ROLAND BK-3 (01) PDF Document

Pressing and holding specific buttons or button combinations on your ROLAND BK-3 allows you to directly access related parameter pages or activate lock functions. This is faster than navigating through the menu.

To power your ROLAND BK-3, follow these steps to connect the AC adapter:

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.

3. Connect the AC adapter to the BK-3’s DC IN jack on the rear panel.

4. Plug the power cord into a power outlet. The indicator on the AC adapter will light up.

It is important to use only the supplied AC adapter (PSB-1U) and ensure the line voltage matches the input voltage specified on the adapter’s body.

You can connect headphones or external equipment like an amplifier or stereo system to your ROLAND BK-3.

1. Turn the [VOLUME] knob all the way to the left to minimize the volume.

2. Connect your headphones or the cable from your external audio device to the PHONES/OUTPUT jack on the rear panel of the BK-3.

3. Use the BK-3’s [VOLUME] knob to adjust the volume to a comfortable level.

When a plug is inserted into the PHONES/OUTPUT jack, the internal speakers are automatically shut off. If you are connecting to an external audio device and want the internal speakers to remain active, you can change the “Speaker Mode” parameter in the menu.

The ROLAND BK-3 can send and receive MIDI data to control or be controlled by other MIDI devices. For example, to play sounds from an external MIDI sound module using the BK-3’s keyboard, use a MIDI cable to connect the MIDI OUT port on the BK-3 to the MIDI IN port of the external sound module.

To play the BK-3’s sounds from an external MIDI sequencer, connect the MIDI OUT of the sequencer to the MIDI IN of the BK-3.

Before making any connections, ensure the volume of all devices is turned down and their power is off to prevent malfunctions or speaker damage.

You can connect your ROLAND BK-3 to a computer to use it as a sound module or to transfer MIDI data with sequencer software.

1. Use a standard A-to-B type USB cable.

2. Connect the B-type connector to the USB COMPUTER port on the rear panel of the BK-3.

3. Connect the A-type connector to a USB port on your computer.

Normally, you do not need to install a driver. If you encounter problems or poor performance, you may need to install the original Roland driver. Ensure you turn on the power to the BK-3 before starting any MIDI application on your computer.

The ROLAND BK-3 has a PEDAL HOLD/SWITCH jack on the rear panel for connecting an optional footswitch (like a Roland DP-series or BOSS FS-5U). Simply plug the footswitch into this jack. By default, the footswitch will control the “Hold” (sustain) function. You can assign other functions to the footswitch in the menu settings.

To install the music rest on your ROLAND BK-3, insert the tabs on the bottom of the rest into the corresponding slots on the top panel of the keyboard. Please note that the music rest is not designed to hold heavy objects like laptops.

Turning the Power On:

1. Turn the [VOLUME] knob all the way to the left to minimize the volume.

2. Press the [POWER] switch on the rear panel to turn on the power. The main page will appear on the display after a brief interval.

3. Use the [VOLUME] knob to adjust the volume.

Turning the Power Off:

1. Turn the [VOLUME] knob all the way to the left.

2. Press the [POWER] switch to turn the power off. The display will go dark.

Never switch off the power while data is being played, recorded, or accessed from a USB memory.

By default, the ROLAND BK-3 will automatically power off 30 minutes after you stop playing or operating it. To disable this feature, change the “AUTO OFF” setting to “OFF”. This setting can be found in the menu options.

If the unit has turned off automatically, you must press the [POWER] switch once, wait a few seconds, then press it again to switch the BK-3 back on.

If the rhythm accompaniment or song is too loud or soft compared to your keyboard playing, you can adjust the balance on your ROLAND BK-3 using the [BACKING] and [KEYBOARD] buttons located under the BALANCE label on the left front panel. Pressing either button will display a “BALANCE” pop-up window where you can see the current setting. Pressing the buttons together will center the volume balance.

To listen to the demo on your ROLAND BK-3, which showcases its features:

1. Simultaneously press the [MENU] and [EXIT] buttons. Playback will start automatically.

2. To stop the demo, press the [EXIT] button.

To navigate the menu system and adjust parameters on your ROLAND BK-3:

1. Press the [MENU] button to open the main menu page.

2. Use the [UP] or [DOWN] cursor buttons to select a function group (e.g., Global, Performance Edit).

3. Press the [ENTER] button to enter the selected group.

4. Use the [UP] or [DOWN] buttons to move the cursor to the parameter you want to change.

5. Press the [ENTER] button to select the parameter field.

6. Use the [INC] (increase) or [DEC] (decrease) buttons to change the value.

7. Press [ENTER] again to deselect the field.

Press the [EXIT] button to return to a higher menu level. Press and hold [EXIT] to return to the main display page.

To select and play a sound for the main keyboard part (Upper Part) on your ROLAND BK-3:

1. Press one of the TONE buttons [0]-[9] to select an instrument category (e.g., PIANO, STRINGS). A list of sounds in that category will appear on the screen.

2. Play the keyboard to hear the currently selected sound.

3. Use the [INC] or [DEC] buttons to scroll through other sounds in the list.

4. You can also use the [UP] or [DOWN] cursor buttons to navigate the list and press [ENTER] to select a Tone.

5. Press [EXIT] to leave the Tone selection page.

To layer two sounds together (Dual mode) on your ROLAND BK-3:

1. Press and hold the [DUAL] button. A screen will appear allowing you to select a sound for the Lower part (LWR).

2. Use the [INC]/[DEC] or cursor buttons to select the desired sound for the layer.

3. Press the [DUAL] button to activate the layered sound. The [DUAL] button will light up.

4. Play the keyboard. You will hear the sound of the Lower and Upper parts simultaneously across the entire keyboard.

5. Press [EXIT] to leave the tone selection page for the Lower part.

To split the keyboard and play different sounds with each hand on your ROLAND BK-3:

1. Press the [SPLIT] button. The button will light up, indicating Split mode is active. Notes below the split point are used for rhythm control, and notes above are for playing melodies with the Upper part (UPP).

2. Press the [DUAL] button to activate the Lower part (LWR). The [DUAL] button will light up.

3. Now, when you play the keyboard, notes played with your left hand (below the split point) will sound the Lower part, and notes played with your right hand (above the split point) will sound the Upper part. The default split point is C4, but this can be changed in the menu.

The ‘Numeric’ function allows you to quickly select an item by entering its number directly:

1. Press a TONE, RHYTHM FAMILY, or PERFORMANCE LIST button to bring up the desired list.

2. Press the [NUMERIC] button. A “Numeric” entry window will open.

3. Use the TONE buttons [0]-[9] to enter the number of the item you want to select. For Tones, you can enter up to 4 digits. For Rhythms and Performances, up to 3 digits.

4. Press the [ENTER] button to confirm your entry. The BK-3 will jump to the selected item.

5. Press [EXIT] to return to the main page.

To adjust the volume balance of the Upper (UPP) and Lower (LWR) parts on your ROLAND BK-3:

1. Simultaneously press the [SPLIT] and [DUAL] buttons. This will bring up the “Parts Volume” page.

2. Use the [UP] or [DOWN] cursor buttons to select either the UPP Volume or LWR Volume field.

3. Use the [INC] or [DEC] buttons to adjust the volume to the desired level.

Recalling a Favorite Tone:

1. Press the [FAVORITE] button so it is lit.

2. Press one of the TONE buttons [0]–[9] to select the favorite tone you want to play on the Upper part. The selected sound will be recalled immediately.

Creating and Saving a Favorite Tone:

1. While the [FAVORITE] button is dark, select the sound you want to memorize.

2. Press and hold the [FAVORITE] button and simultaneously press a TONE button [0]–[9] to save the sound to that memory location.

Viewing the List of Favorite Tones:

Press the [FAVORITE] and [NUMERIC] buttons simultaneously (without holding them). The “Favorite” window will appear, showing the list of 10 sounds.

The ROLAND BK-3 features interactive rhythms that provide full accompaniment based on the chords you play. Here is how to use them:

1. Select a Rhythm: Press one of the RHYTHM FAMILY buttons (e.g., POP ROCK, JAZZ BLUES) to choose a category, then use the [INC]/[DEC] buttons to select a specific rhythm from the list.

2. Start Playback: Press the [START/STOP] button to begin the rhythm. While playing, the button’s indicator will flash.

3. Sync Start: To start the rhythm the moment you play a chord, press the [SYNC START] button. The indicator will light red. Now, playing a note or chord on the keyboard (in the chord recognition area if Split is on) will start the rhythm.

4. Change Variations: Press the VARIATION [1], [2], [3], or [4] buttons to switch between simpler and more complex arrangements of the accompaniment.

5. Use Intros and Endings: Before starting, press the [INTRO] button. The rhythm will begin with an introduction. While playing, press the [ENDING] button to trigger a musical ending before the rhythm stops.

6. Add Fills: With the [AUTO FILL IN] button lit, the BK-3 will automatically play a musical transition (a fill) whenever you switch to a different VARIATION.

7. Stop Playback: Press the [START/STOP] button again to stop the rhythm.

One Touch memories provide pre-programmed Tones and settings that match the currently selected rhythm. Each rhythm has four One Touch memories.

1. Select the rhythm you want to play.

2. Press the [ONE TOUCH] button. Its indicator will light, and the indicators for TONE buttons [1]–[4] will flash.

3. Press one of the flashing TONE buttons [1]–[4] to recall the associated One Touch memory. The button you pressed will light steadily, and the keyboard’s sound and other settings will change to match the rhythm.

4. Start the rhythm and play a melody. You can press a different TONE button [1]–[4] at any time to switch to another set of sounds suitable for a different section of the song.

To exit One Touch mode, press the TONE button that is lit steadily, then press the [ONE TOUCH] button.

You can customize and save your own One Touch settings for any rhythm.

1. Connect an optional USB memory to the BK-3.

2. Press and hold the [ONE TOUCH] button to enter the “One Touch Edit” page. This page shows the current sounds assigned to the four One Touch memories.

3. Use the [UP]/[DOWN] and [INC]/[DEC] buttons to select the One Touch memory you want to edit (1-4), and press [ENTER].

4. Change the required settings, such as the Tones for the Upper and Lower parts, effects, and button statuses (e.g., [SPLIT], [DUAL]).

5. Use the [UP]/[DOWN] buttons to select the memory location where you want to save your new settings.

6. Press the [WRITE] button.

7. A confirmation message will appear. Use the [INC]/[DEC] buttons to select “Yes” and press [ENTER]. This saves the rhythm and its new One Touch settings to the “My Rhythms” folder on your USB memory.

The ROLAND BK-3 can read and play back the following file types from a connected USB memory device:

1. Connect a USB memory containing your song or rhythm files to the USB MEMORY port on the BK-3.

2. Press the [USB MEMORY] button. The display will show the contents of the USB memory.

3. Use the [UP] or [DOWN] cursor buttons to navigate and select the file you want to play. If the file is inside a folder, select the folder and press [ENTER] to open it.

4. Press the [ENTER] button to load the selected file.

5. Press the [START/STOP] button to begin playback. For songs, this button also functions as pause/resume. The [SYNC START] button functions as stop. The [INTRO] button rewinds, and the [ENDING] button fast-forwards.

The loop function allows you to repeat a specific passage of a song.

1. Start playback of the song from your USB memory.

2. When the song reaches the beginning of the passage you want to loop, press the VARIATION [3] button. This sets the loop’s start point (Mark A). The button will flash.

3. When the song reaches the end of the passage you want to loop, press the VARIATION [4] button. This sets the loop’s end point (Mark B). The button will light, and the VARIATION [3] button will continue to flash.

4. To activate the loop, press the VARIATION [3] button again. It will light steadily, and the passage between Mark A and Mark B will now play back repeatedly.

5. To deactivate the loop and continue normal playback, press the flashing VARIATION [3] button.

6. To delete the loop points, press the VARIATION [4] button.

The ROLAND BK-3 allows you to mute individual tracks of rhythms and SMF songs, or reduce the vocal part of audio files.

1. Select and start playing a rhythm, SMF song, or audio file (mp3, WAV).

2. Press the [TRACK MUTE/CENTER CANCEL] button. Its indicator will light.

Depending on the file type, one of the following will happen:

• Rhythm: Specified accompaniment tracks (e.g., AC1-AC6) are muted by default.
• SMF Song: A specified track (default channel 4) is muted.
• Audio File (mp3/WAV): The Center Cancel function is activated, which minimizes sounds in the center of the stereo image, typically the lead vocal.

To select which specific tracks to mute for Rhythms or SMF songs, press and hold the [TRACK MUTE/CENTER CANCEL] button to access the “Track Mute” screen.

You can record your entire performance, including keyboard playing and rhythm/song accompaniment, as a WAV audio file on a USB memory.

1. Connect a USB memory with sufficient free space.

2. Prepare your performance: select your rhythm/song, set tones, levels, and effects.

3. Press the [AUDIO REC] button. The button’s indicator will flash, putting the BK-3 in record-standby mode.

4. Press the [START/STOP] button to begin recording. The indicators of both [AUDIO REC] and [START/STOP] will light up. The main page will show the elapsed recording time.

5. Perform your music.

6. When you are finished, press the [AUDIO REC] or [START/STOP] button to stop recording.

7. A “Save” screen will appear, suggesting a name for your recording (e.g., “My Recording 001”). You can edit the name using the cursor and [INC]/[DEC] buttons.

8. Press the flashing [WRITE] button to save the audio file. The file will be saved in WAV format to the “My Recordings” folder on the USB memory.

A Factory Reset will restore your ROLAND BK-3 to its original settings. This action does not affect data stored on a connected USB memory.

1. Press the [MENU] button.

2. Use the [UP] or [DOWN] cursor buttons to select “Factory Reset”, then press the [ENTER] button.

3. A confirmation message will appear. Use the [INC] or [DEC] button to select “YES”, then press the [ENTER] button to proceed.

4. A message will confirm that the BK-3 has been initialized.

Formatting a USB memory will erase all its contents. It is recommended to back up any important data to a computer before formatting.

1. Connect the USB memory you want to format to the USB MEMORY port on the BK-3’s rear panel.

2. Press the [MENU] button.

3. Use the [UP] or [DOWN] buttons to find and select the “Format USB Device” entry, then press the [ENTER] button.

4. A warning message will appear. To proceed, use the [INC] or [DEC] button to select “YES”, then press the [ENTER] button.

A confirmation message will appear once the formatting is complete. The process will create several folders on the USB memory: My Performances, My Recordings, My Rhythms, and My Songs.

If your ROLAND BK-3 does not turn on, check the following:

• Is the included AC adapter/power cord correctly connected to both an AC outlet and the BK-3?

• Are you using the correct AC adapter and power cord that were included with the unit? Using other adapters can cause malfunctions.

• Did you press the [POWER] switch on the rear panel?

If you are not getting any sound from your ROLAND BK-3, please check these points:

• Could the main [VOLUME] knob be turned all the way down? Try turning it up.

• Can you hear sound through headphones? If yes, the issue may be with your external amplifier or connection cables. Check your external equipment and cables.

• Could the volume settings for the individual parts (Upper, Lower, Rhythm, etc.) be set to zero? Check the volume parameters in the menu.

• Could an external MIDI device have sent a message that lowered the volume?

If you cannot hear the vocal part of an audio file (mp3 or WAV) or the melody of an SMF file, check the [TRACK MUTE/CENTER CANCEL] button. If its indicator is lit, the function is active.

• For audio files, the Center Cancel function is attenuating the vocal sound. Press the button to turn it off.

• For SMF files, the Track Mute function is muting the melody track. Press the button to turn it off.

If your ROLAND BK-3 is having trouble with a USB memory, consider the following solutions:

• Are you using a Roland-branded USB memory (M-UF series)? Performance with other brands is not guaranteed.

• Check the format of the USB memory. The BK-3 requires the USB memory to be formatted as FAT. If it was formatted differently, please re-format it using the BK-3.

• Could the USB memory be write-protected?

If you are having trouble connecting your ROLAND BK-3 to a wireless LAN, check these possibilities:

• Make sure your wireless LAN access point supports WPS. If it doesn’t, you must connect by manually selecting the access point from the list.

• Have you entered the correct password for the network?

• The 802.11a/b wireless standards are not supported. Ensure your access point uses the 802.11g/n (2.4 GHz) standard.

• The WEP authentication method is not supported. Use WPA or WPA2 authentication.

• Ensure that DHCP is enabled for your wireless LAN access point.

• The BK-3 has a limit to the number of connection data profiles it can remember. Making a new connection may cause older connection data to be deleted, requiring you to set it up again.

• If you previously used Ad-Hoc mode, ensure that it is turned OFF in the wireless settings.