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Roland RMP-12 Rhythm Coach Review |
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Computers
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Written by Chad Criswell
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 About five years ago Roland began
producing a product known as the RMP-1, an electronic percussion
practice pad that had a built in rhythm training function. Today,
Roland is distributing the RMP-12, a much more advanced and larger
form of the RMP-3 with many added features that are of great interest
to those that play in marching bands. The RMP-12 is still a great
way to practice rhythmic skills, but it also offers a multitude of
percussion sounds that are very realistic and useful both on and off
the field.
Physical and Audible Improvements Of The RMP-12
The first thing that separates the
RMP-12 from its predecessors is the size and layout of the pad. In
previous models the controls were placed at the top of the pad and
the pad was about the size of a standard practice pad. In the RMP-12
the head looks and feels like a real drum head and measures twelve
inches across. In addition to the larger head the rim is also a
playable area and when struck it triggers a different sound than the
head. Each of these playing areas can be set to any voice the user
chooses, and the user is able to select from hundreds of percussion
and special effects voices. A set of four quick select buttons
allows the player to instantly switch between different sound setups.
Perhaps what makes the RMP-12 most
revolutionary is that it is designed to be an actual marching
instrument. The unit attaches to a standard marching snare drum
harness (using separately purchased hardware) and can be connected to
an amplification system either through a standard audio cable or by
connecting a wireless transmitter. The unit can be powered by six
double A batteries for outdoor use but in testing the unit seems to
go through batteries quite quickly. Users will probably want to
invest in rechargeable batteries and/or an AC/DC adaptor to power the
unit while indoors.
Built For Use On and Off The Field
This instrument is obviously a result
of organizations such as Drum Corps International beginning to allow
the use of electronic instruments and amplification on the field.
One can only imagine the flexibility and opportunities that an entire
drum line fitted with RMP-12 Rhythm Coaches could offer to an
ensemble. A music director could also easily use the RMP-12 as a
realistic sounding substitute for almost any percussion instrument
that the ensemble does not have available.
While not appropriate for every
situation, the RMP-12 is a very useful and realistic feeling
electronic drum. Although best suited for high school and collegiate
percussion programs, even younger students enjoy practicing with the
RMP-12, and the various Rhythm Coach programs help the students
develop steady tempo skills that are so vital to the success of any
ensemble. The RMP-12 retails for around $600 per unit but school
prices are likely much less. Check the Roland RMP-12 page for more
information.
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