Kurzweil PC3

Keyboard with aftertouch (it is rare) nice.
Big variable as complex polyphonic sounds, organ mode (KB3) and virtual analog (VA).
Sequencer (song mode) and riffs / programmable arpeggios.
Very powerful, fortunately editor about right allows you to change all settings.

UTILIZATION

In the PC3, everything is complicated: small screen programming that approximates the modular, multiple modes and small bugs never fixed despite OS updates.
But when you consider edit on stage is a treat with the assignable sliders and extreme flexibility stack, split, split velocity, control midi channels.
To summarize, power and ergonomics during use and sweat and tears in preparation pieces.

SOUNDS

Almost all sounds are good to excellent.
Piano epianos, organs, strings, brass, synth analog, FM, ...
Anything is possible if you decide to take the time to take feels.
Expressiveness and exceptional checks because anything can modulate all!

OVERALL OPINION

This is not a push-button machine. It is perfect for playing on stage (it lacks the ability to sample or at least integrate personal samples), sounds and effects are excellent and unlimited but must be ready to suffer during the design phase.
This is a synth power / great price but the opposite synths where you press a button and you play.

76 semi-weighted synth keys aftertouch
VAST - multi timbral 128 votes
connectors comprehensive midi / usb ...
full effects system.
16-track sequencer
Kore-compatible ROM 64

UTILIZATION

The "standard" usage is very simple, this synth is extremely well thought out, and EVERYTHING is customizable. The list of programs could be better indexed, but you can create your own combinations (quick access).
This is also a great master keyboard with 16 MIDI channels and can create A to Z combinations (setup) to drive multiple programs, sequences ... etc.
things get complicated when dealing synthesis in depth: the programs are easy to change, but the use of the VAST synthesis requires some knowledge, it seems difficult for a beginner, and it requires some investment to master this synthesis very powerful! The effect of the system is also very thorough. The sequencer performs its role.
The interface is a little aging (small monochrome screen), but it is well designed.
One can find a manual in French on the forums.

SOUNDS

I chose this synth sound: it is doing very well on the piano, rhodes, organ (system KB3), percussion, and offers sublime orchestral sounds! for sound "synth" is a matter of taste, kurzweil also offers a program of "virtual analog", the offer is very extensive, and there are very good additional banks .... and then a synth it is also to create their own sounds!
side modulations, the PC3 is also very complete with envelopes and LFOs, and we can associate any parameters to a controller! (Faders, pedals, aftertouch ...)

OVERALL OPINION

I use since 2007, it was my first "big" synth, and I intend to keep for a long time.
The pros:
sound (special mention for orchestral)
the semi-weighted keyboard, and overall quality of the machine
design, and the "all configurable"
the very "open" synthesis


the -:
no management of audio (recording or sample)
weight (a little heavy on the stairs!)
synthesis a little difficult to deal with for beginners

It is a machine that gives a lot for the price, I would do this choice without hesitation.

described above

UTILIZATION

described above

SOUNDS

the best rhodes and dx, very good expression! I like the grain of pianos Accousti questions but lack presence, it sounds a bit flat! organs sound good, I prefer elsewhere in hammond xb that j ' I sold it, we feel the grain Audible us and I like it! if we add a leslie to pc3, I'm sure it must sound terrible! pads very good and the violins and choirs

OVERALL OPINION

I for a week and I are one reason (the two complement each other well and I have a roland rd 700 that I use to drive the gem rp-x (on this subject, I find pes acoustic piano that sounds better!) characteristic is: I feel a certain grain Audible American and I love, I do it again this choice because I heard a synthesizer with

- Keyboard 76 notes with touch-sensitive semi-weighted with aftertouch VLOC
- 128-voice polyphony
- 16-channel multitimbral
- 850 preset programs including PC2 Sound ROM and Orchestral, Classic Keys,
General MIDI set, plus a new String Section ROM Bank and also
64 new KB3 programs.
- GM sound set
- 1024 User Programs
- 2 Sound ROM Expansion Slots 64MB and 128MB
- Effects - Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Flange, Phaser, EQs, distortions, Leslie simulators, Compressors
- Global qualiseur EQ / Compressor Global
- Arpeggiator intgrbr /> - Pitch Bend Wheel and Modulation Wheel
- 9 faders
- 4 analog outputs (the two to be able indpendante with the next OS)
- Headphone Jack
- Exit numrique S / PDIF 24 Bit Stro
- Frquence 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192-kHz modes possible (frquence of Sampling)
- MIDI In, Out, Through select Copy MIDI hardware Off / Out
- Select by Thru panel CONTRL In / Out
- USB port for MIDI connection, mmorisation of deals and management software keyboard
- Screen display rtro light blue monochrome 240 x 64 characters
- Management Program via USB (Mac and PC)
- Power supply 120/240V AC switchable Intgr
- Dimensions (W x D x H) 121.29 cm x 35.50 cm x 11.00 cm
- Weight: 16.94 kg

Electronic identical to Kurzweil PC3X only the keyboard, the size and weight change.

The Kurzweil PC3 is very well RALIS of APRS and study design Amricaine, manufacturing Young Chang, Made in Korea.

UTILIZATION

For a regular keyboard Kurzweil, no problem is the same philosophy.

catch CONTRL extremely easy to read, no need to have your nose stuck on it.

I use it as an expander for its Sound Banks, which are excellent.

Keyboard trs ax Studio numrique its output S / PDIF 24 Bit Stro with the choice of frquence of Sampling, very practical.

The Kurzweil PC3 is Fully ditable with the software of software PC3 SoundEditor SoundTower Version 1.0.3 January 8, 2009. See the link below.

http://soundtower.com/pc3/

SOUNDS

Sounds trs well suited my style of music.

I find the Horowitz Piano Grand trsraliste, even without any added effect.

( http://www.c-expresso.fr/fr/Test.html ) http://www.c-expresso.fr/fr/advice.php

Piano is consistent with MP3 dmonstration very prsence. This keyboard comes quite well Pianos sampler type of software, which is encouraging for the future trs for scne keyboards.

The 128-voice polyphony take all their senses for the Piano. There are plenty other great sounds made in Kurzweil, but this is not new.

OVERALL OPINION

If c'tait again, I Rasht no hsitation!

The report qualitprix is ​​excellent, I pay 1966 ComeBackMusic uros in Lyon, what I find most reasonable ds. What I regret most, there is not yet a version of the type PC3R Rack Kurzweil PC3, which I think is a pity.

For acqurir, I sold a Clavia Nord Stage 76 B RVision to buy this keyboard.

I do not regret!

Import hardware now in France by the Socit Saico, trs trs accessible and well knowing the Kurzweil product line. This was not always the case previously in France.