The Roland BK-5 is the ultimate backing keyboard for solo artists. With advanced features for honing a performance and actually taking it to the stage, the Roland BK-5 remains steadfast in pressure performance situations.
Naturally, the sound engine in the BK-5 features new and professional sound sets which challenge the current standards. Over 1100 sounds, including more percussion than ever before, plus instant recording to optional USB memory mean that you can come up with ideas and store them on the fly.
With video integration, an intuitive user interface, and automatic chord detection with both MIDI and audio sequencing capabilities, the BK-5 will allow solo artists to construct backing tracks, and perfect performances without having to trawl endlessly through complicated menus.
Here's what Roland say about the BK-5 Backing Keyboard
Number One for One-Man Bands
One keyboard, one keyboardist. With the debut of the BK-5, Roland proudly sets another milestone in the history of auto-accompaniment instruments. The BK-5 features high-quality, fresh sounds combined with an easy user interface and advanced features. It's the perfect partner for the "one-man band" as well as music hobbyists and amateurs.
Main 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
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!
Specifications
Keyboard
- 61 keys (velocity sensitive)
Display
- 160 x 160 dots Graphic LCD (with backlit)
Sound Generator
- 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)
Effects
- Real-time parts (UP1, UP2, LWR), Rhythms/SMF section
- Reverb: 8 types (selectable via Makeup Tools)
- Chorus: 8 types (selectable via Makeup Tools)
- MFX: 84 types for real-time parts (selectable via Tone Part MFX)
- MFX: A & B for rhythm and SMF section (selectable via Makeup Tools)
- Parametric EQ: 6 presets + 1 User memory
- Multi-band compressor: 6 presets + 1 User memory
Rhythm section
- Rhythms: 305 in 6 "Rhythm" families (localized rhythms for specific areas are included in the WORLD 1 and WORLD 2 families)
Rhythm Composer
- 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
- Rhythm Makeup Tools: Instrument-oriented editing
Songs
- Real-time player: SMF (Format 0/1), KAR, mp3, WAV, mp3+CDG
- Song chord extractor: Automatic chord detection for SMF files
SMF Makeup Tools
- Instrument-oriented editing
Performance Memories
Performance Lists
- Unlimited number (storage on USB memory)
- Over 500 "Music Assistant" memories (internal memory)
- 5 "Factory Song" memories (internal memory)
Performance memories per List
Search function
- Quick location of SMF, audio and JPG files on the connected USB memory
Demo
Recording
Media
Song Save Format
- Audio files: WAV (44.1 kHz, 16-bit linear)
Video
Lyrics
Slide shows
- Picture folder linked to songs (recommended resolution: 512x384 or 1024x768 pixels)
Other
Panel controls
Knobs: VOLUME, Rotary encoder: Data dial
Connectors
- PHONES jack x2: Stereo 1/4" phone type
- AUDIO INPUT jack: Stereo miniature phone type
- AUDIO OUTPUT jacks (L/Mono, R/Mono): 1/4" phone type
- USB COMPUTER connector (Type B, reception and transmission of MIDI data)
- USB MEMORY (Type A, data storage devices)
- MIDI connectors (IN, OUT): Visual Control function
- VIDEO OUTPUT jack: RCA-type (CVBS, PAL or NTSC selectable)
- Foot pedal jack: HOLD, SWITCH/EXPRESSION (programmable)
Speakers
Rated power output
Power supply
Power consumption
Auto Off function
- Off, 10 min, 30 min, 240 min
Accessories
Owner's Manual, AC adaptor, Power cord (for connecting the AC adaptor), Music rest, CD-ROM (Style Converter 4.0, USB driver)
Option (sold separately)
USB Flash Memory: M-UF series, Pedal Switch: DP series, Footswitch: BOSS FS-5U, Expression Pedal: EV series
Size and Weight (Without music rest)
Width (W)
Depth (D)
Height (H)
Weight
- 7.5 kg / 16 lbs. 9 oz.
- Weight excluding AC adaptor and music rest
Size and Weight (Including music rest)
Width (W)
1044 mm / 41-1/8 inches
Depth (D)
317 mm / 12-1/2 inches
Height (H)
301 mm / 11-7/8 inches
Weight
- 7.5 kg / 16 lbs. 9 oz.
- Weight excluding AC adaptor and music rest
All specifications and appearances are subject to change.
