Kurzweil PC1X user reviews ( 8/10) - 6 user reviews

• 03/21/08

  webbkline's review

  Characteristics

  Full 88 key weighted keyboard.
  
  
  
  Typical no-frills stereo analog outputs, midi-in, out, through, 2 ports for damper and volume pedal.
  
  
  
  Nice, diverse bank of effects which are easily edited or disabled when necessary. 4 rotary controls which perform a variety of functions-octave shift, reverb density, 3 band EQ control, and 2 assignable switches which will do just about anything you need them to do.
  
  
  
  Acoustic piano sounds are my first priority and the ones on the PC1X don't disappoint. I wouldn't rate them as the best out there, but they do a fine job of cutting through a less-than-perfect stage mix and crowd noise. Like all stereo acoustic piano samples, they won't satisfy unless they are played in stereo. But, I can always find one that matches the room I am playing in well. Rhodes and Wurly sounds are decent--not the best but decent. Strings are a mixed bag. My personal favorite is the "Intense Strings" patch which is rich and full, with plenty of attack, yet offering excellent dynamics. You can set up your favorite programs from the 6 available preset banks and 2 user banks so that you can access them on-the-fly from their assigned buttons. The PC1X is also very easy to do splits on, as well as layering up to 4 sounds. One of the songs I perform with one of my artist gigs requires 10 program changes within the same song and the Kurzweil gets it done effortlessly.

  Utilization

  The action sold the PC1X to me. It is lighter than a Yamaha, Korg or Roland, and even significantly lighter than it's more developed sister, the PC2x. I could have bought either,but opted for the PC1X because I flat-out loved the performance of the keyboard. I'm 52 and have been playing all my life. I can play just about as fast as anyone, but the Kurzweil's keyboard keeps up with me no matter what I throw at it, yet it is extremely dynamic. To me, it is the single most inspiring aspect of the instrument. If I am doing session work and the producer or engineer wants a piano sound that the PC1X is not capable of, I still use its keyboard to play their sample of choice. I can outrun any Yamaha or Roland, so I hope Kurzweil never lets go of this action. However, if you are a classically trained Steinway fan, you might not appreciate the lighter action as much as I do.
  
  
  
  The manual is big and complete, although not always easy for this technophobe to understand.

  Sounds

  I think the horns and organs leave a lot to be desired. The strings are deceptive. Many of the string settings don't sound that good by themselves, but most of them sound surprisingly fine in a mix. I've often been amazed by how well some of them lay in a recording mix when I listen to the playback. This makes me believe that there are--or at least were--some brilliant sound designers under the employ of Kurzweil.
  
  
  
  The Rhodes samples are kind of funny. It really seems that the PC1X's action sucks as badly as an old Fender Rhodes suitcase piano when using any of the Rhodes patches. I find that the Rhodes and Wurlitzer samples have about a 3 octave limit in the center of the keyboard. If you go beyond that zone in either direction, the sound is both unconvincing and unplayable.

  Overall Opinion

  I still manage to glean a lot of inspiration from this board after over 3 years of owning it.
  
  
  
  There are several things you should be aware of, however.
  
  
  
  1. There is a tiny screen contrast knob on the back of the board, which is very necessary, especially if you are going to be using it outdoors. If you try taking this keyboard to a gig in a soft case or with no case, I promise you that you will eventually break that knob off of the circuit board that it is soldered to. It will get pushed back in to the body and the screen will be rendered unreadable. After the 2nd time this happened to me, I glued a large rubber grommet around the knob to prevent this from happening. I'm not the most mechanically inclined guy to come down the pike, but this girl was a bear to get inside of to solder that control knob back on to the circuit board. It took 3 of us wrestling with it to get the job done. This was a terrible engineering oversight.
  
  
  
  2. Another completely idiotic afterthought is the fact that you have to scroll down through 16 pages of the global menu to find the transposer. Fortunately, I can make all the setups I need prior to a performance so that I can just keep the screen set on page 16 of the global settings. For someone who plays with the same band all the time, this might not be a problem, but I have as many as a half dozen different gigs, many times having some of the same songs in different keys. A transpose button is a Godsend in those instances. What were they thinking??
  
  
  
  3. You have to periodically go around the keyboard and tighten all the screws. It seems that they come loose rather easily.
  
  
  
  4. While I haven't broken any yet, the 4 multi-task rotary knobs I mentioned earlier are very spindly and I know quite a few guys who have broken them off, so that is another thing which requires a little TLC.
  
  
  
  Well, nothing's perfect. But, overall it is a great board. Mine is over 3 years old and I will likely buy a new one soon and keep this old girl around for a spare. I ride 'em hard and have put 'em away wet more than once and this one has yet to let me down. Kurzweil has had some hurdles in its transitions between companies, and hopefully they have been able to maintain the integrity. Those questions aside, it's a fine tool.
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• 07/19/08

  powerchordfx's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Cf overall opinion

  Utilization

  Cf overall opinion

  Sounds

  Cf overall opinion

  Overall Opinion

  I have a PC1-61 is the same thing in 61 keys and some KDFX less. I compared the face with a Fantom SRX ...
  
  
  
  http://synthe-numerique.kurzweil.audiofanzine.com/produits/avis/index, ProductID, 61984.html ( http://synthe-numerique.kurzweil.audiofanzine.com/produits/avis/index,idproduit,61984.html )
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• 05/19/06

  Yannthekeys's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  88 keys / 7 octaves, hammer mechanics. Touch heavy mechanical hammers. I had a p80, a P120 and P200 that had a touch heavier. I had a Triton Extreme 88, which avaaient a touch lighter and less enjoyable. He approaches the touch of yamaha s90.
  
  
  
  The basic sound palette is 32 MB compressed, which give close to 150 MB in uncompressed 24/48.
  
  
  
  Excellent piano sounds, table cloths, strings, percussion bluffing.
  
  
  
  A flat for guitars

  Utilization

  Config simple architecture, I use it in master keyboard, coupled with 8 zones of my K2600.
  
  
  
  Basically it's all good at programming.
  
  
  
  Small note: I ordered on Saturday with kai Andressen musik store koeln to 1140 euros fdp including, Monday ups had me deliver it! I unfortunately had the unpleasant after 2 days of use to see that the C4 the last layer of velocity was not less than receptive to adjust to the slightest touch. Andressen kai call on Wednesday, Thursday morning to pick up my package ups, all in the cost of musikstore for an exchange standart!! The French stores should take a leaf

  Sounds

  The integrated KDFX gives the same quality as the K2600 (in less accurate anyway), but it largely outperforms KDFX with a K2500. In fact I use the converter loader manager for the K2500 sounds (and Anacomp anapad) which allows me to have my Oberheim integrated I love so much ...

  Overall Opinion

  I use it for a week. I'm all brands of keyboard by my profession. First I traded my Triton Extreme 88 for K2600 and there I fell madly in love kurzweil sound. With x pc1 I keep this quality while having a smaller keyboard.
  
  
  
  There is absolutely no dual use with my K2600 since he joined the cards that are optional on the K2600 (gm, orchestra and triple piano). I'm going to add the vintage keys later.
  
  
  
  Excellent build quality, reasonable weight and features galore. Successful.
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• 08/19/05

  rxp300's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  88 keys with aftertouch mcanique hammers
  
  full of sound ...
  
  full effect ...
  
  headphones (big jack stereo)
  
  stereo output (with 2 large mono jack)
  
  MIDI in, out, out / thru (switchable)
  
  taken dualswitch (single or sustain pedals pedals to sustain ... sostenu +?)
  
  making expression pedals
  
  jack to connect the famous ribbon controller (which is not provided, but does not rate too much apparently ...)
  
  AC adapter ... (this is the thing that will fail first, especially at the connection to the piano, which is brittle, it is necessary to pay attention ...)
  
  4 Controller "running" (top left of the keyboard), knob named A, B, C and D
  
  4 Controller "on-off", named SW1, 2, 3, 4
  
  Controller 2 "wheel mode" (one returns to the middle position thanks to spring, the other is "free")
  
  the large round button right of the keyboard is used to dfile sounds, effects ...
  
  effects are numerous and qualitbr /> do not forget the Trap for adding the map Roma "vintage electric piano"

  Utilization

  Touch, crucial ...
  
  As a pianist, I'm not completely satisfied ... even if it is enjoyable trs, it has a big default: frquence some of rptition of m I note, it seems that the hammer bounces, or something like that. Finally the effect is that even by pushing hard, the sound that comes out is not strong, him. Or, indeed inverse.Par example if I play do-r-do fast enough, and 2nd do well going out, while this is not the desired effect. While this keyboard is not suitable for classical pianists, it is not enough (even if Boston has developed this mcanique ...). But the piano bar or works not too technical, a should do the trick ...
  
  If the touch is fairly lightweight, it is consistent (it is not heavier in the bass and more lightweight in AIGS). In fact it is versatile because it can be uncomfortable for all sounds, including organ sounds more difficult operating heavy touch with a real piano ... So he excels neither purely pianistic TB or TB purely organistic, but it is not bad for all.
  
  
  
  Operation is simple matter of getting used to fawn all ...
  
  The party seems trs twelve o'clock performance, but I did not use. In my opinion it is a highlight of this keyboard.
  
  
  
  Amricain manual, but apparently at Backline they made a translation Franaise. It is quite clear, it may be lack of illustrations, but there always comes ...
  
  
  
  Another highlight of this keyboard: the Controller. It's simple, you can assign any function any controller: pedals, tape, mode wheel, aftertouch, the 4 buttons "that turn" the on-off button 4 (can be attributed a value for the two positions "on" and "off", for example if it is used to CONTRL volume) and everything for the zone that is DSIR (there 4).
  
  Each area benefitted its rglages SPECIFICATIONS (rponse of touch effects, arpgiateur, Controller).
  
  So there is something fun ...
  
  For the price, chpeau!

  Sounds

  The sounds are of good quality trs (analog outputs are also exellent quality: no noise), trs (too?) Dynamic and ralistes overall. I will not dwell on the quality, since it is the most INTERESTED default for you, reader.
  
  No, the sounds are not perfect, those notammant piano, which have default: they are samples with three samples, and unfortunately a means, especially the passage of the sample "average" to "strong "which makes me jump so much I feel like tap too hard, while I tap a little harder, and that teacher, I am of ground. It GNE expression gnrale because I'm afraid to type too much. It is true that the SETTING THE rponse of touch are manual is not as simple as a Yamaha P120 for example, or you can choose between three curves rponse ... Kurzweil can rgler really like you will, but finding the right rglage forcment not empty ... So the sounds are not on top of technology, and remain for me the sounds of old gnration ...
  
  on the other hand, if technically the piano sounds are improved, at the tone of the instrument, a sound natural. I tried Kawai (see APRS bought my pc1 x), and technically it's better done, there's no saying. No audible transition between the samples, it rsons best, it is deeper, all served by a heavy touch prcis trs (but too "mlasson" I got), but the sound kawai I find it not natural at all, too artificial anything. In Kurzweil's more "raw" is less perfect, Arson I got enough for some piano sounds, but hey, it's good dj, and there's the What be expressive even when ... but I prfre yamaha.
  
  The other sounds are also well trs, trs electric piano well, real organs, with simulation phonic wheel (too bad we can not rgler the speed of the wheel ...), groundwater trs are numerous and beautiful, harp, harpsichord, clavinet, accordion, bass, guitar trs good, not great voice, organ pipes small but well-trs, trs good drum sounds, etc. ... Finally, we can not perform miracles, playing the violin on a piano in Vaud never a real violin ... but the sounds of cello can be used with a big gun and not strong mix ...
  
  The effects are trsralistes for their part, and y 'abeaucoup.
  
  Discoveries I have aftertouch just two months ago, j'tais all crazy! that his

  Overall Opinion

  It's been 1 year and a half that I have, and feel gets better (it has a besion rdage because the hammer must be amortized no felt, and it takes time it settles, Finally ... it's my thoriated ...), it is more enjoyable. Its strengths are the many sounds of its modularity and its quality performance / price ratio (I got 1500, when it was released). apparently now it is 2300, it's too expensive, the price you have better Yamaha, better feel and full sound as good or better.
  
  I do not think I do it again the same choice as pianistically I'm not satisfied, but the many sounds I use a lot also. I think I had a Yamaha P120 plutt which is amplified to a trs good touch and better piano sounds.
  
  That said, it's a good product for the price (I got 1500)
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• 06/17/04

  camillo7505's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  Features:
  
  
  
  It is a 88-note keyboard with one developed in partnership with Steinway. For those unfamiliar with this brand of pianos in concert I think it is fair to say that Steinway & Sons is among the three most prestigious brands. Obviously I'm not saying that the keyboard is duPC1X copy of a Steinway. However, it is by far the best keyboard digital piano to reach the market.
  
  I m that was a referral to a Roland RD700 ..... fortunately that I have crossed the path of ALEXIS CALANDRY backline and pianos!!
  
  
  
  Sound side it has 380 tones (including a very interesting bank GM). We can add an expansion card for additional sounds. The effects are worthy of the greatest racks as LEXICON, TC electronics etc ... In short: the ultimate.
  
  
  
  The connector is identical to what can be found in the Competition (the PC2X him is at a level above). A sustain pedal is supplied in addition to the device (which n is not seen anything that you pretty much have to make the purchase when it is provided in competition).

  Utilization

  Touch is excellent. the ultimate. Truly unique compared to the roland, korg or yamaha's. It is this that we can find better. C is really the key of superlatives (according to an EX graduated from the Ecole Normale de Musique de Paris).
  
  
  
  The config is simple and uneventful. easy to use.
  
  The manual is clear and thin (very well done)

  Sounds

  What about sound ....??? THEY ARE EXCEPTIONAL !!!!! The work of goldsmith.
  
  The still nothing compares to the competition. The samples were mostly keyboards and pianos most notable market (even that is done in VST plug does not come close to the height!). Every note is reproduced with a quality concerns pushed to the extreme.
  
  We believed from the first notes on the keyboard of the greatest concert grand pianos.
  
  
  
  Little extra for me is a pleasant surprise: there are voice samples of the most beautiful effect (sample CD TAKE SIX ..... that is the best CD).
  
  All sounds are usable! Here c is the not ready to play at home or some brands only a few sounds can be used.

  Overall Opinion

  I do not use the the last few days but the first notes I was seduced j. The keyboard is one of unquestionable quality and without comparison to other brands on the market (j've spent months trying everything that was done in digital pianos so J had time to get an idea).
  
  Myself being a pianist I have to say that the quality of samples is stirring. Person at the moment n is able to provide, both in yamaha korg roland or a quality keyboard and piano sounds as good (and more is at stake ... The pcx costs only 1490 euros) .
  
  I want to thank before concluding this brief comment BACKLINE the store and Piano and particularly Mr Alex CALANDRY who knew me learn, listen and answer as accurately as I expected the most advanced. I was skeptical that (buy an instrument without trying) I do not regret my purchase and I would say that if c had to be rebuilt .... j buy a second!
  
  
  
  Thank you BACKLINE & Piano
  
  
  
  PS: many will say that n is KURZWEIL available in France. No it is not! if you go to the website of www.KURZWEIL.DK you will see that the brand is distributed in France and is represented by Alexi CALANDRY ... so ..... no soucy!!
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• 04/14/04

  Deweak's review ( translated ) Improve this translation

  Characteristics

  88 keys with hammer mquanique, many sounds effects, Controller, etc..

  Utilization

  The keyboard seems to have a shorter stroke than the Fatar, but is comparable numriques all pianos I've tried so far. Thanks to SETTING THE sensitivity can quickly adjust the keyboard rponse his style of play, which is especially apprciable many sounds and ragissent the VLOC / or have several layers.
  
  
  
  on the other hand, select the accommodation requires a sound long enough: to choose a bank, three buttons light up red or green for three banks and two times for these same sounds, it's square ment of hell: you must choose one of the sixteen groups with eight buttons red / green, then among the sounds of the group with, in addition, a green LED indicating the prsence sound in deuxime layer (Power key are green). As difficult to explain that understanding ... Anyway, after three weeks, I start getting used to.
  
  
  
  The manual is full trs, except there is no list of patches and setups. There is a list Retailer, but half a score of pages, then it would have t practice having a rcapitulatif classs of all the sounds in each bank and for CATEGORY to choose a look.

  Sounds

  The big highlight of the keyboard sounds! I had bought at dpart for acoustic piano sounds, but what a surprise by browsing through the banks ... The pianos are fabulous (albeit a little too like as presets, which would be fewer p), the electric pianos, and all acoustic instruments trs well reproduced with a standard dynamic (even in compared with Wavestation and my JD-990). But what really is skotch analog sounds and drumkits simply standards!
  
  
  
  The part s'avre plutt powerful effects, and even voluntarily limit edition by the manufacturer, leaving Access in paramtres essential.
  
  
  
  In edition of setup, programming Controller is impressive, and I rve edition of the K2600 ...

  Overall Opinion

  I use this keyboard for a month, and I am satisfied for now compltement. I only regret not having enough time to explore the possibility of shipping setup and go once more sound banks ...
  
  My set includes several Japanese machines and I must admit that the PC1x sounds better than the whole. Obviously the pianos are beautiful but it is mostly the rest of the sounds that surprised me and I would recommend this keyboard plutt another piano numrique all those who still hsitent between DIFFERENT MODELS.
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