The Performance Editor revolutionizes how easy it is to set up your BK-9. It's really a PITA to do with the arrangers screens and buttons (compared to the G70, at least) what can now be done quickly and intuitively from the iPad.

One of the BEST things it does is there is now a Tone name on the Mixer faders channel. BK-9, the mixer doesn't tell you what each Part is playing, so it's tough to grab a fader and dial down a Part you don't want to hear (so loud, at least!). Even if you don't use the iPads faders, showing that screen while you play lets you know which BK-9 fader to pull.

I'm hoping Roland can combine ALL the BK-9 apps into one über-app, though. It's still a PITA to close one and open another to do different things. We need one app for the entire OS...

text talk


are you wireless or using the camera kit

So, on the iPad app, can you set up a song with your desired styles, sounds and settings? Like the Korg SongBook?

Yes, done through performances. it does not store or use text files though.

Why didn't you tell me that before I bought the Pa900?

Are you ready for another rumor?

In the works...BK9 voice harmony (4 part app for ipad) and BK9 studio ( 8 track audio recording with mastering effects app for ipad)...OS update will be needed..

I did hear that. Hope it's true, and I expect it is.

I agree. It makes me wonder why keyboard manufacturers don`t incorporate a touch screen on all their keyboard lines. I know Korg is an exception here. The cost of touch screen technology is falling day by day and the utility of having a touchscreen and a button layout well designed could be a killer deal for pros and amateurs alike.

The ease with which things can be changed, possibility of adding future software features increases etc. Both arrangers and especially workstation users would benefit dramatically with a wide touchscreen and a stable software. Probably Apple should start making the screen and the keyboard OS[without itunes though]

Regards,
Jez

Does anyone know if a generic WNA1100 Wireless USB Adapter will work, or does it have to be the one specified by Roland: WNA1100-RL?
You can get the Netgear brand on Ebay for $10 or so shipped.
Roland's is $50 or more.

Diki told me you can't use the wireless adapter AND your USB stick at the same time, so wireless is not really an option. I have to get a cable to connect the Ipad to the input on the rear, which I suppose is for that purpose.
Seems like bad planning by Roland on this.

I must have to disagree with Roland on these new apps...

To be quite frank, anyone who has an iPad probably has a computer or laptop, and they do recording MUCH better than the iPad.

And an iPad VH? Only if it runs at the same time as the Performance editor (it won't!). And it will still be FAR inferior to a dedicated VH. OK, it'll hopefully be cheap, but Roland are missing the POINT...

The BK's dual screen is a PITA to use. They need to replicate the ENTIRE OS controls from the G70, and have the iPad be a Virtual Touchscreen for the BK-9. That is, EVERYTHING on the screen, same layout as the G70.

That was touchscreen nirvana, everything you wanted to do (and everything else!) was a couple of touches away. Tone selection, Performance selection, style selection, Makeup Tools, Style Creator, 16 track Sequencer, file management, Mastering Tools...

Roland made the BEST system I've ever seen. So of COURSE, they had to drop it!

But, in the spirit of the Chord Sequencer, any great idea CAN be revived... One Master BK-9 app (and spinoffs for the BK-7m and BK-5/3) that controls the entire machine, and Roland have got themselves a world class arranger system.

Can they do it?

These two new apps seem to indicate their head is still stuck up that dark place! I seriously doubt anyone in charge of Roland's arranger division has ever PLAYED an arranger as their main keyboard...

Don't forget these are not stand alone apps...they are the interface to be used with the BK9...the power resides in the BK9..

Recording and playing back eight tracks isn't something that currently resides in the BK-9. I'm not sure the BK's hardware is capable of this. But Garage Band and many other iPad apps can easily handle multitrack audio. I have a feeling this one is primarily dependent on the iPad, rather than the BK-9.

And iPad's can digitize all by themselves, but it's nice to have perhaps a better A/D converter. However, once again, unless this is your first foray into recording, odds are you have a MUCH better interface for the computer DAW.

But the good news is, perhaps when they bring out the new OS for dealing with these apps, they can have another round of little bugfixes and new features.

Me, I'm hoping mostly for a Link system for .CSQ Chord Sequencer files (be nice when you load a Performance, it can load up the CS for you too if you made one in advance), and a Link for the .JPG files per Performance (be nice to have a music or lyrics scan for arranger mode).

Somehow, Roland keep missing the PRACTICAL things that we users really need, but keep adding fluff of little value except to the noobs.

Don, the cable is a usb 2 male and 3 male end (in the manual - you might know this). Got the camera kit today (had a gift card forgot to use - fun to get old). Board in next week.