Roland HandSonic HPD-20 Digital Hand Percussion Controller

Roland HandSonic HPD-20 Digital Hand Percussion Controller

Break the boundaries of traditional rhythm. The Roland HandSonic HPD-20 is a state-of-the-art digital hand percussion instrument that blends the expressive nuance of acoustic hand drums with the limitless sonic power of modern digital synthesis. Whether you are a studio producer in Dubai crafting intricate soundscapes, a live percussionist in Abu Dhabi adding texture to a band, or an electronic DJ looking for tactile triggering, the HPD-20 puts a virtual percussion ensemble right under your fingertips.

Advanced SuperNATURAL Sound Engine and 13-Pad Interface

At the heart of the HPD-20 lies Roland’s legendary SuperNATURAL sound engine, which authentically reproduces the complex harmonic resonances, muted tones, and subtle ghost notes of acoustic percussion. The instrument features a unique 13-pad pad layout that is highly sensitive to the lightest touch. These pads are ergonomically arranged to accommodate complex finger-drumming techniques, palm muting, and slap playing, allowing you to perform with the same physical soul as you would on a traditional Djembe or Conga setup.

Real-Time Expression and Sound Sculpting

Go beyond simple triggering. The HandSonic HPD-20 includes a real-time control matrix designed for professional performance. Use the large, central D-BEAM to manipulate effects, pitch, or filter sweeps by moving your hand through the air above the unit. Additionally, the specialized Roll and Real-Time Modify knobs allow you to adjust pitch, decay, and effect parameters dynamically as you play, giving you studio-level control over your rhythm textures mid-performance.

USB Connectivity, Audio Import, and Multi-Track Sequencer

Integrate the HPD-20 effortlessly into your creative workflow. The built-in USB memory port allows you to import your own custom WAV audio samples—such as unique foley, vocal chops, or vintage drum hits—and assign them to any pad for instant playback. For solo performers, the onboard Quick Rec sequencer lets you record patterns and loops on the fly, building dense, multi-layered percussion backings that can be triggered or exported into your favorite DAW via USB MIDI.

Key Product Benefits

• SuperNATURAL Expressiveness: Advanced sound modeling captures the authentic, organic feel of acoustic percussion, including pitch shifts and muting nuances.
• Versatile 13-Pad Matrix: Highly sensitive pad interface supports diverse playing styles from delicate finger taps to heavy, full-hand slaps.
• Expandable User Library: Import your own custom WAV sounds via USB memory for totally unique percussion kits tailored to your specific project needs.
• Real-Time Modulation Tools: Manipulate sounds live using the D-BEAM, two control knobs, and touch-sensitive pad pressure for deep, evolving sonic textures.
• Studio-Grade Onboard Effects: Access three independent multi-effects engines, including ambience, EQ, and heavy modulation to polish your sound on stage.

Official Technical Specifications

• Pad Layout: 13 pads (velocity-sensitive and pressure-sensitive for expressive control)
• Sound Engine: SuperNATURAL sound modeling system
• Kit Capacity: 200 internal preset kits plus 100 user-definable kit locations
• User Sample Import: Supports up to 500 individual WAV files via USB (max 12 minutes total duration)
• Internal Effects Engines: Multi-effects (3 systems), Ambience (10 types), and Master EQ
• Sequencer Modes: Quick Rec, Loop function, and internal patterns (3-part recording engine)
• Physical Analog Audio Outputs: Output L/Mono & R (1/4-inch phone jacks), Phones Output (Stereo 1/4-inch jack)
• Digital Connectivity: USB Computer Port (Type B for MIDI/Audio), USB Memory Port (Type A for import/export), MIDI Input and Output (5-Pin DIN)
• Control Expansion Jacks: 1 x 1/4-inch Trigger Input jack (supports additional external pads), 1 x 1/4-inch Foot Switch jack
• Power Requirements: DC 9V via included AC power adapter
• Physical Dimensions: 311 mm Width x 404 mm Depth x 102 mm Height
• Net Unit Weight: 2.4 kg

Common Customer Questions Answered

Can I connect extra electronic drum pads to the HandSonic HPD-20?

Yes, you can. The rear panel includes a dedicated 1/4-inch Trigger Input jack. This allows you to connect an external Roland V-Pad or a kick trigger pedal, effectively turning your HandSonic into the brain of a hybrid kit where you can trigger bass drum sounds with your foot while playing percussion loops with your hands.

Is the HPD-20 suitable for studio production and DAW recording?

Absolutely. The HPD-20 functions as a high-performance USB MIDI controller. When connected to a computer, it sends velocity-sensitive MIDI data directly into your DAW (like Ableton Live, Logic Pro, or FL Studio), making it an elite tool for programming expressive, human-sounding percussion MIDI tracks rather than drawing them in with a mouse.

How do I import my own sounds into the pads?

It is very simple. Save your WAV files onto a standard USB flash drive, insert it into the HPD-20's USB Memory Port, and use the system menu to import the files into the HPD-20's internal user memory. Once imported, you can assign any file to any of the 13 pads, and even adjust parameters like start time, end time, and loop behavior for each sample.