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Hi-Hat Controller Sensor on Roland TD-12

Wiring, module settings, and tips for the Hi-Hat Controller Sensor when used with the Roland TD-12.

Yes — the Hi-Hat Controller Sensor works as a full hi-hat on the Roland TD-12: variable pedal position.

Continuous Open Closed

Wiring: 1× TRS → HI-HAT input on the rear panel + 1× TRS (controller) → HH CTRL input on the rear panel

Continuous hi-hat control. Supports VH-11, VH-12 and FD-8 — use VH-11; VH-12 puts the HH CTRL input into a different mode.

Connect a ¼″ TRS cable from the hi-hat pad to the HI-HAT input on the rear panel.
Connect a ¼″ TRS cable from the hi-hat controller to the HH CTRL input on the rear panel.

Press [TRIGGER], then [F1 (BANK)].
Strike the hi-hat to select the HI-HAT input (the cursor moves to the struck pad).
Use [+/-] or [VALUE] to set the "Trigger Type" to VH11 — the VH12 setting is for Roland's matched VH-12 and puts the HH CTRL input into a different mode.
Press [F2 (BASIC)] to fine-tune "Sensitivity" (1-32) and "Threshold" (0-31).
Press [F3 (HI-HAT)] and confirm "Hi-Hat Ctrl Type" reads VH11/FD. In that mode you can also set "Foot Splash Sens" (-10-+10), "CC Max" (90 or 127) and "CC Resolution" (HIGH for the smoothest pedal response).

Set the resting gap with the clutch: loosen it, let the cymbal rest on the controller, and raise or lower it until the module's offset reading settles. A Lemon hi-hat has no offset adjustment screw — the clutch is the control.
Continuous pedal control provides smooth open-to-closed transitions.

Setup — Hi-Hat Controller Sensor on Roland TD-12