This
support page is updated regularly with the lastest
questions, answers and support information!
If you have a question you do not see posted here, please check the V Expressions Forum and the VDrums.com Forum (highly recommended).
If you cannot find the answer to your question, feel free to contact us via the last tab below.
Q: For what modules do you offer expansions?
A: We currently only offer expansion packs for the Roland TD-6/6V, TD-8, TD-9, TD-10, 10EXP, TD-12 and TD-20 drum modules. We will be including the TD-9 and TD-20EXP in 2008.
Q: Are your expansions samples?
A: Roland TD modules are not capable of loading or utilizing third party samples. Our expansions are the product of hours, days, weeks, months and even years of experienced programmer's modeling with Roland's COSM modeling technology. Our service is to provide these completely custom modeled kits so you do not have to spend these long amounts of time doing it yourself. We provide the best alternative solution for live, gigging and recording TD module drummers without having to carry around laptops, computers and samplers to trigger external or third party samples. Our expansions are far superior in terms of flexibility in regards to being able to completely remodel any sound to your preference, as well as build your very own dream kits from your favorite components from our expansions. (copying any of the 800 modeled instruments in each expansion to build your own custom kit) Each kit we design is started from absolute scratch and no module default kits are used in any way.
Q: What do I need to get your expansions and get started?
A: There are individual needs based on the module you own. You can find the specific installation requirements for your module on the expansion page before placing your order. In most cases, you will need computer-to-midi connectivity. This will be in the form of an audio interface with built in midi I/O or an USB-to-Midi interface cable. If you own a TD-20, you will simply need a 16-512mb CompactFlash card.
Q: Do I lose factory or personal adjustments when I load in your expansions?
A: You will never lose the "factory reset information" as it is permanent accessable data. Personal adjustments could be lost without first backing up your current settings. This includes pad parameters you may wish to continue using if you have tweaked your pads for specific personal reasons. V Expressions LTD includes detailed installation information in the accompanying owner's manuals for saving current settings, loading entire expansions (which will overwrite current data) and loading individual kits on select modules. (which does not overwrite previous data) Our "general information" addendums and owner's manuals can be downloaded to learn more before making your purchase.
Q: Do I need larger than a 16mb CF card for the TD-20?
A: No. 16mb is plenty of memory to backup the TD-20's standard 8 backups and numerous patterns. A fast 16mb CF card will yield optimum performance results. We highly recommend seeking out 16-32mb cards from local photography stores that may still have them in stock. If you cannot find your CF card locally, many places online, such as eBay and Amazon, still offer these cards through online ordering.
Q: How large are the file(s) or download?
A: Backup/Expansion files are less than a quarter of 1mb. (263kb) Included with your owner's manual in the form of a compressed zip file, your entire download will be approximately only 50kb. This will generally download in seconds; even on a dialup connection. We highly suggest that you make a copy of this original file to CD immediately and move it to a safe place for long term backup.
Q: Can I edit these expansions?
A: Yes! Once loaded into your module, you may edit the expansion however you would like. Be careful to save your newly tweaked version of our expansion as an additional backup. Always keep your original downloaded zip file intact; backed up to a CD or floppy for long term storage.
Q: My kit differs from yours. Can I still use your expansions?
A: Yes! If your setup is slightly different than our default kit; it will only require pad parameter adjustment. In your module's global pad selection, you will simply choose your pad layout. Minor copying, tuning and rarely effect matching to replace or add cymbals or toms in accordance may be required in rare extreme cases. Each expansion pack's setup model can be found on it's webpage. Please refer to this graphic when assigning pads and copying instruments. Remember, VDrumLib allows easy copying of "setup information", individual and bulk kits, rim-to-head and much, much more flexibility than your module can. Check VDrumLib out to learn more!
Q: My tom rim trigger plays two sounds or is very loud. How can I fix this?
A: Due to placement of our cross-sticking in many of our expansions, the rim of tom 1 has it's minimum volume increased during initial expansion development. To adjust this volume for your setup, simply enter the mixer section, go to the "Minimum Volume" setting and toggle your head/rim button to adjust the tom rim 1 setting back to "0". This will correct the problem. If the setting is already set at "0" or you continue to hear rim clicks, check for sensitivity and crosstalk issues and/or upload the file to the module again.
Q: I have a TD-12, TD-10EXP, TD-8, or a TD-6V and when I upload the midi file to my module I get a "checksum error" message on my computer and parts of the pack do not upload correctly. How can I correct this?
A: If you are using VDrumLib or Midi-Ox as your midi transfer program, follow these steps:
- Disconnect all midi cables from the module and close the midi transfer program on your computer.
- Power off the module, wait 30 seconds and power back on.
- Perform a factory reset on the module. This reboots/reinstalls the factory rom and operating bios.
- Power down the module and then connect the "Midi-In" cable only.
- Power on the module and let it initialize. DO NOT press your hi-hat pedal or touch pads when powering on.
- Press "Kit".
- Start your midi transfer program again and send the file to the module.
If you still continue to get a "checksum error", most likely 1 of 2 things are happening causing the problem:
- The driver for the midi transfer program and/or usb-to-midi cable or midi-connection source needs to be updated.
- The file from V Expressions LTD has been corrupted. Email V Expressions and we will replace your file.
Contact Chris our "midi Guru" at (239) 549-2120. He will gladly guide you through various technical steps to get your file loaded correctly to your module. He will talk you through each step until you have your expansion pack loaded and have verified it is working properly. If you need a new file from us, we will email it to you right then. Chris will troubleshoot your midi and any problems you may be having with your module.
Q: Will other pads such as Hart and Pintech work with your programming?
A: Yes. Pad assignment and settings will need to be adjusted to match your personal setup in the module.
Q: Are your expansions samples?
A: The Roland TD modules are not capable of loading or utilizing third party samples. Our expansions are the product of hours, days, weeks, months and even years of experienced programmer's modeling with Roland's COSM modeling technology. Our service is to provide these fully complete and modeled kits so the customer does not have to. We provide the best alternative solution for live, gigging and recording TD-20 drummers without having to carry around laptops, computers and samplers to trigger external or third party samples. Our expansions are far superior in terms of flexibility in regards to being able to completely remodel any sound to your preference, as well as build your very own dream kits from your favorite components in our expansions. (copying any of the 800 modeled instruments in each expansion to build your own custom kit) Each kit from started from absolute scratch and no default kits are used in any way.
Q: Does your programming affect the feel, response, and dynamics of the Roland Modules?
A: Yes. Various volume and trigger adjustments may be changed. These changes are designed to improve playbility and expression of the expansion pack and module. Some modules allow copying of individual kits which will preserve your personal pad settins. Our manuals include any optional types of loading for your module.
Q: What are the differences from the M512E card to the M512G card on the TD-10?
A: The M512G replaced the older version card and has a user replaceable battery. The new card is designed for faster speed and accuracy. Each card preserves 3-5 years of memory backup.
Q: How come when I load the TD10EXP XP packs, the volume of the kits are much quieter than my original kits?
A: When you load the expansion pack for the TD-10EXP, the instructions say to "adjust the fader settings to 80% and be in fader mode". If you have not done this, the expansion will seem quiet. The internal mixer settings are kept nominal for recording and noise reduction purposes. We provide a uniform starting point for all customers and adjustments will be necessary based on your situation. We also recommend adjusting the overal kit volume in the mixer settings section. A master volume knob setting at 2-3 o'clock is common for live use.
Q: I have a TD-10 and am looking to add the TDW-1 expansion card. How does your software work and how will I download it to my drums? I have the original TDW-1 wave card that didn't include the v cymbal controller, do you offer that upgrade?
A: Due to the discontinuation of the TDW-1 wave card and the TD-10 sound percussion module, you will need to find the Roland Expansion Card: TDW-1 wave card for sale somewhere - either version. This, nowadays, is next to impossible. If you have a TDW-1 wave card without the V Cymbal Controller, The TDW-1 wave card can be sent to Roland to include the V Cymbal controller feature. This service will add the V-Cymbal Controller. Pop it out of your module and send it to Roland Service. You can also send the entire module. If you do, at this time you should also request your internal battery be replaced. The cost is minimal and you will need to pay for shipping. Contact Roland at www.rolandus.com and follow the links through to Customer Support to email or call them. The VEX expansion for the TD-10 module is offered as a midi system exclusive file using the Midi-Ox or VKtrans editor. Both editors are available for download through our site. (below, in "downloads") Once you receive our files and instructions, you can download the programming to your TD-10 via midi. You will need a midi connection from your computer to the midi ports on the TD-10. We also offer a direct to your M512G ram card download. (This is an additional $10 charge.)
Q: When I successfully connect to TD-10 via VkitEX.exe(VKitTrans), I go to use the module and the computer posts a window saying "Access Violation at address "####" in module "VkitEX.exe. Read of address "######"."
A: Push "OK". If there are multiple screens until the system locks or VkTrans closes it means you initiated midi protocol transfers from the TD-10 module physically and not from the navigation menus within the program. VKitTrans was designed to be "hands-off" the module. The program does not aid in the "playing performance" of the module. There is no need to sit at the kit when using the program. This also applies to the EXP module. All access to the module is via computer within the VKitTrans program itself. Use the navigation screens within the program to complete the necessary midi tasks. Once completed, disconnect from VKitTrans. If you still get error messages and access violation screens and you've not touched the module, your VKitTrans config file is corrupted. Uninstall the program and visit our website's support page for a new copy. Load the correct program for your TD-10. TD-10EXP modules will get the: VKitEX beta program. Remember to open the read me file (jim1 helpfile) and follow the directions. Make sure the MxMidi32.dll file is included with your files. If you have a VKitTrans.cfg file included with your files, delete that before using the VKitEX.exe file. If you experience futher issues,
and he will email you the correct file.
Q: When I attempt to load your program into the TD-10 or TD-12 module, I get a "Transmit Error: Device ID incorrect" message.
A: Go into the midi section of your module to the midi global settings, reset the Device ID to 17. This should correct the problem. Try to load programming again. If it is already set at 17 when you check, back up your module contents either to an M512G ram card (TD-10) or to Midi-Ox/VKitTrans (TD-10 only). Once that has been completed, perform a factory INIT/Master Reset on the module. Once complete, power the module down and disconnect all cables from module; including trigger cables, midi cables, main power cord, so nothing is connected to the module. Wait 1 minute. Power up module again, connect only the midi IN and OUT cables. Open the midi global settings and make sure the Device ID is set at 17. Once verified, try to reload program. If it still does not load and the error says "Device ID transmit error." Contact Chris at 239-549-2120 and he will send you the file you've purchased via email and step you through the loading process. At this point, you have a corrputed midi file and need a replacement from us.
Q: When I attempt to load the programming via Midi-Ox to my TD-10 (EXP) or my TD-12 module, the Midi-Ox program shows uploading progress but the module shows nothing, and after a while, nothing has happened to the module.
A: First, we understand that all of us are drummers - not "midi computer geeks" born to understand this jargon! At V Expressions LTD, Chris is our resident "midi geek" expert for all modules. Relax; but be prepared for some aggrevation and discomfort with your computer and the module. If he can't help you get the program loaded via your "last resort" phone call to the VEX office, Roland Service on the module itself is usually needed. So, ubderstand that it may not be you, and the problem is hardware that can be fixed.
Now for the checklist stuff - You might have a bad midi cable or reversed cables. If you can send from the module to Midi-Ox but not receive from Midi-Ox and you've verified your midi cables work properly, your system receive settings on the module could be off. Next, check Midi-Ox to make sure your midi input devices are selected correctly. Try executing the program via VKitTrans on the TD-10 modules. If you are using a USB-to-Midi cable, disconnect the usb cable and uninstall the program from your computer. Reload the software that came with the product. Do not connect the midi-to-usb cable to your usb port until the software has loaded successfully and the wizard is complete. What happens here is the windows midi mapper takes over control of sysex send messages that Midi-Ox is sending - thus rendering the midi in side of your cable useless, when using Midi-Ox or any other sysex protocol program. Midi-Ox has internal bussing that will generally bypass the [SYX] output device if the windows midi mapper has become the default device. Because Midi-Ox is a broad-based midi utility, it's easy to render it useless when operating the system exclusive midi commands by not following a certain order of protocols. Power down and unplug everything to start over. Go through our utility manuals step by step again. Make sure you are loading the right programs into the module. Our manuals and procedures are technically correct, so hopefully you have overlooked something simple and will be on your way to enjoying those great XP packs we offer.
Don't attempt to call Roland Technical Support, you are wasting your time. They will have far less remedies than us and they will generally tell you to contact us. It's cool with Chris, he uses their equipment everyday in real world applications and doesn't sit at a computer with a headset on to read the Roland Troubleshooting guide back to you.
If all these corrective measures has the module still failing to receive midi commands, the error is usually in the module. It will need to be serviced at Roland. The midi sysex receive command utility in the module needs to be reset. This normally happens to people who get their modules second hand from drummers who are not "midi" savvy. You will generally see "error" messages when using midi utility programs both on the TD module itself and in the program as well. Try to back up all the info you have stored in the module. Contact your nearest Roland dealer for service. At this time, consider having your internal battery replaced as well.
Q: Do I use a type I or type II CF card in the TD-20?
A: The Roland TD-20 supports a Type I CF card only.
Q: Does V Expressions LTD programming affect Midi performance?
A: No. Midi is set at factory default on both the TD-10 and TD-20 modules.
Q: Does the CY15 C/R cymbal require one or two cables to operate three way triggering?
A: Two cables; one from the bow/bell input and one from the bow/edge input. The TD-10 is designed for three way triggering out of #10 insert only. But to get a natural "crashing edge" sound, the user needs the second cable inserted to trigger 11 (AUX1). The TD-20 has it's own "Ride Edge" input and has been configured for the use of two cables.
Q: How can I get rid of "machine gunning" on the toms and other pads?
A: Roland supplies the TD-20 with Interval Control software on the snare trigger. This is not adjustable. Try reducing sensitivity and mask times for improvements.
Q: What hi-hats are compatible with what modules?
A: The VH-12 is only compatible with the TD-12 and TD-20 modules. The VH-11 is compatible with the TD-20, TD-12, TD-10EXP, TD-8 and TD-6. The VH-11 is NOT compatible with the TD-10, TD-7, TD-5 or TD-3.
Q: What do I need to get your expansions and get started?
A: There are individual needs based on the module you own. You can find the specific installation requirements for your module on the expansion page before placing your order.
Q: How large is the file(s) or download?
A: Backup/Expansion files are less than a quarter of a mb. (263kb) Included with your owner's manual in the form of a compressed zip file, your entire download will be approximately only 50kb. This will generally download in seconds; even on a dialup connection.
Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: V Expressions takes great pride in providing excellent products. Each product is tested on multiple platforms as well as the appropriate software or hardware expected to be used in the transfer of our products to the owner's module. Although V Expressions LTD does not offer refunds, rest assured that we pride ourselves in accommodating our customers to the fullest extent to ensure satisfaction and proper implementation of our expansions to their module is achieved.
Q: Can I resell or share your expansion?
A: Reselling, distributing or sharing our products is a violation of our copyright and intellectual property agreement. Copying, distributing (including reselling and/or sharing) and all unauthorized use of this data is strictly prohibited. Our products are not "transferable". Our EULA
agreement is included with each purchase. We do allow owners to sell their expansion(s) with their module as to not take a loss. The original owner is responsible for reporting the transfer information. Reselling, sharing and distributing our product(s) is a violation of our copyright and intellectual property agreement.
Q: How do I receive my file(s)?
A: Following your secure payment through PayPal, you will be redirected back to your download page (after choosing "return to merchant") where you will save your file(s) to your computer.
Q: What do I need to get your expansions and get started?
A: There are individual needs based on the module you own. You can find the specific installation requirements for your module on the expansion page before placing your order.
Q: How large is the file(s) or download?
A: Backup/Expansion files are less than a quarter of a mb. (263kb) Included with your owner's manual in the form of a compressed zip file, your entire download will be approximately only 50kb. This will generally download in seconds; even on a dialup connection.
Q: Do I use a type I or type II CF card in the TD-20?
A: The Roland TD-20 supports a Type I CF card only.
Q: Do you offer custom programming for the TD-6V, TD-8, TD-12 or TD-20?
A: Yes. We can model custom kits from your provided mp3 files based at $20hr/kit with a minimum order of 5 kits.
Q: What is the turnaround time for your custom programming?
A: Turnaround times vary depending on the customers request.
Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: V Expressions takes great pride in providing excellent products. Each product is tested on multiple platforms as well as the appropriate software or hardware expected to be used in the transfer of our products to the owner's module. Although V Expressions LTD does not offer refunds, rest assured that we pride ourselves in accommodating our customers to the fullest extent to ensure satisfaction and proper implementation of our expansions to their module is achieved.
Q: Can I resell or share your expansion?
A: Reselling, distributing or sharing our products is a violation of our copyright and intellectual property agreement. Copying, distributing (including reselling and/or sharing) and all unauthorized use of this data is strictly prohibited. Our products are not "transferable". Our EULA
agreement is included with each purchase. We do allow owners to sell their expansion(s) with their module as to not take a loss. The original owner is responsible for reporting the transfer information. Reselling, sharing and distributing our product(s) is a violation of our copyright and intellectual property agreement.
Q: Do you offer upgrades when I upgrade to a new module?
A: V Expressions offers upgrade pricing to previous customers who upgrade their modules within six months of purchasing our expansions. Your upgrade pricing is determined by 50% of the previous purchase applied towards new expansions at a 1 to 1 expansion ratio related to an upgraded module. (note: TD-6 to TD-8 and TD-12 to TD-20 upgrades are only $10 per expansion upgrade)
To qualify, simply contact the programmer of the expansion you wish to purchase from the new expansion's page, provide your original purchase and date to be verified and your new custom upgrade offer will be handled one on one. If you are purchasing multiple expansions, please include all previous purchases so that we may help you the best that we can. If you do not know the date your previous purchase was placed on, please provide the registration email address used at the time of purchase. (note: previous purchases must be within 180 days or 6 months)
