Kurzweil PC3X 88-Key Weighted Production Station Keyboard

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With 16 arpeggiators, over 800 programs with up to 32 layers each, and 88 fully weighted keys, the PC3X is Kurzweil's most advanced performance controller.

Today's professional musician lives in a demanding world. If you want to make a living as a keyboardist, you'd better be a master of every genre, be able to show up anywhere at a moment's notice, and sound perfect no matter where you go. In order to meet all these demands, you're going to need some amazing gear. Look no further than the Kurzweil PC3X Performance Controller.

Amazing gear, amazing performance: Kurzweil PC3X

For decades, Kurzweil has been a pioneer in the field of audio synthesis, and the PC3X is the beneficiary of years and years of experimentation, experience and expertise in every aspect of music production. Key elements from the most successful Kurzweil designs have all been incorporated into the PC3X, making it not only one of the best digital instruments you can get, but the only one you'll ever need.

The Performance Controller series, as its name implies, started as a pure MIDI controller keyboard with no sounds of its own, called the PC88. Kurzweil had one goal in mind when designing the PC88: to build a controller that felt like a world-class piano. The extraordinary playability of the PC3X is the result of the intense efforts put into that, and all the subsequent instruments in the PC line. Eighty-eight weighted keys enable the high level of performance that professional gigs demand, with an amazing dynamic range and smooth action. A Kurzweil weighted keyboard will make your grooves sit tighter, your ballads more expressive, and your playing… read more altogether more musical. The PC3X retains all the other controller functions of its predecessors, too, so you can use it to control MIDI sound modules and soft synths with pride, but you're going to want to hear the sounds the PC3X has to offer first.

Kurzweil PC3X: The jack of all trades.

Some keyboards excel at one or two types of voices. Maybe the acoustic piano sounds are the selling point, or the virtual analog synth engine is the standout feature. If you wanted a truly flexible rig you'd need to buy multiple keyboards to cover all your bases. Or, you could get yourself a Kurzweil PC3X. It was called "The Ultimate Gig Keyboard" by Keyboard Magazine for a reason: every sound is as good as or better than the competition. With the PC3X you can show up at any gig with confidence knowing you've got access to great sounds that'll fit the bill. Accompanying a vocalist? Call up the celebrated Kurzweil "Triple Strike Grand Piano" patch. Got a blues gig? Dig into the meaty tonewheel organ sounds. Tasty jazz set? Serve up some luscious Wurly tones. There's orchestral sounds and ethnic percussion if you're looking to score a film, or check out the drum kits and Kurzweils's VA-1 Virtual Analog synth modeler before you produce your next hip-hop track. Every sound you dial in is stage and studio ready, and is sure to inspire great performances from you and your fellow musicians.

The secret to this kind of synthesis power, again, resides in Kurzweil's years of design experience. Ever since Ray Kurzweil designed his first instrument for his good friend Stevie Wonder, the company has made it their mission to stock their synths with only the best sounds. To accomplish this, Kurzweil goes so far as to build and design all their processors in house, and the PC3X's "Dynamic V.A.S.T." architecture is the most powerful sound engine they've ever created. An amazing 32 layers of sample playback are available on each note for the most articulate, dynamic, and lifelike virtual instruments around. It's the reason the preset patches on the PC3X sound so incredible, and it's what allows for limitless editing and sculpting of sounds for the insatiable tweaker. Effects processing on the PC3X has a pedigree of its own; based on Kurzweil's KDFX engine, only twice as powerful, sixteen insert effects and two auxiliary sends are available for remarkable flexibility. The effects themselves are, of course, top-notch, with an array of filters, phasers, flangers, envelope followers, and Kurzweil's signature Shaper, Wrap and Distortion effects. The final icing on the cake is the PC3X's selection of awesome arpeggiators. Sixteen different patterns can be mapped to separate regions of the keyboard at once for jaw-dropping live performance and production pyrotechnics.

The PC3X is brilliant on or off the stage.

Nothing's worse than showing up to a gig and forgetting your instrument at home, but a close second might be struggling to find sound patches in front of an impatient client. The PC3X eliminates any guess-work with a big 240 x 64 LCD display and an easy-to-navigate menu. For instant on-the-fly sound editing, the LCD screen automatically displays the effect, instrument or parameter last manipulated so you won't have to go searching through layers of menus to find the element you're hearing and want to adjust. The screen also provides access to the PC3X's built-in, unlimited track sequencer, a boon to any keyboardist who wears composer or producer hats over the course of a day.

You may find it hard to imagine one keyboard becoming not just your main instrument, but your only instrument for live and studio gigs, but a quick look at the awards and accolades the PC3X has received should serve as a dramatic testimonial to the extent of this musical instrument's power. Even if the bounty of rave professional reviews doesn't have you convinced, ten minutes playing time with one will be enough to realize that the Kurzweil PC3X is the synthesizer you've been waiting for since you started playing music, and the one you need to remain competitive in the cut-throat professional music scene.

Power Supply: Internal AC Power Supply (Included) read less

- 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.
- Multi-timbral: 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.
- 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 in. balanced TRS analog (24-bit DACs).
- Headphones: 1 rear panel 1/4 in. headphone output.
- Digital Outputs: 24-bit, stereo S/PDIF featuring both 48kHz and 96kHz modes.
- 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.
- Dimensions (HxDxW): 4.33 x 13.98 x 54.33 in. (11.00 x 35.50 x 138) cm
- Weight: 55 lb., 25 kg
- Selectable 120/240V AC operation.

Power Supply: Internal AC Power Supply (Included)

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Web: https://kurzweil.com/support/
PC3 Series Musicians Guide

Kurzweil PC3X 88-Key Production Station

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 Kurzweil 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.

Kurzweil PC3X: Not just great grand pianos.

In addition to our renowned Triple Strike Grand Piano, the Kurzweil 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 Kurzweil 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!

PCX3: The Next Generation of Kurzweil


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 Kurzweil 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.

Kurzweil PC3X Features:

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

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. (38 ratings)
Submitted September 26, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com

"Welcome your ears and fingers to something special"

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
It's not a complete workstation since it lacks sampling, and it's not as "cool" as the Motif XS or M3 or G8. However, the sounds are _absolutely fantastic_ and there's a lot of control, and you can create your own patches from an abundant variety of sounds and effects. If you're out for a keyboard workstation, you definitely do not want to miss giving this one a try. Definitely the players choice. I highly recommend it.

Sound
Pianos: awesome, except I still crave very realistic solo piano dynamics. It's very easy to sound good with this one. E-Pianos: brilliant, I mean, if you want e-pianos, look no further. Organs: NEW KB3 is great, and there are many many different organ sounds. Should provide all one needs when it comes to organ sounds. Guitars: few, but those which are there are good. In this department, it maybe rivals the Motif XS, but doesn't beat it. Orchestrals: Fantastic. Not much to say about this. Drums: Good variation of different styles, very authentic sounding. Gets the job done very well. Percussion: Very very nice. You can get those ethnic sounds, jungle feelings and Chinese night guards ("12 o'clock and everything is fine, beware of robbers, beware of fire"). Basses: Great and expressive from virtual analog to electric to acoustic basses. All good. Synth sounds: Virtual analog sounds, and you can create your own from scratch with building blocks such as saws, sines and filters. Great pads, though I guess… read more there could be more of them. Sounds quite different from the competition, in my opinion. It's quite impossible to find bad sounds. You probably won't find everything you want (such as some ethnic instruments), but the bread and butter sounds are great and the amount of usable sounds is beats the competition. The only thing I was left wanting was a good metal/rock comp guitar (for riffs), but this seems to be the case for every keyboard out there. I really love to play this, it's inspiring.

Features
Great control with 9 sliders and lots of control (many pedals, ribbon controller to come). Too bad it lacks its own ribbon at the moment. Works great as a master keyboard. Midi over USB. I haven't used the sequencer that much, since I use a DAW. Easy to make splits/setups, though maybe not as easy as some simpler keyboards, since there's so many options. Very powerful.

Ease of Use
There's always a learning curve, but I haven't really used the manual and can navigate through the system without problem. Things are logical and values are real life equivalents (dB, seconds, etc...).

Quality
Very solid, and heavy too. The feel of the keyboard is fantastic and the programming... WOW. It responds so well, it's like you're playing the instruments. I'd say this is an instrument in ITSELF.

Value
If you're out for great sounds and awesome keybed, you are hard-pressed to find a better deal. May not suit everyone's taste, but for someone who wants great keyboard (pianos, e-pianos, organs), this is something the thing to beat.

Manufacturer Support
The guys at Kurzweil will help you. Also there's a forum @ sonikmatter where they take requests and answer people who have some problems with the PC3. Also, good user base @ sonikmatter to give that help you need.

The Wow Factor
Not flashy at all. Looks great, looks pro. Doesn't rely on looks but the pure diamond insides. You have to play it to know what's so good about it.

Musical Background:
hobbyist

Musical Style:
game music, chilling music read less
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