by striking individual pads — useful for reconfiguring large set-ups mid-performance or isolating acoustic triggering to specific song sections.
Additional changes in Version 2.0 include global panel brightness control, a kit list display, MIDI monitoring on the main screen, enhanced copy functions, the ability to set parameters across all pads simultaneously, and support for custom user-imported images on the main kit display.
The Version 2.0 update is available now as a free download for SPD-SX PRO owners.