The Essentials to Know About the Roland TM-1 Trigger Module
- The simplest gateway to hybrid drumming: add electronic sounds to your acoustic kit via compatible triggers or pads.
- Ultra-compact stompbox format, designed for the floor, with battery power for concerts and quick setups.
- Immediate control: two built-in footswitches (triggering, kit change, mute) and dedicated settings per trigger (sensitivity, pitch, decay, level).
- Advanced customization: 15 ready-to-play kits, sample import, and access to a large sound library via the free "TM-1 Editor" app.
Historical Context and Positioning in the Range
With the popularity of hybrid kits on stage and in the studio, Roland has developed solutions that blend the impact of acoustic drums with the precision of electronics. The TM-1 positions itself as the most direct and accessible option in the trigger module family: a compact, performance-oriented unit that integrates into any setup without complicating your rig.
Who This Module Is For
The Roland TM-1 is aimed at beginner to advanced drummers who want to enrich an acoustic kit without switching to a full electronic drum set. It's particularly relevant in contexts where the sound needs to "cut through the mix" (kick drum, snare), but also to expand the percussive palette with electronic sounds, effects, or one-shots. Versatile by nature, it suits all styles, from Metal to electro, pop, rock, worship, or hip-hop music.
Features and New Additions
The TM-1 focuses on a "plug and play" logic: connect a trigger to an acoustic drum (RT series) or a compatible pad, select a kit, then adjust the sensitivity, pitch, decay, and level of the triggered sound in seconds. The two built-in footswitches make life easier on stage: change kits with your foot, mute the module to revert to 100% acoustic, or trigger sounds without dropping your sticks.
Customization becomes nearly unlimited thanks to the free "TM-1 Editor" app (Mac, PC, iOS, Android): access to over 150 additional sounds, import your own samples, assignments, fine adjustments, and preparation of user kits. Another major asset: connected via USB to a computer, the TM-1 can also serve as a Trigger-to-MIDI converter to control virtual instruments, record MIDI tracks, or operate music production software.
Sound Character
With a hybrid module like the TM-1, "sound character" depends on the quality and use of samples: you can layer an electronic sound over your acoustic to gain attack, clarity, and consistency while preserving the natural character of your drums. On a kick drum, this often adds more definition and presence in a dense mix; on a snare, it adds more snap, body, or effect depending on the chosen sample.
Triggering is designed to remain musical: per-input settings, fast response, and essential parameters at your fingertips (pitch, decay, level) to instantly adapt the sound to the stage, PA system, and style. By importing your own sounds (up to about 6 seconds per sample), you can also create a unique sonic identity: hits, stacks, claps, impacts, electronic percussion, or signature sounds dedicated to a set.
Technical Specifications
Kits and Memory
- Kits: 15
- Preloaded sounds: 30
- User kits: 30
- Sample length: approximately 6 seconds per sample
Audio Import and Data Formats
- Mac OSX: WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless
- Windows: WAV (44.1 kHz, 16/24 bit)
- iOS: WAV, AIFF, MP3, AAC, Apple Lossless
- Android: WAV (44.1 kHz, 16 bit), MP3 (the "TM-1 Editor" app is required)
Display
- Display: 7-segment, 1 character (LED)
Controls
- Potentiometers: [SENS] (TRIG1, TRIG2), [PITCH] (TRIG1, TRIG2), [DECAY] (TRIG1, TRIG2), [LEVEL] (TRIG1, TRIG2)
- Button: [MODE SELECT]
- Switches: [MUTE], [KIT SHIFT], [POWER]
Indicators
- Trigger indicators: TRIG1, TRIG2
Connections
- Trigger input: TRIGGER IN in 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) mono phone jack format
- Audio output: OUTPUT in stereo 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) phone jack format
- Headphone output: PHONES in stereo 1/4-inch (6.35 mm) phone jack format
- USB: USB type B
- Power supply: DC IN
- "MIX" output mode: the mixed sound of triggers 1 and 2 is output in mono
- "INDIVIDUAL" output mode: each trigger is output separately to left and right (TRIG1 left side, TRIG2 right side)
USB
Pad and Trigger Compatibility
- Compatible with Roland RT acoustic drum triggers and a wide range of Roland pads
- Connection possible for up to two pads or triggers: two single-sensor pads or one dual-sensor pad
- Sensor-to-MIDI converter function via USB connection to a computer
- Communication with the editor and Sensor-to-MIDI conversion via USB
Power Supply
- Battery: 9 V Alkaline (6LR61)
- AC adapter: DC 9 V (sold separately)
- Direct power supply possible via the USB port connected to a computer
Power Consumption and Battery Life
- Consumption: 100 mA (DC IN)
- Consumption: 250 mA (USB)
- Theoretical battery life: about 3 hours
Included Accessories
- User manual
- "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" leaflet
- 9 V Alkaline battery (6LR61)
- USB type B cable
Options (sold separately)
- AC adapter: PSA-S series
- Triggers: RT series
- Pads: PD series, PDX series, BT-1
- Cymbals: CY series
- Kick drum: KD series
- Kick pedal: KT series
- Footswitch: DP series, BOSS FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7
- Split cable: PCS-31L
- Drum Monitor Amplifier: PM
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