Roland Releases First Backing Keyboard

BK-5 Offers New Range of Keyboard Applications

Los Angeles, CA, January 19, 2012 — Roland is proud to announce the release of its very first  backing keyboard, the BK-5,  the latest in a series of Roland musical instruments with intelligent backing-track technology. Hundreds of great music, rhythms, and tones from around the world are available at the touch of a  button. With exceptional sound quality, a comfortable user interface,  and seemingly endless accompaniment possibilities, the new BK-5 is  perfect for one-man bands, hobbyists, beginners,  and professional entertainers.

The  distinguished sound and music rhythm quality of the new BK-5 is derived  from the BK-7m, Roland’s world-class “band in a briefcase” backing  module. Song and  rhythm makeup tools for standard MIDI files and rhythms are also  offered along with a second drum track for rhythms and SMF.

Music  assistants and rhythms included in the new BK-5 backing keyboard cover a  variety of musical genres and are compatible with  BK-7m/E-series/G-series/V-series.  Other features include 128 polyphony, over 1150 sounds, 60 drum kits, song playback, recorder, rhythm composer, video output, and audio input.

USB  memory allows for easy audio recording and hosts an embedded rhythm  composer lending to both performance and training applications. Backing  music (rhythm, SMF,  MP3, WAV) can be pulled directly from USB memory as well.

Audio  in and video out make it possible for a wide range of performance and  entertainment options. Video out also lets the performer enjoy SMF/MP3  lyrics with friends  or the audience on an external screen.

The BK-5 will be available in February 2012. MSRP on the BK-5 is $1,199. For more information, visit www.RolandConnect.com.