Roland PK5 vs Roland PK6

[IguanaBass]

Hi. Does anyone can explain me the differences between Roland PK5 and Roland PK6 pedalboards? Is necessary an external midi sound source or it is possible to "load" the midi patches into the pedalboards?. Thanks a lot.

 

[jef4490]

As an owner of the PK-5, I believe the real difference is a few additional features on the newer (6) model. Both will require an external midi module (be it a keyboard with sounds or a standalone module) and are unable to have sounds loaded into them. PK-6 might be a bit more user friendly.

 

[IguanaBass]

Thanks jef4490! Have you experienced some alternative pedal board to control a keyboard synth.?

 

[jef4490]

I have dabbled around with a few others, but I am very happy with the pk-5, which I use for live performance several times monthly. For the price, I would say the pk-5 is the most sturdy and legitimate pedal controller on the market. The Moog Taurus 3 of course are another very good option (and those have their own sounds on board in addition to being able to act as a midi controller), but the price is not really in the same ballpark as the pk-5. So it depends what you're looking for.

This thread also has some other options, including a lot of DIY alternatives.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f36/bass-pedal-taurus-roland-midi-etc-club-781414/

 

[IguanaBass]

Thanks jef your info is very useful!

 

[JohnBindon]

Jeff and Iguana - I also have the Roland PK-5 dynamic pedals. I'm totally new with these pedals - from reading I see and understand that I need a midi sound module.

The sounds I'm looking for are mainly low, droning, sustaining bass notes. What MIDI sound module would you recommend for me ?

I've read in some forums that certain MIDI sound modules don't project enough power for a live performance.

I'd also prefer that there be some orchestral sounds in the MIDI unit as well - say violins, cellos and violas.

 

[Stewie26]

I'd also prefer that there be some orchestral sounds in the MIDI unit as well - say violins, cellos and violas.

I use this foot pedal for playing synth string pad chords for some Pink Floyd covers we do live.

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[FVZZ]

Jeff and Iguana - I also have the Roland PK-5 dynamic pedals. I'm totally new with these pedals - from reading I see and understand that I need a midi sound module.
The sounds I'm looking for are mainly low, droning, sustaining bass notes. What MIDI sound module would you recommend for me
I've read in some forums that certain MIDI sound modules don't project enough power for a live performance.
I'd also prefer that there be some orchestral sounds in the MIDI unit as well - say violins, cellos and violas.

Hi John, did you ever get the PK5 with synth modules? I'm curious to know how it worked out for you. There are too many options to pull off what you wanted, depending on budget. Say, a protheus FX costs about $100 and has a massive library. $200 nets you a Useaudio Plugiator which features an ARP Odyssey, Prophet 12, Minimoog and a Hammond. you'd find a ton of newer gear for $300, like rack Synth modules and DSP instruments.

 

[WalWarrior]

Hey guys - Any advice for a newbie? Been playing Bass for 40 years but just purchased a Korg Triton Extreme to learn to play piano and want to use this in an act to cover RUSH tunes. Do I purchase a Roland pedal board or similar and connect it to the Triton for the synth sounds? Any of you guys doing that now and how do you suggest I get started? Thanks for all your help.

 

[Bassman316]

Hey guys - Any advice for a newbie? Been playing Bass for 40 years but just purchased a Korg Triton Extreme to learn to play piano and want to use this in an act to cover RUSH tunes. Do I purchase a Roland pedal board or similar and connect it to the Triton for the synth sounds? Any of you guys doing that now and how do you suggest I get started? Thanks for all your help.

Found this thread in a Google search for the manual for my PK-5A pedals. I know this is a solid 2+ years after your question, but you could do that, yes. I purchased my Roland pedal board a long time ago, and only about four years ago or so I purchased a Moog Minitaur to trigger with the pedals. It works great as a less expensive alternative to an actual Moog Taurus unit. But the Roland pedalboard can be connected via MIDI to any synth module. I don't think Roland is currently producing MIDI foot pedals like the PK-5 or PK-6 but I'm sure there are units that can be found used online.

 

[grouse789]

Hey guys - Any advice for a newbie? Been playing Bass for 40 years but just purchased a Korg Triton Extreme to learn to play piano and want to use this in an act to cover RUSH tunes. Do I purchase a Roland pedal board or similar and connect it to the Triton for the synth sounds? Any of you guys doing that now and how do you suggest I get started? Thanks for all your help.

I have a triton 66? Keys. I have also used the pK-5 with it for various triggers and sequencers.
I haven’t used it in about 5 years, but yes indeed it works.