How to Use the Roland SPD-SX PRO for Multitrack Backing Tracks

How to Use the Roland SPD-SX PRO for Multitrack Backing Tracks

Introduction

The SPD-SX PRO has a great amount of outputs — so let’s use them.
This tutorial walks you through how to properly output your backing tracks onto the SPD-SX PRO so you can make the most of its routing capabilities.

If you’re looking to build backing tracks from scratch, check out my other videos on drumelectric.co.uk.
Just search for “backing tracks” and you’ll find a complete collection of my tutorials.

Project Setup in Logic

For this example, my plan is to have three categories: click, cues, and instruments.
Because of copyright, I’m using an Epidemic Sound track, but you can substitute your own audio sources.

My Logic template includes separate tracks for click, cues, bass, and other instruments.
You can check out my template at drumelectric.co.uk/logic-template.

I pan the click to one side and cues to the other, which helps later when assigning outputs on the SPD-SX PRO.
Export your stems with loop markers so they stay perfectly aligned when imported.

Using the SPD-SX PRO App

You can do this setup directly on the SPD-SX PRO, but using the app makes it much easier.
I’m using a loaned SPD-SX PRO from Jake at Into Music, an independent drum store in the UK.

You can hire gear—from drum pads to lighting rigs—right on their website.
They’ll even arrange parcel pickup when you’re done.
Jake also runs a great YouTube series, “A Week at Into Music,” showing what it’s like to run a drum shop.

Creating a New Kit

Start by creating a new kit in the SPD-SX PRO app.
Name it after your song—something like “Backing Track 1” works for this demo.
I use the top three pads for backing tracks since they’re easiest to reach while playing.

Assigning the Audio Files

  • Pad 1: Click and cues (panned left/right)
  • Pad 2: Bass and instruments (panned left/right)

Drag in your WAV files, disable looping, set playback to One Shot and Poly,
and turn dynamics off for consistent velocity.
Set Fixed Velocity to 127 for full output every time.

Linking Pads

To trigger multiple tracks together, use Pad Link.
Assign Pad 1 as the link send and Pad 2 to the same link group (e.g., Group 1).
That way, hitting one pad triggers both the click/cues and the track simultaneously.

Assigning Outputs

By default, everything comes through the master output—but we want to split it up:

  • Output 1: Click
  • Output 2: Cues
  • Output 3: Bass
  • Output 4: Instruments

Remove the pads from the master output and assign them to the corresponding direct outputs.
This gives you full control over your live mix.

Live Setup and Monitoring

When you get to a gig, there are two main monitoring options:

  1. Use a small mixer (e.g., Alto ZMX).
    Connect your SPD-SX PRO headphone output to the mixer, then feed in the front-of-house mix so you can control your click and track levels independently.
  2. Use a Behringer P1 personal monitor.
    This compact option lets you run your click into one side and the band mix into the other.

You can also use the AUX input on the SPD-SX PRO, though adjusting volume on the fly is more difficult.

Conclusion

That’s how to use the SPD-SX PRO for multitrack backing tracks.
With proper routing and setup, you can control your mix, stay in sync, and deliver a professional live performance.

Check out all the gear mentioned in this post through the affiliate links in the description—it helps support my work at no extra cost to you!

 

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