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Kurzweil PC161 61-Key MIDI Controller

61 velocity and aftertouch sensitive keys. 64 voice polyphony. 512 programs: base 256 + Orchestra 128 + GM 128.

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About This Product!
Description
Kurzweil introduced the first Performance Controller keyboard, the PC88, back in 1994, receiving both critical and public acclaim. Now the PC161, Kurzweil's most affordable and lightweight PC model, continues the tradition of excellence. With breathtaking sounds, superior effects and impressive controller capabilities, the PC161 delivers the power of Kurzweil's popular PC1X in a lightweight, elegant 61 note enclosure.

It's the Sound....
The end result is the famous Kurzweil sound, which has made the entire PC series a resounding success. The many samples are impressive; they have been tuned, looped, noise-reduced, and processed with a level of expertise and precision found nowhere else in the industry. These include the Triple-Strike Piano, countless drum and percussion kits, Take 6 vocals, and built-in Orchestral ROM expansion. For those looking for even more sound choices, Kurzweil's optional Classic Keys sound ROM expansion adds a world class set of stunningly realistic "vintage" sounds.

It's the Effects...
The final ingredient to the PC161's sound is its effects processor, using the same technology found in our award winning KSP8 processor and K26 Series keyboards. Stated simply, the effects section in the PC series sounds better than most stand-alone effects processors. Reverbs decay noiselessly into complete silence. The many chorus, phaser and flanger presets are full and rich. Transparent compressors, authentic rotary speaker emulations, and realistic distortion presets are ideal for "vintage" sounds. And of course there are the effects algorithms unique to Kurzweil, like shapers and Laserverb.

It's the Control...
The PC161 offers comprehensive MIDI control, with multiple overlapping zones, inputs for dual switch and CC pedals, and a bank of assignable switches and knobs. Intelligent MIDI implementation, a full featured arpeggiator, and optional Super Ribbon controller make the PC161 an ideal controller whether you're on stage, in the studio or on your desktop.

Features
61 velocity and aftertouch sensitive keys

2 x 20 character LCD display

64 voice polyphony

Includes complete PC2 Sound ROM, plus the Orchestral ROM expansion

512 Programs: Base 256 + Orchestra 128 + GM 128

64 Factory Setups, 128 Programmable Setups

GM Compatible -- standard

1 ROM expansion slot (Classic Keys)

Dual FX Engines (derived from KDFX)

User controllable EQ

4-Zone MIDI Controller

Arpeggiator

Pitch and mod wheels

4 assignable switches and knobs

Dual switch pedal input

Super Ribbon controller input (optional)

MIDI In, Out, and Thru

24-bit, Balanced, 1/4 in. stereo analog output

Headphone jack

OS updates over MIDI

Technical Info

Dimensions:
-- Height: 3-1/4 in. (8.3cm)

-- Width: 37-1/8 in. (94.4cm)

-- Depth: 12 in. (30.5cm)

Weight: 23 pounds (10.5Kg)

Power: 9.5VAC, 2.0A (120V adapter included)

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Kurzweil PC161 61-Key MIDI Controller Reviews

2 People rated this product :
           9 out of 10
           9 out of 10
  zZounds has verified that this customer bought this product from us.
"The little 'board that can do........"
Feature:
The keyboard has a nice feel even though it's not weighted. The control panel is clear and well laid out. Mod and Pitch wheels feel right. You even get a simulated piano sustain pedal, not a square switchbox.....nice touch.

Quality:
No rattles, no loose pots or switches, everything works. Power supply has a nice long cord. The endcaps have ridges underneath to make it easy to grip when setting up or taking down. Weight is about 22 lbs., so transport is no problem. The display is straightforward and easy to read. Powering up looks like a pinball machine; LED's galore, but it's all good.

Value:
For it's intended use I would say this board is a great value. I know that Kurzweil is attempting to restructure and you can't find this board in any store near North Jersey, so I took a chance and ordered it without ever playing it first. I'm not disappointed - it's everything I thought it would be.

Desirability:
If you're looking for a sample playback machine that sounds great, looks good, and is easy on the back and wallet the PC161 is worth considering. It's easy to get great sounds, you can run it in mono if you only have a keyboard amp, and the effects are rich and full sounding and compliment the patches well.

Sound:
The Kurzweil sound still lives on. The accoustic pianos sound authentic, the Take 6 vocals are outstanding, plus great strings, percussion, etc. The brasses are usable, reeds and horns OK, but the organs are weak, and the rotary simulation is lame at best.....then again I also own a Nord Electro 2, so I have the Hammond/Leslie sound nailed.

Ease of Use:
Voice selection is simple: two or three button presses get you to any sound in the board. Storing user presets is easy, but modifying them takes some getting used to. I still haven't figured out how to store volume changes for each patch, but I'm reasonably sure it's in there.

Support:
Hope I never need it. You do have to mail back the warranty card - no online registration.

Overall:
This is a keeper: even though it's a budget keyboard I still get a kick out of seeing Ray's last name on the back panel.

Submitted: 08/19/2006
Style of Music: Traditional Mainstream Jazz.
5 of 5 people (100%) found this review helpful. Did you?    
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