Roland V-Drums Bar Trigger Pad BT-1 Introduction

Roland V-Drums Bar is a compact and versatile accessory designed to enhance any drum kit, whether electronic or acoustic. Its unique curved shape allows for easy mounting on the side of a V-Pad or acoustic drum, providing convenient access without disrupting your setup. The BT-1 is perfect for triggering sounds in a V-Drums module or controlling various functions like backing tracks. Priced at approximately $109.20, it offers musicians an affordable way to expand their creative possibilities.

What’s in the Package

• BT-1
• Attachment (for rod type mount)
• attachment bolt x 2
• Spacer (S) x 1, (L) x 1
• Connection cable
• Owner’s manual

Parts Descriptions

About the spacer
When shipped from the factory, the spacer (S) is installed and you can use the BT-1 as it is. When attaching the BT-1 to the hoop of the PDX-100 or PD-85, replace the spacer (S) with the spacer (L).

Main Specifications

Roland BT-1: Bar Trigger Pad

Trigger	1
Connector	OUTPUT Jack (Stereo 1/4” phone type)
Dimensions	170 (W) x 53 (D) x 60 (H) mm 6-3/4 (W) x 2-1/8 (D) x 2-3/8 (H) inches
Weight	300 g 11 oz
Accessories	Owner’s manual, Attachment, Attachment bolt, Spacer, Connection cable (stereo)
Supported V-Drums pads	PD-128S, PD-128, PD-108, PD-125, PD-105, PDX-100, PD-85
Acceptable hoop size	* Depending on the shape of the hoop, it might not be possible to attach the BT-1 correctly.
Acceptable rod diameters	8.0–12.5 mm 3/8–1/2 inch
Options (sold separately)	Pad Mount (MDH series)

* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.

Description

The BT-1 features a robust rubber trigger surface that provides a natural playing feel, making it ideal for drummers who want to maintain the organic sensation of playing acoustic drums but with the versatility of electronic triggers. The adjustable trigger sensitivity allows players to customize the response to their playing style. Its compact design ensures it can fit into any setup without taking up too much space, making it perfect for both home practice and live performances.

Getting Started

Main Features

• A bar-type single trigger pad that you can strike with the shoulder of your stick
•  Can be attached to the hoop of a V-Drums mesh pad or your acoustic drum Also supports commercially-available rod-type mounts and V-Drums stand pad mounts
•  The BT-1 is designed to minimize unintended triggering and can be used as a pad switch for changing kits or starting/stopping songs
• Compact design that won’t obstruct your playing

Settings

The BT-1 can be attached to the hoop (tuning bolt) of a V-Drums mesh pad or your acoustic snare or tom.
By using the included attachment, you can also attach it to a commercially-available stand (rod type mount) or to the pad mount of a V-Drums stand.

Attaching the BT-1 to a Drum Hoop

NOTE
When the BT-1 is attached on the hoop of an acoustic drum or V-Drums pad, striking the BT-1 will cause the drum it is mounted on to sound. If this presents a problem, the BT-1 can be mounted on a stand (p. 6).

• Depending on the shape of the hoop, it might not be possible to attach the BT-1 correctly (p. 12).
• The BT-1 cannot be attached to the hoop of a bass drum.
• The BT-1 cannot be attached to the PDX-8 or PDX-6.
• In order to attach the BT-1 to a PDX-100 or PD-85, you must first install the spacer (L).

1.  Remove the tuning bolt from the location where you want to attach the BT-1.
   If the head is strongly tensioned, slightly loosen the entire head before you proceed.
    

   

2. Lay the mounting hole of the BT-1 over the bolt hole of the hoop.
    

   

3. Attach the tuning bolt.
    

   

4. Adjust the tension of the head. * Strikes on the BT-1 may affect the tension of the head.

Attaching the BT-1 to a Stand

In order to attach the BT-1 to a stand (rod type mount), you must first install the included attachment on the BT-1. Installing the attachment

1. Install the attachment on the BT-1 as shown in the illustration.
   Use the included attachment bolts to fasten the attachment securely.
    
   • Remove the spacer.

   • Use your own drum key to tighten the bolts.

     

Attaching the BT-1 to a stand

1.  Attach the BT-1 to the rod of the stand, and tighten the stand attachment bolt.
   * When attaching the BT-1 to the stand, be sure to tighten the stand attachment bolt securely. If any of them remain loose, the pad could fall off.

MEMO
When attaching the BT-1 to a commercially available rod type mount, check the dimensions of the rod. Depending on the dimensions of the rod, it may not be possible to  ttach the pad to the rod. Acceptable rod diameters: 8.0–12.5 mm (3/8–1/2 inch)

Connecting to a Drum Sound Module

Use the included cable to connect the BT-1 to your drum sound module.
* To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.

1.  Use the included cable to connect the BT-1’s output jack to a trigger input of your drum sound module.
   * You must use a stereo cable. The operation will not be correct if any other cable is used.
   * When connecting the BT-1 to a TD-15, TD-11, TD-9, or TD-4, you can also use the cable included with the drum sound module.
    

   

2. Make the trigger parameter settings for the drum sound module.
   For details on parameter values recommended for each sound module, refer to p. 8.
3. Strike the BT-1 and verify that it is operating correctly.

MEMO

• The BT-1 is a single trigger pad. It cannot distinguish strikes on its head and rim.
• With some drum sound modules, the BT-1 will function as the rim trigger of a pad. In this case,
  we recommend that no sound or control function (e.g., pad pattern) be assigned to the “head” of the input the BT-1 is connected to.

Trigger Parameter Settings for the Drum Sound Module

In order for the BT-1 to operate correctly, you must specify the optimal trigger parameter values on your drum sound module.
* For details on how to make settings, refer to the owner’s manual of your drum sound module.
* You may need to adjust the trigger parameters depending on how you’ve attached the BT-1 and the location at which you’ve installed it.

TD-30

* The BT-1 will operate only as the head trigger.
* If “BT1” does not appear as a Trig Type choice, update your system program.

TD-15, TD-11

* The BT-1 will operate only as the head trigger.
* The “KIK” and “RDB” trigger inputs are not supported.
* If “BT-1” does not appear as a Pad Type choice, update your system program.

Updating your system program
TD-30, TD-15, TD-11, Octapad SPD-30, SPD-SX On these models, “BT-1” will appear as a choice for Trig Type (or Pad Type) if you update the system program of your unit. For details on how to update, refer to the following URL.  http://www.roland.com/support/

Octapad SPD-30

* The BT-1 will operate only as the head trigger.
* If “BT-1” does not appear as a Pad Type choice, update your system program (p. 8).

SPD-SX

* The BT-1 will operate only as the head trigger.
* The BT-1 will not operate correctly if INPUT MODE is set to TRIGx2.
* If “BT-1” does not appear as a TRIG TYPE choice, update your system program (p. 8)

TD-20X, TD-20, TDW-20, TD-12

Trigger Parameter Settings for the Drum Sound Module

* The “KIK” and “RDB” trigger inputs are not supported.
* The BT-1 will operate as the rim trigger of the pad. No sound or control function (e.g., pad pattern) should be assigned to the “head” of the input the BT-1 is connected to.

TD-4

* The “KIK”, “T1”, “T2”, and “T3” trigger inputs are not supported.
* The BT-1 will operate as the rim trigger of the pad. No sound or control function (e.g., pad pattern) should be assigned to the “head” of the input the BT-1 is connected to.

Setup Guide

Setting up the BT-1 is straightforward and easy. 

Here are the steps: 

• Attach the BT-1 to your drum kit using the provided clamp or rod mount. 
• Connect the BT-1 to your Roland V-Drums module or other compatible electronic drum kit via the included cable. 
• Adjust the trigger sensitivity to your preference using the module's settings. 
• Test the trigger by playing it to ensure proper response and adjust as necessary.

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES”. These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature of your new unit, read Owner’s manual should be read in its entirety. This manual should be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE PREVENTION OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS

About WARNING and CAUTION Notices

WARNING	Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of death or severe injury should the unit be used improperly.
CAUTION	Used for instructions intended to alert the user to the risk of injury or material damage should the unit be used improperly. * Material damage refers to damage or other adverse effects caused with respect to the home and all its furnishings, as well to domestic animals or pets.

About the Symbols

	The symbol alerts the user to important instructions or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.
	The symbol alerts the user to items that must never be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that must not be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the unit must never be disassembled.
	The symbol alerts the user to things that must be carried out. The specific thing that must be done is indicated by the design contained within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power-cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.

ALWAYS OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING

WARNING

• Do not disassemble or modify by yourself
• Do not open or perform any internal modifications on the unit.
• Do not repair or replace parts by yourself
• Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within it (except when this manual provides specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.
• Do not use or store in the following types of locations
• Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating duct, on top of heat-generating equipment); or are
• Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors); or are
• Exposed to steam or smoke, or are
• Subject to salt exposure, or are
• Humid; or are
• Exposed to rain, or are
• Dusty or sandy, or are
• Subject to high levels of vibration and shakiness.

WARNING

• Precautions regarding placement of this unit on a stand
• Be sure to follow the instructions in the Owner’s Manual carefully when placing this unit on a stand (p. 5).
• If it is not set up properly, you risk creating an unstable situation which could lead to the unit falling and may result in injury.
• Don’t allow foreign objects or liquids to enter the unit
• Never allow foreign objects (e.g., flammable objects, coins, wires) or liquids (e.g., water or juice) to enter this product. Doing so may cause short circuits, faulty operation, or other malfunctions.
• Adults must provide supervision in places where children are present
• When using the unit in locations where children are present, be careful so no mishandling of the unit can take place. An adult should always be on hand to provide supervision and guidance.

Do not drop or be subject to strong impact Protect the unit from strong impact. (Do not drop it!)

CAUTION
Avoid climbing on top of the unit, or placing heavy objects on it
Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the unit.

IMPORTANT NOTES

CAUTION

• Keep small items out of the reach of children
• To prevent accidental ingestion of the parts listed below, always keep them out of the reach of small children
• Included Parts Bolts, Spacers (p. 4)

Placement

•  Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes. Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
• When moved from one location to another where the temperature and/or humidity is very different, water droplets (condensation) may form inside the unit. Damage or malfunction may result if you attempt to use the unit in this condition. Therefore, before using the unit, you must allow it to stand for several hours, until the condensation has completely evaporated.
• Do not allow rubber, vinyl, or similar materials to remain on this unit for long periods of time. Such objects can discolor or otherwise harmfully affect the finish.

Maintenance

• For every day, cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterward, be sure to wipe the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or deformation.

Additional Precautions

•  Use a reasonable amount of care when using its output jack. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.
• When disconnecting all cables, grasp the connector itself–never pull on the cable. This way you will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s internal elements.
• This instrument is designed to minimize the extraneous sounds produced when it’s played. However, since sound vibrations can be transmitted through floors and walls to a greater degree than expected, take care not to allow these sounds to become a nuisance to others nearby.
• The rubber portion of the striking surface is treated with a preservative to maintain its performance. With the passage of time, this preservative may appear on the surface as a white stain, or reveal how the pads were struck during product testing. This does not affect the performance or functionality of the product, and you may continue using it with confidence.
• Continuous playing may cause discoloration of the pad, but this will not affect the Pad’s function.

Troubleshooting

If the BT-1 does not operate as you expect, please check the following points first.
If you are still unable to resolve the problem, contact your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.

Roland V-Drums Bar Trigger Pad BT-1 Pros & Cons

Pros

• Highly responsive and durable trigger surface
• Adjustable trigger sensitivity for customized playing experience
• Compact and lightweight design for easy transport and setup
• Seamless integration with Roland V-Drums modules
• Affordable price point compared to other professional-grade triggers

Cons

• Limited to use with compatible modules; may not work with all electronic drum kits
• No built-in module; requires an external device for sound production
• May require additional mounting hardware for certain setups

Customer Reviews

Customers have praised the BT-1 for its reliability, ease of setup, and excellent trigger response. Many have noted that it integrates seamlessly with their existing V-Drums setups and has expanded their creative possibilities. Some common complaints include the need for additional mounting hardware in certain configurations and the requirement for a compatible module to function.