Kurzweil PC3X Keyboard

KURZWEIL PC3XKIT Details ^top

The Ultimate Performance Controller Keyboard

With a sleek new look on the outside, and an arsenal of Kurzweil's latest cutting edge chip technology under its hood, the 88-note PC3X delivers 128 voices of incredible sound quality along with a host of powerful, easy to use features. The PC3X is Kurzweil's ultimate performance controller keyboard, with an enormous collection of stunning sounds combined with comprehensive real-time controller functions.

In addition to our renowned Triple Strike Grand Piano, the PC3X features hundreds of new sounds; basses, drums, guitars, and synths suited for every style and taste, along with a collection of flawless vintage keyboard emulations, KB3 Mode and over 250 orchestral and string section programs.

The PC3X's new Dynamic V.A.S.T. architecture is a huge step forward in synthesis, the fruit of several major strides we've made in improving processing power, flexibility and user-friendliness. Good news for synth enthusiasts - we've seamlessly integrated our legendary VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer into the new system!

For good measure we include an unlimited-track sequencer with 1536 PPQ resolution and more effects processing power than our acclaimed KSP8 processor, making the PC3X a full blown music production workstation. Add in USB, flash xD card port, a newly designed keyboard action, and a new intuitive user interface, and you've got the next generation of Kurzweil instruments.

It's a performance controller. It's a synthesizer. It's a workstation.
What's Inside...

One thing which clearly sets Kurzweil apart from the competition is the fact that we design our own chips (called ASICs) for all Kurzweil products. Simply put, our chips are customized for optimum audio performance. What does this mean for the end user? It means that all of the processing power in a Kurzweil chip is devoted exclusively to sound. It means no noticeable latency - the performance is always lightning fast. And most importantly, it translates into that rich, full, glitch-free sound for which Kurzweil has become famous. Yes developing our own chips is more expensive and more time consuming. We think it's well worth it. Once you've heard the PC3X, we think you'll agree.

The Kurzweil Sound...

The PC3X offers an enormous sound set of over 800 programs, raising the bar once again for both audio quality and variety. With the best samples in the industry, and a powerful, responsive synth engine breathing life into them, you'll feel like you're playing an actual instrument, not just playing samples. Of course there's the famous Kurzweil Triple Strike Piano, with dozens of variations to accommodate every kind of player. All of the basic sounds - basses, guitars, drums, horns and synths - have been painstakingly programmed to reflect the needs of today's professional players, representing a broad selection of styles and flavors from the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and today.

Also included is our Classic Keys ROM, which puts an impossibly large vintage keyboard rig at your fingertips. These are vintage emulations which actually sound like vintage instruments and classic recordings. The recognizable sounds of those classic electromechanical instruments, with all of their characteristic imperfections, have been faithfully re-created, along with pedals, amps and speakers. Lush Mellotrons, growling electric pianos, and punchy Clavinets are all there at the touch of a button, programmed to sound just like those classic albums.

For more vintage firepower, the PC3X is equipped with the most advanced version of Kurzweil's widely lauded KB3 Mode tonewheel organ simulator, which screams, sputters and sizzles just like the original. In addition to newly developed Leslie effects, and a new bank of B3 programs, we've also included sounds from the classic Vox and Farfisa combo organs. The PC3X's 9 sliders provide real-time drawbar control.

The PC3X offers a full range of world class orchestral sounds, including our new String Section ROM bank, making it ideal for film-scoring and soundtrack projects. Every type of articulation, every nuance has been captured, with samples of full and divisi sections of violins, violas, cellos, and double bass. The details, the warm swells, animated pizzicatos and the sound of scraping rosin all add to the breathtaking effect of these string sections. You can plug and play with sounds worthy of a finished production - instant gratification with uncompromising sound quality.

Dynamic V.A.S.T...

Under the hood of the PC3X is simply the most powerful synthesis engine ever created by Kurzweil. Dynamic V.A.S.T. picks up where the K series left off. Having up to 32 layers per program means that emulations of real instruments can be extremely detailed and accurate, while the synthesized sounds can be extraordinarily large and complex.

Expanding upon our V.A.S.T. architecture, the PC3X's new architecture delivers more power and flexibility combined with unprecedented ease of use. Users can now create and store their own DSP algorithms, with nearly limitless possibilities for routing.

In another huge development, we've resurrected the VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer, having built it's synthesis engine right into the new system. Hear the VA-1's power-shaped, anti-aliasing oscillators combined with a newer, larger set of V.A.S.T. filters and non-linear processors and you'll understand why the internet is buzzing about this feature.

Cascade Mode...

Every layer in a program can be routed through the DSP of any other layer, in series or blended together, with up to 32 layers. It's the same concept as Triple Mode on our K26 series, without the 3 layer limit. You can run your sound through literally dozens of filters (which can all move independently in real-time) in addition to Kurzweil's signature DSP processors like Shaper, Wrap and Distortion, allowing for some truly dazzling results. This is one more feature which makes the PC3X's synth engine so powerful and so different than anything else on the market.

User Interface...

While the PC3X's user interface may look familiar to veteran Kurzweil users, major improvements have been made, allowing for a much more user friendly experience. The PC3X's backlit 240 x 64 display conveys all the information you'll need, when you need it, in an elegant, easy to navigate environment.

All programs and setups will be accompanied by help messages which can be accessed by pressing an "Info" soft button. These help messages may contain controller assignments, or other relevant information. Programs can be selected by scrolling or by using bank and program select buttons for easy one touch access.

Complimenting the PC3X's killer soundset is the the Easy Audition feature, where every one of the PC3X's presets is linked to a bank of "riffs", recorded sequences which demonstrate each sound in an appropriate context. Just hit the "play" button on the front panel and get a quick musical preview of the current selection. Program selection and navigation, fast and easy.

Move a controller while holding the Cancel button, and the display will let you know what that controller is doing. Whether it's a wah effect, tremolo control, a filter sweep, or something less obvious, the PC3X will let you know what is happening, in musician's terms. This system allows us to maintain the flexibility of not having to silkscreen permanent labels on the front panel sliders, as is the case with the competition. Every sound can have its own set of controller assignments which can be viewed at the touch of a button.

Also available will be a software-based PC3 Desktop Editor (for both Mac & PC) with comprehensive, easy to use features.

Effects...

With up to 16 insert effects plus two available auxiliary sends, the PC3X offers more than twice the processing power of our acclaimed KDFX engine. Effects can be chained together in series, or distributed among the PC3X's 16 multitimbral channels. And these are simply the best effects in the business - burning distortions, transparent compressors, warm phaser and chorus effects, perfect reverbs - everything from flawless vintage emulations to concert halls which decay into complete silence. All parameters are assignable to any of the PC3X's real time controllers - sliders, pedals, wheels, etc.

Sequencer...

The PC3X will feature a newly designed sequencer, with unlimited tracks and 1536 PPQ resolution. Combining a set of powerful song editing functions like step editing, swing, and controller scaling with a new friendlier interface, the PC3X truly excels as a song writing/arranging workstation, ideal for music production on the fly. Chasing controls and a global "set song length" function are just a couple of the features we've incorporated.

Arpeggiators...

The PC3X sports sixteen (yes, 16!) independent arpeggiators as well as a collection of pre-recorded beats and musical phrases.

Keyboard: Next generation, 88-note, fully-weighted hammer-action, with velocity and aftertouch sensitive keys, featuring a quick release spring, striking an ideal balance of playability between piano type parts and synth/organ parts.

Display: 240 x 64 angled, backlit LCD w/ dedicated back panel brightness and contrast controls.

Polyphony: 128 Voice Polyphony, dynamically allocated, lightning fast performance.

Multitimbral: 16 parts (one per MIDI channel)

Architecture: Dynamic VAST: Powerful new synthesis engine, with user programmable DSP algs and routing. More DSP power than even our K Series instruments.

VA1 Inside: anti-aliasing, power-shaped oscillators and DSP processing from Kurzweil's VA1 prototype synth, capable of delivering authentic analog emulations as well as incredibly complex new sounds.

Cascade Mode: lets the user route one layer through the DSP of any other layer within a program - up to 32 consecutive layers deep!

Software
Desktop Editor: Mac and PC platforms

Factory Presets: Over 850 Stunning New Factory Presets, many of which use 10-20 layers, featuring samples from the PC2 Base Sound ROM, the Orchestral, Classic Keys, General MIDI set, PLUS new String Section ROM Bank. Also, 64 new KB3 programs.

Factory MIDI Setups: 96 factory programmed MIDI setups. 128 user programmable MIDI setups, each with 16 independent zones, effects and arpeggiator settings.

General MIDI: Standard

User Memory: 1024 locations for user created preset programs. 128 locations for user created MIDI Setups.
Sound ROM

Expansion Slots: 2

Sequencer: Unlimited tracks; 1536 PPQ resolution; features pattern "Clips" that can be created within a track, and then easily stretched, compressed, copied, repeated and transposed. Song editing functions include step editing, swing, controller scaling and more. Controller chasing and a global "set song length" functions are also featured.

Effects: 16 insert effects distributed over 12 busses, plus two auxiliary sends; featuring over 300 of our award winning effects - reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, phaser, EQs, distortions, Leslie simulators, compressors, and more.

Global EQ: User controllable master EQ section and master compressor for quick adjustments during live performance. (These do not use up the insert effect resources.)

Controllers: Pitch wheel, modulation wheel, 9 front panel sliders/drawbar controllers, 2 front panel switches (momentary or toggle, software selectable), 3 switch pedal input, 2 continuous control pedal inputs, mono pressure, Super Ribbon input, breath controller input. Controller values can be "captured" and stored as part of a program.

Arpeggiator: 16 full-featured independent arpeggiators with multiple latch modes, selectable play order, velocity, duration, tempo, and sync functions as well as pre-recorded beats and musical phrases.

Analog Outputs: Four 1/4" balanced TRS analog (24-bit DACs).

Headphones: 1 rear panel 1/4" headphone output.

Digital Outputs: 24-bit, stereo S/PDIF featuring 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192-kHz modes.
(externally clockable)

MIDI: In, Out, Thru (hardware switchable to copy of MIDI Out).

USB: MIDI over USB. Also allows the PC3X to load and save data directly to and from a computer as well as perform OS updates.

Flash Memory Port: xD card type. Store and load programs, OS updates, and sequences.

FREE OS Updates: Flash ROM upgradeable via USB or flash memory card.

KURZWEIL PC3XKIT Specs ^top

Height: (4.33") (11.00 cm)
Depth: (13.98") (35.50 cm)
Length: (54.33") (138 cm)
Weight: (55 lb.) (25 kg)
Power: Internal AC power supply.
Selectable 120/240V AC operation.

KURZWEIL PC3XKIT Documentation ^top

PC3 Series - Getting Started Guide (1.20 Mb)

KURZWEIL PC3XKIT Video ^top

PC3 Sneak Preview Mellotron

PC3 Sneak Preview Pop Keys

KURZWEIL PC3XKIT Software-Editor ^top

The PC3 SoundEditor software is available free of any charges for all Kurzweil PC3 keyboard users.

The PC3 SoundEditor is a full-featured Editor/Librarian and Sound Development tool for the Kurzweil PC3 series keyboard. While the PC3/PC3X is fully editable from its front panel controls, SoundEditor greatly expands the editing experience by displaying every PC3 parameter in a series of logical, easy-to-use graphical interfaces. SoundEditor allows you to create, edit, organize, and store PC3 Programs, Setups, Songs and Effects. Through a standard MIDI connection (DIN or USB), SoundEditor can receive and transmit individual Programs, Setups or Effects, or entire banks to the PC3. All Program, Setup Effect and DSP parameters can be displayed and edited. Programs can be assigned to any of 20 Categories to assist in organizing, sorting and creating custom program banks. SoundEditor can also be used as a teaching tool to learn the inner details of the factory Programs. We hope you enjoy using SoundEditor for your Kurzweil PC3!

PC 3 SoundEditor Download

PC3 SoundEditor User Guide PDF

Kurzweil Music Systems

SHORT OVERVIEW

The PC3 is an incredibly deep and complex instrument with many programming options. SoundEditor has been designed to make the programming and editing process as simple and easy to use as possible while providing all of the functional control needed to adjust every parameter. A few of SoundEditor’s editing windows are shown below.

PROGRAM BANK
	The PC3 is a powerhouse of sound. There are 2048 user programmable Programs that are always available on 16 channels.
PC3 PROGRAMS
	Each Program can have up to 32 unique layers that can be spread over the keyboard range or particular keys. Layers can de added or imported from other Programs.
PROGRAM LAYERS
	Every Program Layer can have 2 stereo keymaps (multisamples) assigned and routed through different DSP algorithms and effects. Layers have their own sound envelopes, LFOs, modulations and many other sound parameters.
ALGORITHM AND DSP CONTROLS
	You can choose from 1024 Factory Algorithms and create another 1024 User Algorithms, all with different combination of blocks, input and output routings and  DSP function selection.
KURZWEIL KB3 INSTRUMENTS
	KB3 Programs are unique instruments with a capacity to create organs, pads and incredible lead sounds.
EFFECT CHAINS
	Effect chains are made of FX blocks that are linked together. FX Chains have their own ASRs, LFO’s and Modulation sources that can be assigned to any FX parameters. There are about 1000 Factory preset FX Chains available with a space for 1048 more when you create them from scratch or modify existing ones.
EFFECTS
	There are hundreds of unique famous Kurzweil Effects that can be assigned to a FX Chain box.
EFFECT SYSTEM
	A Master FX window provides a global view and control of the effect assignments on all 16 MIDI channels.
SETUP BANKS
	Each Setup can consist of up to 16 Programs with individual MIDI channel and control assignments. Programs can be added or imported from other Setups.
PERFORMANCE SETUPS
	Each Program in a Setup can be customized with unique entry and exit values for physical controllers, Pan and Volume messages, Program Change messages, MIDI Bank Select messages, etc.
MASTER EQUALIZER AND COMPRESSOR
	The Master EQ and Compressor provide global signal shaping control at the final stage of the PC3 signal path.
PRGRAM CHANNEL MIXER
	The Program Channel Mixer allows you to control Volume, Pan, FX, and other parameters for each Program assigned to the 16 MIDI channels.