LOS ANGELES, Calif. (MuseWire) – 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.