Kurzweil PC3X 
88-key Workstation Keyboard with 800+ Sounds, Onboard Effects, and Sequencer
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The Next Generation of Incredible Kurzweils!
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.
Kurzweil PC3X Performance Controller Keyboard at a Glance:- Legendary Triple Strike Grand Piano, plus other keyboards
- Amazing new features in version 1.3
- Hundreds of additional sounds
- Amazing effects power
- Powerful onboard sequencer
- Custom-designed chips for premium sound quality
- Incredibly powerful Dynamic V.A.S.T. synth engine
- VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer built in
- Revamped, easy-to-use interface
Legendary Triple Strike Grand Piano, plus other keyboardsThe PC3X is loaded with the famous Kurzweil Triple Strike Piano, with dozens of variations to accommodate every kind of player. Also included is the Classic Keys ROM, which puts an impossibly large vintage keyboard rig at your fingertips. The recognizable sounds of 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 funky 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 nine sliders provide real-time drawbar control. Amazing new features in version 1.3PC3 Version 1.3 has just been released, and Sweetwater is the only place you'll find it! We're updating all PC3s and PC3Xs to the latest version before shipping them. This OS upgrade officially brings the PC3s to a "feature complete" status. PC3 Operating System 1.3 Features:- Dual Step Sequencers Per Zone in Setups: This allows up to 16 simultaneous step sequences at once with a large collection of pre-recorded patterns, scales, modes, and riffs available.
- Seamless Program Switching: Go from one program to the next while dialing up another sound. The previous notes stay and (in an industry first) the old effects stay on the old sound along with the new effects of the new sound! This is so musical; you must try it yourself.
- Clickless Portamento on Samples: Again, an industry first. You can now glide across the keyboard, using monophonic portamento, and the samples won't click as they run through the keymap.
- Two New VA-1 Oscillators: Kurzweil is still including the entire VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer for free. And now, they've added two new oscillators: Triple Saw and Square Sync (think of songs by The Cars).
- Plus, there are many, many new Programs, Setups, and Effects.
Hundreds of additional soundsThe PC3X offers an enormous sound set of over 800 programs. With some of 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. 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. In addition, the PC3X includes over 250 orchestral and string section programs. Amazing effects powerWith up to 16 insert effects plus two auxiliary sends, the PC3X offers more than twice the processing power of Kurzweil's 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. Powerful onboard sequencerFor good measure Kurzweil included a 16-track sequencer. Combining a set of powerful song editing functions like step editing, swing, and controller scaling with a new friendlier interface, the PC3X can easily double as a workstation, ideal for music production on the fly. Also included are sixteen (yes, 16!) independent arpeggiators as well as hundreds of pre-recorded beats and musical phrases. Add in USB, Flash card port, a newly designed keyboard action, and a new intuitive user interface, and you've got a workstation-grade keyboard in the PC3X. Custom-designed chips for premium sound qualityOne thing which clearly sets Kurzweil apart from the competition is the fact that they design their own chips (called ASICs) for all Kurzweil products. Simply put, these chips are customized for optimum audio performance. Some other manufacturers use general-purpose DSP chips commonly found in cell phones, watches and televisions. 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 latency - the performance is lightning fast. And most importantly, it translates into that rich, full, glitch-free sound for which Kurzweil has become famous. Incredibly powerful Dynamic V.A.S.T. synth engineThe PC3X's new Dynamic V.A.S.T. architecture is a huge step forward in synthesis, the fruit of several major strides Kurzweil has made in improving processing power, flexibility and user-friendliness. VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer built inIn another huge development, Kurzweil has resurrected the VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer, having built its synthesis engine right into the PC3X. 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. Revamped, easy-to-use interfaceWhile 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. Expanding upon Kurzweil's V.A.S.T. architecture, the PC3X's new UI delivers all the power of a Kurzweil, combined with unprecedented ease of use. 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 are accompanied by help messages which can be accessed by pressing an "Info" soft button. Kurzweil PC3X Performance Controller Keyboard Features:- 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).
- 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 8 independent zones, effects and arpeggiator settings.
- General MIDI: standard.
- User Memory: 1,024 locations for user created preset programs. 1,024 locations for user created MIDI Setups.
- Sound ROM Expansion Slots: 2
- Effects : 16 insert effects distributed over 12 busses, plus two auxiliary sends; featuring over 300 world-class effects - reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, phaser, EQs, distortions, Leslie simulators, compressors, and more.
- Master effects section with 5-band parametric EQ and 3-band compressor.
- 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.
- "Info" soft button tells the user what the PC3's assignable controllers are doing in each program.
- "Easy Audition" feature - press the "play" button while scrolling through programs, and hear a short sequence with the program being used.
- Arpeggiator: 16 full-featured independent arpeggiators with multiple latch modes, selectable play order, velocity, duration, tempo, and sync functions as well as hundreds of pre-recorded beats and musical phrases.
- Analog Outputs: Four 1/4" balanced TRS analog (24-bit DACs)
- Headphones: Rear panel 1/4" headphone output
- Digital Outputs: 24-bit, stereo S/PDIF featuring 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192kHz modes. Syncable to external clock.
- MIDI: In, Out, Thru (hardware switchable to copy of MIDI Out).
- USB: Complete MIDI functionality over USB, including data storage and 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.
The Kurzweil PC3X delivers more musical power than you can imagine!
| Specification |
Detail |
| Dimensions |
4.33 x 13.98 x 54.33 in (11 x 35.5 x 138 cm) |
| Weight |
54 lbs (24.5 kg) |
|
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inSync Review
Before opening the box of the PC3X I imagined becoming intimidated by gadgets and lights. I guess when I hear the term "workstation" I have a preconceived notion that I will need to spend days just to... read more
Sweetwater Advice
Nick Schenkel
As the owner of a fully blown-out K2600, I was surprised that Kurzweil could find a way to improve on what I had always considered to be a masterpiece. The PC3X is an amazingly powerful keyboard worthy of flagship status in the Kurzweil line. The onboard sounds rival some the very best sample libraries, and the controls allow you to sculpt your performance to perfection. The VA-1 synth engine brings raw synth power to the already formidable capabilities of the VAST engine, and the KB3 organs sound great. The keys themselves have that great Kurzweil feel that I've come to know and love, and with the free editor/librarian software (available from SoundTower) you can program your PC3X from your computer!
Andrew Stryffeler
Welcome to world-class sounds from stunning pianos all the way to stellar analog synths. I continue to be amazed at the organ sounds and the way I can use the sliders as drawbars to add expression and feel. The weighted keys with hammer action have a great feel and add life to your piano sounds. With the PC3X you can dig in as deep as you want, preset your favorite patches, assign sliders and wheels for parameters, and borrow layers from patches to add to others. In short, the PC3X has all the capabilities you would want in a keyboard and the bottom line is, it sounds great!
The most amazing and inspiring keyboard I've ever played
by Jason Kresge from New Jersey, USA
June 13, 2009
Music Background: Keyboardist/vocalist/composer
As a longtime owner of competing synthesizers/workstations, I was delighted to be blown away by the Kurzweil PC3x. It's not often that I feel compelled to write rambling reviews, but the PC3x fills me ... read more [+] with so many superlatives that I'd be sorely remiss if I failed to let them fly. In short, this is truly a player's instrument, an extraordinary thrill ride that inspires me to create music for hours and hours.
The heart of the PC3x is its V.A.S.T. synthesis engine, whose power far exceeds that found on any previous Kurzweil. Not only can you edit scores of existing algorithms, but the new "Dynamic V.A.S.T." also lets you roll your own from scratch. The depth and complexity of this synth engine are astounding; somehow I imagine that it may take me years to learn everything there is to know about such a technological colossus. Having said that, I must give Kurzweil kudos for the thorough, well-written manual [note: make sure you have the latest version] and the online video tutorial series, both of which are extremely helpful if you can spare some time and patience. Just as importantly, the PC3x's dynamite presets and intelligent user interface make it easy to plug in, turn on, and make great music in no time.
The onboard sound palette, in my opinion, has more character and realism than that of any other hardware synth out there. What's most refreshing about this peerless array of sounds is just how usable they all are (unlike so many of those cool, flashy out-of-the-box noises that wow you in the store but end up not making sense in most music). Kurzweil has been known for its pianos for years, and the myriad variations offered here are sure to please classical, jazz, blues, rock, pop, new age, country, and ragtime aficionados alike. These pianos are complemented by a weighted action that is wonderfully sensitive and responsive in all the right ways, without being too heavy or restrictive. The EPs [Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Clavinet, Pianet, RMI, CP80, etc.] and Mellotrons are out of this world -- only Clavia is in the same league of electromechanical accuracy, although even their Nords don't offer quite the level of control and flexibility as found here. And you simply won't find better, more expressive orchestral sounds (especially strings) on a hardware synth. If I were forced to choose a sonic weak spot on the PC3x, I might point to the guitars or non-orchestral brass; these are merely good as opposed to stellar. However, with the other programs being so dead-on perfect, it's hard to complain about a couple of minor exceptions.
Organists will be mightily impressed with KB3 mode, which turns the PC3x's nine sliders into drawbars and gives you full hands-on control of all those B-3 niceties, such as vibrato/chorus, key click, leakage, and a well-above-average digital Leslie. But the real highlight for synth enthusiasts is no doubt the inclusion of Kurzweil's VA1: a virtual analog monster that really is every bit as good as its hype. The VA1's uncanny ability to emulate a Minimoog, Prophet, ARP, or other vintage legend is rivaled only by its limitless potential for new, totally far-out sounds. No other analog modeling synth can come close without requiring a computer and a whole lot of gigabytes. If I had one wish for this facet of the PC3x, it would be some fat knobs to grab onto [the never-released VA1 prototype had knobs, buttons, and switches galore]; fortunately, the sliders can be programmed to serve whatever realtime function you desire, making knobs more luxury than necessity.
Enhancing the aural magic of the PC3x is its treasure trove of effects. Inherited from Kurzweil's award-winning KSP8 processor, these studio-quality tools are applied with a real master's touch, breathing extra life into the sound without suffocating it. Of course, as with nearly everything else on this 'board, you can manipulate and re-route effects until your heart's content. One of the best details here involves patch remain: if you switch to a new program or multitimbral setup while holding down notes from the previous one, both the sounds and the effects remain on the old notes, while the new sounds and effects apply only to new notes pressed. This feature -- an industry first -- elevates the PC3x's effectiveness as a live gigging board into the stratosphere.
As for using the PC3x as a workstation, the one thing some users might sorely miss is sampling. [Kurzweil builds a sampler into its K-series but not the PC-series.] Personally I don't miss it one bit; instead, I'm grateful for the PC3x's awesome sequencer, which I find much more flexible than most others I've ever used. In fact, for me, the sequencer's unique and versatile "Riffs" feature actually replaces what I most often used sample triggering to accomplish. Although the onboard LCD -- more than adequate for comfortable live performance -- is a bit small and crowded for deep behind-the-scenes editing of programs and setups, users can download a free, customized sound editor from Soundtower. This desktop editor allows you to connect the PC3x right to your computer and tweak every imaginable parameter in style. And boy, does V.A.S.T. let you tweak!
In over 30 years as a musician, I have never been this excited about a single instrument before. If you haven't already, you owe it to yourself to try this keyboard. Its comprehensive combination of sounds, action, effects, programming depth, performance control, and production tools make the Kurzweil PC3x a dream come true for any serious player. Factor in the addition of both the KB3 and VA1, and I dare say that the PC3x should be considered a worthy (albeit non-sampling) competitor of Korg's mammoth OASYS -- at less than half the price. Above all, it just feels so organic and downright musical, much more like an actual instrument than a machine. I'll gladly spend those aforementioned years learning everything there is to know about it, because I anticipate that the PC3x will remain the centerpiece of my rig for a long, long time. close [-]
PC3x Rocks big !
by dawesguy from Martha\'s Vineyard, Massachusetts US of A
November 30, 2008
Music Background: Full Time Composer, Keyboardist,Arranger
Starting with the 250, I've enjoyed 7 Kurzweils over the years (K2600,PX1000,PC88mx etc) and this one really has me excited! The touch is wonderful(yes, I own a Bosendorfer; and still nothing is like ... read more [+]the real thing, but this is really a nice action)The sounds and variety is top-notch, but the software and getting around is still very 'Kurzweilish', and they still insist on using terms like'object'...Aisde from that, this is a reall winner and should re-establish Kurzweil as the 'go to' stage piano/controller of 2008/9. Kudos Kurzweil! close [-]
See Also: Stage Keyboards
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