thomann Startone BK-61 User manual

BK-61
keyboard
user manual

Thomann GmbH
Hans-Thomann-Straße 1
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: [phone]
Internet: www.thomann.de
24.01.2022, ID: 524517

Table of contents
1 General information.............................................................................................................. 4
1.1 Further information........................................................................................................ 4
1.2 Notational conventions................................................................................................. 4
1.3 Symbols and signal words........................................................................................... 5
2 Safety instructions................................................................................................................. 6
3 Features....................................................................................................................................... 8
4 Assembly instructions.......................................................................................................... 9
5 Connections and operating elements........................................................................ 11
6 Connection options............................................................................................................. 14
7 Operating................................................................................................................................. 15
7.1 Powering up the keyboard........................................................................................ 15
7.1.1 Automatic shuto..................................................................................................... 15
7.2 Setting overall volume................................................................................................ 15
7.3 Setting the rhythm volume....................................................................................... 15
7.4 Fine tuning...................................................................................................................... 15
7.5 Transposing..................................................................................................................... 16
7.6 Chord accompaniment............................................................................................... 16
7.7 Record and playback................................................................................................... 17
7.8 Programming mode.................................................................................................... 17
7.9 Voice selection............................................................................................................... 18
7.10 Rhythm selection........................................................................................................ 18
7.11 Demo song selection................................................................................................ 18
7.12 Synchronous start function.................................................................................... 19
7.13 Fill bars (Fill In)............................................................................................................. 19
7.14 Intro and Ending......................................................................................................... 19
7.15 Metronome................................................................................................................... 19
7.16 Percussion selection.................................................................................................. 20
7.17 Learning mode 'One key teaching'...................................................................... 20
7.18 Learning mode 'Follow teaching'......................................................................... 20
7.19 Sustain eect................................................................................................................ 21
7.20 Vibrato eect................................................................................................................ 21
7.21 Split mode..................................................................................................................... 21
8 Demo song list....................................................................................................................... 22
9 Rhythm list............................................................................................................................... 23
10 Voice list.................................................................................................................................... 27
11 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................... 31
12 Technical specications.................................................................................................... 32
13 Protecting the environment........................................................................................... 33
Table of contents
BK-61
3

1 General information
This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device.
Read and follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future refer‐
ence. Make sure that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the
device to another user, be sure that they also receive this manual.
Our products and user manuals are subject to a process of continuous development.
We therefore reserve the right to make changes without notice. Please refer to the
latest version of the user manual which is ready for download under
www.thomann.de.
1.1 Further information
On our website (www.thomann.de) you will nd lots of further information and
details on the following points:
Download This manual is also available as PDF le for you to download.
Keyword search Use the search function in the electronic version to nd the
topics of interest for you quickly.
Online guides Our online guides provide detailed information on technical
basics and terms.
Personal
consultation
For personal consultation please contact our
technical hotline.
Service If you have any problems with the device the
customer service will gladly assist you.
1.2 Notational conventions
This manual uses the following notational conventions:
The letterings for connectors and controls are marked by square brackets and italics.
Examples: [VOLUME] control, [Mono] button.
The individual steps of an instruction are numbered consecutively. The result of a
step is indented and highlighted by an arrow.
Example:
1. Switch on the device.
2. Press [Auto].
ðAutomatic operation is started.
3. Switch o the device.
Letterings
Instructions
General information
keyboard
4

References to other locations in this manual are identied by an arrow and the speci‐
ed page number. In the electronic version of the manual, you can click the cross-
reference to jump to the specied location.
Example: See Ä ‘Cross-references’ on page 5.
1.3 Symbols and signal words
In this section you will nd an overview of the meaning of symbols and signal words
that are used in this manual.
Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates
an immediate dangerous situation that will result in
death or serious injury if it is not avoided.
CAUTION! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates
a possible dangerous situation that can result in minor
injury if it is not avoided.
NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word indicates
a possible dangerous situation that can result in mate‐
rial and environmental damage if it is not avoided.
Warning signs Type of danger
Warning – high-voltage.
Warning – danger zone.
Cross-references
General information
BK-61
5

2 Safety instructions
This device is intended to be used for electronic sound generation using a piano key‐
board. Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use
under other operating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in per‐
sonal injury or property damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting
from improper use.
This device may be used only by persons with sucient physical, sensorial, and intel‐
lectual abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons
may use this device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is
responsible for their safety.
Safety
DANGER!
Danger for children
Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are disposed of properly and are not within reach of babies and young children. Choking
hazard! Ensure that children do not detach any small parts (e.g. knobs or the like) from the unit. They could swallow the pieces
and choke! Never let children unattended use electrical devices.
DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages inside
Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never remove any covers. There are no user-serviceable
parts inside. Do not use the device if covers, protectors or optical components are missing or damaged.
CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage
The device can produce volume levels that may cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment. Over an extended period of
time, even levels that seem to be uncritical can cause hearing damage. Decrease the volume level immediately if you experience
ringing in your ears or hearing impairment. If this is not possible, keep a greater distance or use sucient ear protectors.
CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage
Using headphones for a prolonged period and at high volume can cause hearing damage. Avoid using the device at high volume,
especially when using headphones.
NOTICE!
Operating conditions
This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid
direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and strong vibrations. Only operate the device within the ambient conditions specied in the chapter
‘Technical specications’ of this user manual. Avoid heavy temperature uctuations and do not switch the device on immediately
after it was exposed to temperature uctuations (for example after transport at low outside temperatures). Dust and dirt inside
can damage the unit. When operated in harmful ambient conditions (dust, smoke, nicotine, fog, etc.), the unit should be main‐
tained by qualied service personnel at regular intervals to prevent overheating and other malfunction.
NOTICE!
External power supply
The device can be powered by an external power supply. Before connecting an external power supply, ensure that the input
voltage (AC outlet) matches the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual current circuit
breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and possibly the user. Unplug the external power supply before
electrical storms occur and when the device is unused for long periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or re.
Intended use
Safety instructions
keyboard
6

NOTICE!
Risk of re due to incorrect polarity
Incorrectly inserted batteries may destroy the device or the batteries. Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting bat‐
teries.
NOTICE!
Possible damage by leaking batteries
Leaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device. Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a
longer period.
NOTICE!
Possible staining
The plasticiser contained in the rubber feet of this product may possibly react with the coating of your surface and after some
time cause permanent dark stains. In case of doubt, do not put the rubber feet directly on the surface and use a suitable underlay
if necessary, i.e. felt-pad oor protectors or similar.
Safety instructions
BK-61
7

3 Features
The keyboard is characterized by the following features:
n61 keys
n300 voices
n300 rhythms
n50 demo songs
nMetronome
nFine tuning
nSustain, Vibrato
nKeyboard Split
nTranspose function
nPercussion selectable
nAutomatic shuto
nBuilt-in speakers
nConnections: 1 × headphones output, 1 × microphone input (headphones and
microphone not included)
nPlug-in power supply and music stand included
Features
keyboard
8

4 Assembly instructions
Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit.
Keep the equipment packaging. To fully protect the product against vibration, dust
and moisture during transportation or storage use the original packaging or your
own packaging material suitable for transport or storage, respectively.
Set up the device in the desired location.
The device can be powered by batteries or with the included AC adapter.
When using batteries, remove the plug-in power supply and remove the
batteries when using the plug-in power supply.
NOTICE!
Possible damage by leaking batteries
Leaking batteries can cause permanent damage to the device.
Take batteries out of the device if it is not going to be used for a longer
period.
NOTICE!
Risk of re due to incorrect polarity
Incorrectly inserted batteries may destroy the device or the batteries.
Ensure that proper polarity is observed when inserting batteries.
Batteries are not charged in the device.
Inserting batteries
1. Make sure that the device is switched o before inserting or replacing bat‐
teries.
2. Press and hold the left key until the volume is at minimum before inserting the
batteries into the keyboard. This is to protect the speakers from damage.
3. Open the battery compartment cover on the underside of the device and
insert six AA size batteries. Pay attention to the correct polarity.
Always use batteries of the same type and do not use new and used batteries
at the same time.
4. Reattach the battery compartment cover and snap it into place.
Voltage supply
Assembly instructions
BK-61
9

Power adapter
1. Make sure that the device is turned o before you connect it to the power
supply or disconnect it.
2. Press the left key repeatedly until the volume is at minimum before inserting
the batteries into the keyboard. This is to protect the speakers from damage.
3. Connect the cable from the power adapter outlet to the input socket [DC 9V]
on the rear panel of the keyboard.
4. Plug the power adapter into a properly wired mains wall outlet.
Mic Headphones
DC 9V
Assembly instructions
keyboard
10

5 Connections and operating elements
1[Master Volume]
Buttons to adjust the overall volume
2[Rhythm Volume]
Buttons to adjust the rhythm volume
3[Fine tuning]
Buttons for ne tuning
4[Transpose]
Buttons for transposing
Overview
Control panel
Connections and operating elements
BK-61
11

5[Single chord]
Button to activate the accompaniment with one-nger chords
6[Finger chord]
Button to activate the accompaniment with multi-nger chords
7[Low chord]
Button for changing the bass eect of the chord accompaniment
8[Chord clear]
Button to activate / deactivate the chord accompaniment
9[ON] / [OFF]
Main switch. Turns the device on and o.
10 [Record]
Button for activating the recording mode
11 [Program]
Button to activate the programming mode
12 [Play]
Button to playback the recording
13 Display
14 [Voice]
Button to select the voices
15 [Rhythm]
Button to select the rhythms
16 [Demo]
Button for selecting a demo song
17 [0]…[9] / [–] / [+]
Numeric buttons to select a value or parameter.
18 [Start / Stop]
Button for starting / ending a rhythm or song
19 [Sync]
Button to activate / deactivate the sync-start function
20 [Fill in]
Button to activate / deactivate the ll-in function
21 [Intro/ending]
Press the button to play an intro or ending
22 [Beat]
Button to activate / deactivate the metronome.
Connections and operating elements
keyboard
12

23 [- Tempo +]
Buttons for adjusting the tempo
24 Buttons to select the desired percussion
Hi-hat open Hi-hat closed Snare L Bongo L Bass Drum H soft Bass Drum L
25 [One key teaching]
Button to activate a learning mode in which the song being played continues, regardless of whether you play the
notes correctly or not
26 [Follow teaching]
Button to activate a learning mode, in which you can see on the display whether you are playing the notes correctly
and then automatically continue with the next note
27 [Sustain]
Button to activate / deactivate the Sustain eect.
28 [Vibrato]
Button to activate / deactivate the Vibrato eect
29 [Keyboard split]
Button to activate / deactivate the split mode
30 [Mic]
Input socket for a microphone, designed as 3.5 mm jack socket
31 [Headphones]
Output socket for headphones, designed as a ¼" jack socket, stereo
32 [DC 9V]
Connection socket for the plug-in power supply
Rear panel connections
Mic Headphones
DC 9V
Connections and operating elements
BK-61
13

6 Connection options
Use the output socket [Headphones] to connect headphones to the keyboard.
Connecting headphones (not supplied) to the output mutes the speakers.
Never operate the headphones at high volume as this can permanently damage your
hearing.
Use the connection socket [Mic] to connect a dynamic microphone (not supplied) to
the keyboard.
NOTICE!
To prevent damage to the speakers, turn the volume down to minimum
before you connect a microphone to the keyboard. Disconnect the
microphone from the keyboard when it is not in use.
Headphones
Mic Headphones
DC 9V
Microphone
Mic Headphones
DC 9V
Connection options
keyboard
14

7 Operating
7.1 Powering up the keyboard
1. Press [ON] / [OFF] to turn the keyboard on.
ðThe keyboard is operational.
2. Press [ON] / [OFF] again to turn the keyboard o.
7.1.1 Automatic shuto
If the keyboard is not used for 5 minutes, it automatically switches to standby mode.
Press any button to reactivate the keyboard.
7.2 Setting overall volume
Use the [Master Volume] buttons to adjust a pleasant volume for playback and prac‐
tising. There are 8 levels ( ‘00’ …‘07’ ) available. The setting after switching on the key‐
board is always ‘06’ .
1. Press the left button to decrease the volume.
2. Press the right button to increase the volume.
7.3 Setting the rhythm volume
Use the [Rhythm Volume] buttons to adjust a pleasant rhythm volume for playback
and practising. There are 8 levels ( ‘00’ …‘07’ ) available. The setting after switching on
the keyboard is always ‘06’ .
1. Press the left button to decrease the volume.
2. Press the right button to increase the volume.
7.4 Fine tuning
With this function you can adjust the pitch of a tone between the adjacent two tones
in 99 steps.
1. Press the left button to adjust the pitch of the tone downwards.
2. Press the right button to adjust the pitch of the tone upwards.
3. Press both buttons simultaneously to restore the default setting.
Operating
BK-61
15

7.5 Transposing
With this function you can adjust the pitch of the keyboard in up to 6 semitone steps
up or down.
1. Press the left button to adjust the pitch of the keyboard downwards.
2. Press the right button to adjust the pitch of the keyboard upwards.
3. Press both buttons simultaneously to restore the default setting.
7.6 Chord accompaniment
With this function you can activate a chord accompaniment by pressing one of the
19 left piano keys with one nger.
1. Start the rhythm.
2. Press [Single chord] to activate the one-nger chord accompaniment.
3. Press an appropriate piano key to start the chord accompaniment.
4. Press [Start/Stop] to stop the chord accompaniment.
With this function you can activate a chord accompaniment by pressing one of the
19 left piano keys with several ngers.
1. Start the rhythm.
2. Press [Finger chord] to activate the multi-nger chord accompaniment.
3. Press the appropriate piano keys to start the chord accompaniment.
4. Press [Start/Stop] to stop the chord accompaniment.
With this function you can change the bass eect of the chord accompaniment.
While the chord accompaniment is playing, press [Low chord] to change the
bass eect.
One-nger chord
C Cm C7 Cm7
Multi-nger chord
C Cm Cm7 C7
Changing the bass eect
Operating
keyboard
16

With this function you can deactivate the chord accompaniment.
Press [Chord clear] to deactivate the chord accompaniment.
ðThe rhythm continues without chord accompaniment.
7.7 Record and playback
You can record and play a maximum of 48 individual tones as a melody. Only one
note is recorded from a chord played.
1. Press [Record] to activate the recording mode.
2. Press a random piano key to start the recording.
ðThe recording ends automatically after 48 tones. The display shows ‘FUL’ .
3. Press [Play] to play the melody recording.
Recordings are not permanently saved.
7.8 Programming mode
With this function you can programme your own drum loop.
1. Press [Program] to activate the programming mode.
2. Play in the desired drum loop on the keyboard. You can add a maximum of 32
drum hits.
3. Press [Play] to play the drum loop.
Drum loops are not permanently saved.
Deactivating chord accompaniment
Operating
BK-61
17

7.9 Voice selection
The keyboard oers 300 voices in total.
1. Press [Voice] to activate the Voice mode.
2. Press [–] or [+] to select a desired voice (see
Ä Chapter 10 ‘Voice list’
on page 27).
ðThe display shows the current voice number.
3. Alternatively, you can select the desired voice with [0]…[9].
7.10 Rhythm selection
The keyboard oers 300 rhythms in total.
1. Press [Rhythm] to activate the Rhythm mode.
2. Press [–] or [+] to select a desired rhythm (see
Ä Chapter 9 ‘Rhythm list’
on page 23).
ðThe display shows the current rhythm number.
3. Alternatively, you can select the desired rhythm with [0]…[9].
7.11 Demo song selection
The keyboard oers 50 dome songs in total. The built-in songs show the sound and
the pitch range of the instrument.
1. Press [Demo] to activate the Demo Song mode.
ðThe last selected demo song will be played.
2. Press [–] or [+] to select a desired demo song (see
Ä Chapter 8 ‘Demo song list’
on page 22).
ðThe display shows the current demo song number.
3. Alternatively, you can select the desired demo song with [0]…[9].
4. Press [One key teaching] or [Follow teaching] to directly start a learning mode.
Operating
keyboard
18

7.12 Synchronous start function
With this function you can activate or deactivate the synchronous start function in
order to start an accompaniment.
1. Press [Sync] to activate the sync accompaniment.
2. Press one of the 19 left piano keys to start the accompaniment.
3. Press [Sync] to stop the accompaniment.
7.13 Fill bars (Fill In)
These variations can be used to automatically add a suitable ll (ll bar) to the
rhythm after the current bar of the rhythm being played back.
Press [Fill in] to insert a ll bar.
ðThen the keyboard returns to the normal rhythm.
7.14 Intro and Ending
This function allows you to start an intro before the rhythm begins and an ending to
end the rhythm.
1. Press [Intro/ending] before the rhythm begins to start the intro.
ðThen the keyboard returns to the normal rhythm.
2. Press [INTRO/ENDING] during the rhythm to end the rhythm with an ending.
7.15 Metronome
With this function you can activate or deactivate the metronome. The time signa‐
tures 1/4, 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4 can be selected.
1. Press [Beat] to activate the metronome.
2. Press [Beat] repeatedly to select the time signature.
ðWait a moment until the display shows the time signature and the beat
can be heard.
3. Press [Beat] again to deactivate the metronome.
Operating
BK-61
19

7.16 Percussion selection
Hi-hat open Hi-hat
closed
Snare L Bongo L Bass Drum
H soft
Bass Drum L
These buttons allow you to select 6 dierent types of percussion to complement the
accompaniment.
Press a key to play the corresponding percussion.
7.17 Learning mode 'One key teaching'
In this learning mode, the song being played will continue regardless of whether you
are playing correctly or not.
1. Press [One key teaching] to activate the learning mode.
2. Press the number buttons [0]…[9] or [–]/[+] to select a learning song.
3. Press [One key teaching] again to deactivate the learning mode.
7.18 Learning mode 'Follow teaching'
In this learning mode, you can see on the display whether you are playing the notes
correctly and then automatically continue with the next note.
1. Press [Follow teaching] to activate the learning mode.
2. Press the number buttons [0]…[9] or [–]/[+] to select a learning song.
3. Press [Follow teaching] to activate the learning mode.
Operating
keyboard
20