What exactly is the "Cover" feature?

Thanks,
Glenn

QUOTE from G-70 manual:

......the Cover functions first introduced on Roland’s
unique DisCover 5 keyboard…

COVER button:
This button provides access to pre-programmed templates
that allow you to quickly modify a song’s or
Music Style’s character.

Style Cover :
30 ALL Covers
18 Drum Covers
24 Bass Covers

Cover functions and Makeup Tools for Standard
MIDI Files and Music Styles:
Reorchestrating existing Standard MIDI Files and Music
Styles has become a breeze thanks to high-quality Song
and Style Cover presets and an intuitive, instrumentbased,
set of MAKEUP TOOLS parameters that allow you
to “revoice” your songs and Styles without spending
hours editing single events.
The structure of Standard MIDI Files can be changed in
real-time thanks to four programmable MARK & JUMP
memories, which allows you to play extended versions
of prerecorded songs.

Song Cover function:
The COVER function provides “masks” that change the
instrumentation of the selected song (or Music Style).
Simply by selecting another preset, you can cause a
Viennese waltz to be played back by a heavy metal
band, etc. Even though the arrangement (rhythm, riffs)
does not change, the songs’ character can be modified
beyond recognition.

Style Cover function:
The COVER function provides “masks” that change the
instrumentation of the selected Style. Simply by selecting
another preset, you can cause a Viennese waltz to
be played back by a heavy metal band, etc. Even though
the arrangement (rhythm, riffs) does not change, the
Style’s character can be modified beyond recognition.

End QUOTE


Hope this lines from the manual give some answers to your
question.

Cheers
GJ

Glenn & all that while your playing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fF1tOKg3W0w


look at 2:11 of the demo

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 12-22-2008).]

Glenn, the COVER feature is useful if you don't like the original instrument assignments of a SMF or style. The various covers will insert different instruments to give a completely different sound. It's nice when the original sounds need some tweeking but you don't have the time or talent to change them up, or maybe you just want a change...

The DC5 is a great instrument and many of its features carried over to the G70 and E80/60/50. The harmonizer and cover features set the Roland keyboards apart from the others.

Looks like a fun little unit to use live. How are the sounds? Something like the G70, or Sound Canvas?

User definable, or "take what you get"? How helpful is the feature for playing live? Seems like a nice feature, but hit the Cover button and you're gonna be surprised?

Thanks,
Glenn



[This message has been edited by GlennT (edited 12-22-2008).]

There are pages of different Full Cover selections, Pop, Rock, Live, Jazz, Techno, etc.. or you may just want to use the Drum covers or just the Bass covers the combinations are endless. Or you can mix the Cover Tools with the Makeup tools for infinite edits on every sound within a style..

Can anyone elaborate on how the sounds are?

Thanks

Not being knowledgeable of architecture, I would say they are a step above G1000 but pre-G70. The sounds are actually very good, maybe a little crisp for a Roland, but still good Roland sounds. Keyboard is lively with a nice feel. It is a great 61-note keyboard for anyone who likes Roland's sounds & harmonizer and uses a lot of midi files. The COVER feature is helpful, especially if you feel the need to bump up or calm down a particular file; you can keep the file as is and always use the cover or save the file with the new cover instruments. It makes a great 'live' board and is also useful in a home studio.

http://www.rolandkeyboardclub.com/v/prod_detail.php?id=2&selected=3&pagina=1

D5 demos
http://www.rolandus.com/products/productdetails.aspx?ObjectId=560
http://beemp3.com/download.php?file=1021205&song=Roland+DisCover+5+-+Cover-Funktion

[This message has been edited by Dnj (edited 12-22-2008).]