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At a Glance

The Alesis Strata Prime is the superior option in this comparison. It features an expansive sound library, a full-sized kick drum, and better custom sampling options. The Roland TD-27KV2 is still a viable option with its advanced drum module, integrated USB audio interface, and triple-zone snare.

Alesis Strata Prime vs Roland TD-27KV2 Head to Head

vs
Roland TD-27KV2

When comparing the Alesis Strata Prime with the Roland TD-27KV2, you have two distinct paths that cater to different preferences and priorities in their drumming experience. The Alesis Strata Prime stands out with its expansive sound library and full-sized kick drum while the Roland TD-27KV2 boasts an advanced drum module, integrated USB audio interface, and built-in practice functions.

Key Differences

The Alesis Strata Prime boasts 1532 sounds, while the Roland TD-27KV2 offers 728 high-quality sounds along with an integrated 28-channel USB audio interface for direct recording and playback.

The Strata Prime features a full-sized 20-inch kick drum for an authentic playing experience, whereas the TD-27KV2 utilizes a compact 5-inch kick tower.

The Strata Prime allows for custom samples through onboard sampling, SD card, and USB drive, providing extensive customization. The TD-27KV2 only supports custom sampling via SD card.

Exclusive to the Roland TD-27KV2, the audio-over-USB feature facilitates direct audio recording over USB, a boon for drummers looking to easily record and produce music.

The TD-27KV2 features a triple-zone snare drum as opposed to the dual-zone on the Strata Prime. A triple-zone snare offers a more nuanced sound.

Additionally, the Strata Prime offers larger crash cymbal pads and larger Tom pads for better playability, in general.

The Strata Prime is equipped with the Prime Drum Module, while the Roland TD-27KV2 uses the TD-27 Drum Module.

Kick Type
Full-Sized Kick Drum
Tower
Kick Pad Size
20-inch
5-inch
Number of Sounds
1532
728
Drum Module Name
Prime Drum Module
TD-27 Drum Module
Audio over USB (for recording)
No
Yes
Custom sampling
onboard-samplingsd-cardusb-drive
sd-card

Key Features in Common

Each set includes a 14-inch mesh snare pad, ensuring a responsive and dynamic playing surface.

Both models offer Bluetooth connectivity for wireless audio streaming and MIDI-over-USB/MIDI-5-Pin for versatile connections to other devices and software.

Both kits come equipped with acoustic-style hi-hat stands and triple-trigger ride cymbal pads, alongside multiple crash cymbal pads with choke functionality.

Snare Pad Size
14-inch
14-inch
Bluetooth Connection
Yes
Yes
MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin

Check out the Strata Prime in action.

And here's a video of the Roland TD-27KV2.

Price Comparison Between The Strata Prime and Roland TD-27KV2

Use the below to get up-to-date prices for both the Strata Prime and Roland TD-27KV2

vs
Roland TD-27KV2
We have included a head-to-head comparison of the features on both the Strata Prime and Roland TD-27KV2.

Hi-Hat

Hi-Hat Size (Inches)
14-inch
14-inch
Hi-Hat Type
Acoustic-style hi-hat stand
Acoustic-style hi-hat stand
Hi-Hat Model
ARC Hi-hat 14 Active
VH-14D

Cymbal Pads

Ride Cymbal Pad Size (Inches)
18-inch
18-inch
Ride Cymbal Zones
Triple-Trigger
Triple-Trigger
Ride Cymbal Pad Model Number
ARC Cymbal 18
CY-18DR
Number of Crash Cymbal Pads
2
2
Crash Cymbal Sizes
16
12", 14"
Crash cymbal choke
Yes
Yes
Crash Cymbal Pad Model Numbers
ARC Cymbal 16
CY-12C-T, CY-14C-T

Toms

Tom pad sizes
8", 10", 12", 14", 14"
10", 10", 10"
Number of Tom Pads
5
3
Tom Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh
Tom Zones
Dual-Zone
Dual-Zone

Drum Module

Number of Sounds
1532
728
Drum Module Name
Prime Drum Module
TD-27 Drum Module
Additional Features
-
Integrated 28-channel USB audio interface, Built-in practice functions
Display
-
Graphic LCD 256 x 80 dots
Bluetooth Connection
Yes
Yes
Metronome
Yes
Yes
On-Board Recording (of internal sounds)
Yes
Yes
Additional Pad/Cymbal Inputs
2
4
Audio Outputs
2 Main (Left and Right), 4 Assignable
2 Main Outputs(Left and Right) 2 Direct Outputs
Audio Input (Auxiliary Input)
1/4" inch
1/4" inch
Effects and Sound Editing Capabilities
High
High
MIDI Connectivity
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
MIDI-over-USBMIDI-5-Pin
Audio over USB (for recording)
No
Yes
Custom sampling
onboard-samplingsd-cardusb-drive
sd-card
Number of Kits
75
100

Snare

Snare Mount Type
Snare Stand
Snare Stand
Snare Pad Size
14-inch
14-inch
Snare Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh
Snare Zones
Dual-Zone
Triple-Zone
Snare Pad Model
Strata Drum 14
PD-140DS

Kick

Kick Type
Full-Sized Kick Drum
Tower
Kick Pad Material
Mesh
Mesh/Cushion
Kick Pad Size
20-inch
5-inch
Kick Pad Model
Strata Kick 20
KD-10

Verdict

vs
Roland TD-27KV2

The Alesis Strata Prime is a compelling option for drummers seeking a vast sound palette and the physicality of a full-sized kick drum while the Roland TD-27KV2 shines for its superior sound quality, recording capabilities, and built-in practice features. Both sets present compelling features for different drummer needs, making the choice between them a matter of personal preference.

Matt Taylor

Matt Taylor

I'm Matt Taylor, a guitarist with a genuine love for music. I've had the pleasure of playing in a few bands and collaborating with some amazing artists along the way. As a music journalist, my goal is to share my passion and learnings with you while keeping my finger on the pulse of emerging trends and talents.