Roland RMP-5 (Rhythm Coach)
Advanced Rhythm Trainer with Built-In Sounds
RMP-5 interview with Jim Kilpatrick
The RMP-3 made headlines when it was announced in early 2005. Today Roland builds on its winning rhythm line with the new RMP-5. 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) plus an external dual trigger input so you can add a kick and cymbal pad for drum kit practice. The RMP-5 also features an advanced, expanded Rhythm Coach mode.
* Setup with optional PDS-2 Pad Stand, CY-8 and KD-8. Stands and Pedals are sold reparately.
- PCM sound engine with more than 40 sounds onboard
- External dual trigger input for adding optional kick and cymbal controllers
- Variety of metronome sounds and patterns (samba, jazz, etc.)
- Convenient one-piece design
- Large LCD screen
- Patented mesh head technology for a great acoustic feel
- Advanced Rhythm Coach exercises, featuring Stroke Balance and Time Check
- Mix input for playing along with CD players or other audio devices
PCM Sounds Onboard
One of the key features that sets the RMP-5 apart from other rhythm trainers is its built-in sound engine. Now you can practice in style by selecting from the dozens of onboard PCM instruments inside the RMP-5. In addition to the acoustic sound of your sticks on the mesh pad (à la the RMP-3), the RMP-5 lets you trigger a variety of high-quality, internal snare drum samples, hi-hats, ride cymbals, and percussion instruments. You can also choose from a menu of metronome sounds, including a standard click, human-voice count, rhythmic patterns, and more.
Advanced Rhythm Coach
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.
Drum Kit Expansion
The RMP-5 provides a dual-trigger input that can be used to connect Roland’s KD-8 kick and CY-8 cymbal controllers (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.
Rhythm Coach function - Time Check
Your ability will increase rapidly with the advanced Rhythm Coach function.
How consistent is your timing? The RMP-5’s built-in Rhythm Coach offers exercises that will turn sloppy patterns into air-tight grooves.
- Accuracy Score
Rhythm Coach grades your performances, so you can keep track of your progress — no guesswork involved.
- Stroke Balance
The RMP-5’s onscreen meter can display the strength of each drum stroke. Improve your stick control dramatically with this handy visual gauge.
Connection Example
