Roland BK-5 Backing Keyboard

Number One for One-Man Bands
One keyboard, one keyboardist…. With the debut of the BK-5 61-Note Arranger Keyboard, 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.

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!

Roland BK5 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

Max. 999

Search function

Quick location of SMF, audio and JPG files on the connected USB memory

Demo

Yes

Recording

Media

USB Flash memory

Song Save Format

Audio files: WAV (44.1 kHz, 16-bit linear)

Video

Lyrics

SMF, mp3/WAV, mp3+CDG

Slide shows

Picture folder linked to songs (recommended resolution: 512 x 384 or 1024 x
768 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

10 cm x 2

Rated power output

12 W x 2

Power supply

AC adaptor

Power consumption

1100mA

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)

1,044 mm
41-1/8 inches

Depth (D)

317 mm
12-1/2 inches

Height (H)

129 mm
5-1/8 inches

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.