Kurzweil Music Systems PC2, PC2X User Manual

Kurzweil PC2

Musician’s Guide

©2000 All rights reserved. Kurzweil is a product line of Young Chang Co.; Kurzweil and PC2 are
trademarks of Young Chang Co. All other products and brand names are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective companies. Product features and speciÞcations are subject to change
without notice.

Part Number: 910345 Rev. A

The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol,

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

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. 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.

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

4. 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 oper ate 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.

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

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

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

8. 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.

9. 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.

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

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

A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged;
B. Objects have f allen, 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.

12. 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.

13. 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 A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the instrument is used in a commercial
environment. This instrument generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. Operation of this instrument in a residential area is
likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his or her own expense.

Changes and modifications not expressly approved b y the manuf acturer

SA VE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

ii

or registrant of this instrument an void the user’s authority to operate this
instrument under Federal Communications Commission rules.

In order to maintain compliance with FCC regulations, shielded cables
must be used with this instrument. Operation with unapproved
equipment or unshielded cables is likely to result in harmful interference
to radio and television reception.

NOTICE

This apparatus does not exceed the Class A 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 A prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique
edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.

Young Chang Distributors

Contact the nearest Young Chang ofÞce listed below to locate your local Young Chang/ Kurzweil representative.

Young Chang America, Inc.

P.O. Box 99995
Lakewood, WA 98499-0995
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Young Chang Co.

178-55 Gajwa-Dong
Seo-Ku, Inchon, Korea 404-714
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Young Chang Akki Europe GmbH

Industriering 45
D-41751 Viersen
Germany
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Young Chang Canada Corp.

250 Shields Court, Unit #11
Markham, Ontario L3R 9W7
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

iii

Contents

Young Chang Distributors ............................................................................................................................................... iii

Chapter 1 Introduction

Basic PC2 Features .......................................................................................................................................................... 1-1

The Sound ................................................................................................................................................................. 1-1

Keyboard and Controllers ...................................................................................................................................... 1-1

Effects......................................................................................................................................................................... 1-2

Options ............................................................................................................................................................................. 1-2

Sound ROM Cards................................................................................................................................................... 1-2

Polyphony Expansion Board.................................................................................................................................. 1-2

Pedals......................................................................................................................................................................... 1-2

Ribbon Controller..................................................................................................................................................... 1-2

Music Rack................................................................................................................................................................ 1-2

Breath Controller...................................................................................................................................................... 1-2

Unpacking your PC2 ...................................................................................................................................................... 1-3

Chapter 2 Startup

Setup.................................................................................................................................................................................. 2-1

Installing the Music Rack........................................................................................................................................ 2-1

Basic Connections............................................................................................................................................................ 2-2

Power ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2-2

Audio ......................................................................................................................................................................... 2-3

MIDI........................................................................................................................................................................... 2-4

Using the PC2 as a MIDI Master .................................................................................................................... 2-4

Using the PC2 as a MIDI Slave ....................................................................................................................... 2-4

MIDI Out/Thru................................................................................................................................................. 2-4

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

Breath......................................................................................................................................................................... 2-5

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

Digital Output .......................................................................................................................................................... 2-6

Powering Up .................................................................................................................................................................... 2-6

Display (LCD)........................................................................................................................................................... 2-6

LEDs........................................................................................................................................................................... 2-6

Software Upgrades .................................................................................................................................................. 2-6

Playing the Demo Sequences ................................................................................................................................. 2-6

Troubleshooting........................................................................................................................................................ 2-7

No Text in Display ............................................................................................................................................ 2-7

Low Battery........................................................................................................................................................ 2-7

No Sound ........................................................................................................................................................... 2-7

Chapter 3 Performance Features

In This Chapter................................................................................................................................................................ 3-1

Overview .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3-1

Modes ........................................................................................................................................................................ 3-1

Editors ................................................................................................................................................................ 3-2

The Internal Setup.................................................................................................................................................... 3-2

Kurzweil PC2 Musician’s Guide

Contents

Effects and EQ .......................................................................................................................................................... 3-2

Physical Controllers................................................................................................................................................. 3-3

The Front Panel................................................................................................................................................................ 3-3

Common Features.................................................................................................................................................... 3-4

Master Volume Slider....................................................................................................................................... 3-4

Data Entry.......................................................................................................................................................... 3-4

System................................................................................................................................................................. 3-4

Effects.................................................................................................................................................................. 3-5

Functions............................................................................................................................................................ 3-5

Sound Source..................................................................................................................................................... 3-5

Mode-Dependent Features ..................................................................................................................................... 3-6

The Display (LCD)............................................................................................................................................ 3-6

Cursor Buttons .................................................................................................................................................. 3-8

Sound Parameters............................................................................................................................................. 3-8

Zone Parameters ............................................................................................................................................... 3-8

Sound/Setup Select .......................................................................................................................................... 3-8

Zone Select and Assignable Controllers........................................................................................................ 3-9

Selecting Programs and Setups................................................................................................................................... 3-13

Other Selection Methods....................................................................................................................................... 3-13

Internal Voices Mode and KB3 Mode .......................................................................................................... 3-13

MIDI Setups Mode.......................................................................................................................................... 3-13

EQ .................................................................................................................................................................................... 3-14

Changing the EQ.................................................................................................................................................... 3-14

Effects.............................................................................................................................................................................. 3-14

Activating Effects ................................................................................................................................................... 3-14

Changing Effects .................................................................................................................................................... 3-15

Muting Effects......................................................................................................................................................... 3-15

Wet/Dry Mix .......................................................................................................................................................... 3-16

Layering and Splitting.................................................................................................................................................. 3-17

Using AutoSplit for Quick Layers and Splits..................................................................................................... 3-17

How AutoSplit Works ........................................................................................................................................... 3-18

Saving Quick Layers and Splits ........................................................................................................................... 3-18

Changing the AutoSplit Key Without Editing................................................................................................... 3-19

Saving the AutoSplit Key...................................................................................................................................... 3-19

Muting and Soloing ...................................................................................................................................................... 3-19

Muting ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3-20

Soloing ..................................................................................................................................................................... 3-20

The AutoSplit Feature............................................................................................................................................ 3-20

Saving the Internal Setup............................................................................................................................................. 3-21

Digital Audio Output ................................................................................................................................................... 3-21

Chapter 4 Programming Your PC2

Basic Editing Concepts ................................................................................................................................................... 4-1

Overview................................................................................................................................................................... 4-1

Beginning to Edit...................................................................................................................................................... 4-1

Navigation ......................................................................................................................................................... 4-1

Data Entry.......................................................................................................................................................... 4-2

Naming and Storing ......................................................................................................................................... 4-2

Other Save-Dialog Functions ................................................................................................................................. 4-3

Restoring Factory Effects ................................................................................................................................. 4-3

Deleting Objects ................................................................................................................................................ 4-3

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Kurzweil PC2 Musician’s Guide

Contents

Dumping Objects .............................................................................................................................................. 4-4

Intuitive Entry .......................................................................................................................................................... 4-5

Short Cuts for Data Entry ................................................................................................................................ 4-5

Short Cuts for Navigation................................................................................................................................ 4-6

Other Editing Functions.......................................................................................................................................... 4-7

Comparing ......................................................................................................................................................... 4-7

Copying and Pasting ........................................................................................................................................ 4-8

More About SysEx Dumps ..................................................................................................................................... 4-9

SysEx IDs............................................................................................................................................................ 4-9

Dumping the Entire Memory.......................................................................................................................... 4-9

The Program Editor ...................................................................................................................................................... 4-10

Program Editing Basics ......................................................................................................................................... 4-10

Entering the Program Editor......................................................................................................................... 4-10

The Current Layer............................................................................................................................................4-11

Keymaps............................................................................................................................................................4-11

Muting and Soloing Layers ............................................................................................................................4-11

Storing Effects.................................................................................................................................................. 4-12

Beyond the Basics................................................................................................................................................... 4-12

The Setup Editor............................................................................................................................................................ 4-12

The Default Setup and the Clear Setup ....................................................................................................... 4-13

Entering the Setup Editor ..................................................................................................................................... 4-13

Creating Setups ...................................................................................................................................................... 4-13

Setting Initial Volume Levels for Different Zones............................................................................................. 4-14

Assigning Sliders to Control Wet/Dry Mix in Different Zones ...................................................................... 4-15

Assigning Entry Values ......................................................................................................................................... 4-15

A Few Important Points About Entry Values ............................................................................................. 4-16

Multiple Controller Function ............................................................................................................................... 4-17

Offset vs. Scale................................................................................................................................................. 4-18

Crossfades ............................................................................................................................................................... 4-18

Velocity Switching.................................................................................................................................................. 4-19

Velocity Layering ................................................................................................................................................... 4-19

Switching Setups With a Pedal ............................................................................................................................ 4-19

Transposing a Setup With a Button..................................................................................................................... 4-20

The KB3 Editor.............................................................................................................................................................. 4-20

Editing the Percussion Parameters...................................................................................................................... 4-20

The Effects Editor .......................................................................................................................................................... 4-21

Effects Change Mode............................................................................................................................................. 4-21

Setting the Effects Change Mode.................................................................................................................. 4-21

Entering the Effects Editor.................................................................................................................................... 4-22

Selecting Different Effects..................................................................................................................................... 4-22

Editing Effects Parameters.................................................................................................................................... 4-23

KB3 Effects ....................................................................................................................................................... 4-23

Saving Effects.......................................................................................................................................................... 4-23

Other Effects-Editor Functions............................................................................................................................. 4-25

Common Editing Tasks ................................................................................................................................................ 4-25

Making Effects Active at Program or Setup Selection ...................................................................................... 4-25

Turning AutoSplit On and Off ............................................................................................................................. 4-25

Controlling Vibrato and Tremolo with LFOs ..................................................................................................... 4-26

Using Mono Audio Output .................................................................................................................................. 4-26

Changing Preset Drawbar Values........................................................................................................................ 4-26

Making Drawbars Live .................................................................................................................................. 4-26

Changing the Values of Preset Drawbars.................................................................................................... 4-26

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Kurzweil PC2 Musician’s Guide

Contents

Editing the Internal Setup..................................................................................................................................... 4-27

Using the Arpeggiator.................................................................................................................................................. 4-27

Using Pressure (Aftertouch) as an Arpeggiator Controller ............................................................................. 4-29

Using the Arpeggiator with a Sequencer or External Controller.................................................................... 4-29

Using the PC2 to Control External Slaves ................................................................................................................. 4-30

Sending Bank-Select and Program-Change Messages ..................................................................................... 4-30

Understanding Bank-Select Controllers ............................................................................................................. 4-30

Sending Program Changes Only ......................................................................................................................... 4-32

Preventing Program Changes on Slaves............................................................................................................. 4-33

Working With an External Sequencer ........................................................................................................................ 4-33

Turn Local Control Off! ......................................................................................................................................... 4-33

Global Method................................................................................................................................................. 4-33

Setup Method .................................................................................................................................................. 4-33

Recording to a Sequencer While in MIDI Setups Mode................................................................................... 4-34

Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................................................. 4-34

Chapter 5 Descriptions of Parameters

Program Editor Parameters ........................................................................................................................................... 5-1

The Timbre Menu..................................................................................................................................................... 5-1

The Envelope Menu................................................................................................................................................. 5-3

The LFO Menu.......................................................................................................................................................... 5-3

The LFO Menu: Rotor Effects Parameters............................................................................................................ 5-4

Setup Editor Parameters................................................................................................................................................. 5-5

The MIDI Xmit Menu .............................................................................................................................................. 5-5

The Program Menu.................................................................................................................................................. 5-6

The Key Range Menu .............................................................................................................................................. 5-9

The Transpose Menu ............................................................................................................................................. 5-10

The Velocity Menu ................................................................................................................................................. 5-10

The Controllers Menu............................................................................................................................................ 5-14

The Controllers Menu: Continuous Controller Parameters............................................................................. 5-15

The Controllers Menu: Ribbon Controller Parameters..................................................................................... 5-16

The Controllers Menu: Switch Controller Parameters ..................................................................................... 5-17

Switch-Button Priority ................................................................................................................................... 5-18

The Arpeggiator Menu.......................................................................................................................................... 5-19

Effects Editor Parameters............................................................................................................................................. 5-24

KB3 Editor Parameters ................................................................................................................................................. 5-27

The Timbre Menu................................................................................................................................................... 5-27

The Envelope Menu............................................................................................................................................... 5-28

The Envelope Menu: Percussion Parameters..................................................................................................... 5-29

Envelope Menu: Percussion Pitch Parameters .................................................................................................. 5-30

The LFO Menu........................................................................................................................................................ 5-30

System Parameters........................................................................................................................................................ 5-30

The Global Menu.................................................................................................................................................... 5-30

The MIDI Recv Menu ............................................................................................................................................ 5-36

Appendix A Maintenance and Upgrades

Replacing the Battery..................................................................................................................................................... A-1

Before you Begin .....................................................................................................................................................A-1

Opening your PC2 .................................................................................................................................................. A-1

Installing the Battery .............................................................................................................................................. A-1

viii

Kurzweil PC2 Musician’s Guide

Replacing the Option Panel................................................................................................................................... A-3

Powering up............................................................................................................................................................. A-3

Boot Block........................................................................................................................................................................ A-3

Starting the Boot Block ........................................................................................................................................... A-3

About Software Upgrades ..................................................................................................................................... A-3

Setting Up For a Software Upgrade .....................................................................................................................A-4

Installing an Operating System or Setups ........................................................................................................... A-4

Installing a New Boot Block .................................................................................................................................. A-4

Installing Sound ROM Options............................................................................................................................. A-5

Resetting the PC2 .................................................................................................................................................... A-5

Running the Diagnostics........................................................................................................................................ A-5

Appendix B Reference

SpeciÞcations ...................................................................................................................................................................B-1

Physical SpeciÞcations.............................................................................................................................................B-1

Electrical SpeciÞcations........................................................................................................................................ B-1

Voltage and Frequency Ranges.......................................................................................................................B-1

Power Consumption.........................................................................................................................................B-1

Environmental SpeciÞcations................................................................................................................................. B-2

Audio SpeciÞcations............................................................................................................................................. B-2

Line-Level Left and Right Analog Audio Outputs ......................................................................................B-2

Digital Audio Output...................................................................................................................................B-2

Headphone Output ..........................................................................................................................................B-2

Parameter Reference .......................................................................................................................................................B-3

PC2 Audio Signal Routing.............................................................................................................................................B-8

MIDI Controllers ............................................................................................................................................................. B-9

Special Controllers ..........................................................................................................................................................B-9

KB3 Controllers .............................................................................................................................................................B-10

PC2 Keymaps................................................................................................................................................................. B-11

PC2 Effects and Effects Parameters ............................................................................................................................B-12

Reverb...................................................................................................................................................................... B-12

Delay ........................................................................................................................................................................B-13

Chorus......................................................................................................................................................................B-13

Flange....................................................................................................................................................................... B-14

Phase ........................................................................................................................................................................B-14

Chorus + Delay....................................................................................................................................................... B-14

Chorus + Reverb.....................................................................................................................................................B-15

Chorus + Delay + Reverb...................................................................................................................................... B-15

Flange + Delay........................................................................................................................................................B-15

Flange + Reverb...................................................................................................................................................... B-15

Flange + Delay + Reverb.......................................................................................................................................B-16

Flange and Other.................................................................................................................................................... B-16

Filters .......................................................................................................................................................................B-16

Laserverb.................................................................................................................................................................B-16

Distortion.................................................................................................................................................................B-17

Enhancer..................................................................................................................................................................B-17

Compressor.............................................................................................................................................................B-17

Simple Motion ........................................................................................................................................................B-17

Spatial ......................................................................................................................................................................B-17

Rotary Speaker .......................................................................................................................................................B-18

MIDI Implementation Chart........................................................................................................................................ B-19

Contents

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Kurzweil PC2 Musician’s Guide

Contents

Appendix C PC2 Programs and Controller Assignments

Factory Controller Assignments ...................................................................................................................................C-1

Programs and Controllers..............................................................................................................................................C-1

Index

.....................................................................................................................................................................................I-1

Index of Parameters

.............................................................................................................................................IP-1

x

Chapter 1
Introduction

Thanks for buying your PC2 MIDI performance controller! It combines 16 megabytes of
renowned Kurzweil ROM sounds with an extensive set of ßexible and easy-to-use performance
and MIDI-control featuresÑall in a portable keyboard that can help you sound like a pro on
stage or in the studio. We hope you like it.

Basic PC2 Features

The Sound

The PC2 offers 64-voice polyphony thatÕs expandable to 128 voices. For maximum ßexibility in
connecting to sound systems and processing or recording equipment, the PC2 provides analog
and digital audio outputs, which you can use simultaneously.

There are 128 factory programs, including KurzweilÕs new stereo triple-strike Grand Piano,
Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos, stereo strings, brass, and Take 6 vocal samplesÑas well as
our critically-acclaimed keyboard, guitar, bass, drums, and percussion sounds. ThereÕs also
room for two Sound ROM Option cards, for up to 48 megabytes of ROM sounds.

Setups make the PC2 a versatile performance instrument and MIDI control keyboard. Each
setup contains four zones that can cover any part of the keyboard, or overlap across the entire
keyboard. You can program each zone independentlyÑwith different programs, physical
controller assignments, and MIDI channels for each zone. Using the onboard arpeggiator, you
can program setups with grooves that start automatically and evolve in countless variations as
you play.

For serious Hammond organ fans we offer KB3 Mode, which uses tone-wheel synthesis to
provide superb recreations of the classic B-3 soundÑincluding real-time drawbar controls and
multi-effects settings that include all of the essential features of a Hammond-Leslie setupÑ
percussion, key click, chorus and vibrato, tube amp distortion, and rotary speakers with
programmable speed control that ramps up and down like the real thing. You can play KB3
programs by themselves or with other programs in setups.

Keyboard and Controllers

There are two PC2 models. Both have the same features, with only one exception. The PC2X has
a fully-weighted 88-key piano action, while the standard PC2 has a 76-key lightly-weighted
action for the perfect combination of power and portability. Both models have mono pressure
(aftertouch), and have programmable velocity sensitivity. (By the way, whenever we mention
the PC2 by name, weÕre referring to both models.)

YouÕll Þnd the usual array of physical controllersÑPitch Wheel, Mod Wheel, jacks for
continuous and switch pedal jacks, and a breath-controller jackÑas well as multi-function
front-panel buttons and sliders, and a unique ribbon controller. TheyÕre all fully programmable.

ThereÕs an extensive list of programmable features for MIDI controlÑthe PC2 isnÕt just a great­sounding performance keyboard; itÕs a serious tool for MIDI sequencing, and makes an excellent

Introduction

Options

centerpiece for sophisticated MIDI studios. The PC2 is also well-equipped to receive MIDI from
other instruments or external MIDI sources like computer-based sequencers.

Effects

To complement the ROM sounds, there are over 150 multiple effects and 30 reverbs. You can
apply the effects to programs or setups, and you can easily control the wet/dry mix in real time.
You can also program the multi-effects and reverbs for even more control in performance and
recording.

Options

Ask your Kurzweil dealer about the following PC2 options:

Sound ROM Cards

The PC2 has sockets for two ROM expansion cards that you can install yourself (the expansion
kits come with complete instructions). Each expansion card adds 16 megabytes of ROM sounds
to the 16 megabytes of onboard ROM.

Polyphony Expansion Board

ThereÕs a kit for expanding your PC2Õs polyphony from 64 voices to 128 voices. You can install
this kit yourself as well.

Pedals

The PC2 has jacks for three switch pedals (for functions like sustain or program/setup changes)
and two continuous pedals (for functions like volume control). 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

Ribbon Controller

ThereÕs a dedicated modular jack (like a telephone jack) on the rear panel for connecting this
600-mm (24-inch) ribbon controller. You can conÞgure the PC2 to use the ribbon as a single large
controller, or a three-section controller with independent settings for each section.

Music Rack

The sturdy acrylic music rack (model PC-MDS) Þts into a bracket that you attach to the PC2Õs
rear panel. YouÕll Þnd installation instructions on page 2-1.

Breath Controller

You can plug a Yamaha (or equivalent) breath controller into the dedicated jack on the PC2Õs rear
panel (your Kurzweil dealer wonÕt necessarily have these in stock).

1-2

Unpacking your PC2

Your PC2 carton should contain the following:

¥ PC2 or PC2X Performance Controller
¥ Power adapter
¥ Piano-style switch pedal
¥ Four adhesive-backed rubber feet
¥ This manual
¥ Warranty card

You might want to keep the PC2 carton and packing materials for easy shipping or transport.

Introduction

Unpacking your PC2

1-3

Chapter 2
Startup

Setup

When setting up the PC2 for use it must be placed on a sturdy, level surface where both ends of
the unit are supported. A conventional keyboard stand may be used if it is strong enough to
support the unitÕs weight (about 35 pounds for a PC2, 50 for a PC2X). If you are going to be
using the unit on a table now or in the future, apply the four stick-on rubber feet to the bottom.
Figure 2-1 shows the recommended locations marked with pairs of small guide holes. Remove
the backing paper from each rubber foot and attach just forward of each set of guide holes. It is
possible that these locations could interfere with some keyboard standÕs supports, so check how
the PC2 Þts on your stand before applying the rubber feet.

Figure 2-1 Attaching rubber feet

Installing the Music Rack

YouÕll need a Phillips screwdriver to install the optional music rack.

1. Remove the four screws on the rear panel of the PC2, as shown in Figure 2-2.

2. Use the screws to attach the music rack bracket, making sure that the rounded edge of the
bracket is at the top.

3. Slide the music rack in from the top (as shown in the Þgure).

Attach feet here

Startup

Basic Connections

Figure 2-2 Installing the music rack

Basic Connections

Power

The PC2 has an external transformer/power supply with a standard electrical plug on one end,
and a keyed four-pin plug that connects with the PC2 (keyed means that thereÕs only one way to
connect it). This is a specialized power supply, and is not interchangeable with other power
supplies.

Caution : Use only the power supply that comes with your PC2, or a replacement purchased from an

authorized Kurzweil dealer. Using a different power supply can seriously damage your PC2!

Before connecting the power supply, make sure your PC2 is off (push the side of the power
switch thatÕs marked with a circle). Connect the keyed plug to the AC In connector. Figure 2-3
shows the correct orientation of the plug.

2-2

Startup

Basic Connections

Key

Flat side down!

Figure 2-3 Proper orientation of plug

Place the power supply somewhere where it will stay dry and out of the way. We recommend
keeping it on the ßoor. Never cover the power supply with anything; it needs adequate
ventilation to prevent overheating.

Connect the plug at the other end of the power-supply cable into a standard power outlet. If you
plan to take your PC2 to a location that uses a different voltage level, youÕll need to get an
additional power supply thatÕs compatible with the local voltage.

Audio

The PC2 features balanced left and right analog audio outputs with

1

/

-inch jacks. For best

4

results, use balanced cables to connect to balanced, line-level inputs on your mixer or sound
system.

ItÕs important to use shielded, twisted-pair cables. The cables should each have
(tip-ring-sleeve) plugs on one end to connect to the PC2. The other end of each cable should
have either

1

/

-inch stereo plugs or XLR plugs. Cables of this type provide balanced operation,

4

1

/

-inch stereo

4

which greatly reduces many types of noise. Unbalanced cables or sound-system inputs wonÕt
give you quite the same audio quality.

For best performance, set the PC2Õs Master Volume slider to its maximum when adjusting mixer
or sound-system levels. Otherwise, if you adjust the PC2Õs level by increasing the level of your
sound system, youÕll increase the noise level.

If youÕre using a monaural sound system or running the PC2Õs audio into a single mixer
channel, we recommend conÞguring the PC2 for mono output, in which case the PC2 sends the
same one-channel signal to the left and right sides of both the analog and digital outputs. See
page 4-26 for information about using mono audio output mode.

The PC2 has a headphone jack, which carries the same signal as the main outputs (thatÕs true
whether youÕre using stereo or mono output). The headphone jack accepts a standard

1

/

4

-inch
stereo plug, and is compatible with nearly all types of headphones. Plugging into the
headphones jack does not mute the other audio outputs.

You can also use the headphone jack as an unbalanced stereo line-level output. Just connect a
stereo cable from the headphone jack to a stereo input on your mixer or sound system. If you
have only unbalanced inputs to your sound system, youÕll get better audio quality using the
headphone jack.

ThereÕs also an RCA digital audio jack, which you can use in addition to the analog outputs. See
page 2-6 for more information.

2-3

Startup

Basic Connections

MIDI

Using the PC2 as a MIDI Master

The PC2 both transmits and accepts most standard (and several specialized) MIDI messages. In
other words, it can serve as both a MIDI master and a MIDI slave.

Connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI Out port of the PC2 to the MIDI In port of the device you
want to controlÑanother MIDI musical instrument, or any device that accepts MIDI, such as a
computer with a MIDI interface or an integrated MIDI In port. This makes the PC2 a MIDI
control device, and you can use it to play other instruments, make recordings using sequencers,
or send MIDI System Exclusive (SysEx) messages for storing programs, setups, and effects
settings externally.

When the PC2 is the MIDI master, you can conÞgure it to control only its slaves, or to play its
own sounds in addition to controlling the slaves.

Using the PC2 as a MIDI Slave

Connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI Out port of the instrument or device that youÕre using as
the MIDI master to the MIDI In port of the PC2. This makes the PC2 a MIDI slave, enabling you
to play its sounds from any MIDI instrumentÑkeyboard, wind controller, drum pads,
whateverÑor to control it via MIDI devices like dedicated sequencers or computers running
sequencing applications. The PC2 can receive 16 independent channels of MIDI information.

MIDI Out/Thru

This jack has two functions: it can be a MIDI Out port, enabling you to send directly to two
different slaves, or it can be a MIDI Thru port, in which case it passes along whatever MIDI
information that the PC2 receives at its MIDI In port (but not the MIDI information that the PC2
itself generates). This makes it easy to include the PC2 in a chain of multiple MIDI devices,
which is a common conÞguration when youÕre using a computer for sequencing.

ThereÕs a small switch labeled Thru/Out on the PC2Õs rear panel (as you face the rear panel, the
switch is to the left of the MIDI In port). Use a small pointed object to set the switch to the
position you wantÑa ball-point pen works nicely.

Pedals

Plug your switch or continuous pedals into the corresponding jacks on the PC2Õs 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 speciÞcations (as most pedals
do):

2-4

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

If you use a third-party (non-Kurzweil) switch pedal, make sure itÕs connected before you turn
on your PC2. This ensures that the pedal will work properly (it might function backwardÑoff
when itÕs down and on when itÕs upÑif you turn on your PC2 before plugging in the pedal).
Similarly, donÕt press any of your switch pedals while powering up, because the PC2 veriÞes
each pedalÕs orientation during power up. If youÕre pressing a pedal, you might cause it to work
backward.

1

/

-inch tip-sleeve plug

4

1

/

-inch tip-ring-sleeve plug

4

Startup

Basic Connections

The pedals are independently programmable within each zone of every setup. Here are the
default settings for the Þve pedals you can use with the PC2:

Breath

Ribbon

Switch Pedal 1
Switch Pedal 2
Switch Pedal 3
Continuous Control Pedal 1 Controller 11 ( Expression )
Continuous Control Pedal 2 Controller 4 (Foot Pedal)

The 3.5mm Breath jack labeled Breath accepts a standard breath controller, which sends
standard MIDI Breath (MIDI 2) messages. The PC2Õs preset programs and setups donÕt respond
to breath, but if you have other instruments that do respond to Breath, you can control them
from the PC2 via MIDI.

You can also program the PC2 so that the breath controller sends a different MIDI message. This
would enable you to use a breath controller to affect the PC2, but then other instruments
receiving MIDI from the PC2 would no longer respond to the PC2Õs breath controller (unless
you also programmed them to receive the same MIDI Controller that the PC2Õs breath controller
is sending).

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

Controller 64 ( Sustain )
Controller 66 ( Sostenuto )
Controller 67 ( Soft )

The ribbon is a continuous controller. You can program the ribbon controller to send MIDI
Controller messages 1Ð127, as well as several specialized messages. It generates values of 0Ð127
for whatever MIDI Controllers you assign it to send. Just press it, and slide your Þnger along the
ribbon to change the value of the message itÕs sending.

You can conÞgure 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 conÞgure it to have three sections, each section sends its highest
values at the end closest to the cable.

The ribbon controller comes with an adhesive-backed foam strip and Velcro¨ fastener pads. The
foam strip will hold it in place under most circumstances, but you might Þnd it more convenient
to attach it more securely with the Velcro fasteners. In that case, we recommend sticking the
hook side of each pad to the underside of the Ribbon and the loop (softer) side to the keyboard.
This helps to prevent the hooks in the Velcro from collecting crud when you donÕt have the
ribbon attached.

Caution: The modular jack is designed for connection to the Kurzweil Ribbon Controller option only.
DonÕt plug any other modular plugs into the Ribbon jack.

2-5

Startup

Powering Up

Digital Output

With the PC2, you can take advantage of the growing number of digital recorders and mixers on
the market. Connect a 75-Ohm coaxial cable from the PC2Õs RCA Digital Out jack to the AES or
S/PDIF input of the receiving device. You may need an RCA-to-XLR adapter to connect with the
receiving device. If the receiving device receives only optical signals, youÕll need a converter as
well.

Powering Up

When youÕve made all your connections, turn on the PC2 by pushing the side of the power
switch marked with the vertical line. All of the lights on the front panel ßash, and the liquid­crystal display (LCD) shows a series of messages. When the PC2 is ready to play, the display
looks like this:

Bank:0||Internal||1A
000|Stereo|Grand|

Before playing, we recommend that you slide the volume control nearly to the bottom and
gradually push the control up while playing the keyboard. This way you wonÕt cause any pain
or damage if thereÕs too much gain in your sound system.

Display (LCD)

The PC2Õs 40-character liquid-crystal display tells you whatÕs going on, whether youÕre playing
or editing. Depending on your viewing angle (and possibly the temperature), you may need to
adjust the contrast for better visibility. ThereÕs a small black knob on the rear panel, between the
MIDI ports and the Digital Out jack. Use a screwdriver or your Þngertips to turn the knob until
you can read the display easily.

LEDs

Most of the buttons on the PC2Õs front panel contain light-emitting diodes that indicate the
status of the features that the buttons control. They should all ßash red three times as the PC2
starts up.

Software Upgrades

The PC2 contains a type of reloadable computer memory called Flash ROM, which makes
software upgrades fast and easy. You can learn about new features from your Kurzweil dealer,
or from our website (www.youngchang.com/kurzweil). See Boot Block on page A-3 for software­installation instructions.

Playing the Demo Sequences

1. Press Sound Select buttons 14 and 16 (Bass and Percussion) simultaneously to enter
Demo mode. Sound Select buttons 1Ð4 blink (more than four of these buttons will blink if
youÕve added one or both of the Sound ROM expansion cards). Each button starts a
different demo sequence when you press it. If you want to stop the demo before it
Þnishes, press 14 and 16 simultaneously again.

2-6

2. When the demo Þnishes (or when you stop it), buttons 1Ð4 start blinking again.

3. Select another demo, or press Cancel to exit Demo mode (alternatively, you can press 14
and 16 simultaneously).

Troubleshooting

No Text in Display

If no messages are displayed when you turn on the power on your PC2 and no LEDs ßash,
check the power adapter connections at the AC outlet and the PC2 Adapter In jack.

Low Battery

When you turn your PC2 off, a lithium battery protects the memory that the PC2 uses to store
user-deÞned programs and setups, and other editing changes that youÕve saved. Every time you
turn on your PC2, it automatically checks the battery voltage. If itÕs getting low, youÕll see a
message like this before the PC2 Þnishes starting up:

|Battery|voltage|is
||low|(2.7|volts)

Startup

Powering Up

When you see this message, you should replace your battery immediately, to avoid losing your
data. See page A-1 for instructions.

No Sound

If no sound comes from the audio or headphones outputs of your PC2 when you play the
keyboard, check the following:

¥ The Volume slider might be set too low
¥ ThereÕs no current program or setup selected (the display shows Not|Found )
¥ Continuous control pedal 1: check the connection, and check the position of the pedal
¥ You might be in MIDI Setups mode with all zones muted (inactive): press any or all of the

four buttons labeled Zone 1ÐZone 4, and the lights in the buttons will turn green

¥ Local control might be off: press the Global button, then turn the large knob in the Data

Entry region of the front panel one click to the right

¥ The PC2 might be sending to MIDI only: press the MIDI Xmit button in the Zone

Parameters region of the front panel, then press the right-arrow button under the display
once, then turn the large knob in the Data Entry region until you see Local or Local+MIDI

2-7

Startup

Powering Up

No Sound from Receiving Instrument

If you are trying to control another instrument using MIDI and that instrument doesnÕt respond
to your PC2, check the following:

¥ A working MIDI cable should connect the PC2Õs Out or Thru/Out jack to the In jack of the

other instrument

¥ If youÕre using the MIDI Thru/Out port, ßip the switch near the MIDI In port to the out

position (a ball-point pen works well for this)
¥ Continuous control pedal 1: check the connection and pedal position
¥ The other instrument should be receiving on the same MIDI channel that the PC2 is using to

transmit MIDI information
¥ All zones that you want to transmit must be active (the lights in the Zone 1ÐZone 4 buttons

must be green)
¥ The PC2 might be sending MIDI information only to itself: press the MIDI Xmit button in

the Zone Parameters region of the front panel, then press the right-arrow button under the

display once, then turn the large knob in the Data Entry region until you see

Local+MIDI

MIDI or

2-8

Chapter 3
Performance Features

In This Chapter

Chapter 3 shows you how to get the most out of your PC2 in performance settings. The
overview introduces a few important features and concepts, while the following sections
provide more detail.

¥ The Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3

¥ Selecting Programs and Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-13

¥ EQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

¥ Effects. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-14

¥ Layering and Splitting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-17

¥ Muting and Soloing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-19

¥ Saving the Internal Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21

Overview

Modes

¥ Digital Audio Output. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-21

The PC2 has three performance modes: Internal Voices, MIDI Setups, and KB3. Select the
performance mode by pressing the corresponding button in the Sound/Setup Select region.

Internal Voices mode lets you play one internal voice, or program, at a time. A program consists
of a single sound (like piano or strings), and the settings that affect that sound (like which part of
the keyboard it uses). The PC2 starts in Internal Voices mode when you turn it on.

MIDI Setups mode is what makes the PC2 such a powerful MIDI controller. In this mode you
can play one setup at a time. A setup divides the PC2Õs keyboard into four zones, each of which
can cover part or all of the keyboard. Each zone can use a different MIDI channel and play a
different program. Each zone can also have its own controller assignments; for example, the
Mod Wheel can do something different in each zone of a setup.

In KB3 mode, the PC2 uses a different synthesizer technique (tone wheel emulation) to
reproduce the sound of classic tone-wheel organs (like the Hammond B-3). In most other
respects, KB3 mode is like Internal Voices mode.

Performance Features

Overview

Objects

Throughout this manual, weÕll occasionally mention objects, which may sound a bit technical, so
weÕll explain. Object is the collective term we use to refer to any chunk of information that the
PC2 stores or processes. Many of these objects are invisible to you, but youÕll be working
regularly with the highest-level object types: programs, setups, and effects. When youÕre editing
programs, thereÕs a good chance youÕll work with another important object type: keymaps. You
might also use System Exclusive (SysEx) messages to store programs, setups or effects to an
external deviceÑor use a single SysEx message to store all the objects youÕve modiÞed while
editing.

Editors

In addition to the performance modes, thereÕs also a series of editing modes, where you can
make changes that affect each of the performance modes (or the entire PC2). Turn to Chapter 4
for details about editing.

The Internal Setup

The three performance modes are quite different from a musicianÕs viewpoint. The most
noticeable difference is the way the liquid-crystal display (LCD) looks in each mode, as youÕll
learn on page 3-6.

Behind the scenes, however, the performance modes arenÕt as different as they seem. In fact,
they have quite a bit in common. For example, consider that familiar controller the Pitch Wheel.
Push it up and you bend notes up; pull it down and you bend notes down. This works in all
three performance modes.

The Pitch Wheel does what it does because the PC2 is programmed that wayÑbut you could
program it for other functions if you wanted. In a setup, the Pitch Wheel can do something
different in each zoneÑand thatÕs true for all the assignable physical controllers: Mod Wheel,
sliders, pedals, and more.

In a program (Internal Voices mode or KB3 mode), things are different. From the viewpoint of
you the musician, programs donÕt have zones, so each physical controller can do only one thing,
but itÕs up to you to decide what each physical controller does. That information gets stored in
the internal setup, which has only one zone, but is otherwise exactly like a setup in MIDI Setups
mode.

Every program in Internal Voices mode uses the internal setup to determine the assignments of
the physical controllersÑand many other characteristics. Programs in KB3 mode also use the
internal setup (although some of the physical controllers in KB3 mode are programmed at the
factory to override the settings of the internal setup).

Effects and EQ

Whichever mode youÕre in, the PC2 can apply three-band equalization (EQ) to the programs
youÕre playing. You can also choose from a long list of digital effects, from reverb and chorus to
rotary-speaker effects,

3-2

Physical Controllers

The PC2 provides a wide variety of physical controllers for modifying your sound as you play.
There are two basic types: switch and continuous. Switch controllers generate MIDI messages
with one of two possible values: On (127) and Off (0). Continuous controllers generate MIDI
messages with values from 0 to 127.

The PC2Õs onboard switch controllers include Þve programmable buttons, labeled SW1ÐSW5.
You can make these buttons momentary (they stay on only when you press and hold them) or
toggle (they alternate between on and off each time you press them). Each of these buttons has a
red LED that lights up when the button is on. These buttons have preset functions in each
performance mode, but you can reprogram them to do all sorts of things.

There are jacks on the rear panel for up to three switch pedals (the PC2 comes from the factory
with one switch pedal). These pedals can also be programmed to be momentary or toggle, and
can control a wide range of performance features.

The onboard continuous controllers include Pitch Wheel, Modulation Wheel, four sliders, and
mono pressure (aftertouch). There are also four jacks on the rear panel for connecting two
continuous controller pedals, a breath controller, and a ribbon controller. These continuous
controllers are also fully programmable, with an extensive choice of options.

Performance Features

The Front Panel

The Front Panel

The buttons, wheels, and sliders on the front panel control your PC2, both during performances,
and when youÕre editing. Figure 3-1 identiÞes everything.

Zone Select and Assignable Controllers Region

Zone Buttons 1–4

Sliders A–D

SW4 and SW5

Solo Button
EQ Button

SW1–SW3

Master
Volume
Slider

Zone Select and
Assignable Controllers
Region

Display (LCD)
and Cursor
Buttons

Zone
Parameters
Region

Functions
Region

Sound
Parameters
Region

System
Region

Data Entry
Region

Pitch Wheel

Mod Wheel

Figure 3-1 The PC2

Sound/Setup
Select Region

Sound
Source
Region

Effects
Region

3-3

Performance Features

The Front Panel

The buttons and sliders on the front panel are labeled in one of three colors, which correspond
roughly to their functions in the three performance modes:

White Internal Voices mode
Blue MIDI Setups mode
Orange KB3 mode

Naturally there are a few exceptions:

¥ The buttons in the Data Entry region (including the Alpha Wheel), the Effects region, the

¥ The Master Volume slider and the buttons in the System region control the entire PC2,

¥ The buttons in the Sound Parameters region apply to Internal Voices mode and KB3 mode
¥ Buttons 14 and 16 in the Sound/Setup Select region select the demo song in all three modes
¥ Instrument names in the Sound/Setup Select region are relevant only in Internal Voices

¥ The buttons under the display are relevant (and quite important) when editing any object:

¥ The buttons SW1ÐSW5 are functional in all three modes, although they often do different

Functions region, and the Sound Source region apply to all three modes

regardless of the current mode

mode

Internal-Voices programs, KB3 programs, or setups, but they donÕt do anything when youÕre

just playing a setup

things depending on the mode

As you can see, many of the front-panel features have functions that vary depending on your
performance mode. For convenience, weÕll Þrst describe the features that are common to all
modes, then describe the features that are mode-dependent.

Common Features

The following front-panel features behave the same regardless of which mode youÕre in.

Master V olume Slider

Adjust the overall volume of the PC2Õs audio output with this slider. We recommend that you
set this slider all the way down before you turn on your PC2 (at least the Þrst time, anyway).

Data Entry

YouÕll use the Data Entry region to select programs and setups, and to make changes when
youÕre programming (editing) the PC2. See Data Entry on page 4-2 for a complete description.

System

This region contains buttons that affect the entire PC2. The Global button brings up a menu of
parameters controlling things like MIDI control and keyboard sensitivity. This menu also
contains non-editable information about the PC2 (like available memory and whether you have
any expansion sounds). There are also functions for resetting the PC2, saving programs and
setups via MIDI, and MIDIScope, a MIDI analysis utility.

3-4

Performance Features

The Front Panel

The MIDI Recv button brings up a menu for conÞguring each MIDI channel when the PC2 is
receiving MIDI from another instrument or a sequencer: program selection, pan and volume
settings, and the wet/dry mix of the effects.

The Panic button sends an All Notes Off message to the PC2 and to the MIDI Out port. If you
ever have stuck notes, this will shut them off. (Pressing the Panic button during startup enables
you to load new software via MIDI, as well as a few other functions).

Effects

The buttons in the Effects region control the two blocks of onboard effects that you can apply to
programs and setups. You can turn the effects on and off, select different effects or reverbs for
each of the effect blocks, and control the wet/dry mix for each effect block. You can specify how
the PC2 assigns effects when you change programs or setups. See Effects on page 3-14 for more
information.

Functions

YouÕll use the buttons in the Functions region when editing programs or setups. The Store
button starts a dialog (the PC2 asks you a question that you answer, usually with Yes or No) for
saving programs or setups. The Copy button lets you copy and paste whole zones within
setups, or from one setup to another. Press the Compare button to hear the difference between
your modiÞed program or setup and the original. WeÕll talk about these more when we discuss
editing (see Copying and Pasting on page 4-8, and Comparing on page 4-7).

Sound Source

The buttons in this region select the bank of programs or setups that the PC2 uses. There are four
buttons: Internal, User, Exp1, and Exp2. Each button represents a sound source, or bank, for
each performance modeÑthat is, there are four easily-accessible banks for each mode. Each
bank can contain up to 128 objects.

In any performance mode, press one of the Sound Source buttons to select a different bank. The
mode youÕre in determines what type of objects are stored in the various banks. (You canÕt mix
object types in the same bank.)

There are eight banks for programs, and four for setups. The banks for Internal Voices mode and
MIDI setups mode are numbered from 0 to 3, and correspond to the Internal, User, Exp1, and
Exp2 buttonsÑInternal is Bank 0, User is Bank 1, and so on. The banks for KB3 mode are
numbered from 4 to 7, with the same correspondence to the Sound Source buttons.

Each Internal bank contains factory programs or setups. Each User bank stores the programs or
setups that you create. Exp1 and Exp2 are empty until you Þll them with programs or setups
from expansion options that you can purchase from your Kurzweil dealer.

Selecting Banks and Programs on MIDI Slaves

When youÕre controlling other instruments from the PC2, you need a way to select programs
from the PC2. Often these programs are stored in banks with IDs higher than 0Ð7. The PC2 can
send a MIDI message that selects any bank numbered from 0 to 16,383, followed by message
that selects a program numbered from 0 to 127 within that bank. See Sending Bank-Select and
Program-Change Messages on page 4-30 to learn how.

3-5

Performance Features

The Front Panel

Mode-Dependent Features

The following features behave differently depending on which mode youÕre in.

The Display (LCD)

The display looks quite different in each mode, so weÕll show you examples of each.

Internal V oices Mode

When you turn on your PC2, the display should look like this:

Bank ID Bank entry (category and program)

Bank name

Bank:0||Internal||1A
000|Stereo|Grand|

Program ID and name

This is Internal Voices mode, where the PC2 always starts when you turn it on. The top line
gives you information about the bank (sound source), while the bottom line shows the ID and
name of the current program.

MIDI Setups Mode

Press the MIDI Setups button twice to enter MIDI Setups mode, and the display looks like this:

Setup ID

Setup name

S001|Dance|C7|
A01|1:Beat|Box|

Bank
entry

Current
zone

Program assigned to
current zone

3-6

The setup ID usually begins with

S to indicate that youÕre playing a setupÑalthough in Setups

that have the AutoSplit feature turned on, the S is replaced by a caret (^). Notice that the bank
entry is a letter followed by a numeral, which is the opposite of the way the bank entry looks in
Internal Voices mode.

Performance Features

The Front Panel

KB3 Mode

Press the KB3 Mode button twice to enter KB3 mode; the display changes to something like this:

Bank ID

Program ID

Program name

4:000|KB3|Template|
L:888888888|CV:Chor1

Drawbar
type

Drawbar values
(one digit for
each harmonic
wavelength)

YouÕll Þnd KB3-mode programs in banks with IDs 4Ð7. Unlike Internal-Voices programs and
setups, they donÕt display a bank entry.

KB3 programs use tone-wheel synthesis to produce sound. When you select a KB3 program (or
a setup that contains one), the tone wheels start up and run constantly while the program is in
use. This requires quite a bit of processing, and consequently has an effect on the polyphony
available for other programs. KB3 programs use 44 of the PC2Õs 64 available voices, so when you
use a KB3 program in a setup, you have 20 voices of polyphony available for the remaining
programs in the setup.

Because of the special processing requirements of KB3 programs, you can play only one KB3
program at a time, whether in Internal Voices mode or in MIDI Setups mode. ThereÕs a
parameter in the Global menu called KB3 MIDI Chan, which speciÞes which MIDI channel is
available for playing KB3 programs. You canÕt play KB3 programs on any other channel. This is
important to note if youÕre playing the PC2 from an external sequencer. In this case, make sure
that the sequencer selects KB3 programs only on the KB3 channel; otherwise, the KB3 program
wonÕt play.

Chorus/Vibrato setting

KB3 programs have nine adjustable drawbar settings, with harmonic wavelengths ranging from
1 to 16 feet. You can change the drawbar settings using the drawbar controls: Sliders AÐD and
the Mod Wheel. HereÕs how it works:

When the LED in the Drawbar Toggle button is off, Sliders AÐD represent drawbars 1Ð4 (the
four longestÑor lowest-pitchedÑharmonic wavelengths). Press the Drawbar Toggle button,
and its LED lights. The sliders then represent drawbars 5Ð8 (shorter, higher-pitched
wavelengths). The Mod Wheel always represents drawbar 9, the shortest wavelength,
regardless of the status of the Drawbar Toggle button.

There are nine digits in the bottom line of the display that show the current drawbar values.
From left to right, they correspond to drawbars 1Ð9. Moving one of the drawbars changes the
corresponding drawbar values, and changes the nature of the organ sound.

Try it out. Make sure youÕre in KB3 mode, then move one of the sliders. YouÕll see one of the
values on the bottom line change. Moving a slider all the way down is equivalent to pulling out
the drawbar on a real organ. The corresponding value is 8. Conversely, pushing the slider up is
equivalent to pushing the drawbar in, with a corresponding value of 0. For drawbar 9, pulling
the Mod Wheel down (the off position) corresponds to pushing the drawbar in, and pushing it
up corresponds to pulling the drawbar out.

To the left of the drawbar values, thereÕs a letter (either P or L) that indicates whether the
program has preset or ÒliveÓ drawbar values. A program with preset drawbars always starts
with the same factory-set drawbar values when you select the program. Moving the drawbar
controls changes their values temporarily, but the next time you select that program, the

3-7

Performance Features

The Front Panel

drawbars will once again be at their preset startup values. (You can edit the startup values for
programs with preset drawbars; see Changing Preset Drawbar Values on page 4-26.)

A program with live drawbars starts with drawbar values that reßect the positions of the
drawbar controls. Moving the drawbar controls changes their values further. Most of the KB3
programs have preset drawbars, although you can also edit them to have live drawbars.

Cursor Buttons

Under the display are two buttons labeled < and >. We call these the cursor buttons, because
they control the cursor, which is a ßashing bar that appears under one of the characters in the
display. The following table shows what happens in each mode when you press one of the
cursor buttons.

YouÕll also use the cursor buttons when editing, to select what you want to edit. See Basic Editing
Concepts on page 4-1 for more about the cursor buttons.

Mode Function

Internal Voices Selects bank ID parameter or program ID parameter
MIDI Setups None
KB3 Selects bank ID parameter, program ID parameter, or chorus/vibrato setting parameter

Sound Parameters

This region contains buttons for editing programs in Internal Voices mode and KB3 mode (they
donÕt do anything when youÕre in MIDI Setups mode). Each button represents a menu of
parameters controlling one of three aspects of the program. See The Program Editor on page 4-10
for details.

Zone Parameters

The buttons in this region are primarily for editing setups. Each button represents a menu of
parameters controlling various aspects of the setup. WeÕll discuss the zone parameters in more
detail in The Setup Editor on page 4-12.

Sound/Setup Select

Use the buttons in this region to select programs and setups while in any performance mode.
The buttons are organized into three groups:

Mode selection Internal V oices, MIDI Setups, KB3 Mode
Category/Group selection Next Group, Previous Group
Sound/Setup selection 1–16 (also labeled with program categories for Internal Voices mode)

3-8