Musikmesse 2012: Roland introduced the PK-9 Pedal Keyboard, a MIDI pedalboard for organists.

The PK-9 features 20 velocity-sensitive pedal keys and an integrated expression pedal. It’s designed to work with instruments such as Roland’s Atelier, Combo, and Classic series organs, but will also work with other MIDI devices.

Features:

• 20 pedal keys respond to playing dynamics.
• Three different touch settings allow the user to tailor the key response to their individual playing style.
• An onboard expression pedal provides volume control. Footswitches on either side of the pedal’s toe allow the player to control organ functions such as rotary speed without taking their foot off the pedal or hands off the keys.
• Three additional footswitches are also provided—one as a dedicated piano-style sustain pedal, and two others that can be freely assigned to control numerous functions on Roland organs or other MIDI devices.
• A seven-segment display lets users program functions directly on the PK-9.
• MIDI IN, OUT, and THRU jacks are provided on the rear panel, as well as a jack for an assignable external pedal dedicated to additional controls like pitch bender up or down, cutoff, half damper, etc.
• A PK OUT connector allows for a single-cable connection to Roland organs such as the ATELIER Combo AT-350C and VK-88; when connected in this fashion, power is provided to the PK-9 from the organ.

The PK-9 Pedal Keyboard will be available in late spring. Pricing is TBA.