Roland RT-30K Bass Drum Trigger

The Roland RT-30K is a compact acoustic bass drum trigger designed to add electronic triggering capability to a traditional kick drum. It detects head vibrations from bass drum hits and sends trigger signals to a compatible drum sound module or percussion pad. This makes it useful for reinforcing acoustic kick sounds with samples or assigning electronic sounds within a hybrid drum setup.

Built specifically for bass drum use, the RT-30K provides single-zone head triggering rather than separate head-and-rim triggering. Its response is intended to follow the dynamics of the drummer’s playing when connected to and configured in a compatible module. The trigger itself does not generate sound, so a compatible sound module or pad is required to produce audio.

The RT-30K suits drummers who want to expand an acoustic kit for live performance, rehearsal, recording, or practice without changing the core feel of their bass drum. It can be used to layer an electronic kick sample with the acoustic drum or trigger a completely different sound source. Proper module settings help tailor sensitivity, threshold, velocity response, and retrigger behavior to the drum and playing style.

A self-guiding hoop mount positions the trigger’s head sensor against the drumhead for straightforward placement. The clamp is made for metal drum hoops, including inward-curved hoop styles, while its protective grip helps avoid marking wood bass drum hoops. Mounting the trigger securely between adjacent tension rods supports more consistent detection.

The RT-30K connects through its 1/4-inch phone-type output jack using the included 3.5-meter stereo cable. It is designed for use with Roland trigger-compatible products such as the TM-2 Trigger Module, TD-series V-Drums sound modules, and SPD-series percussion pads. For a complete hybrid-drumming system, pair it with a compatible trigger input and configure that input for the appropriate trigger type.

Key Features

• Bass Drum Triggering: Detects bass drumhead strikes and sends a trigger signal to compatible electronic percussion equipment.
• Single-Zone Operation: Provides one head-trigger zone; it is not a dual head-and-rim trigger.
• Self-Guiding Mount: Helps position the trigger against the drumhead during hoop-mounted installation.
• Metal-Hoop Compatibility: Mounts to many metal drum hoops, including inward-curved hoop designs.
• Protective Grip: Helps protect wood bass drum hoops from marring during mounting.
• Stereo Cable Included: Includes a 3.5-meter stereo connection cable for module hookup.

Design & Installation

The RT-30K uses a low-profile, hoop-mounted format intended to stay close to the bass drum while placing its sensor against the head. Its compact enclosure measures 38 mm wide by 94–111 mm deep by 62 mm high and weighs 95 g. The protective mounting grip is designed to reduce the chance of marking a wood bass drum hoop.

Mount the RT-30K firmly on a compatible metal hoop with the head sensor touching the bass drumhead, ideally between adjacent tension rods. Use the included stereo cable to connect its 1/4-inch output to a compatible trigger input, then select and adjust the trigger settings in the connected module. If unwanted triggering occurs, secure the drum, reduce transferred vibration, and adjust threshold, retrigger-cancel, crosstalk-cancel, sensitivity, or velocity-curve settings as supported by the module.