The BK-7m can be connected to a computer so it can be integrated with music software applications. There are two ways to make this connection:
- Direct USB connection. This will use a standard USB cable connected to the square "USB COMPUTER" port on the back of the BK-7m and then to a standard USB port on your computer.
or
- Connection using a MIDI interface. This will use the MIDI In and MIDI Out ports on the back panel of the BK-7m which will connect to the interface, and the interface will then connect to a standard USB port on your computer.
The functionality and operation of the BK-7m and your computer-based application(s) will be the same no matter which type of connection you are using - the only difference is how the MIDI signals are routed.
Note: if you wish to route the sound (audio) of the BK-7m into a computer, you will need to use an Audio Interface.
Connecting your BK-7m to a computer using the direct USB connection
1. On the BK-7m, press MENU.
2. Use the Value dial to select "Global" and press the dial in to select it.
3. Use the Value dial to select "Utility" and press the dial in to select it.
4. Use the Value dial to select "USB Driver" and press the dial in to select it.
5. Use the Value dial to set this to "Generic" and press the dial in to select it.
6. Press EXIT.
7. Use the Value dial to select "Save Global" and press the dial in.
8. Use the Value dial to highlight "YES" and press the dial in to select it. The screen will display "Executing" and then "OK, Write Complete."
9. Press EXIT twice.
10. Power off and back on the BK-7m.
11. Connect the BK-7m to your computer by connecting a standard USB cable from the square "USB COMPUTER" jack on the back of the BK-7m to a standard USB connector on your computer.
12. Confirm that the computer is communicating correctly with the BK-7m.
- On a Macintosh, look in the Audio MIDI Setup utility and confirm that the BK-7m is listed in the MIDI Studio window.
- On a PC, open the Device Manager and confirm that the BK-7m is listed under "Sound, video, and game controllers."
13. Activate or enable the BK-7m in your music software. You will need to consult with the documentation for your specific application for this, but usually there is a preferences menu where you will need to enable the BK-7m so it can be used by your software.
This will allow you to transfer MIDI between the BK-7m and your computer.
Connecting your BK-7m to a computer using a separate MIDI or Audio/MIDI interface
1. Download and install the USB driver for your the interface (if necessary).
2. Confirm that the USB driver is installed correctly and that the computer is communicating correctly with the interface.
- On a Macintosh, look in the Audio MIDI Setup utility and confirm that the interface is listed in both the Audio and MIDI Studio windows if it is a Audio and MIDI interface, or only in the MIDI Studio window if it is a MIDI interface.
- On a PC, open the Device Manager and confirm that the interface is listed under "Sound, video, and game controllers."
3. Activate or enable the interface in your music software. You will need to consult with the documentation for your specific application for this.
4. Connect the BK-7m to the interface.