Creativity unleashed.
Designed for serious drummers, the VAD516 kit delivers pro-level performance for every musical need. The V51 module hits the sweet spot within the next-gen V-Drums universe, putting the flagship sound engine from the V71 in a versatile hardware platform with full digital pad support, robust I/O, and seamless integration with DW Soundworks software for computer-based drumming. And with built-in wireless connectivity, it’s easy to grow your setup with an ever-expanding range of sound expansions and other V-Drums content on Roland Cloud.
From online drumming to local performances and beyond, the V-Drums 5 Series gives you the sound quality, playability, and expressive tools to unleash your creativity and share your passion with the world.
Premium sound
The V51 module is part of a unified ecosystem with the V71 and V31, providing full cross-compatibility across V-Drums modules for the first time. Drum with the same core sound library created for the V-Drums 7 Series. And stay inspired with Roland Cloud content for V-Drums, including multi-layered V-Drums Instrument Expansions based on premium DW drum sets.
Flagship audio quality
In developing the V71 module for the acclaimed V-Drums 7 Series, we built an entirely new onboard sound library in collaboration with Drum Workshop (DW), bringing unmatched realism and creative command to V-Drums. The V51 module features the same internal engine as the V71, giving you the identical sounds and expansion path in an efficient hardware design. Crafted from a hand-picked selection of the world’s finest drum sets, these record-ready sounds deliver the detail, punch, and sonic quality found in the most expensive computer collections.
New sounds, on demand
Just like the V71, you can freely change up the sound set within the V51 module to keep your music fresh. Open the Roland Cloud Connect app on your mobile device to access a growing range of V-Drums Instrument Expansion titles via your wireless network. Then, find the sounds you want, download them directly to the module, and start drumming immediately.
Choose your perspective
Drum sounds exist in two distinct universes. One is the intimate, up-close sound of the drums when you’re behind the kit. The second is the produced sound you hear in recordings and live concerts, which is typically processed with EQs, compressors, and ambience. Some V-Drums Instrument Expansion titles have been specially mixed for both the drummer and producer positions, letting you create the playing experience you want at the touch of a button.
Unrivaled expression
Like top-tier drum sound libraries for computers, the V51 module features multi-layer sample playback and round-robin randomization for natural sound and an inspiring feel that’s second to none in electronic drumming. Our proprietary behavior modeling adds the finishing touch, refining the sound with smooth, artifact-free transitions for every articulation and over 16,000 variations in dynamic response with our digital pads.
Two ways to play
A V-Drums 5 Series kit provides a consistent drumming experience for every creative journey. From daily practice, video production, and live gigs to recording tracks and playing with DW Soundworks on a computer, our uniform sound approach means you never have to change your technique for different situations.
Advanced hardware
The V51 module offers a streamlined workflow and direct panel controls to shape sounds in the moment. Knobs and faders allow you to balance levels as you play, while stereo main outputs and two direct outputs provide expanded sound control for stage and studio playing. Three dedicated trigger inputs support a complete set of our high-resolution digital pads, which come standard with the VAD516 kit.
Computer-based drumming
Every VAD516 kit can trigger sounds in DW Soundworks,* a revolutionary drum software instrument that runs as a standalone computer application or a DAW plug-in. Many DW Soundworks expansions mirror V-Drums Instrument Expansion titles, allowing you to transition to software-based drumming with the identical sound and response as the module.
*Included with Roland Cloud Ultimate membership.
Expand your world
On Roland Cloud, you’ll never run out of fresh inspiration for your drumming journeys. V-Drums Instrument Expansions add all-new drum kits to the module, recorded using the same detailed process as the core library. Up to six expansions can be active at once, and you can freely exchange kicks, snares, cymbals, and other components between different kits. We also offer V-Drums Kit Packs created by top drummers and producers, including many titles for playing with spot-on recreations of the kits used in the most influential songs of all time.
Roland Cloud membership included
Purchasing a VAD516 kit includes six months of the Roland Cloud Ultimate membership tier, giving you untethered access to V-Drums Instrument Expansions, V-Drums Kit Packs, DW Soundworks, and more. Subscribe after the trial ends and stay up to date with our ever-expanding release roadmap. Or skip membership and keep your favorite selections forever with Lifetime Key purchases.
Inside the V51
The V51 provides the complete sound-crafting power of the flagship V71 in a robust command center with hands-on controls and an inviting color display.
Enhanced V-Drums workflow
With its premium sounds and advanced features, the V51 delivers a full-immersion drumming experience for every style. Ultra-powerful DSP and expanded waveform memory unlock a universe of creative expression, supported by the intuitive workflow of the famous V-Drums interface.
Sample import
Whether you need specific sounds for cover songs or like to add a personal touch with your own samples, the V51 has you covered. Using the module’s sample import function, it’s easy to customize your palette and build any sound you can imagine. Each pad assignment provides three layers that can include any combination of internal sounds or external samples.
Craft your sound
All the built-in sounds and V-Drums Instrument Expansions come finely tuned and ready to play. But if you like to dive into details, the module’s deep editing tools let you tweak to your heart’s content. Virtually adjust any drum or cymbal just as you
would an acoustic instrument, from head types, damping, and tuning to snare wire tension, mic distance, and much more. If you want to go even further, fire up the V51 Editor and explore a slate of full-screen tools on your Mac or Windows computer.
*The V51 Editor will be available in late 2025
Build skills
The V51 is filled with onboard features to help develop new techniques and keep your playing honed between performances. There’s an advanced metronome and classics such as Time Check and Quiet Count, plus new tools like Phrase Trainer for rhythmic practice, Stroke Monitor for stick control, and Blast Beast for building accuracy and endurance. V-Drums 5 Series kits also include Drum Pass, an exclusive Roland bundle of 100 Melodics™ interactive lessons specially developed for V-Drums players.
Stay focused with V-Drums Play
By design, all V-Drums modules are very easy to use. But if you want an even more streamlined experience, V-Drums Play is for you. This companion app provides direct control of essential module functions from your smartphone, including kit selection, metronome settings, and recording to capture your drumming at any time. Made for drummers who like to keep things simple, V-Drums Play keeps you focused on what matters most—having fun and improving every day.
*The V-Drums Play app will be available in late 2025.
Wireless freedom
The V51 features a built-in Roland wireless adapter that links with your network, letting you audition and download sound content directly via the Roland Cloud Connect app on a mobile device. You can update the module wirelessly, making it simple to stay up to date with the latest system software. Bluetooth audio/MIDI is also available, allowing you to jam with songs on your phone, play along with video lessons, and more.
Streamlined connections
With the V51 module’s multi-pin jack and wiring harness, analog pad connections are quick, clean, and efficient. You also get three inputs for Roland’s high-resolution digital snare, ride, and hi-hat pads, which connect to the module via USB-style cables. Plug your headphones or wired earbuds into the convenient front-facing jacks for quiet practice sessions. And use the analog mix input to expand your setup with a music player or Roland percussion pad.
Multi-channel audio and MIDI
The V51 features an integrated USB audio/MIDI interface for communication with DW Soundworks, the V51 Editor, and other music software. The USB connection makes multitrack recording easy, allowing you to capture up to 32 audio channels in your DAW over a single cable. Traditional MIDI I/O is also included to interface with external MIDI hardware.
A premium playing experience
The sound engine is the core of any electronic drum system, but it’s the pad interface that connects you with the sound. The VAD516 kit offers ultra-responsive feel and acoustic-style playability, backed by nearly 30 years of continual V-Drums development and Roland’s steadfast dedication to delivering the finest playing experience available.
The VAD516 comes with our advanced digital snare, ride, and hi-hat pads for the ultimate high-definition response. All snare, tom, and kick pads feature Roland’s multi-layer mesh heads, providing the most natural feel you can get in electronic drumming.
Snare perfection
The top-of-the-line PD-14DSX 14-inch snare pad takes electronic playing to new levels with our innovative digital sensing technology. The softest articulations are translated in astonishing detail, and your hand position is automatically detected for seamless transitions between headshots, rimshots, and cross-stick playing.
Advanced hi-hat technology
The VAD516 comes with the flagship 14-inch VH-14D, a groundbreaking digital hi-hat pad that brings unparalleled touch sensitivity, tonal variation, and open/closed resolution to electronic hi-hats. It mounts on a standard hi-hat stand, providing a traditional acoustic feel with natural rebound and support for foot splashes and other techniques.
Ultra-responsive cymbals
The VAD516 Virtual Acoustic Drums kit comes with three premium cymbal pads for crash and ride, delivering acoustic-style playability with standard sizes, familiar swinging motion, multi-zone triggering, and detailed response. The VAD516 includes our flagship 18-inch CY-18DR digital ride, which features a high-resolution, multi-sensor system that detects every strokefrom edge to bell. Techniques from cymbal rolls to soft bell strokes are fully translated, and you can mute the bow and bell with a finger touch—just like an acoustic ride.
Powerful kick drums
Roland kick pads deliver that deep, satisfying “thud” every drummer wants—while also keeping in-room noise in check. The VAD516 kit includes the newly developed KD-20-MS, a full-size 20-inch kick drum with the same advanced trigger features as the KD-22 from the V-Drums 7 Series. This supports single and double pedals, and comes with the KDP-5, a replaceable patch that slows wear and allows you to use a plastic, wood, or felt beater.
Dynamic toms
The VAD516 kit includes two full-size V-Drums Acoustic Design rack tom pads and a floor tom pad for a traditional drumming layout. These feature real wood shells and flagship-grade playability.
Robust V-Drums hardware
Like all V-Drums Acoustic Design kits, the VAD516 includes custom chrome hardware that’s designed to perform, built to last, and tested to destruction.
