31. Index ...................................................174
14
4. Panel Description
Left Front Panel
1
PHONES output
This is where you can connect optional headphones (Roland RH-
series).
2
Pitch Bend/Modulation lever
You can lower or raise the pitch by moving this lever to the left
or right. Push the lever away from yourself to apply modulation
(normally vibrato) to the sound.
3
S1, S2, S3, S4 (Assignable Switches)
These are assignable buttons. You can use them to directly access
frequently used functions that are only available via the function
menu. The button assignments belong to the settings that can be
written to a Performance. For more details see p. 53.
4
VOLUME knob
Use this knob to set BK-9’s global output volume (all signals
transmitted to the OUTPUT jack).
5
AUDIO IN knob
This knob allows you to set the input level of the signals received
via the INPUT jack.
6
MIC VOLUME knob
This knob controls the level of the microphone connected to the
MIC IN jack.
7
BALANCE knob
These knob allows you to set the balance between the rhythms
and songs (BACKING) and the real-time parts (PARTS).
8
MIC REVERB knob
This knob sets the level of the reverb eect, that is added to the
MIC signal.
9
D-BEAM Controller (Sensor and buttons)
The D-BEAM Controller allows you to control various aspects of
your performance. See “Using the D-BEAM Controller” (p. 53).
10
METRONOME button
Press this button to switch the internal metronome on or o.
11
RHYTHM FAMILY buttons
These buttons are used to select the family of the next rhythm
you want to use. Pressing one of these buttons calls up a list of all
rhythms contained in the selected family. Pressing and holding this
button locks the currently selected rhythm (p. 63).
12
TEMPO buttons
These buttons can be used to decrease or increase the tempo of
the currently selected rhythm or song. Pressing them together
recalls the stored tempo value of the rhythm or song.
MEMO
You can also use the [TAP TEMPO] button to set the desired tempo
13
SYNC START button
This button is used to switch the BK-9’s Sync Start or Sync Stop
function either on or o. If it is on, rhythm playback can be either
started or stopped by simply playing a note or chord on the
keyboard. (p. 36).
While a song le is selected, this button stops playback.
14
CHORD LOOP buttons
These buttons are used to record and play a sequence of chords
for instant use. See “19. Recording a Chord Sequence (Chord
Loop)” (p. 79).
15
SONG REC button
This button is used to start recording of your performance (p.
75).
16
BASS INV button
This button is used to switch the Bass Inversion function on and o
(p. 37).
17
TAP TEMPO button
Pressing this button several times allows you to change the current
rhythm or song tempo to the value calculated from the speed at
which the button is pressed.
1
2
3
4
56
78
9
10
11
1213
141516171819202122
24
Right Front Panel
15
23
25
24
Right Front Panel
26
272829303132
38394041424344
47
18
AUTO FILL IN button
This button is used to activate the Auto Fill-In function, which
causes a transition to be played before selecting the new rhythm
variation (which is selected with the VARIATION buttons).
19
VARIATION 1/2/3/4 buttons
These buttons are used to select a rhythm “Variation”, i.e. a simpler
or more complex arrangement of the selected rhythm.
20
INTRO button
When you activate this button, rhythm playback starts with a
musical introduction, whose complexity depends on which
VARIATION button currently lights (there are four dierent
introductions per rhythm).
After selecting a song le, this button allows you to rewind.
21
ENDING button
When you activate this button, rhythm playback stops with a
musical ending, whose complexity depends on which VARIATION
button currently lights (there are four dierent ending phrases
per rhythm). After selecting a song le, this button allows you to
fast-forward.
22
START/STOP button
This button allows you to start and stop rhythm playback. If you
select a song, it starts and temporarily stops (pause) song playback.
23
Left and Right displays
These displays show information related to your operation.
In most cases the left display shows the main page. The right dis-
play shows parameters, Performance, Tone and Rhythm list, etc.
24
Left and Right Display Selection buttons
These buttons allow you to choose in which display (either left or
right) you want to focus to select parameters.
25
Assignable Sliders
These sliders can be used as virtual harmonic bars when the [HARM
BAR] button and [H. BAR] arrow indicator light. In that case, refer to
the footage indications below the sliders for their specic functions
(p. 29). In case the [MIXER] button and arrow indicator light, the
sliders work as in a mixer. Refer to the indications above the sliders
for their specic functions (p. 33).
26
CURSOR/VALUE SELECT (push ) dial
This dial can be used to move the cursor in the selected display, to
select parameters and to set values.
Press this dial to conrm your selection or deselection of the
display item where the cursor is.
27
DISPLAY SELECT
This button swaps the focus between the left and right display.
28
PERFORMANCE LIST button
This button calls up the Performance or Music Assistant List (p.
57).
29
PERFORMANCE WRITE button
The main function of this button is to save Performance settings.
Depending on the selected display page, it can also be used to save
Rhythms, Songs and One Touch.
30
MENU button
This button allows you to open the BK-9’s menu page, where you
can view and select all available functions.
Press it together with the [QUICK MENU] button to listen to the
BK-9’s demo songs.
31
QUICK MENU button
This button allows you to access a contextual menu to the current
open page.
Press it together with the [MENU] button to listen to the BK-9’s
demo songs.
3334353637
4546
4849505152
53
Panel Description
16
32
MAKEUP TOOL button
Press this button to modify the settings of the current song or
rhythm. See page 97.
33
MFX button
This button enables (lights) or disables the eector.
By pressing and holding it you can access the display pages where
you can set the eects parameters.
34
MELODY INTELL button
This buttons is used to add an automatic countermelody (second
or third voice) to your solos or melodies.
Pressing and holding it calls up a display page where you can view
the “Melody Intelligent” parameters.
Press and hold it while pressing the [LYRICS] button and you will
activate/deactivate the Visual Control (p. 161).
35
LYRICS button
If you select a (MIDI or audio) song with Lyrics data, pressing this
button will display the words of that song on the internal display.
The BK-9 will also display the chords of such Standard MIDI les
(SMF). For more details see ““ p. 47
36
TRACK MUTE/CENTER CANCEL button
This button lets you mute the accompaniment parts of the selected
rhythm, so that only the bass and drum parts are played back. It
also lets you mute the melody part of the selected MIDI File, or
attenuate the vocal part at the center of an audio le (WAVE or
mp3), allowing you to sing or play that part yourself.
Pressing and holding this button calls up a display page where you
can select the Standard MIDI File or rhythm part(s) that you don’t
want to hear.
37
USB MEMORY button
Press this button to call up a list of the les stored in the USB
memory connected to BK-9‘s USB MEMORY port.
38
DEC/-, INC/+
These buttons can be used to set the values or select the Tones and
Rhythms.
39
EXIT button
This button is used to return to a higher menu level.
Press and hold it to return to BK-9’s main display page.
40
MIXER button
This button allows you to specify that the ten sliders are assigned
to the MIXER function (Reak Time Parts or Rhythm Parts) (button
lights). For more details see ““ p. 33
41
SPLIT button
Press the [SPLIT] button if you want to play dierent sounds with
your left and right hands. See ““ p. 32.
Press and hold this button to jump directly to the “split” page.
42
OCTAVE button
Press this button to open the OCTAVE temporary page and change
the octave up or down in octave steps. See ““ p. 52
43
PART ON/OFF buttons
These buttons allow you to switch the desired keyboard parts
(UPPER1, UPPER2, LOWER, M. BASS) on and o.
To change the tone assignment (the part to which you wish to
assign a dierent sound) press and hold the desired keyboard part.
See “Change a tone for a real-time part” (p. 28).
44
MODE buttons
These buttons allow you to congure the BK-9 by pressing just one
button.
Select [PIANO] to assign a piano sound to the entire keyboard.
Select [ORGAN] to assign organ sounds to the left and right hand in
a split keyboard.
45
KEY button
This button calls up the BK-9’s transposition function.
Its settings can be applied to Rhythms, Songs and the real-time
Parts (UPPER1, UPPER2, LOWER, M. BASS).
If the button indicator doesn’t light, the Rhythm, Songs and the
real-time Parts use their normal pitch.
Pressing and holding this button locks the key. See p. 52.
46
ONE TOUCH button
This button is used to recall One Touch memories page. Pressing
and holding it calls up a display page where you can edit and save
One Touch memories.
MEMO
Use the TONE buttons [1]~[4] to select or deselect a One Touch memory
(p. 41).
47
HARM BAR button
Press this button to activate the Harmonic Bar section, whose
sound can be set using the assignable sliders that double as virtual
harmonic bars.
48
USER TONE/SuperNATURAL button
This button allows you to select SuperNATURAL and User Tone
sounds.
The User Tone sounds are only available after installing optional
new sounds into the BK-9. See p. 28
49
FAVORITE button
Press this button if you want to use the TONE [0]~[9] buttons to
recall your favorite sounds (p. 35) or performances (p. 58).
50
TONE buttons (Tone selection)/[0]~[9] (numeric buttons)
These buttons allow you to select Tones by category (p. 28).
You can also use them to input numeric values. To do so, rst
activate the [NUMERIC] button.
Pressing and holding any of these buttons locks the Tone (p. 63).
51
NUMERIC button
Press this button if you want to use the TONE [0]~[9] buttonsto
enter numeric values (p. 32).
52
AUDIO KEY button
By pressing this button the rightmost keys of the BK-9’s keyboard
will be used to control audio phrases. See “16. Using Audio Phrases
(Audio Key)” (p. 65)
53
USB MEMORY compartment
Connect an optional USB memory here.
NOTE
* Carefully insert the USB memory all the way in-until it is rmly in place.
* Use USB memory sold by Roland. We cannot guarantee operation if any
another USB memory is used.
* Roland does not recommend using USB hubs, irrespective of whether they
are active or passive. Please connect only one USB memory to this port.
Rear Panel
17
Rear Panel
1
POWER switch
Turns the power on/o (p. 24).
With the factory settings BK-9’s power will automatically be
switched o 240 minutes after you stop playing or operating the
BK-9.
If BK-9’s power has been turned o automatically, you can use the
[POWER] switch to turn the BK-9 back on. If you don’t want the
power to turn o automatically, set the “Auto O” parameter to
“OFF” (p. 143).
2
DC IN socket
Connect the supplied PSB-1U AC adapter here (p. 20).
3
MIC IN jack
This is a combo jack to which you can connect either a balanced
XLR or a balanced/unbalanced 1/4” phone jack, depending on the
cable that is connected to your microphone.
“PHANTOM +48” switch
Select “ON” this switch the BK-9 provide phantom power to “MIC IN”
jack, allowing you to use a condenser microphone. See “Connecting
a Microphone” (p. 21) for details about phantom power.
4
INPUT R & L/MONO jacks
These jacks allow you to connect the audio outputs of an external
signal source (CD/mp3 player, synthesizer, etc.).
5
AUDIO OUTPUT R & L/MONO jacks
These jacks transmit all audio signals the BK-9 generates as well as
the signals you input to the BK-9.
NOTE
If you can/want to use only one channel on your external amplier,
connect the L/MONO jack to its input. For optimum sound quality, we
recommend working in stereo, though.
6
METRONOME OUT jack
The BK-9’s metronome signals can be transmitted to the
METRONOME OUT jack. You can connect headphones (Roland RH-
series) to this jack. This is useful for a drummer, for example (as
“Click Track”). You can set the metronome volume (p . 56).
7
PEDAL HOLD jack
An optional Roland DP-series or BOSS FS-5U pedal switch
connected to this jack can be used to hold the notes of the
real-time parts (p. 22). (The MELODY INTELL part can also be
sustained in this way.) This function is also referred to as “sustain” or
“damper”.
8
PEDAL EXPRESSION jack
Connect a separately available pedal expression pedal (Roland EV-
5) to this jack (p. 22).
7654321
9
PEDAL CONTROL jack
Connect a separately available pedal switch (Roland DP-series),
a separately available foot switch (BOSS FS-5U) or a separately
available expression pedal (Roland EV-5) to this jack.
The functions of this pedal are programmable and depend on the
type of pedal you connect.
See “Connecting Optional Pedals” (p. 22)
10
FC-7 PEDAL sockets
This is where you connect an optional FC-7 footswitch unit that
allows you to start, stop and select Rhythm divisions by foot. The
functions of this footswitch unit are programmable.
11
MIDI THRU/OUT/IN sockets
You can connect MIDI devices to these sockets (p. 22).
12
USB COMPUTER port
Use a USB cable to connect the BK-9 to your computer via this
connector (p. 22). A USB iPad camera connector (commercially
available) enables you to connect your iPad with your BK-9 to
enjoy dedicated applications (p. 23).
13
VIDEO OUTPUT socket
Connect this socket to the appropriate input of your TV or external
display.
NOTE
The signal format (PAL or NTSC) and aspect ratio are selectable (p. 147).
14
Ground terminal
See p. 20 for details about this terminal.
8
9
10111213
14
18
5. Shortcut List
Pressing and holding the following buttons (or button combinations) allows you to directly jump to a related parameter page, which is faster than selecting
the page in question via BK-9’s menu. Some of these buttons activate a lock function (p. 63).
Press and holdFunction
Pressing and holding one of the RHYTHM FAMILY
buttons locks the rhythm so as to keep it from
changing when you select another Performance
memory or Music Assistant.
Pressing and holding one of the TONE buttons
locks the Tone so as to keep it from changing when
you select another Performance memory or Music
Assistant.
Locks the tempo or Key setting to keep it from
changing when you select another Performance
memory or Music Assistant.
Open the “Metronome” page allowing you to specify
when and how the metronome should sound.
Opens the “Rhythm Track Mute” or “Song Track Mute”
page.
After activating record standby mode (the indicator
ashes), pressing and holding this button will cancel
that mode (use it if you don’t want to record after
all).
Takes you back to the main page, no matter where
you currently are.
Opens the “One Touch Edit” page.
Opens the “Split” page.
Opens the “Melody Intelligence” page.
19
Press and holdFunction
Opens the “Audio Key” page.
Opens the “Organ Commons” page.
Opens the “Super NATURAL Edit” page if the [Super
NATURAL] button lights.
Opens the “Chord Loop” page.
Pressing and holding one of the D-BEAM buttons
opens “D Beam” page.
Press and hold the desired PART ON/OFF button
([UPPER1], [UPPER2], [LOWER], [M. BASS]) to enable
the part where you want to change the tone.
The main page will show the selected part in
reverse.
20
Connecting the AC Adaptor
1. Turn the [VOLUME] knob all the way to the left to
minimize the volume.
2. Connect the included power cord to the AC adapter.
The indicator will light once you plug the AC adaptor into a wall
outlet.
Place the AC adapter so that the side with the indicator (see
illustration) faces upwards and the side with textual information
faces downwards.
NOTE
Depending on your region, the included power cord may dier
from the one shown above.
3. Connect the AC adaptor to BK-9’s DC IN jack.
4. Plug the power cord into a power outlet.
The indicator will light once you plug the AC adaptor into a wall
outlet
NOTE
Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the unit
(PSB-1U). Also, make sure the line voltage at the installation
matches the input voltage specied on the AC adapter body.
Other AC adapters may use a dierent polarity, or be designed
for a dierent voltage, so their use could result in damage,
malfunction, or electric shock.
NOTE
If you won’t be using the BK-9 for an extended period of time,
disconnect the power cord from the electrical outlet.
Ground Terminal
Depending on the circumstances of a particular setup, you may
experience a discomforting sensation, or perceive that the surface
feels gritty to the touch when you touch this device, microphones
connected to it, or the metal portions of other objects, such as guitars.
This is due to an innitesimal electrical charge, which is absolutely
harmless. However, if you are concerned about this, connect the
ground terminal (see gure below) with an external ground. When the
AC Adapter
Power cord
to an AC outlet
Indicator
unit is grounded, a slight hum may occur, depending on the particulars
of your installation. If you are unsure of the connection method,
contact the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland
distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.
Unsuitable places for connection
• Water pipes (may result in shock or electrocution)
• Gas pipes (may result in re or explosion)
• Telephone-line ground or lightning rod (may be dangerous in
the event of lightning)
Connecting External Audio Equipment
You can connect the OUTPUT jack to keyboard amplier, stereo
system, or other stereo audio device.
1. Turn the [VOLUME] knob all the way to the left to
minimize the volume.
2. Connect the BK-9’s OUTPUT jacks to the inputs of your
external audio device.
INPUT
LR
3. You can connect the outputs of an external signal source
to the BK-9’s INPUT jacks.
4. Use the BK-9s [AUDIO IN] knob to adjust the volume.
NOTE
• To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn
down the volume and turn o all units before making any
connections.
6. Before You Start Using BK-9
Listening Through Headphones
21
• When connection cables with resistors are used, the volume level
of equipment connected to the INPUT jacks may be low. If this
happens, use connection cables that do not contain resistors.
Listening Through Headphones
You can use headphones to enjoy the BK-9 without disturbing
those around you, such as at night.
1. Plug the headphones into the PHONES jack located on the
BK-9’s front panel.
2. Use the BK-9’s [VOLUME] knob to adjust the headphone
volume.
Cautions when using headphones
• To prevent damage to the cord’s internal conductors, avoid rough
handling. When using headphones, mainly try to handle either the
plug or the headset.
• Your headphones may be damaged if the volume of a device is
already turned up when you plug them in. Minimize the volume
before you plug in the headphones.
• Excessive input will not only damage your hearing, but may also
strain the headphones. Please enjoy music at a reasonable volume.
Connecting a Microphone
1. Turn the [VOLUME] knob all the way to the left to
minimize the volume.
2. Connect your microphone to the MIC IN jack.
3. Use the BK-9’s [VOLUME] knob to adjust the volume.
4. Use the BK-9’s [MIC VOLUME] knob to adjust the
microphone audio level.
Please set the Phantom switch on the rear of BK-9 according to your
microphone type.
NOTE
To avoid damaging of external audio system, turn the [VOLUME]
knob all the way to the left to minimize the volume before set
the Phantom switch.
Phantom +48V
Switch
Explanation
O
Dynamic Mic: 1/4“phone plug (balanced or unbalanced), XLR
connector.
On
Condenser Mic: XLR connector (48 V phantom power supported)
* If you don’t need phantom power supply, select the OFF
position.
NOTE
This instrument is equipped with balanced (XLR and 1/4” phone)
type jacks. Wiring diagrams for these jacks are shown below.
Make connections after rst checking the wiring diagrams of
other equipment you intend to connect.
MEMO
The BK-9 provides an equalizer you can set for the MIC IN jack.
See “Mic Settings” (p. 144).
NOTE
Howling could be produced depending on the location of
microphones relative to speakers. This can be remedied by:
1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s).
2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from speakers.
3. Lowering volume levels.
Before You Start Using BK-9
22
The BK-9 MIDI THRU socket exactly duplicates whatever data is being
received at the BK-9 MIDI IN socket. It is used to connect to the MIDI IN of
another device.
MIDI channels
MIDI provides sixteen channels, numbered 1~16. Even if two MIDI devices
are connected, you won’t be able to select or play sounds on the other
device unless both devices are set to the same MIDI channel. For more
details see “MIDI” (p. 151).
The BK-9 is capable to transmit and receive on all channels, 1~16.
NOTE
Before making connections with other devices, you must turn
down the volume of all devices and turn o the power to avoid
malfunctions or speaker damage.
Connecting Optional Pedals
You can connect optional pedal switches and expression pedals to
control many function of BK-9.
Connect to the
PEDAL HOLD jack
an optional Roland
DP-series or BOSS
FS-5U pedal
switch to hold the
notes of the real-
time parts.
Connect to the
PEDAL EXPRESSION
jack an optional
expression pedal
(Roland EV-5) to
control the volume.
Connect to the PEDAL CONTROL jack
an optional Roland DP-series, an optional
foot switch (BOSS FS-5U) or an optional
expression pedal (Roland EV-5) to control
dierent functions and eects.
NOTE
If you connect a Pedal Switch (e.g. DP2),
to set the function that you want to
assign see “If You Connect a Pedal Switch
(Not Continuous)” (p. 145).
If you connect a Continuos Pedal (e.g.
DP-10) or Expression Pedal, see “If You
Connect a Pedal Control (Continuous)”
(p. 145) to set the function that you
want to assign.
Connect to the
PEDAL FC-7 socket
an optional Roland
FC-7 pedal to control
dierent functions. For
more details see “Pedal
Controller FC-7” (p. 146).
NOTE
Use only the specied expression pedal (Roland EV-series, sold
separately) or pedal switch (Roland DP-series, BOSS FS-5U). By
connecting any other expression pedal or pedal switch, you risk
causing malfunction and/or damage the unit.
Connecting an Optional Vocal
Performer (VE-5, VE-20)
1. Turn the BK-9 [VOLUME] knob all the way to the left to
minimize the volume.
2. Connect your microphone to VE-5’s MIC IN jack , and
connect VE-5’s XLR OUT jack to BK-9’s MIC IN jack.
If you use VE-20, connect your microphone to VE-20’s INPUT jack,
and connect VE-20’s OUTPUT L/MONO jack to BK-9’s MIC IN jack.
NOTE
• Please set the Phantom switch on the rear
of BK-9 to “OFF”.
• Before you make connections, make sure
that the Vocal Performer is turned o.
For more details refer to VE-5 or VE-20 owner’s manual.
Connecting a MIDI Device
The BK-9 can transmit and receive performance data when
connected to an external MIDI device, which enables the two
devices to control each other’s performance.
Connection example
If you use a MIDI cable (commercially available) to connect this
unit’s MIDI OUT connector to the MIDI IN connector of your
external MIDI sound module, you’ll be able to produce sound on
the external MIDI sound module by playing this unit’s keyboard. As
necessary, set the external MIDI sound module’s receive channel to
match this unit’s MIDI transmit channel.
What is MIDI?
MIDI, short for “Musical Instrument Digital Interface,” was developed
as a universal standard for the exchange of performance data
among electronic musical instruments and computers.
The BK-9 is equipped with MIDI connectors to let it exchange
performance data with external devices. These connectors can be
used to connect the unit to an external device for even greater
versatility.
THRUI
NO
UTOUT
IN
BK-9
MIDI sound module/
sequencer
Using the BK-9 to play your MIDI sound module
Playing the BK-9’s sounds from your MIDI sequencer
Connecting the BK-9 to Your Computer
23
Connecting the BK-9 to Your
Computer
If you use a USB cable (commercially available) to connect the
COMPUTER port located on the BK-9’s rear panel to the USB port of
your computer, you’ll be able to do the following things:
• Use the BK-9 as a sound module.
• By transferring MIDI data between the BK-9 and your sequencer
software, you’ll be able to enjoy a wide range of possibilities for
music production and editing.
•
What do you need to connect the BK-9 with your
computer?
• USB cable (type A–male - type B–male: commercially available)
1. Use a standard USB cable (AgB-type connectors,
commercially available) to connect the BK-9 to your
computer as shown below.
2. Refer to the Roland website for system requirements.
Roland website: http://www.roland.com/ As an
alternative, you can connect the BK-9s MIDI OUT and MIDI
IN sockets to a MIDI interface and connect the latter to
your computer.
If the computer doesn’t ‘see’ the BK-9
Normally, you don’t need to install a driver in order to connect the
BK-9 to your computer. However, if some problem occurs, or if the
performance is poor, using the Roland original driver may solve the
problem.
For details on downloading and installing the Roland original driver,
refer to the Roland website:
http://www.roland.com/
Specify the USB driver you want to use, and then install the driver.
For details, refer to “USB Driver” (p. 143).
NOTE
• To avoid the risk of malfunction and/or damage to external
speakers, always turn the volume all the way down and switch o
the power on all devices before you make any connections.
• Only MIDI data can be transmitted and received via USB. Audio data
for a song recorded on the BK-9 cannot be transmitted or received.
• Switch on the power to the BK-9 before you start up the MIDI
application on your computer. Never turn the BK-9’s power on/o
while your MIDI application is running.
Connecting the BK-9 to Your iPad
You can connect yourBK-9 with your iPad to enjoy dedicated
applications.
What do you need to connect the BK-9 with your iPad?
• Apple iPad Camera Connection Kit (Camera connectors made by
Apple Inc.)
• USB cable (type A–male - type B–male: commercially available)
1. Connect your iPad with your BK-9 by using a USB iPad
camera connector and a USB cable.
2. Turn on your BK-9 and your iPad.
3. User your iPad to open the app.
For detailed information about the Roland Apps Lineup refer to
www.roland.com.
Connecting a Television Set
Television
RCA video connection cable
(Commercially available)
1. Switch o the BK-9 and the television set you’ll be
connecting.
2. Connect the BK-9 to your television set.
Use a RCA video connection cable (commercially available) to
connect the BK-9’s VIDEO OUTPUT socket to the television set.
3. Switch on the BK-9 (p. 24).
4. Switch on your television set.
5. (As necessary) Specify the television output format (p.
147).
6. Specify the aspect ratio for your television set.
The aspect ratio is the proportional relationship between the width
and height of the screen.
Before You Start Using BK-9
24
AA
Front side (keyboard)
Rear panel side
Front
Rubber Feet
Rear Rubber FeetRear Rubber Feet
842 mm
NOTE
The height of the KS-12 can be set to 3 levels. Avoid selecting
the highest level (760 mm, 29-15/16 inches) for the BK-9.
Please set the KS-12 to its lowest (630 mm, 24-13/16 inches) or
medium (695 mm, 27-3/8 inches) height for the BK-9..
Turning the Power On/O
Once everything is properly connected, be sure to follow the
procedure below to turn on their power. See “6. Before You Start
Using BK-9” (p. 20). If you turn on equipment in the wrong order,
you risk causing malfunction or equipment failure.
Turning the Power On
1. Turn the [VOLUME] knob all the way to the left to
minimize the volume
NOTE
Before turning the BK-9 on/o, always be sure to turn the
volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might
hear some sound when switching the BK-9 on/o.
However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
2. Press the [POWER] switch to turn on the power.
On
O
Installing the Music Rest
1. Install the music rest as shown in the illustration.
NOTE
• When moving the BK-9, be sure to remove the music rest as a
safety precaution.
• Do not apply excessive force to the music rest.
• The music rest is not designed to accept the placement of
laptops or other heavy objects.
Placing the BK-9 on the Stand
If you place the BK-9 on a stand, you must use the KS-12 (sold separately).
NOTE
• When placing the BK-9 on the stand, be careful not to pinch
your ngers between the instrument and the stand.
• When lifting the BK-9 onto the stand, make sure to enlist the
help of at least one other person.
• Using the BK-9 with any other stand may produce an unstable
situation, possibly causing the instrument to fall or overturn,
and resulting in injury or damage.
• For details on how to assemble the stand, refer to the owner’s
manual that accompanied the stand.
1. Adjust the KS-12 Stand so that the width between the
holes is 842 mm.
842 mm
2. Place the BK-9 in the position shown in the illustration.
3. Position the BK-9 front rubber feet “A” so they t inside
the holes on the stand.
Demo of the BK-9
25
The power will turn on, an opening message will appear in the
BK-9’s screens, and then the main page will appear in the left
display and the Tone selection will appear in the right display.
Left Display
Right Display
After a brief interval, the BK-9 will be ready to produce sound.
3. Use the [VOLUME] knob to adjust the volume.
NOTE
This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval
(a few seconds) after power up is required before the unit will
operate normally.
Turning the Power O
1. Turn the [VOLUME] knob all the way to the left to
minimize the volume.
NOTE
Never switch o the BK-9 while playback or recording is running
or while data are being read from, or written to, an external USB
memory. Doing so may corrupt the unit’s data or the data on the
USB memory
2. Press the BK-9’s [POWER] switch.
The display will go dark and the power will turn o.
NOTE
If you need to turn o the power completely, rst turn o the
[POWER] switch, then unplug the power cord from the power
outlet. Refer to “Connecting the AC Adaptor” (p. 20).
If you don’t want the power to turn o
automatically, turn the “Auto O” setting o !
With the factory settings, the unit’s power will automati-
cally be switched o 30 minutes after you stop playing or
operating the unit.
Shortly before the BK-9 shuts down automatically, the display
starts counting down the seconds. If you want to keep using
the BK-9 at this stage, press any button. When the BK-9 is
turned o by the “Auto O” function, the [POWER] button’s
position doesn’t change, which means that you need to press
it once, wait a few seconds, then press it again to switch the
BK-9 back on.
If you don’t want the power to turn o automatically, change
the “Auto O” setting to “OFF” as described on p. 143.
NOTE
When the BK-9 has been switched o by “Auto O” , you need
to press the [POWER] button, wait a few seconds, then press the
button again to switch the BK-9 back on. (Do not switch it on
too quickly.)
Demo of the BK-9
Your BK-9 contains a demo that introduces all of its highlights. It might be
a good idea to try it out now. The demo is self-explanatory, so we’ll just
show you how to start and stop it.
1. Simultaneously press the [MENU] and [QUICK MENU]
buttons.
Playback starts automatically with the demo song.
2. Press the [EXIT] button to leave the demo function.
NOTE
No data for the music that is played back will be output from
MIDI OUT.
NOTE
All rights reserved. Unauthorized use of this material for
purposes other than private, personal enjoyment is a violation
of applicable laws.
26
About the Displays and Cursor
Operation
This section introduces the information that appear on the main page.
Moreover this section illustrates which display you want to focus on and
how to navigate the menu.
Selecting the Display to Operate on It
BK-9 is equipped with two displays so as give you access to several
useful information at the same time.
Depending on the environment that you are using you could need
to select in which display you want to act (left or right). In most
cases you will nd the main page on the left.
The lit selection button shows which display is active.
Left Display
Selection Button
Right Display
Selection Button
Take into consideration that the BK-9 changes the focus between
left and right displays according to your actions on the panel.
You have two ways to select on which display you want to act:
1. Press the selection button placed under the display that
you wish to enable
- alternatively -
Press the [DISPLAY SELECT] button.
The chosen selection button lights.
Now all operations that you perform by the [CURSOR/VALUE
SELECT (push )] dial and the [INC]/[DEC] buttons will act on the
selected display.
Main Page
The BK-9 main page contains many useful information and
modiable elds that allow you to change tones, rhythms and so
on.
1. Press the selection button placed under the left display to
enable it.
Alternatively you can use the [DISPLAY SELECT] button.
You can use the [CURSOR/VALUE SELECT (push )] dial and the
7. Basic Operation of the BK-9
[INC]/[DEC] buttons to change the modiable eld. See “Browsing
Windows and Setting Parameter Values”.
Current measure
or remaining time
Time signatureTempo setting or time
stretching
Lock status eld
Selected or linked
le type: stl, SMF,
WAVE, mp3
Name of the last
chord you played
Name of the selected
rhythm (or loaded
le)
Wireless icon
One Touch
memory
indication
Real-time parts
modiable elds
Current “Key”
setting
Tone name
Active part
(Upper1) for
changing tone
Visual Control
indication
Browsing Windows and Setting
Parameter Values
Using the dial you can navigate the menu, select the setting you
want to change and change it:
Here is an example of how to navigate in the menu and how to change a
value ([
MENU] button g “Global” g “Display Brightness”).
1. Press the [MENU] button.
The right display changes to:
Right Display
About the Displays and Cursor Operation
27
The right display selection button lights.
This page allows you to select the function group that contains the
setting you want to change.
2. Use the dial to select the entry of the desired function
group.
For this example, we will select “Global”.
3. Push the dial to go to the “Global” function group.
The display changes to:
Right Display
On this display page, “Display Brightness”, “Tuning” and other entries
can be changed directly. Other entries provide access to additional
display pages.
4. Use the dial to move the cursor to the parameter
whose value you want to change. For example “Display
Brightness”.
5. Use the [INC]/[DEC] buttons to change the value
or
push the dial to select the parameter, rotate the dial to
change the value and push the dial again to deselect the
eld.
TIPS
You can change value without selecting or deselecting the
parameter (thus avoiding to push the dial) but using the [INC] or
[DEC] buttons directly on the highlighted eld.
6. Press the [EXIT] button to leave the “Global” page or push
and hold it to return to the main page.
How to type a name in BK-9
Using BK-9 you’ll have to enter the name of a song, style or rename
some existing les.
1. Rotate the dial or press the [INC] and [DEC] buttons to
select the desired character position.
The buttons below allow you the following operations:
ButtonExplanation
Press this button to switch between upper-case, lower-case
characters, numbers and symbols.
Press this button to delete the selected character.
Press this button to insert a character.
2. Use the TONE [0]~[9] buttons to enter the desired
characters.
3. Repeat steps (1) and (2) above to complete the name.
4. Press the [WRITE] button to save your settings.
Using the ‘Help’ function
Whenever the display shows a “? hold NUMERIC” message, the BK-9
can provide some explanations about the parameters currently
shown in the display. To view this information, proceed as follows:
Right Display
1. Select a page where the above eld is displayed, then
press and hold the [NUMERIC] button.
A pop-up window similar to the following appears:
Right Display
2. Press the [EXIT] button (or press [NUMERIC] again) to
close the “Help” window.
28
The main page displays the selected real-time parts in reverse.
NOTE
You can select more than one part at a time. The selection of
tone will be applied on the latest enabled part.
2. Play the keyboard.
You’ll hear the sound of the selected part. If you selected more than
one part you will hear them in layer.
Change a tone for a real-time part
3. If the part where you want to change the tone is not in
reverse on the main page, press and hold the desired
PART ON/OFF button ([UPPER1], [UPPER2], [LOWER], [M.
BASS]) to enable it.
The main page will show the selected part in reverse.
Left Display
In the example above you selected UPPER2.
4. Press a TONE [0]~[9] buttons; alternatively press [USER
TONE/SuperNATURAL] to select a sound family.
The following screen appears:
Your BK-9 contains four real-time parts: Upper 1, Upper 2, Lower
and Manual Bass. You can assign a desired sound to each part. You
can easily choose to play your BK-9 either as an Organ or as a Piano.
Selecting Piano and Organ Mode Easily
The BK-9 allows you to congure the keyboard either in Piano or
Organ mode by pressing just one button.
Select Piano Mode
1. Press the MODE [PIANO] button.
The MODE [PIANO] and the [USER TONE/SuperNATURAL] buttons
are lit.
2. The BK-9 plays SuperNATURAL piano sound over the
entire keyboard.
To change the sound please see “Selecting Tones and Playing the
Keyboard” below.
Select Organ Mode
1. Press the MODE [ORGAN] button.
The MODE [ORGAN] and the [HAR. BAR] buttons are lit.
2. The BK-9 plays organ sounds.
The Harmonic Bar sounds are automatically selected to the Upper 1,
Lower and Manual Bass part.
The keyboard is set in Split mode and the following parts are
assigned to the keyboard: Lower and Manual Bass to the left and
Upper 1 to the right half.
3. Use the sliders below the display to change the organ
registration.
For more details see “Using the Harmonic Bars” (p. 29)
Selecting Tones and Playing the
Keyboard
In BK-9 the sounds you can assign to the parts are called “Tones”.
The BK-9 allows you to assign any of the available Tones to any of
the four real-time parts.
Tone selection always applies to the part (UP1, UP2, LWR, M. BASS)
whose eld on the main page is currently displayed in reverse.
Left Display
In the example above the selection of tones will be applied to the Upper
1 part.
Select a real-time part
1. Press one of the PART ON/OFF buttons to select the parts
that you want to play.
8. Playing the BK-9’s Real-Time Parts
About SuperNATURAL Sounds
29
Right Display
In the example above you selected [USER TONE/SuperNATURAL] .
The sound selected is highlighted.
MEMO
You can also select one of the favorite sounds. See “9. Favorite
Tones” (p. 35).
5. Play the keyboard.
You’ll hear the sound of the selected instrument.
6. Press the [INC] or [DEC] button to select another desired
Tone in the list.
MEMO
Tones can also be selected by simply pressing the [NUMERIC]
key and entering their number (p. 32).
7. You can also use dial to move the cursor in the list and
then press it to select the Tone.
In this case the Tone is recalled when you push the dial.
8. If you need to select a Tone of another family, press
another Tone or SuperNATURAL button and repeat the
step 4.
NOTE
The User Tone sounds may be subject to some future possible
expansion. In that case they would be available only after
installing them. The detailed instruction about how to install
them will be provided together with those new sounds.
For future possible User Tone Expansion see on www.
rolandcontent.com.
About SuperNATURAL Sounds
The SuperNATURAL acoustic tones do not merely reproduce the
sound of acoustic instruments, they also use Behavior Modeling
Technology to simulate the characteristic behavior of an instrument
when it is played.
A dedicated sound engine tuned specically for each type
of instrument analyzes the phrases performed by the player,
automatically dierentiating between chordal and melodic playing
to produce the optimal expression for a performance.
For example, the “guitar” SuperNATURAL acoustic tone allows your
conventional keyboard playing to create a realistically expressive
solo guitar sound that sounds as if it were being played by a
guitarist.
What is SuperNATURAL?
These are proprietary Roland sounds created
using Behavior Modeling Technology, which
enables natural and rich expression that was
dicult to achieve on earlier sound generators.
What is Behavior Modeling Technology?
Not only physical modeling of the instruments, Roland takes it a
step further by modeling the instrument’s distinctive behavior
that responds to how the performer plays, resulting in true-to-life,
expressive sounds in real-time.
Each SuperNATURAL instrument provides eective performance
variation sounds; you can use [S1] and [S2] (default) to instantly
switch between them as you play.
You can also assign dedicated eects to CC1~CC3 sliders (p. 130).
For the list of variation sounds please see the “Tone & Drum Kit List“.
You can download it from http://www.roland.com/manuals.
MEMO
As default [S1] and [2] button are assigned to “SN Variation 1 “
and “SN Variation 2“.
Using the Harmonic Bars
The harmonic bars are assigned to sounds of dierent footage
(pitch). You can create a wide variety of organ sounds by layering
these sounds..
The volume will be loudest when the harmonic bars are fully
lowered; there will be no sound when the harmonic bars are fully
raised.
1. Press one of the PART ON/OFF buttons to select the parts
that you want to play.
2. If the part where you want to change the tone is not in
reverse on the main page, press and hold the desired
PART ON/OFF button ([UPPER1], [UPPER2], [LOWER], [M.
BASS]) to enable it.
The main page will show the selected part in reverse.
3. Press the [HARM. BAR] button.
The button lights and the rst 9 sliders now act as harmonic bars.
Playing the BK-9’s Real-Time Parts
30
Registration
Number
Genre
Registration
Number
Genre
1Macro Jazz 15Macro Jazz 5
2Macro Jazz 26Rock
3Macro Jazz 37Ballad 1
4Macro Jazz 48Ballad 2
The following screen appears:
Right Display
The left display shows the organ parameter available. See below.
4. Play a few notes with your right hand and move
the sliders below the displays to change the organ
registration.
You can set split mode to play dierent Harmonic Bar organ sound
for the left and right hand.. See “Play Dierent Voices with the Left
and Right Hands (Split)” (p. 32).
5. Use the assignable “H.Bar Level” slider (Red slider) to
adjust the overall organ volume (default).
NOTE
You can assign the ““H.BAR Level” slider to adjust the Overdrive
Level. See “H.Bar Level Slider Assign (H.Bar Level)” (p. 146).
6. Press a TONE [0]~[9] or [USER TONE/SuperNATURAL]
button to exit and select another tone.
Using the Registration Memories
The BK-9 contains a virtual organ with 8 preset Registration
memories.
Right Display
1. Press the [HARM. BAR] button.
2. Rotate the dial to select the Registration memory you
want to recall. See the Registration memory table below.
3. Push the dial to recall.
Using the Harmonic Bars
31
Hard Rock
Here’s a typical setting for hard rock of the ‘70s.
As desired, you can add a bit of 2’ (the 2-foot bar). Also, add the
“AMPLIFIER OVERDRIVE” (p. 32).
Set the Percussion (2nd, 3rd) as you desire (p. 32).
Pop
Here’s a typical setting for pops of the ‘60s.
Set the Percussion (2nd, 3rd) as you desire (p. 32).
Progressive Rock
Here’s a setting for the progressive rock that was popular in the ‘70s.
Add the C-3 chorus (p. 32) and the “AMPLIFIER OVERDRIVE” (p.
32).
Set the Percussion (2nd, 3rd) as you desire (p. 32).
Jazz
This is a standard setting for jazz organ.
Add the C-3 chorus (p. 32) .
Set the Percussion (2nd, 3rd) as you desire (p. 32).
Rock
Here’s a typical setting for rock of the ‘70s.
“AMPLIFIER OVERDRIVE” (p. 32).
Set the Percussion (2nd, 3rd) as you desire (p. 32).
Blue
Here’s a standard blues sound.
As desired, you can add a bit of 1’ (the 1-foot bar).
Set the Percussion o.
Pipe Organ
Here’s a setting for a pipe organ sound.
Add the reverb. See “Setting the Volume of the Real-Time Parts or
Rhythm Parts (Mixer)” (p. 33)
Set the Percussion o.
Jazz (manual bass)
Here’s a setting for a bass sound played in the left hand (manual
bass).
Set the Percussion (2nd, 3rd) as you desire (p. 32).
Setting Example of Harmonic Bars
Playing the BK-9’s Real-Time Parts
32
Organ eects
If you selected Harmonic Bars the left display shows the organ
parameter available.
Left Display
1. Press the selection button placed under the left display to
enable it.
2. Use the dial to edit the parameter you want to change.
ParameterValueExplanation
Percussion
2nd
Percussion of the same pitch as the 4’ harmonic bar
will be heard.
3rd
Percussion of the same pitch as the 2-2/3’ harmonic
bar will be heard.
SOFT
• SOFT
The percussion sound will be decreased, and the
harmonic bars will have their usual volume.
The volume when percussion is softened can
be adjusted by the parameter”PercSoftLevel” (p.
134).
• NORMAL (“SOFT” not active)
The percussion sound will be normal.
The volume of percussion can be adjusted by
the parameter “PercNormalLevel” (p. 134).
SLOW
• SLOW
The percussion sound will decay more slowly,
producing a gentler attack.
The percussion decay time can be adjusted by
the parameter “PercSlowTime” (p. 134).
• FAST (“SLOW” not active)
The percussion sound will decay fast.
The percussion decay time can be adjusted by
the parameter “PercFastTime” (p. 134).
VIB/CHORUS
OFF, ON
You can apply vibrato or chorus to the organ
sound.
V-1, V-2, V-3
C-1, C-2, C-3
The eect will intensify as the vibrato type (V-1,
V-2, V-3) or chorus type (C-1, C-2, C-3) moves to a
higher number
AMPLIFIER
TYPE
I, II, III, IV, V
The BK-9 simulates four dierent amp types, allow-
ing you to produce various kinds of distortion. For
more details see “Amp Type” (p. 136).
AMPLIFIER
OVERDRIVE
0~127
A value toward 127 raise the gain, adding
distortion to the sound.
TONE WHEEL
Leakage
0~127You can adjust the level of the leakage noise.
ROTARY
BRAKE
Switches the rotation of the rotary speaker. When
this is turned on, the rotation will gradually stop.
When it is turned o, the rotation will gradually
resume.
SLOW, FASTChange the speeds of the Rotary eect.
OFF, ONEnable or disable the rotary.
To make additional detailed settings for the tonewheel organ see
“Organ Commons” (p. 134).
Play Dierent Voices with the Left
and Right Hands (Split)
1. Press the [SPLIT] button
The [SPLIT] button lights.
The BK-9 is now in Split mode: note numbers below the split point
are used to transpose rhythm playback in real-time and to play
the Lower and Manual Bass part (if they are active). Note numbers
above the split point can be used to play melodies using the Upper
parts.
C4 (default)
Lower and M. Bass
Upper parts
Split Point
2. Press the PART ON/OFF [UPPER 1] and the [LOWER] button
to activate the Upper and Lower part.
3. Play the keyboard.
The notes you play with your left hand sound the Lower part , while
the notes you play with your right sound the Upper 1 part.
4. Press the PART ON/OFF [UPPER 2] button.
The notes you play with your right hand sound the Upper 1 and
Upper 2 part in layer.
5. Press the PART ON/OFF [M. BASS] button.
• If the Lower part is active a monophonic bass part is added to
the left hand. The bass notes depend on the chords you play.
• If the Lower part is not active a polyphonic bass part is added to
the left hand. The bass notes depend on the real notes you play.
MEMO
The default setting for the split point is note number 60 (C4).
You can change the split point to a dierent note (“Split Point”
(p. 136).
Using the ‘Numeric’ function to Select Tones, Rhythms and Performances
33
Using the ‘Numeric’ function to Select
Tones, Rhythms and Performances
The “Numeric” function can be used to enter the number of the Tone,
Rhythm or Performance memory you want to use, which is faster than
scrolling with the dial.
Below please nd an example that shows you how to use the “NUMERIC”
function for selecting Tones.
1. Press the TONE [0]~[9] button that contains the
instrumental sound that you want to play.
MEMO
By pressing and holding one of these buttons, you activate the
lock function for Tone selection, which means that Tones no
longer change when you select Performance memories. See
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