BK-5

Backing Keyboard

En Español

BK-5: Backing Keyboard

Number One for One-Man Bands

Features

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.

  • 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 minimize 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!

Audio & Video

Video

Specs

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.
Weight excluding AC adaptor and music rest
All specifications and appearances are subject to change.

Accessories

Downloads

Brochures & Catalogs

BK-5 Brochure

Updates & Drivers

BK-5 System Update Ver. 1.05
This is the latest version of operating system for the BK-5. After downloading and extracting the compressed file, please refer to the “BK-5_System_Update_Procedure” pdf document included for the update procedure.
Roland Arranger Driver Ver.1.0.0 for Windows® 7 64-bit Edition
This driver supports the BK-7m, JM-5, JM-8 and BK-5.
Roland Arranger Driver Ver.1.0.0 for Windows® 7 32-bit Edition
This driver supports the BK-7m, JM-5, JM-8 and BK-5.
Roland Arranger Driver Ver.1.0.0 for Windows Vista®
This driver supports the BK-7m, JM-5, JM-8 and BK-5.
Roland Arranger Driver Ver.1.0.0 for Windows® XP
This driver supports the BK-7m, JM-5, JM-8 and BK-5.
BK-5 Sonar Instrument Definition File
This is the SONAR Instrument Definition File for the BK-5. This allows you to select a patch or rhythm in the BK-5 using a friendly name within SONAR software.

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland, BOSS or Cakewalk product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions.

You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email.

In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference. If Support Documents are available for this product, they will be listed below.

Product Manuals