I just got my module a few hours ago, so this really IS just a first impression. Let's just say, I'm underwhelmed. The sounds are ok, I guess, but no better than my Sonicell IMO. The OS is a breeze and very intuitive if you've used Rolands in the past. The styles, IN MY OPINION, are boring as all getout and leave no doubt that you are listening to an arranger. I like the 'dated' styles on my old PA1x Pro better by a 5 to 1 margin, but I'm sure that is because of the type of music that I prefer, which Korg does a much better job of. It seems to work fine with my FC7 pedal but it must be assigned correctly first. The pianos are good, but again, very similar to the ones in my Sonicell and Fantom G7.

Would I have bought it after a 1 hour checkout in the store? Probably not. Will I unload it? Probably not. I will probably use it with my VP-770 (a far more capable instrument than most people know) to support a female vocalist I work with. If I don't use the arranger functions in this role (just WAV's and/or MP3's), I could use the Sonicell or even the VP-770 standalone. Both, but especially the VP-770, handle file playing as good or better than the BK7m.

As I listen more and/or come across more 3rd party styles (styles being the biggest disappointment for me), I may change my opinion, but for now, I'm thinking that that grand may have been better spent towards Bill Lewis's B3 .

chas

Yep, that real Hammond would have been nice...well, you could always just get some Hammond decals, and some wood grain sticky vinyl for the Nord...Ha Ha!

Seriously, is the BK-7m that similar to the Sonic-Cell?

The styles sounded so much more "detailed" than on the earlier arrangers, at least in the on-line demos....did you at least find them improved in that way?

Ian

You could get a B-3 for a grand?!?!?! WHERE!?!?!

DocZ

Hey Chas

Your ears burning. Got to see Fran's very entertaining band this weekend and your name came up---don't worry all good! Said you were coming for a visit maybe.
You seem to be one of the few who don't like the BK7m. I'm very intrigued by it and will probably get one. Sooooooo. if you are really interested in the B3, and when and if you see it you will be ,HA!, we could work the module into the deal.
Com'on you only live once. I want it to have a good home with someone who will appreciate it. Got a new video studio interested but so far they are still thinking.

As I've had more of an opportunity to spend time with this module, I have to say that my feelings haven't changed very much. My main negative about this module, in fact my ONLY negative about this module, is the STYLES. This is a matter of personal preference and is NOT a reflection on the QUALITY of the styles. Judging by the positive responses to some of the demos put up by some SZ members, I would say that the styles in this module would be very well received (and useable) by most members here. They absolutely are very detailed and well programmed and most of the instrument voices are on par with or better than anything in the arranger world. The drums are as good or better than anything I've heard on an arranger, including my beloved Korg PA. It's the STYLES

Have you tried some older Roland styles? Maby you can try some found at http://home.planet.nl/~aeduin/downloadRoland.htm

Chas,

I was just going to suggest what Frans has done...there must be some styles from the G-70/E-series/Prelude/GW-8 that will tickle your fancy...and perhaps Fran or someone else with a G-70 has a collection they would share with you?

Is there a particular genre you prefer?

Ian

I finally got the module to work as expected by choosing "digital piano" instead of "master keyboard" during the setup. However, when I tried some of the legacy styles the unit reverted back to not functioning as expected. It worked great with the built-in styles.

You might try selecting choices on setup and see if that makes any difference in the styles -it did on mine.

Hammer

As I've had more of an opportunity to spend time with this module, I have to say that my feelings haven't changed very much. My main negative about this module, in fact my ONLY negative about this module, is the STYLES. This is a matter of personal preference and is NOT a reflection on the QUALITY of the styles. Judging by the positive responses to some of the demos put up by some SZ members, I would say that the styles in this module would be very well received (and usable) by most members here. They absolutely are very detailed and well programmed and most of the instrument voices are on par with or better than anything in the arranger world. The drums are as good or better than anything I've heard on an arranger, including my beloved Korg PA. It's the STYLES that I find uninspiring, lacking in dynamics; in a word, BORING. If you mute the arr. tracks, there are some decent, even good, bass/drum patterns which are VERY usable and is the main reason I'm keeping the module. It's OS is as good and intuitive as Korg's is bad and unintuitive. Also like the small footprint which makes it suitable for placing on top of your controller keyboard.

I think the positives far outweigh the negatives, but for me, an arranger is all about STYLES, STYLES, STYLES. STYLES that match the type of music that you play. I will try to use this module live (a first for me) to accompany a female vocalist, with either my VP-770 or my Nord C1 (haven't decided yet - both drive it just fine). In my 'studio', I will use it with my Roland A70 controller keyboard. I'll spend this afternoon programming the A70 for maximum KB control over the BK7m. The FC-7 foot controller works perfectly and in the default position, controls all four variations plus start/stop. Sadly, I can't use it with the C1 configuration because of my PK7a pedals. It will actually set on top of the PK7a but I can't see it well enough to use it.

I have to say, for an inexpensive arranger module, the 'tones' (Roland speak) are first rate. If you like Roland Styles, with the right controller, you could have an excellent $1500 Arranger keyboard (Module+controller).

I won't post anything because I think too much stock is placed on how much a person likes that type of music. Everyone (including me) loves Telmo's 'productions' and quite a few attribute it to the T4, although 50% of the 'content' comes from sources outside the T4. In that case, we give high marks to the T4, based in large part, on the artistry of the performer and external content. Not that the T4 isn't an excellent instrument, but, as Tony Hughes points out, Telmo is going to make it sound a heck of a lot better than you or I, especially live out on a gig. JMO.

chas

I agree about the factory styles on ALL of the arrangers not being exactly what we'd like...that's why I spend so much time editing and assembling styles that suit me.

Of course, not everyone wants to do that, and most of the people I talk with are totally happy with their arrangers (of any brand) without any additions. Personally, I've added nothing to my Tyros4 except for re-programming styles...I don't see the need for extra samples, or bunches of custom registration banks...the instrument has more than enough sonic power for my needs, right out of the box.

I hope the BK-7m works out for you...it sure appears to be a handy little rig. You should be able to find at least a few styles among the zillions available for Roland arrangers that at least make you reasonably happy...if I had felt as disappointed as you do with your BK-7m, with my Tyros4, I'd probably send it back....as you say, the STYLES are what count.

Have you tried re-programming/re-assembling/re-voicing the ones on the BK-7m? It's supposed to have the same tools as the arrangers.

Ian

Chas,
I received styles from Fran many years ago which I am using in the BK7M. In fact, there are so many styles from Fran that I've had to create several folders to get them all onto the USB drive. The great thing is that you might have 300 styles in one folder, three hundred in another, etc. and as quick as you select a new folder in the BK7m and find the style you like, it there instantly. Plus, you can make performance lists with styles and sounds from any folder or internal and they call up instantly. That way you can put them in any order you wish, etc. I could send these to you but I see you've already been in contact with Fran from another post and he will take care of your style needs I'm sure. There are so many that are available for every kind of music.

George is right on here. I have all those styles too - thousands of them. I'am in the process of sorting them all out to fit my gig needs.

By the way, a big thanks to George for his great service. I got my BK7m in a very timely way and everything turned out just like he said.

Thanks George,
Deane

Thanks for the help and suggestions guys. I use arrangers in a slightly different way than most here, so some of my feelings and observations may not be 100% valid here. I wanted to try using an arranger with just a female singer (for her gigs, not mine) and I thought maybe the BK7m might be more 'contemporary' than my PA1x pro, so I was slightly disappointed when I discovered that I liked the Korg styles better than the Roland ones. I'm sure that once I customize some styles for the 25 or so songs we do together, it'll be just fine. I also have to find the right controller to use in this situation. It'll work it out, I'm sure.

BTW, we're getting so many of these things here on the zone that we'll have form a little BK7m subculture. We can be King of the Hill until Yamaha comes out with the T4m (module version of the T4 ). With my Sonicell and Fantom G7, I think I may have too much Roland 'tone' redundancy here . I also have the A70 with the onboard sound card, an original SC55, a VP-550, a VP-770, an A33 controller, and a PK7a pedalboard. I think I'm turning into Fran 'Roland' Carango .

chas

Chas,I have your Korg styles converted to Roland if you want them...I had to change the bass from trumpet to a bass after conversion...Most are already fixed..They are some of my favorite "go to" styles

Yeah, I'd love to have them, Fran. BTW, I hooked up the tv, a 7" EVIANT I picked up in Costco (the usual impulse buy ). It works just as George describes - perfectly. Also, those two midi's are really great arrangements. Everything played back perfectly, of course. In fact, I'm so happy, I probably won't say anything bad about you for at least a week.........I said PROBably .

chas

Yes, I'm trying to visualize those clandestine meetings with Fran, who arrives being carried in a G-70 shaped sedan chair (complete with Roland logos) by his bevy of lovely roadies, his BK-7m on a satin pillow...he'll probably try to convince you his Memory stick is bigger than yours...

You have a lot to look forward to.

Ian

Are these all free downloads? Any chance of getting a virus?

Hey Doc, I'll sell you a mint Roland VK8 for $900 shipped! It's clean as a whistle!