Kurzweil KSP8-TM User Manual

Getting Started Guide

©2008 All rights reserved. Kurzweil ® is a product line of Young Chang Co., Ltd. Young Chang®, Kurzweil ®, V. A. S. T. ®, PC3®, KDFX®, Pitcher®, and LaserVerb®, KSP8 ™, K2661™, K2600™, K2500™, and K2000™ are trademarks of Young Chang Co., Ltd. All other products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Product features and speciﬁcations are subject to change without notice.

You may legally print up to two (2) copies of this document for personal use. Commercial use of any copies of this document is prohibited. Young Chang Co. retains ownership of all intellectual property represented by this document.

910511 – Preliminary / Subject to Change – June 12, 2008

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated

"dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and

maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product.

IMPORTANT SAFETY & INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS

WARNING: When using electric products, basic precautions should

always be followed, including the following:

1. Read all of the Safety and Installation Instructions and Explanation of Graphic Symbols before using the product.

2. This product must be grounded. If it should malfunction or break down, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a power supply cord having an equipment-grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet which is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.

DANGER: Improper connection of the equipment-grounding

conductor can result in a risk of electric shock. Do not modify the plug provided with the product - if it will not ﬁt the outlet, have a proper outlet installed by a qualiﬁed electrician. Do not use an adaptor which defeats the function of the equipment-grounding conductor. If you are in doubt as to whether the product is properly grounded, check with a qualiﬁed serviceman or electrician.

3. WARNING: This product is equipped with an AC input voltage selector. The voltage selector has been factory set for the mains supply voltage in the country where this unit was sold. Changing the voltage selector may require the use of a different power supply cord or attachment plug, or both. To reduce the risk of ﬁre or electric shock, refer servicing to qualiﬁed maintenance personnel.

4. Do not use this product near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, or the like.

5. This product should only be used with a stand or cart that is recommended by the manufacturer.

6. This product, either alone or in combination with an ampliﬁer and speakers or headphones, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.

7. The product should be located so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.

8. The product should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, or other products that produce heat.

9. The product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the product.

10. This product may be equipped with a polarized line plug (one blade wider than the other). This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact an electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the plug.

11. The power supply cord of the product should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time. When unplugging the power supply cord, do not pull on the cord, but grasp it by the plug.

12. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.

13. The product should be serviced by qualiﬁed service personnel when:

A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the product; C. The product has been exposed to rain; D. The product does not appear to be operating normally or

exhibits a marked change in performance;

E. The product has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

14. Do not attempt to service the product beyond that described in the user maintenance instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualiﬁed service personnel.

15. WARNING: Do not place objects on the product’s power supply cord, or place the product in a position where anyone could trip over, walk on, or roll anything over cords of any type. Do not allow the product to rest on or be installed over cords of any type. Improper installations of this type create the possibility of a ﬁre hazard and/or personal injury.

RADIO AND TELEVISION INTERFERENCE

WARNING: Changes or modiﬁcations to this instrument not expressly

approved by Young Chang could void your authority to operate the instrument.

IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or other

equipment use only high quality shielded cables.

NOTE: This instrument has been tested and found to comply with the

limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This instrument generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a par ticular installation. If this instrument does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the instrument off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the instrument and the receiver.

• Connect the instrument into an outlet on a circuit other than the one

to which the receiver is connected.

• If necessary consult your dealer or an experienced radio/television

technician for additional suggestions.

NOTICE

This apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.

AVIS

Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la class B prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.

Important Safety Instructions

1) Read these instructions

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this apparatus near water.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including ampliﬁers) that produce heat.

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not ﬁt into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11) Only use attachments/accessories speciﬁed by the manufacturer.

12) Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table speciﬁed by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.

13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14) CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type (CR2032).

15) Refer all servicing to qualiﬁed service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

Warning - To reduce the risk of ﬁre or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or mois-

ture. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or splashing and ensure that no objects ﬁlled with liquids, such as vases, are placed on the equipment.

To completely disconnect this equipment from the AC Mains, disconnect the power supply cord plug from the AC receptacle.

iii

Kurzweil International Contacts

Contact the Kurzweil ofﬁce listed below to locate your local Kurzweil representative.

Kurzweil Music Systems 19060 S. Dominguez Hills Dr. Rancho Dominguez California 90220 USA

telephone: (310)637-2000 fax: (310)637-2025

http://www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com

Kurzweil Co., LTD iPark Building #102, Floor 9 Jeongja-Dong 9, Bundang-Gu Soungnam-Shi, Gyeonggi-Do 463-859 South Korea

http://www.ycpiano.co.kr http://www.youngchang.com

Kurzweil International Contacts .....................................................................................................................................iv

Chapter 1 Introduction

Keeping Current...............................................................................................................................................................1-1

Overview of the PC3 .......................................................................................................................................................1-2

How the PC3 Works ........................................................................................................................................................1-2

VAST Synthesis ................................................................................................................................................................1-3

KB3 Tone Wheel Emulation............................................................................................................................................1-3

VA-1 Programs .................................................................................................................................................................1-3

How to Use This Manual................................................................................................................................................1-4

Do I Have Everything?....................................................................................................................................................1-4

Boot Loader.......................................................................................................................................................................1-4

Battery................................................................................................................................................................................1-4

Options ..............................................................................................................................................................................1-5

Sound ROM Cards....................................................................................................................................................1-5

Pedals .........................................................................................................................................................................1-5

Ribbon Controller .....................................................................................................................................................1-5

Breath Controller ......................................................................................................................................................1-5

Chapter 2 Startup

Make Connections ...........................................................................................................................................................2-1

Make Music.......................................................................................................................................................................2-1

Startup—the Details ........................................................................................................................................................2-2

Before You Start.........................................................................................................................................................2-2

Connecting the Power Cable (Line Cord) .............................................................................................................2-2

Connecting Audio Cables........................................................................................................................................2-2

Connecting MIDI ......................................................................................................................................................2-3

Pedals .........................................................................................................................................................................2-4

Breath..........................................................................................................................................................................2-4

Ribbon ........................................................................................................................................................................2-5

Switching On the Power..........................................................................................................................................2-5

xD Cards ....................................................................................................................................................................2-6

USB Port.....................................................................................................................................................................2-6

Setting the Clock .......................................................................................................................................................2-6

PC3 Programs...................................................................................................................................................................2-7

Selecting Programs...................................................................................................................................................2-7

Program Mode Display............................................................................................................................................2-7

VAST Programs.........................................................................................................................................................2-8

KB3 Programs............................................................................................................................................................2-8

Setups ................................................................................................................................................................................2-9

Quick Access.....................................................................................................................................................................2-9

The Other Modes ...........................................................................................................................................................2-10

Software Upgrades ........................................................................................................................................................2-10

Chapter 3 User Interface Basics

Mode Selection .................................................................................................................................................................3-1

Mode Buttons ...................................................................................................................................................................3-2

Bank Buttons.....................................................................................................................................................................3-2

TOC-i

Sliders ................................................................................................................................................................................3-2

Program and Category Buttons .....................................................................................................................................3-4

Pitch Wheel and Mod Wheel .........................................................................................................................................3-5

Navigation ........................................................................................................................................................................3-6

The Display................................................................................................................................................................3-6

Pages...........................................................................................................................................................................3-6

The Top Line..............................................................................................................................................................3-6

The Bottom Line........................................................................................................................................................3-6

The Soft Buttons........................................................................................................................................................3-7

The Cursor Buttons ..................................................................................................................................................3-7

The Chan/Layer Buttons.........................................................................................................................................3-7

The Edit Button .........................................................................................................................................................3-8

The Exit Button .........................................................................................................................................................3-8

Data Entry.........................................................................................................................................................................3-9

The Alpha Wheel ......................................................................................................................................................3-9

The Plus/Minus Buttons .........................................................................................................................................3-9

The Alphanumeric Pad............................................................................................................................................3-9

Double Button Presses ...........................................................................................................................................3-10

Intuitive Data Entry.......................................................................................................................................................3-11

Changing the Current Layer in Multi-Layer Programs.................................................................................... 3-11

Search...............................................................................................................................................................................3-12

Quick Song Recording and Playback..........................................................................................................................3-12

Chapter 4 The Operating Modes

What the Modes Are........................................................................................................................................................4-1

Selecting Modes ...............................................................................................................................................................4-1

Finding Square One..................................................................................................................................................4-2

Using the Modes ..............................................................................................................................................................4-2

Program Mode ..........................................................................................................................................................4-3

Setup Mode................................................................................................................................................................4-3

Quick Access Mode ..................................................................................................................................................4-3

Effects Mode..............................................................................................................................................................4-3

MIDI Mode ................................................................................................................................................................4-3

Master Mode .............................................................................................................................................................4-3

Song Mode.................................................................................................................................................................4-4

Storage Mode ............................................................................................................................................................4-4

Chapter 5 Editing Conventions

Introduction to Editing ...................................................................................................................................................5-1

What’s an Object? .....................................................................................................................................................5-1

Object Type and ID ..........................................................................................................................................................5-2

Saving and Naming.........................................................................................................................................................5-2

ROM Objects..............................................................................................................................................................5-3

Memory Objects........................................................................................................................................................5-4

Keyboard Naming ....................................................................................................................................................5-4

Deleting Objects ...............................................................................................................................................................5-5

Dependent Objects ...................................................................................................................................................5-5

Saving and Loading Files—Storage Mode...................................................................................................................5-5

Special Button Functions ................................................................................................................................................5-6

TOC-ii

Chapter 6 Program Mode

VAST and KB3 Programs................................................................................................................................................6-1

VAST Program Structure ................................................................................................................................................6-2

KB3 Program Structure ...................................................................................................................................................6-4

KB3 Mode ..................................................................................................................................................................6-4

Real-time Controls in KB3 Mode............................................................................................................................6-5

Playing KB3 Programs .............................................................................................................................................6-5

KB3 Mode Buttons (Mute Buttons)........................................................................................................................6-5

MIDI Control of KB3 Programs..............................................................................................................................6-6

The Program Mode Page ................................................................................................................................................6-9

Control Setup ............................................................................................................................................................6-9

The Soft Buttons in Program Mode......................................................................................................................6-10

Alt Input for Algorithms (Cascade Mode).................................................................................................................6-10

Syncing LFOs..................................................................................................................................................................6-10

Controller Entry Values in Program Mode ................................................................................................................6-11

Chapter 7 Setup Mode

The Control Setup............................................................................................................................................................7-2

Riffs ....................................................................................................................................................................................7-2

RIFF1...........................................................................................................................................................................7-2

RIFF2...........................................................................................................................................................................7-4

For More Information......................................................................................................................................................7-6

Chapter 8 Quick Access Mode

Quick Access Editor.........................................................................................................................................................8-2

Chapter 9 Basic Effects Mode

Introduction......................................................................................................................................................................9-1

Chains................................................................................................................................................................................9-1

FXMODS ...........................................................................................................................................................................9-2

For More Information......................................................................................................................................................9-2

Chapter 10 MIDI Mode

The TRANSMIT Page....................................................................................................................................................10-1

Control Setup ..........................................................................................................................................................10-2

Destination...............................................................................................................................................................10-2

Channel ....................................................................................................................................................................10-2

Transpose .................................................................................................................................................................10-2

Velocity Map—Transmit (VelocMap)...................................................................................................................10-2

Pressure Map—Transmit (PressMap) ..................................................................................................................10-3

Program Change (PChng) .....................................................................................................................................10-3

Change Setups (ChgSetups)..................................................................................................................................10-3

The RECEIVE Page........................................................................................................................................................10-3

Basic Channel ..........................................................................................................................................................10-4

MIDI Receive Mode (MIDI Mode).......................................................................................................................10-4

All Notes Off............................................................................................................................................................10-4

Program Change Mode (PrgChgMode) ..............................................................................................................10-4

TOC-iii

Velocity Map—Receive..........................................................................................................................................10-5

Pressure Map—Receive .........................................................................................................................................10-5

System Exclusive ID (SysExID) ............................................................................................................................10-5

Bend Smooth ...........................................................................................................................................................10-5

Local Keyboard Channel (LocalKbdCh) .............................................................................................................10-5

Bank Select...............................................................................................................................................................10-5

The Channels Page ........................................................................................................................................................10-6

Enable .......................................................................................................................................................................10-6

Program....................................................................................................................................................................10-6

Pan ............................................................................................................................................................................10-7

Volume .....................................................................................................................................................................10-7

Program Lock, Pan Lock, Volume Lock ..............................................................................................................10-7

Program Change Formats.............................................................................................................................................10-7

Extended Program Changes .................................................................................................................................10-8

QAccess....................................................................................................................................................................10-8

The Soft Buttons in MIDI Mode................................................................................................................................. 10-11

Program Change (PrgChg).................................................................................................................................. 10-11

Reset Channels (RsetCh)...................................................................................................................................... 10-11

Panic .......................................................................................................................................................................10-11

Chapter 11 Master Mode

The Master Mode Page .................................................................................................................................................11-1

Tune ..........................................................................................................................................................................11-2

Transpose ................................................................................................................................................................. 11-2

Velocity and Pressure Touch (VelTouch and PressTouch).................................................................................11-2

Intonation................................................................................................................................................................. 11-2

Intonation Key (IntonaKey) ..................................................................................................................................11-3

Digital Output Mode.............................................................................................................................................. 11-3

Numeric Entry.........................................................................................................................................................11-3

The Soft Buttons in Master Mode (Page 1 and Page 2) ............................................................................................11-4

Save...........................................................................................................................................................................11-4

Object........................................................................................................................................................................11-4

Clock......................................................................................................................................................................... 11-4

Loader.......................................................................................................................................................................11-4

Reset.......................................................................................................................................................................... 11-4

Object Utilities ................................................................................................................................................................ 11-4

Rename..................................................................................................................................................................... 11-4

Delete........................................................................................................................................................................11-5

Chapter 12 Song Mode

Getting Started with the Sequencer.............................................................................................................................12-1

What is a Sequencer?..............................................................................................................................................12-1

Song Mode’s Main Screen .....................................................................................................................................12-1

Volume Control.......................................................................................................................................................12-1

For More Information ............................................................................................................................................12-1

A Word about the Local Keyboard Channel.......................................................................................................12-2

TOC-iv

Chapter 13 Storage Mode

Storage Mode Page ........................................................................................................................................................13-1

Using xD Cards.......................................................................................................................................................13-1

Directories.......................................................................................................................................................................13-2

Path ...........................................................................................................................................................................13-2

Disk Drive Information..........................................................................................................................................13-3

Storage Mode Soft Buttons....................................................................................................................................13-3

File List Dialog ...............................................................................................................................................................13-3

Soft Buttons in the File List Dialog.......................................................................................................................13-3

Creating Directories.......................................................................................................................................................13-4

Creating a Directory From the Storage Mode Page...........................................................................................13-4

Creating a Directory in the Save Dialog..............................................................................................................13-4

The Directory Selection Dialog ....................................................................................................................................13-5

Storage Mode Functions ...............................................................................................................................................13-6

Loading Files ...........................................................................................................................................................13-6

Loading Individual Objects...................................................................................................................................13-6

Shortcuts when Loading Objects..........................................................................................................................13-7

Selecting Multiple Files to Load ...........................................................................................................................13-8

Aborting a Multiple File Load ..............................................................................................................................13-8

Saving Files .....................................................................................................................................................................13-8

Soft Buttons in the Save Selection Dialog............................................................................................................13-9

Saving Individual Objects .....................................................................................................................................13-9

Shortcuts when Saving Objects ............................................................................................................................13-9

More Features of the Save Dialog.......................................................................................................................13-10

Auditioning Objects in RAM ..............................................................................................................................13-10

The Name Table .................................................................................................................................................... 13-11

Not Loading the Name Table..............................................................................................................................13-12

The Multiple Object Selector Page.............................................................................................................................13-12

Using the Multiple Object Selector: An Overview...........................................................................................13-12

Operating Modes: The Select Parameter...........................................................................................................13-12

Multiple Object Selector Soft Buttons................................................................................................................13-13

Entering Selection Criteria in the Multiple Object Selector............................................................................13-15

Appendix A MIDI Implementation Chart

Appendix B PC3 Bootloader

Using the Bootloader Menu ................................................................................................................................... B-1

Updating PC3 Software and Objects .................................................................................................................... B-2

PC3 Diagnostics ....................................................................................................................................................... B-3

System Reset............................................................................................................................................................. B-3

File Utilities............................................................................................................................................................... B-3

Restoring the PC3 File System............................................................................................................................... B-4

Appendix C Changing PC3 Voltage

Removing the fuse holder ......................................................................................................................................C-1

TOC-v

TOC-vi

Chapter 1 Introduction

Greetings. Your new PC3 offers amazing acoustic, electric, and synthesizer sounds, combined with advanced programming features that will let you create almost any sound you can imagine. The PC3 comes loaded with 64 MB of ROM sounds, powered by Kurzweil’s newest custom chip set – cutting edge technology that nobody else has. In addition to the great sounds and programming features, the PC3 is fully equipped with performance features you’ll use at every gig. For example, there are nine conveniently situated sliders for accurately emulating the drawbars on a tone wheel organ such as a Hammond B3™. And the PC3’s 24 dedicated sound select buttons, along with its Quick Access banks will let you instantly choose and change sounds whenever you like.

If you’ve used other Kurzweil gear, you’ll have no trouble getting up and running quickly. Bear in mind, however, that the PC3’s beauties are more than skin-deep; you’ll want to read this manual, as well as the materials at the www advantage of your instrument.

Introduction

Keeping Current

.kurzweilmusicsystems.com website to take full

Keeping Current

Check for new documentation and operating system upgrades before you start using your instrument. When new software is available for the PC3, it will be posted at

www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com. You’ll use the PC3’s Boot Loader (described in this manual)

to upgrade your instrument to use the new software.

Pictured below is the 88-key PC3x.

Preliminary - Subject to Change 1-1

Introduction

Overview of the PC3

The PC3’s 800+ programs include the Orchestral and Contemporary sound blocks, General MIDI (GM), Stereo Triple Strike Piano, Classic Keys for realistic vintage electric piano sounds, and new String Sections. Multi-zone performance setups are also provided; many of these setups use note triggers to play factory-recorded songs that provide grooves and arpeggiation that make great templates for performance or recording. An on-board 16-track sequencer with front panel transport buttons lets you record your ideas any time inspiration strikes. This sequencer (Song mode) lets you play back MIDI type 0 or 1 sequences, record and play back your own songs, and record multi-timbral sequences received via MIDI.

Before we get into explaining VAST, here are a few of the features that by themselves make the PC3 an impressive stage and studio machine. It has 128-voice polyphony and is fully multitimbral, so that different programs can be played on each MIDI channel. There’s an on-board digital effects processor providing multiple simultaneous effects, including real-time effects control, internally or via MIDI. In fact, the PC3 offers more effects processing power than Kurzweil’s much-lauded KSP8 studio effects processor.

In addition to the standard stereo audio output pair, there are two additional balanced analog outputs, as well as a digital output. All of the outputs are available to you simultaneously. For backup, storage, and moving ﬁles, there’s an xD card slot on the back panel of the PC3. The provided USB port lets you connect the PC3 to a computer for ﬁle transfer and MIDI.

How the PC3 Works

The PC3 integrates three MIDI-driven components: a MIDI controller (the keyboard, or an external MIDI controller), a sound engine, and a global effects processor that employs the same effects used in Kurzweil’s KSP8. The sound engine responds to the MIDI events generated by the MIDI controller, and turns them into sounds that are processed within the variable architecture of the algorithms—or by oscillators for KB3 programs. The resulting sound can then be routed through the PC3’s effects and to the audio outputs.

1-2 Preliminary - Subject to Change

VAST Synthesis

The PC3’s Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology (V.A.S.T.) lets you build sounds from realistic instrumental samples and sampled synth waveforms—then modify the nature of those sounds through a wide variety of digital signal-processing (DSP) functions. The PC3 also generates its own synth waveforms, which can be combined with the samples or used on their own.

While many other synthesizers may offer a ﬁxed set of DSP tools (typically ﬁltering, pitch, and amplitude modulation) the PC3’s Variable Architecture lets you arrange a combination of DSP functions from a long list of choices. The functions you choose deﬁne the type of synthesis you use.

Each layer of every program has its own DSP architecture, which we call an algorithm . Within each algorithm, you can select from a variety of DSP functions. Each function can be independently controlled by a variety of sources including LFOs, ASRs, envelopes, a set of unique programmable functions (FUNs), as well as any MIDI control message. The many different DSP functions and the wealth of independent control sources give you an extremely ﬂexible, truly vast collection of tools for sound creation and modiﬁcation.

New with the PC3 are powerful editing features we call Dynamic V.A.S.T. and Cascade Mode .

Introduction

VAST Synthesis

• Dynamic V.A.S.T. allows you to “wire” your own algorithms, combining different DSP functions in any order you like, including parallel and serial conﬁgurations.

• Cascade Mode lets you route any layer of a program into the DSP of any other layer. Any of the 32 layers of a program can go into any other layer.

When you’re ready to jump in and start creating programs, turn to Chapter 6.

KB3 Tone Wheel Emulation

In addition to VAST synthesis, the PC3 offers many oscillator-based programs that give you the classic sound of tone-wheel organs like the Hammond B3. KB3 mode, as we call it, is completely independent of VAST, and has its own set of editing procedures. Nine dedicated sliders on the PC3’s front panel give you real-time drawbar control over these organ sounds. The blue LED in the KB3 button will light when the current program is a KB3 program.

VA-1 Programs

The VA-1 (Virtual Analog Synthesizer) programs included with the PC3 offer realistic emulations of classic analog synthesizers, built from Kurzweil’s unique anti-aliased DSPgenerated oscillators. The PC3’s power-shaped oscillators let you transition smoothly from one waveform into another in real time, without using cross-fades.

VA-1 programs are scattered throughout the PC3. Look for them in the Synth Category and the Classic Keys Bank. You’ll see “KVA Oscillator” appear in the Keymap screen on the left hand side of the display.

Preliminary - Subject to Change 1-3

Introduction

How to Use This Manual

This manual describes how to connect and power up your PC3, getting around the front panel, and a brief description of the operating modes. For information on editing and advanced programming features, refer to additional material provided on the Kurzweil website:

The best way to read this manual is with your PC3 in front of you. By trying the examples we give to illustrate various functions, you can get a quick understanding of the basics, then move on to the more advanced features.

Do I Have Everything?

Your PC3 shipping carton should include the following in addition to your instrument:

• Power cable

• Sustain pedal

• USB cable

• Getting Started manual (this book)

• Removable Quick Reference sticker for top of keyboard

• Warranty card

If you don’t have all of these components, please call your Kurzweil/Young Chang dealer.

http://www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com

You may also want to purchase an xD memory card for storage (32MB – 256MB will work, Type S or no type stated, formatted FAT16), and an xD card interface for your computer, if one is not built in.

Boot Loader

When you need to update the PC3’s software or run diagnostic tests, you’ll use the Boot Loader. To bring up the Boot Loader, hold down the Exit button (below the cursor buttons, to the right of the display) while powering on your PC3. Refer to Appendix B for details on the Boot Loader.

Battery

The PC3 uses a CR2032 battery to power its clock. The battery should last ﬁve years, and a message will tell you when the battery needs replacing. The access panel on the bottom of the PC3 (which you can easily remove with a screwdriver) allows you to get at the battery for removal and replacement.

CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type (CR2032).

1-4 Preliminary - Subject to Change

Options

Ask your Kurzweil dealer about the following PC3 options:

Sound ROM Cards

The PC3 has sockets for 64 MB and 128 MB ROM expansion cards that you can install yourself (the expansion kits come with complete instructions).

Pedals

The PC3 has jacks for three switch pedals (for functions like sustain or program/setup changes) and two continuous pedals (for functions like volume control and wah). Your Kurzweil dealer stocks the following optional pedals:

FS-1 Standard box-shaped switch pedal KFP-1 Single piano-style switch pedal KFP-2M Double piano-style switch pedal unit CC-1 Continuous pedal

Introduction

Options

Ribbon Controller

There’s a dedicated modular jack (like a telephone jack) on the rear panel of the PC3 for connecting this 600-mm (24-inch) ribbon controller. You can conﬁgure the PC3 to use the ribbon as a single large controller, or a three-section controller with independent settings for each section.

Breath Controller

You can plug a Yamaha (or equivalent) breath controller into the dedicated jack on the PC3’s rear panel.

Preliminary - Subject to Change 1-5

Introduction

Options

1-6 Preliminary - Subject to Change

Chapter 2 Startup

If hooking up new gear is familiar to you, and you just want to get going, here’s a quick description of what you need to get started with your PC3. If you need more information, thorough descriptions of each step follow.

Make Connections

1. Set the keyboard on a hard, ﬂat, level surface. Make sure to leave plenty of room for ventilation.

2. Four adhesive-backed rubber feet are provided with your PC3. If you want to attach them to the bottom of the PC3 (recommended to prevent scratching your tabletop), carefully turn the keyboard over, remove the paper backing from the rubber feet and attach them now, near each corner.

Startup

Make Connections

3. Connect the power cable.

4. Make sure your sound system is at a safe volume level. Also make sure that the PC3’s

5. Plug in a pair of stereo headphones or run standard (1/4-inch) audio cables from your

Make Music

1. Power up your PC3, raise the level of the MASTER VOLUME slider, and check out some

MASTER VOLUME slider (on the far left side of the front panel) is all the way down.

ampliﬁer or mixer to the MIX audio outputs on the PC3. (Use the Main Left out for mono.) Balanced (“TRS” or “Stereo”) cables are recommended.

of the programs and setups. The PC3 starts up in Program mode by default. Press one of the mode buttons to the left of the display to switch modes.

2. If you hear distortion, reduce the gain on your mixing board, or use the pad if it has one.

3. Scroll through the program list with the Alpha Wheel, or the dedicated Category and Program buttons, and try the PC3’s many sounds.

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Startup

Startup—the Details

This section walks you through the hookup of your PC3. We’ll take a look at the rear panel, then describe the power, audio, and other cable connections.

Before You Start...

Don’t connect anything until you make sure your PC3 is properly and safely situated. Also, if your PC3 has been out in the cold, give it time to warm up to room temperature before starting it, since condensation may have formed inside the PC3. It is normal for the rear panel near the MIDI jacks to become warm after a while.

Connecting the Power Cable (Line Cord)

The PC3 runs on AC power: 100, 120, 230, or 240 volts at 50–60 Hz. Your dealer will set the voltage switch to match the voltage in your area. The voltage level is set with a selector on the rear panel of the PC3. Unless you are sure it needs to be changed, you shouldn’t adjust this.

When you’ve connected the cable at the PC3 end (as you face the back of the PC3, the power connection is at the right), plug it into a grounded outlet. If your power source does not have the standard three-hole outlet, you should take the time to install a proper grounding system. This will reduce the risk of a shock.

Connecting Audio Cables

Analog

After you’ve turned down the level on your sound system, connect the PC3’s analog audio outputs to your sound system using a pair of stereo or mono audio cables. Mono cables will always work, but if you’re going into balanced inputs, use stereo cables for a better signal-tonoise ratio. The PC3’s analog outputs are balanced, and generate a “hotter” signal than some previous Kurzweil instruments.

You’ll ﬁnd four 1/4-inch balanced audio output jacks on the rear panel. For now, connect one end of each audio cable to your mixing board or PA system inputs, and connect the other end to the jacks marked Main Left and Right on the rear panel of the PC3. If you have only one input available, use the PC3’s Main Left output to get the full signal in mono.

The Aux outputs duplicate the Main Outs, and are useful for monitoring and other operations. They are always in stereo, as is the headphone out.

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Digital

For digital audio output from the PC3, connect a 75-Ohm coaxial cable from the PC3’s RCA Digital Out jack to the AES or S/PDIF input of the receiving device. You may need an RCA-toXLR adapter to connect with the receiving device. If the receiving device receives only optical signals, you’ll need a converter as well. The PC3’s Master Page (press the Master mode button) lets you select a range of useful sample rates for the digital output.

The RCA jack labeled “Sync In” allows you to send a digital clock signal to the PC3 when it is being slaved to another device. Digital audio is not received by this input.

Connecting MIDI

The simplest MIDI conﬁguration uses a single 5-pin MIDI cable: either from the MIDI Out port of your PC3 to the MIDI In port of another instrument, or from the MIDI Out port of another MIDI controller to the MIDI In port of the PC3. There are all sorts of possible conﬁgurations, including additional synths, personal computers, MIDI effects processors, and MIDI patch bays. Depending on your system, you may want to use the PC3’s MIDI Thru port to pass MIDI information from a MIDI controller to the PC3 and on to the next device in your system. You can also connect MIDI devices to the PC3’s MIDI Out port, which can send channelized MIDI information from the keyboard or through the PC3 from your MIDI controller.

Startup

Startup—the Details

The MIDI Thru port can be conﬁgured to serve as an additional MIDI Out by sliding the nearby switch to the Out position.

You can also use the PC3’s USB port to send and receive MIDI.

USB MIDI and 5-pin MIDI can be used at the same time; the MIDI signals will be combined into a single 16-channel MIDI stream.

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Startup

Startup—the Details

Pedals

Plug your switch or continuous pedals into the corresponding jacks on the PC3’s rear panel. We recommend using the Kurzweil pedals described on page 1-2, but you can use almost any switch or continuous pedal, as long as it adheres to the following speciﬁcations (as most pedals do):

Switch pedals Continuous pedals 10-kOhm linear-taper potentiometer,

-inch tip-sleeve plug

-inch tip-ring-sleeve plug

with the wiper connected to the tip.

If you use a third-party (non-Kurzweil) switch pedal, make sure it’s connected before you turn on your PC3. This ensures that the pedal will work properly (it might function backward—off when it’s down and on when it’s up—if you turn on your PC3 before plugging in the pedal). Similarly, don’t press any of your switch pedals while powering up, because the PC3 veriﬁes each pedal’s orientation during power up. If you’re pressing a pedal, you might cause it to work backward.

The pedals are independently programmable within each zone of every setup. Here are the default settings for the ﬁve pedals you can use with the PC3:

Breath

Switch Pedal 1 Switch Pedal 2

Controller 64 ( Sustain ) Controller 66 ( Sostenuto)

Switch Pedal 3 Controller 67 (Soft) Continuous Control Pedal 1 Controller 11 (Expression) Continuous Control Pedal 2 Controller 4 (Foot Pedal) produces a “wah” effect in many setups

The 3.5mm jack labeled Breath accepts a standard breath controller, which sends standard MIDI Breath (MIDI 2) messages. The PC3’s preset programs and setups don’t respond to breath, but if you have other instruments that do respond to Breath, you can control them from the PC3 via MIDI.

You can also program the PC3 so that the breath controller sends a different MIDI message. This would enable you to use a breath controller to affect the PC3, but then other instruments receiving MIDI from the PC3 would no longer respond to the PC3’s breath controller (unless you also programmed them to receive the same MIDI Controller that the PC3’s breath controller is sending).

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Ribbon

Plug the optional Kurzweil Ribbon Controller into the modular Ribbon jack on the rear panel. The ribbon controller itself should rest on a ﬂat surface; it ﬁts nicely between the keys and the buttons and sliders on the front panel.

The ribbon is a continuous controller. You can program the ribbon controller to send MIDI Controller messages 1–127, as well as several specialized messages. It generates values of 0–127 for whatever MIDI Controllers you assign it to send. Just press it, and slide your ﬁnger along the ribbon to change the value of the message it’s sending.

You can conﬁgure the ribbon to have one control section that runs its entire length, or to have three sections of equal length. It sends its highest values when you press it at the end where the cable connects. When you conﬁgure it to have three sections, each section sends its highest values at the end closest to the cable.

Caution: The modular jack is designed for connection to the Kurzweil Ribbon Controller option only. Don’t plug any other modular plugs into the Ribbon jack.

Switching On the Power

The PC3’s power switch is on the rear panel. If you’re facing the keyboard, it’s just to the left of the power cable connection.

Startup

Startup—the Details

When you power up, the display brieﬂy shows some startup information. The Program mode display then appears. It looks like the diagram below, though your PC3 may be different from the example.

The ﬁrst time you power up (or after a reset), your instrument will be set to operate on MIDI Channel 1 (as shown at the far right of the top line above).

Set the volume at a comfortable level. You’ll get the best signal-to-noise ratio if you keep the PC3 at full volume, and adjust the level from your mixing board. You may also want to adjust the display contrast and brightness. There are two small knobs on the rear panel of the PC3 for this purpose.

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Startup

Startup—the Details

xD Cards

USB Port

You can use xD memory cards for backing up, archiving, sharing your work, and updating your software (32MB – 256MB will work, Type S or no type stated, formatted FAT16). The xD card slot is on the back panel of the PC3, but it is easily accessible from the front of the instrument. The gold contacts on the card must be facing up when you insert it; the PC3 can’t read a card when it is inserted upside down.

Caution: Do not remove an xD card while the blue Storage Unit Busy LED (above the alpha wheel) is lit. Removing a card while this blue LED is lit can cause data corruption.

Next to the card slot on the back panel of the PC3 is a USB port. You can set the USB port for MIDI (transmit and receive) or to connect your PC3 to a computer for ﬁle transfer. Your PC3 will be recognized as a “Disk Drive” and a “MIDI Performer.” By default, the USB port is set to MIDI mode. You cannot, however, use a USB ﬂash (or thumb) drive with the PC3’s USB port.

In USB Storage mode, a "KurzweilPC3" Virtual Drive will appear on your computer desktop. One important thing to know here is that this is a virtual drive. You can save to this drive from the PC3, but the idea is that you will then immediately transfer that ﬁle to your desktop (or other folder). If you leave Storage Mode, there will be a prompt telling you that the PC3 is turning back into a USB MIDI device - which you have to acknowledge. If you haven’t copied the ﬁle to your desktop it won’t be on the virtual disk if you leave storage mode.

Depending on your computer’s operating system, you may sometimes see a scary device removal warning on your desktop (for example, when the PC3 leaves the Boot Loader). You may disregard such a message without worries of damage to your PC3 or computer.

Setting the Clock

The ﬁrst time you start up your PC3 is probably a good time to set the instrument’s clock to your current local time. Do this from the Master Page.

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PC3 Programs

The PC3 powers up in Program mode, where you can select and play programs (called patches, presets, or voices on other instruments). Programs are preset sounds composed of up to 32 layers of samples or waveforms. If you’ve left Program mode, just press the Program mode button or Exit button to return.

Selecting Programs

When you are in Program mode, there are four basic ways to select a PC3 program:

• Press one of the Bank buttons (above the sliders on the left side of the front panel) to select a bank, then press a Category button and a Program button to choose within the bank. The Category and Program buttons are on the front panel, between the screen and the alpha wheel.

• Type the program’s ID (number) on the alphanumeric buttonpad, then press Enter. If you make a mistake, press Clear, then start over.

• Scroll through the list using the Alpha Wheel

• Scroll through the list using the Plus or Minus button under the Alpha Wheel, or the cursor buttons (the arrow buttons to the right of the display).

Startup

PC3 Programs

The PC3 has various settings for responding to MIDI Program Change commands from external sources. These are explained in Chapter 10, so we won’t go into them here. You should be able to change programs by sending Program Change commands from your MIDI controller.

Program Mode Display

Take a minute to familiarize yourself with the Program mode display. It gives you some helpful basic information, like the MIDI transposition, what MIDI channel you’re on, and which program is currently selected.

Info Box

There’s a box at the left side of the display. The info box, as it’s called, displays information about the current program (there’s also an info box for Setup mode). The following diagrams shows how the information differs depending on the type of program you’ve selected.

Soft buttons

On most PC3 screens, the bottom line of the display identiﬁes the function of each of the buttons beneath the display. We call these buttons soft buttons, because they do different things depending on what’s currently showing in the display.

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Startup

PC3 Programs

VAST Programs

In Program and Quick Access modes, you can change octaves with the Octav- and Octav+ buttons under the display. The Info soft button shows you relevant details about the current item. The Xpose-/Xpose+ buttons are a shortcut for quick transposition in semitone (half step) increments. You can use them to transpose the entire PC3 as much as three octaves up or down. The top line of the display shows the current amount of transposition (Xpose). Press both Xpose buttons simultaneously to return transposition to zero.

The Panic button (or a double press of Cancel and Enter at the bottom of the alphanumeric keypad) sends an All Notes Off message and an All Controllers Off message—both to the PC3 and over all 16 MIDI channels. You won’t need it often, but it’s nice to have.

A “normal” VAST program is what most of the factory programs are. The info box contains details about the different layers in each program, usually indicating the keymap used in each layer. The line under the keymap name indicates the layer’s keyboard range. In this case, all layers extend across the entire keyboard (A 0 to C 8). The ∞ symbol to the right of each layer shows that the keymap is a stereo keymap.

KB3 Programs

KB3 (organ) programs differ from VAST programs in that they don’t have layers. Instead they rely on oscillators that mimic the tone wheels used in many popular organs. Consequently, the info box shows only the waveform used in the program. Because of their architecture, KB3 programs require different processing within the PC3. KB3 programs play only on a single channel at a time (VAST programs will work ﬁne on that channel, too).

When you’re ready to start doing your own programming, check out Chapter 6, and check out the Kurzweil Music Systems web site for more information.

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Setups

Startup

Setups

Setups are preset combinations of programs. Setups can have up to 16 zones, each of which can be assigned to any range of the keyboard (overlapping or split). Each zone can have its own program, MIDI channel, and MIDI control assignments.

Press the Setup mode button to the left of the display. Its LED will light, telling you that you’re in Setup mode. Notice that the Setup mode display is similar to the Program mode display. If the setup has four or fewer zones, the box at the left shows you the programs assigned to each of the setup’s four zones, and which MIDI channel is used for each program. If the setup is composed of more than four zones, then the box displays a series of horizontal lines illustrating the approximate key ranges of the zones. See page 7-1 for a more detailed description.

Many setups include arpeggiation and note-triggered songs to create some pretty amazing grooves that you can use as is, or as templates for your own material. As you play with these setups, experiment with the sliders and other controllers for a wide range of effects. Some of these grooves keep playing after you’ve released the keys that got them going. When you want to stop them, select another setup, or press the Setup mode button.

Quick Access

A really convenient way to select programs and setups is to use Quick Access mode, where you select a Quick Access bank from a list of factory preset or user-programmed banks. Each bank contains ten memory slots, or entries, where you can store any combination of programs or setups. While you’re in Quick Access mode, you can select any program or setup in the bank with buttons 0 through 9.

The PC3 comes with a few Quick Access banks already programmed so you can get an idea of how they work. You’ll probably create your own Quick Access banks to help you select programs and setups with a minimum of searching. Press the Quick Access mode button to the left of the display. Its LED lights, to tell you you’re in Quick Access mode.

The top line of the display tells you which Quick Access bank is selected. Use the Chan/Layer buttons (to the left of the display) to scroll through the banks. The names of each of the ten entries in the bank are listed in the center of the display. Many of their names will be abbreviated. The currently selected entry’s full name is shown near the bottom of the display. The amount of transposition is displayed to the left of the entry name. If the current entry is a program, you’ll see the current keyboard (MIDI) channel displayed to the right of the entry’s name. If it’s a setup, you’ll see the word Setup.

The entries on the Quick Access page are arranged to correspond to the layout of the numeric buttons on the alphanumeric pad.

When you’re ready to create your own Quick Access banks, turn to Chapter 8 to learn about the Quick Access Editor.

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Startup

The Other Modes

There are ﬁve other mode buttons on the front panel. See Chapters 3 and 4 for more detailed descriptions of the modes.

Effects mode Create and modify effects presets, and deﬁne how they’re applied to the

MIDI mode Conﬁgure the PC3 for sending and receiving MIDI information.

Master mode Deﬁne performance and control settings.

Song mode Record and edit sequences (songs); play Type 0 and Type 1 MIDI

Storage mode Load and save programs, setups, sequences, and other objects.

Software Upgrades

Part of the beauty of the PC3 is the ease with which you can upgrade its operating system and objects (programs, setup, etc.) using the boot loader to install upgrades into ﬂash ROM. You can perform the upgrade through USB or by transferring from an xD card.

PC3’s programs and setups.

sequences.

At Kurzweil and Young Chang, we have a long history of support for our instruments; the K250, K1000, K2000, K2500, and K2600 have been repeatedly enhanced, and these improvements have always been made available to instrument owners in the form of software upgrades.

Upgrading your PC3’s software is simple, painless, and—generally—free! As upgraded software becomes available, you can either get ﬁles from your Young Chang dealer or download the new stuff from the Web.

To stay in touch, check out our Web site:

http://www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com/

When you’ve acquired an upgrade, you can install it yourself in a matter of minutes. Use the Boot Loader, as described in Appendix B.

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Chapter 3 User Interface Basics

This chapter will show you how to get around the front panel of your PC3. Your interactions can be divided into three primary operations: mode selection, navigation, and data entry. There is also an assignable control section.

User Interface Basics

Mode Selection

The PC3 is always in one of eight primary operating modes. Select a mode by pressing one of the mode buttons — they’re to the left of the display. Each mode button has an LED that lights to indicate the current mode. Only one mode can be selected at a time.

Program mode Select and play programs, and modify them with the Program Editor.

Setup mode Select and play setups (16 keyboard zones with independent MIDI

Quick Access mode Select from a list of preset banks, each containing a list of ten programs

Effects mode Deﬁne the behavior of the on-board effects. Modify the preset effects and

MIDI mode Deﬁne how your PC3 sends and receives MIDI information, and

Master mode Deﬁne performance and control characteristics for the entire PC3.

channel, program and control assignments), and modify them with the Setup Editor.

and/or setups that can be viewed in the display for easy selection. Modify the preset banks and create your own with the Quick Access Editor.

create your own with the Effects Editor.

conﬁgure each channel to receive independent program, volume, and pan messages that override the normal Program mode settings.

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User Interface Basics

Mode Buttons

Song mode Use the PC3’s sequencer to record and play back your keyboard

Storage mode Interface with the PC3’s xD card reader or USB port to load and save

The PC3’s tone wheel organ emulation is called KB3 mode. You automatically enter this mode when you select a KB3 program. The KB3 Bank button takes you there directly.

Mode Buttons

performance, play Type 0 and Type 1 MIDI sequences, and record multitimbral sequences received via MIDI.

programs, setups, samples, and more.

When you press a mode button, its LED lights up to indicate that the mode has been selected. If pressing a mode button does not light its LED, press the Exit button one or more times, then try again.

Additional labeling for each mode button indicates special functions that relate to some of the PC3’s editors.

Bank Buttons

The Bank buttons, situated in the top left corner of the PC3’s front panel, let you choose different banks of programs (e.g., KB3 programs or Classic Keys programs). Within each bank, you can use the Program and Category buttons (to the right of the display) to select individual programs.

The Bank buttons have special functions in KB3 mode, indicated by labels beneath each button.

Sliders

In KB3 mode, the PC3’s nine sliders emulate an organ’s drawbars. For example, slider A emulates an organ’s 16’ drawbar. In other modes, the sliders can be used to send values for

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User Interface Basics

Sliders

different MIDI controllers. In either case, you may have to move the slider past the current value for its selected function before slider movement will have any effect.

Most VAST programs use the sliders for these functions:

A Data Filter frequency, Brightness

B MIDI 13 Filter resonance, Tremolo rate control

C MIDI 22 Layer volume, Envelope control, Lo EQ

D MIDI 23 Layer volume, Envelope control, Hi EQ

E MIDI 24 Layer volume for thumps and release

F MIDI 25 FX control 1

G MIDI 26 FX distortion drive

H MIDI 27 FX distortion warmth

I MIDI 28 Reverb / delay control

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User Interface Basics

Program and Category Buttons

Use the Program and Category buttons, in conjunction with the Bank buttons, to directly select PC3 programs. Each of the 16 categories contains 8 programs.

When you select a program within a category, your selection will be remembered. For example, choose program 3 in the Organ category (press Category: Organ, then Program: 3). Now move to the strings by pressing the Category: Strings button. If you press the Category: Organ button again, you will be returned to program 3 in the Organ category. In this way, each category can have a “favorite” program.

You can make program selections within each category ahead of time. This way, you’ll be able to access the program you want in any category simply by pressing appropriate category button.

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