Yep, that is one cool little module!

What a great way to add Roland ingredients to the Yamaha recipe...I always felt the Roland and Yamaha voices complimented one another.

That module would be perfect for the Yamaha P-95 piano (which has dedicated midi ports).

Ian

Or a MoXF, Kronos/M3, K2600, Nord C1 (if the MIDI issues are sorted out), heck, just about ANYTHING that doesn't already have a decent arranger section.... like an MS for instance!

The Kronos (from what we've heard so far) would sure make an impressive partner. That is one formidable instrument.

A buddy of mine just ordered a Hammond XK3c last week...I'm going to send him the above links.

Yep the Mediastation could use a real arranger section, instead of the half-hearted effort it uses now.

If this module is allegedly much like the E-80, how well do you think it will deal with conversions of styles from Yamaha and Korg...based on how the E-80 presently handles them?

Ian

Haha Good one Diki

The E/G needs translation software to read any other format (as do most arrangers) and the BK will be no different. As you are quite aware, much in Yamaha styles doesn't translate well to other arrangers, as the Mega-voice sounds don't translate well, and a few other things (those expression commands can be an issue, too) come over poorly.

But basically, IF a style has a decent E80 translation already, it should sound just as good on the BK. The beta tester said so far, only the E80's UPG's (Registrations) failed to be imported, which is usually the case until software can be developed to translate.

Don't go overboard with the E80 comparisons, though. The beta tester was primarily referring to style equivalency. The BK is STILL based more around the Preludes FEATURES (if not its' sound), so you get two UPR and one LWR Part, not the 3/2 of the E80, and no VH, etc..

Yeah I must admit I am seriously looking at one of these and a Kronos, to replace the PA2, if the PA3 does not meet my anticipated expectations.

Dennis

I don't think the BK 7m have Melody Intelligent

Yes it does. p.61 of the manual...

Doesn't appear to be a way to switch it on and off interactively that I can find, but you CAN program it into a Performance. Might be worth contacting Roland and see if you can get it added to the FC-7 or Footswitch options...

One could probably program that into a Behringer FCB I'd reckon. It does use the only available MIDI port though, and then one would need to use the thru options (ie keyboard to FCB to BK.

Not recommended for the split second midi-clock timing required to trigger chord changes.

But it could work.

My roland rep was at my store right after NAMM and he knows my needs and told me that unlike the styles in the GW8L this module has better sounds and styles. Because Roland has gone heavy into the wood cabinet digital piano market and the portable stage pianos there marketing people went the direction of the module rather than a new arranger keyboard. I have also been told I will receive them around the end of March.