NAMM: Roland has introduced the RMP-5 Rhythm Trainer. Sharing a few key features in common with the popular RMP-3, the RMP-5 has a convenient one-piece molded body with integrated pad and brain, along with a great-feeling, tunable mesh drumhead. The RMP-5 strides to the front of the class, however, with its 40-plus onboard PCM sounds, including snare drums, cymbals, and percussion instruments (the RMP-3 has no built-in sampled sounds).

As a free-standing practice pad and electronic drum, the RMP-5 is a pleasure to play, but when it comes to improving your abilities as a drummer, it’s the onboard Rhythm Coach that really makes this instrument shine. When activated, the Rhythm Coach challenges drummers in a fun and friendly way with functions such as Time Check, Auto Up/Down, and Stroke Balance to help develop consistent stick technique. As an added bonus, the Time Check and Stroke Balance exercises can be used simultaneously for a dual-power workout. The Rhythm Coach can even grade your performance, so you can chart your progress.

The RMP-5 provides a dual trigger input that can be used to connect Roland’s KD-8 kick and CY-8 cymbal pad (optional). All together, these three components form the nucleus of a small electronic drum kit. Now you can train not only your hands, but your feet as well. The RMP-5 provides the sounds for each pad, so you can play complete grooves either solo, along with the Rhythm Coach, or with external audio (such as CD players) connected to the RMP-5’s External Audio input.