61-Note Backing Keyboard from Roland

Roland BK-5 Backing Keyboard sets another milestone in the history of auto-accompaniment instruments. Roland BK5 features high-quality, fresh sounds combined with an easy user interface and advanced features. BK5 keyboards make the perfect partner for the "one-man band" as well as music hobbyists and amateurs.

Sound Generator
The BK-5 is powered by a state-of-the-art Roland sound engine, packed with over 1,100 great sounds and dozens of drum and percussion kits. The instrument is able to handle 128 voices simultaneously, and is compatible with a variety of voicing formats, including GM2, GS, and XG Lite. Feed the BK-5 a Standard MIDI File, buckle up, and get ready for a great-sounding band!

Creative Control
In addition to playing MIDI Files with its internal sound generator, the BK-5 can also play and manipulate audio files. Play MP3 or WAV files via USB and use the onboard controls to change key signature and tempo to best suit your vocal range or performance style. You can also use the BK-5’s Center Cancel feature to minimise the vocals from pre-existing songs to create instant karaoke-style sing-along tracks.

USB Compatibility
To expand the capabilities of the BK-5, a USB port is provided for connecting to industry-standard USB storage devices such as a USB key or self-powered USB hard disk for playing and modifying/saving files. You can also use the USB port to record your performances as audio files (WAV, 44.1KHz/16-bit linear format) on a USB storage device.

Video Compatibility
The BK-5’s composite video output can be connected to an external monitor, which allows the audience or other musicians onstage to follow the lyrics and chord symbols of the performed song. Turn your show into a multimedia experience!

Roland BK-5 Features:

• Self-contained, do-everything keyboard with auto-accompaniment engine and built-in sound system
• Wide selection of sounds, Music Assistants, and Rhythms that cover a wide landscape of musical genres (including East-Europe, Latin-America, Asia, and more)
• Friendly graphical user interface
• Onboard effects, including reverb, chorus, EQ, multi-band compressor, and dozens of multi-effects
• Music rhythm compatibility with Roland BK-7m/E-series/ G-series/VA-series instruments
• Compatible with backing formats (SMF, MP3, WAV, and Rhythm) directly from USB memory; instant audio recording onto USB memory
• Automatic chord detection for SMF files
• Video output to share SMF/MP3 Lyrics with friends or the audience on an external screen

Roland BK-5 Specifications:

• Keyboard: 61 keys (velocity sensitive)
• Display: 160 x 160 dots Graphic LCD (with backlit)
• Max. Polyphony: 128 voices (GM2/GS/XG Lite compatible)
• Sounds: 1,172 tones, 60 Drum Sets
• Multitimbral parts: 3 real-time parts (UP1, UP2, LWR) + 16 song parts
• Master Tuning: 415.3 to 466.2 Hz
• Key Control (Transpose): -6 to +5 in semitones (for audio/MIDI data)
• Tempo change: 20 to 250 BPM for SMF and rhythms, 75 to 125% for mp3 and WAV files
• Part mute functions: TRACK MUTE (Rhythms, SMF), CENTER CANCEL (mp3, WAV, AUDIO INPUT signals)
• Rhythms: 305 in 6 “Rhythm” families (localized rhythms for specific areas are included in the WORLD 1 and WORLD 2 families)
• Internal Rhythm Composer, SMF-to-Rhythm Converter provided as PC application (Windows) on the bundled CD-ROM
• One Touch memories: 4 programmable registrations per rhythm
• Over 500 “Music Assistant” memories (internal memory)
• 5 “Factory Song” memories (internal memory)
• Performance memories per List: Max. 999
• Speakers: 10 cm x 2
• Rated power output: 12 W x 2
• Accessories: Owner’s Manual, AC adaptor, Power cord (for connecting the AC adaptor), Music rest, CD-ROM (Style Converter 4.0, USB driver)
• Size (Without music rest): Width (W) 1,044 mm41-1/8 inches, Depth (D) 317 mm12-1/2 inches, Height (H) 129 mm5-1/8 inches
• Weight (excluding AC adaptor and music rest): 7.5 kg, 16 lbs. 9 oz