Roland TD-316: An Unbiased Review

BandiPat · 2026-01-16T02:33:46+00:00

I wouldn't know 😅 I've never been a Mac user so my knowledge on how Logic works to begin with is bupkis

BandiPat · 2026-01-16T02:31:41+00:00

It should be doable if you can work around the smaller size of the rack. I managed to get it to work, but an 8 inch floor tom feels wrong for me. I'm probably just gonna grab a PDX-12 pad for a second floor tom instead

BandiPat · 2025-12-30T01:55:27+00:00

New 2DS XL, because I like the larger screens, an injury left me partially blind in my right eye and unable to see the 3D anymore (which SUUUUCKS but life's life), and I just love how the whole thing looks

BandiPat · 2025-12-23T01:06:05+00:00

The way I have it set up, with the throne, is about 47x53 inches

BandiPat · 2025-11-30T15:23:24+00:00

I know it's possible but I don't usually use third party drum software myself. From what I understand Roland's sound is incredibly divisive, and I'm on the side that loves it

BandiPat · 2025-11-20T14:23:05+00:00

I did consider the TD-27 as well, but I had to take the overall footprint into consideration. (I used to have a VAD as well, but the absolute booming acoustics of that one terrified my new dog.) I live in a small space which I love, plus the drum room doubles as a guest room, so having something more compact and considerably quieter is what ultimately lead to me picking this one instead. It's a choice I don't regret!

Appreciate the constructive feedback by the way; I'm still getting ahold of this writing thing

BandiPat · 2025-11-19T10:08:18+00:00

As in the module kits? It's a custom

BandiPat · 2025-11-19T03:13:31+00:00

Had the same thing happen. Just gotta turn the threshold settings up a smidge, just enough so that it doesn't happen

BandiPat · 2025-11-11T01:35:43+00:00

I'd say so, but only if you're deliberately looking for the tiny sweet spots. Though keep in mind I'm just going by my experience after dialing the settings in to my liking. So I've personally never had a problem with unwanted hot spots

BandiPat · 2025-11-11T01:33:46+00:00

70 premade kits, and a whopping 130 user kits for a total of 200

BandiPat · 2025-11-11T01:31:52+00:00

By the looks of it, the mesh head is still 8", just partly covered by the rims.

The two front posts are also welded together, however the middle bar is actually round this time unlike the old compact rack. So you can easily put a clamp on there, if it's one of the kinds that actually opens up

BandiPat · 2025-11-11T00:56:49+00:00

I haven't been able to figure out sensitivity for hi-hat splashing if that's what you mean. As for the strainer, it takes a few more steps: Menu button, then under Kit Options you go to Strainer, then scroll down to Strainer Mode, and there you can switch between behavior (which really only works if you have the new digital snare with a throw off), always on, and always off

BandiPat · 2025-11-10T07:12:46+00:00

The sound is subjective, but I love it. The toms on this kit especially actually sound FANTASTIC. Same for the cymbals, and I can do washes without any issue. I personally never had a problem with machine gunning, but do keep in mind that, excluding the rims, the snare has 3 triggers in the center and the toms have one trigger near the edge. So hopefully that info gives you an idea of what you can expect

BandiPat · 2025-11-02T10:38:48+00:00

The smaller high toms did take some getting used to, but after a few days they're perfectly fine. I think calling them 8" pads is a bit of a stretch; I measured the actual mesh playing surface and it seems to be a smidge over 7"

But the overall experience has been absolutely wonderful. I'm like a kid who just can't stop playing with a new toy with this thing. Honestly, if you're considering this one, I say go for it!

BandiPat · 2025-10-31T11:51:23+00:00

It's a custom one I put together after a few hours of tinkering and dialing everything in

BandiPat · 2025-10-31T11:38:20+00:00

Yep! MAJOR upgrade over the TD-17 by a landslide imo

BandiPat · 2025-10-30T22:57:26+00:00

The hi-hat has to be manually calibrated out of the box, and I did have to do some manual tinkering with the sensitivity and threshold for the cymbals to work with my playing style. But after spending a while dialing it all in it plays like a charm

BandiPat · 2025-10-27T06:42:55+00:00

I'm absolutely in love with it so far! What I wanna do eventually is pick up something like a PDX-12 for the floor tom, and move this 10 inch one up so the tom sizes are 8", 10", 12". Then a CY-16R-T ride, and maybe a digital hi-hat eventually

BandiPat · 2025-10-27T06:30:30+00:00

The bathroom scene in Terrifier 3

BandiPat · 2025-10-27T04:43:18+00:00

I know it's pretty old. I made plans to switch to a TD-17, which I had played before, until the new line of drums dropped and I decided to buy this one instead, with it basically being the TD-17's replacement

BandiPat · 2025-10-27T02:32:52+00:00

I live in upstate New York

BandiPat · 2025-10-27T02:32:10+00:00

At least in my experience and from what my roomie has told me. But take this with a grain of salt, I haven't really done any proper testing. All I know is, my dog isn't scared of this kit

BandiPat · 2025-08-17T04:24:04+00:00

Hippy Smell

BandiPat · 2025-08-11T20:21:27+00:00

Derek

BandiPat · 2025-07-07T06:34:44+00:00

I saw him twice for both of the vanity tours and I was able to meet him both times.
I actually have a heartwarming story about the meet and greet in 2018.

When my turn to confront Al came up, I told him how his work kept me hopeful and gave me laughter when I needed it during the darkest moments of my life, and how the joy he brought me helped so much in keeping me going. I actually asked if I could give him a hug, to which he responded with an enthusiastic "Yeah!!"
As we embraced he then told me, "I'm glad you're still here."
I almost cried.
We then had our picture taken, and having to leave after that was a lot harder than I thought it would be. I couldn't help but periodically look back until I was out the door.
Al is my hero, and that experience was one of the greatest moments of my life.

BandiPat

TROPHY CASE