Roland PD-14DSX Digital Snare Drum

The digital snare was already pretty awesome but this new version adds some nice upgrades.
For playability, the lower rim is an immediate plus. It allows to keep the sticks flatter like on a regular acoustic drum and create rimshots at an angle that is more natural.
The throw-off lever and knob are a nice addition. While these controls were available before, it wasn't easy to switch the snare on/off on the fly, or to adjust strainer tension. This, too, now feels natural. (The option of the lever creating the typical noises is a cute idea, but not really that important.)

There are some things that could be better, but they are not the fault of the snare. The snare sounds generated by the V71 with wires off don't match the sounds with wires on very well. The snare is also capable of detecting stick position in 8 different sections of the head. But the V71 doesn't do anything noticeable with that (and you can't control that effect in the settings). But it generates different MIDI messages and you should be able to use the location data when playing through a VST or other plug-in. (I haven't tested this.) It is possible that Roland might address these issues - but they probably won't.

In summary, a very welcome upgrade to the PD-140. It's a small improvement, but if you can appreciate the new features, you won't regret buying it.

Wasn't sure it was possible, but I love this snare. Upgraded from my PD-140DS that came with my VAD-507 kit. I also upgraded my module to the V71, and I have it connected to it. The snare just seems more responsive. The x-stick is more prominent (and it could just be my settings). I didn't do anything special; just plugged in and started playing with it. It was long wait after purchase for some to come available, but now that I have it, it was worth the wait. The guys at e-Drumcenter are super friendly and handled all my inquires with great customer service. I highly recommend this place for all your E-Drum purchases.

Great new design by Roland. The playability and triggering is bar none, especially the crosstick.
Great customer service from Edrumcenter as well. Best and only place to buy electronic drums.

Great snare - Ive had all the Roland snares since the beginning of the V Drums and this one by far is the most realistic and playable... Love it!

Roland has outdone themselves - as they should with the recent competition. And a new module was definitely due. Huge improvement in snare performance by the new module (it calibrates automatically)and adding the throw, although I initially thought eh, is absolutely killer. Edrumcenter is the place to get one.