Kurzweil Music Systems PC3, PC361, PC3X User Manual

Musician’s Guide

(includes PC3, PC3X, PC361, and X-Pro)

©2009 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 – V1.32 March 2009

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

Easy Audition............................................................................................................................................................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

TOC-i

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

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

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

Picking favorites .......................................................................................................................................................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 ..........................................................................................................................................................4-2

Setup Mode................................................................................................................................................................4-2

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

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

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

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

Song Mode.................................................................................................................................................................4-3

Storage Mode ............................................................................................................................................................4-3

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 ....................................................................................................................................................5-5

Deleting Objects ...............................................................................................................................................................5-6

Dependent Objects ...................................................................................................................................................5-6

TOC-ii

Saving and Loading Files—Storage Mode...................................................................................................................5-6

Special Button Functions ................................................................................................................................................5-7

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

Controller Entry Values in Program Mode .........................................................................................................6-10

Editing VAST Programs ................................................................................................................................................6-11

The Soft Buttons in the Program Editor .............................................................................................................. 6-11

The MODE Buttons in the Program Editor.........................................................................................................6-12

Algorithm Basics............................................................................................................................................................6-13

Common DSP Control Parameters.......................................................................................................................6-14

Alt Input for Algorithms (Cascade Mode)..........................................................................................................6-17

Dynamic VAST........................................................................................................................................................6-18

The KEYMAP Page........................................................................................................................................................6-19

Keymap ....................................................................................................................................................................6-19

Transpose (Xpose)...................................................................................................................................................6-19

Key Tracking (KeyTrk)...........................................................................................................................................6-19

Velocity Tracking (VelTrk) .....................................................................................................................................6-20

Method (AltMethod)..............................................................................................................................................6-20

Stereo ........................................................................................................................................................................6-20

Timbre Shift .............................................................................................................................................................6-21

Playback Mode........................................................................................................................................................6-21

Alternative Controller (AltControl).....................................................................................................................6-21

Alternative Switch (AltControl and AltMethod)...............................................................................................6-21

The LAYER Page ............................................................................................................................................................6-22

Low Key (LoKey)....................................................................................................................................................6-23

High Key (HiKey)...................................................................................................................................................6-23

Low Velocity (LoVel) ..............................................................................................................................................6-23

High Velocity (HiVel) .............................................................................................................................................6-23

Pitch Bend Mode (Bend)........................................................................................................................................6-23

Trigger (Trig)............................................................................................................................................................6-23

Delay Control (DlyCtl)...........................................................................................................................................6-23

Minimum Delay (MinDly), Maximum Delay (MaxDly)...................................................................................6-24

Enable .......................................................................................................................................................................6-24

Enable Sense (S) ......................................................................................................................................................6-24

Opaque.....................................................................................................................................................................6-25

Sustain Pedal (SusPdl) ...........................................................................................................................................6-25

Sostenuto Pedal (SosPdl) .......................................................................................................................................6-25

Freeze Pedal (FrzPdl) .............................................................................................................................................6-25

Ignore Release (IgnRel)..........................................................................................................................................6-25

TOC-iii

Hold Through Attack (ThrAtt).............................................................................................................................6-26

Hold Until Decay (TilDec).....................................................................................................................................6-26

The PITCH Page.............................................................................................................................................................6-26

The AMP Page................................................................................................................................................................6-26

The Algorithm (ALG) Page ..........................................................................................................................................6-27

The DSP Control (DSPCTL) Page................................................................................................................................6-28

The DSP Modulation (DSPMOD) Page ......................................................................................................................6-29

The OUTPUT Page ........................................................................................................................................................6-30

Pan ............................................................................................................................................................................6-31

Pan Mode .................................................................................................................................................................6-31

Output: Pan, Gain, and Mode............................................................................................................................... 6-32

Pan Table ..................................................................................................................................................................6-32

Crossfade and Crossfade Sense (XFadeSense) ...................................................................................................6-32

Drum Remap...........................................................................................................................................................6-32

Exclusive Zone Map...............................................................................................................................................6-33

The COMMON Page .....................................................................................................................................................6-33

Pitch Bend Range Up and Down..........................................................................................................................6-34

Monophonic ............................................................................................................................................................6-34

Legato Play ..............................................................................................................................................................6-35

Portamento ..............................................................................................................................................................6-35

Portamento Rate .....................................................................................................................................................6-35

Attack Portamento..................................................................................................................................................6-36

Globals......................................................................................................................................................................6-36

Output: Gain, Pan, and Pan Mode.......................................................................................................................6-36

Demo Song...............................................................................................................................................................6-36

The LFO Page .................................................................................................................................................................6-37

Minimum Rate ........................................................................................................................................................6-38

Maximum Rate........................................................................................................................................................6-38

Rate Control.............................................................................................................................................................6-38

LFO Shape................................................................................................................................................................6-38

LFO Phase................................................................................................................................................................6-38

The ASR Page .................................................................................................................................................................6-39

Trigger ......................................................................................................................................................................6-39

Mode.........................................................................................................................................................................6-39

Delay.........................................................................................................................................................................6-40

Attack .......................................................................................................................................................................6-40

Release......................................................................................................................................................................6-40

The Function (FUN) Page.............................................................................................................................................6-40

The Amplitude Envelope (AMPENV) Page...............................................................................................................6-41

Attack Segment Times............................................................................................................................................6-42

Attack Segment Levels...........................................................................................................................................6-42

Decay Segment........................................................................................................................................................6-43

Release Segments....................................................................................................................................................6-43

Loop Type ................................................................................................................................................................6-43

Number of Loops....................................................................................................................................................6-43

The Envelope 2 (ENV2) and Envelope 3 (ENV3) Pages...........................................................................................6-43

The Envelope Control (ENVCTL) Page......................................................................................................................6-44

Adjust .......................................................................................................................................................................6-45

Key Tracking............................................................................................................................................................6-45

Velocity Tracking.....................................................................................................................................................6-46

Source, Depth ..........................................................................................................................................................6-46

TOC-iv

Impact.......................................................................................................................................................................6-46

The Program FX (PROGFX) Page................................................................................................................................6-46

Insert.........................................................................................................................................................................6-47

Aux 1, Aux 2............................................................................................................................................................6-47

Output ......................................................................................................................................................................6-47

Auxiliary Send Parameters....................................................................................................................................6-47

Aux1 Mod, Aux2 Mod ...........................................................................................................................................6-48

The Layer FX (LYR_FX) Page .......................................................................................................................................6-49

The Controllers (CTLS) Page........................................................................................................................................6-50

Function Soft Buttons....................................................................................................................................................6-51

Set Controllers (SetCtl)...........................................................................................................................................6-51

New Layer (NewLyr).............................................................................................................................................6-51

Duplicate Layer (DupLyr).....................................................................................................................................6-51

Import Layer (ImpLyr)...........................................................................................................................................6-51

Delete Layer (DelLyr).............................................................................................................................................6-51

Name ........................................................................................................................................................................6-52

Save...........................................................................................................................................................................6-52

Delete........................................................................................................................................................................6-52

Dump........................................................................................................................................................................6-52

Editing VAST Programs With KVA Oscillators .........................................................................................................6-52

Basic Use of KVA Oscillators.................................................................................................................................6-52

Setting KVA Oscillator Type..................................................................................................................................6-53

Advanced Use Of KVA Oscillators.......................................................................................................................6-55

Editing KB3 Programs...................................................................................................................................................6-59

The Tone Wheels (TONEWL) Page .............................................................................................................................6-59

Upper Tone Wheel Keymap ..................................................................................................................................6-59

Upper Volume Adjust ............................................................................................................................................6-60

Number of Tone Wheels ........................................................................................................................................6-60

Organ Map...............................................................................................................................................................6-60

Wheel Volume Map ................................................................................................................................................6-60

Globals......................................................................................................................................................................6-60

Lower Transpose / Upper Transpose..................................................................................................................6-60

The Drawbars (DRAWBR) Page ..................................................................................................................................6-61

Mode.........................................................................................................................................................................6-61

Steps..........................................................................................................................................................................6-61

Volume .....................................................................................................................................................................6-61

Tune ..........................................................................................................................................................................6-61

The Set Drawbars (SetDBR) Soft Button.....................................................................................................................6-61

The PITCH Page.............................................................................................................................................................6-62

The AMP Page................................................................................................................................................................6-62

The PERC1 Page.............................................................................................................................................................6-63

Percussion................................................................................................................................................................6-63

Volume .....................................................................................................................................................................6-63

Decay ........................................................................................................................................................................6-63

Harmonic .................................................................................................................................................................6-64

VelTrack....................................................................................................................................................................6-64

LowHarm.................................................................................................................................................................6-64

HighHarm................................................................................................................................................................6-64

StealBar.....................................................................................................................................................................6-64

The PERC2 Page.............................................................................................................................................................6-64

PercLevel, DecayTime, OrgLevel .........................................................................................................................6-65

TOC-v

The KEYCLK Page.........................................................................................................................................................6-65

KeyClick...................................................................................................................................................................6-65

Volume .....................................................................................................................................................................6-65

Decay ........................................................................................................................................................................6-65

VelTrk........................................................................................................................................................................6-66

Pitch ..........................................................................................................................................................................6-66

Random....................................................................................................................................................................6-66

ReTrigThresh ...........................................................................................................................................................6-66

Note Attack..............................................................................................................................................................6-66

Note Release ............................................................................................................................................................6-66

The MISC Page...............................................................................................................................................................6-67

PreampResp.............................................................................................................................................................6-67

Leakage ....................................................................................................................................................................6-67

LeakMode ................................................................................................................................................................6-68

SpeedCtl...................................................................................................................................................................6-68

VibChorCtl...............................................................................................................................................................6-68

VibChorSel...............................................................................................................................................................6-68

VolAdjust .................................................................................................................................................................6-68

BendRngUp, BendRngDn .....................................................................................................................................6-68

Sustain ......................................................................................................................................................................6-68

Sostenuto..................................................................................................................................................................6-68

LesliePedal...............................................................................................................................................................6-69

The EQ Page ...................................................................................................................................................................6-69

The OUTPUT Page ........................................................................................................................................................6-69

The Program FX (PROGFX) Page................................................................................................................................6-70

The LFO, ASR, and FUN Pages ...................................................................................................................................6-70

Programming Tips .........................................................................................................................................................6-70

Chapter 7 Setup Mode

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

Zone-status LEDs in Setup Mode...........................................................................................................................7-4

Soloing a Zone...........................................................................................................................................................7-5

The Setup Editor ..............................................................................................................................................................7-5

The Channel/Program (CH/PROG) Page...................................................................................................................7-6

Program......................................................................................................................................................................7-6

Channel ......................................................................................................................................................................7-7

MidiBank....................................................................................................................................................................7-7

MidiProg ....................................................................................................................................................................7-8

Status ..........................................................................................................................................................................7-8

Destination.................................................................................................................................................................7-8

BankMode..................................................................................................................................................................7-9

EntryProgChg............................................................................................................................................................7-9

Arpeggiator ...............................................................................................................................................................7-9

The Key/Velocity (KEY-VEL) Page.............................................................................................................................7-10

Low Key (LoKey), High Key (HiKey) .................................................................................................................7-11

Transpose .................................................................................................................................................................7-11

Note Map ................................................................................................................................................................. 7-11

Velocity Scale (VelScale).........................................................................................................................................7-12

Velocity Offset .........................................................................................................................................................7-13

Velocity Curve (VelCurve).....................................................................................................................................7-15

TOC-vi

Low Velocity (LoVel), HighVelocity (HiVel) .......................................................................................................7-17

The Pan/Volume (PAN/VOL) Page...........................................................................................................................7-18

Entry Volume, Exit Volume...................................................................................................................................7-18

Entry Pan, Exit Pan.................................................................................................................................................7-18

The BEND Page.............................................................................................................................................................. 7-19

Bend Range (Semitones) and Bend Range (Cents): Up and Down .................................................................7-19

Aux Bend 1 Up and Aux Bend 1 Down...............................................................................................................7-20

Aux Bend 2 Range ..................................................................................................................................................7-20

Controllers ......................................................................................................................................................................7-20

Continuous Controllers .........................................................................................................................................7-21

Switch Controllers ..................................................................................................................................................7-22

The Controller Destination List ............................................................................................................................7-22

Shift Key Number, Shift Key (ShKeyNum, ShiftKey) .......................................................................................7-27

Continuous Controller Parameters ......................................................................................................................7-30

Switch Controller Parameters...............................................................................................................................7-31

The WHEEL Page...........................................................................................................................................................7-33

The SLIDER and SLID2 Pages .....................................................................................................................................7-34

The Continuous Control Pedal (CPEDAL) Page.......................................................................................................7-35

The Pressure (PRESS) Page...........................................................................................................................................7-36

The Footswitch Pages (FT SW1, FT SW2, FT SW3)...................................................................................................7-37

The Arpeggiator Switch (ARP SW) Page....................................................................................................................7-38

The SWITCH Page.........................................................................................................................................................7-39

The RIBBON Page..........................................................................................................................................................7-40

The Ribbon Conﬁguration (RIBCFG) Page ................................................................................................................7-41

Ribbon Conﬁguration ............................................................................................................................................7-41

Position Mode (PosMode) .....................................................................................................................................7-41

Spring .......................................................................................................................................................................7-42

Center .......................................................................................................................................................................7-42

The Arpeggiator (ARPZON) Page...............................................................................................................................7-42

Active........................................................................................................................................................................7-43

Low Key (LoKey) and High Key (HiKey)...........................................................................................................7-44

Latch .........................................................................................................................................................................7-44

Order.........................................................................................................................................................................7-45

Beats..........................................................................................................................................................................7-45

Duration ...................................................................................................................................................................7-45

Shift Pattern (ShiftPatt) ..........................................................................................................................................7-46

Shift...........................................................................................................................................................................7-47

Limit .........................................................................................................................................................................7-47

Limit Option............................................................................................................................................................7-47

Glissando .................................................................................................................................................................7-48

Velocity .....................................................................................................................................................................7-48

Real-time Control of Arpeggiator Parameters....................................................................................................7-51

The COMMON Page .....................................................................................................................................................7-52

Tempo .......................................................................................................................................................................7-53

Clock Source............................................................................................................................................................7-53

Arpeggiator Global (ArpGlobal) ..........................................................................................................................7-54

Arpeggiator Sync (ArpSync).................................................................................................................................7-54

Aux FX Channel......................................................................................................................................................7-54

Mutes........................................................................................................................................................................7-54

KB3 Channel............................................................................................................................................................7-55

Riffs ..................................................................................................................................................................................7-55

TOC-vii

The RIFF1 Page...............................................................................................................................................................7-55

Riff.............................................................................................................................................................................7-56

Song ..........................................................................................................................................................................7-56

Start...........................................................................................................................................................................7-56

Stop ...........................................................................................................................................................................7-57

Transpose/Root Note.............................................................................................................................................7-57

SrcTrk........................................................................................................................................................................7-57

Re Channel...............................................................................................................................................................7-57

The RIFF2 Page...............................................................................................................................................................7-58

Trigger ......................................................................................................................................................................7-58

Release......................................................................................................................................................................7-59

Conditional Release (CondRel).............................................................................................................................7-59

Local..........................................................................................................................................................................7-59

Loop..........................................................................................................................................................................7-59

BPM ..........................................................................................................................................................................7-59

SyncZone..................................................................................................................................................................7-60

SyncType ..................................................................................................................................................................7-60

Duration ...................................................................................................................................................................7-60

Velocity .....................................................................................................................................................................7-61

Offset ........................................................................................................................................................................7-61

Real-time Control of Riff Parameters...................................................................................................................7-61

The FX Pages: FX, AUXFX1, AUXFX2, and MASTFX ..............................................................................................7-62

The Programmable Switch Pages: SWPRG1 to SWPRG8 ........................................................................................7-62

The Utility Soft Buttons.................................................................................................................................................7-62

Name ........................................................................................................................................................................7-62

Save...........................................................................................................................................................................7-62

Delete........................................................................................................................................................................7-63

Dump........................................................................................................................................................................7-63

New Zone (NewZn) ...............................................................................................................................................7-63

Duplicate Zone (DupZn) .......................................................................................................................................7-63

Import Zone (ImpZn).............................................................................................................................................7-63

Delete Zone (DelZn)...............................................................................................................................................7-63

Recording A Setup To Song Mode...............................................................................................................................7-64

Chapter 8 Quick Access Mode

Making Your Own QA Banks.........................................................................................................................................8-2

Locking the Current QA Bank ................................................................................................................................8-2

The QA Editor ...........................................................................................................................................................8-3

Chapter 9 Effects

Basic Overview.................................................................................................................................................................9-1

Effects Stages and Routing......................................................................................................................................9-1

Processor Power Allocation ....................................................................................................................................9-2

A Note on Modes......................................................................................................................................................9-3

Aux Override.............................................................................................................................................................9-3

Master Effects ............................................................................................................................................................9-4

Effects Mode .....................................................................................................................................................................9-5

The CHANFX Page..........................................................................................................................................................9-5

The AUXFX1 and AUXFX2 Pages .................................................................................................................................9-5

TOC-viii

Override .....................................................................................................................................................................9-6

Chain ..........................................................................................................................................................................9-6

Output ........................................................................................................................................................................9-6

Mod Override............................................................................................................................................................9-6

Send Levels and Pre/Post Ins.................................................................................................................................9-6

The MASTER Page ..........................................................................................................................................................9-7

Mode...........................................................................................................................................................................9-7

Order...........................................................................................................................................................................9-7

Master FX...................................................................................................................................................................9-7

The Chain Editor..............................................................................................................................................................9-8

The MAIN Page ...............................................................................................................................................................9-8

Editing Effect-blocks ................................................................................................................................................9-9

The MOD Pages ...............................................................................................................................................................9-9

Box ..............................................................................................................................................................................9-9

Param..........................................................................................................................................................................9-9

Adjust .........................................................................................................................................................................9-9

Source .........................................................................................................................................................................9-9

Depth ..........................................................................................................................................................................9-9

FXLFO, FXASR, and FXFUN pages ............................................................................................................................9-10

Effects Parameters..........................................................................................................................................................9-10

General Parameters .......................................................................................................................................................9-10

Delays ..............................................................................................................................................................................9-12

Complex Echo .........................................................................................................................................................9-12

Spectral Multitap Delays .......................................................................................................................................9-13

Gated Ducking Delay.............................................................................................................................................9-13

DegenRegen.............................................................................................................................................................9-13

Equalizers (EQ) ..............................................................................................................................................................9-13

Enhancers.................................................................................................................................................................9-14

EQ Morpher.............................................................................................................................................................9-14

Compressors, Expanders, and Gates ..........................................................................................................................9-14

Expansion ................................................................................................................................................................9-15

Multiband Compression........................................................................................................................................9-15

Gates .........................................................................................................................................................................9-15

Super Gate ...............................................................................................................................................................9-16

Chorus .............................................................................................................................................................................9-16

Flanger.............................................................................................................................................................................9-17

Quantize + Flange...................................................................................................................................................9-17

LaserVerb.........................................................................................................................................................................9-17

Filters ...............................................................................................................................................................................9-18

Resonant Filter ........................................................................................................................................................9-18

Envelope Filter ........................................................................................................................................................9-18

Triggered Filter........................................................................................................................................................9-18

LFO Filter.................................................................................................................................................................9-19

Distortion ........................................................................................................................................................................9-19

Polydistort ...............................................................................................................................................................9-20

Rotating Speakers ..........................................................................................................................................................9-20

Vibrato/Chorus.......................................................................................................................................................9-22

Tremolo and AutoPan ...................................................................................................................................................9-22

AutoPan ...................................................................................................................................................................9-22

Tremolo.....................................................................................................................................................................9-22

Pitcher..............................................................................................................................................................................9-23

TOC-ix

Ring Modulation............................................................................................................................................................9-23

Stereo Simulation...........................................................................................................................................................9-24

Stereo Image ............................................................................................................................................................9-24

Stereo Analyze................................................................................................................................................................9-24

FXMod Diagnostic .........................................................................................................................................................9-25

Mono Algorithms...........................................................................................................................................................9-25

Chapter 10 MIDI Mode

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

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

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

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

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

Velocity Map............................................................................................................................................................10-3

Pressure Map...........................................................................................................................................................10-3

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

Change Setups (ChgSetups)..................................................................................................................................10-4

The RECEIVE Page........................................................................................................................................................10-4

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

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

All Notes Off............................................................................................................................................................10-5

Program Change Mode (PrgChgMode) ..............................................................................................................10-5

Velocity Map............................................................................................................................................................10-5

Pressure Map...........................................................................................................................................................10-5

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

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

Local Keyboard Channel (LocalKbdCh) .............................................................................................................10-6

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

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

Program....................................................................................................................................................................10-7

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

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

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

Program Change Formats.............................................................................................................................................10-8

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

QAccess....................................................................................................................................................................10-9

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

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

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

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

Buttons Mode ..........................................................................................................................................................11-2

Drum Remap........................................................................................................................................................... 11-2

Digital Output (Dig. Out)...................................................................................................................................... 11-2

Aux Out Pair Mode ................................................................................................................................................ 11-3

TOC-x

Tempo ....................................................................................................................................................................... 11-3

Clock Source............................................................................................................................................................ 11-3

Output Clock........................................................................................................................................................... 11-3

Digital Output Volume (Dig. out volume).......................................................................................................... 11-3

FX Mode................................................................................................................................................................... 11-3

Master Mode Page 2 ......................................................................................................................................................11-4

Velocity Map (Vel Map) .........................................................................................................................................11-4

Pressure Map (Press Map)..................................................................................................................................... 11-5

Intonation................................................................................................................................................................. 11-6

Key Action Map...................................................................................................................................................... 11-7

Default Sequence ....................................................................................................................................................11-7

Demo Button ...........................................................................................................................................................11-8

Numeric Entry......................................................................................................................................................... 11-8

Master Table Lock ................................................................................................................................................... 11-8

Intonation Key (Int.Key)........................................................................................................................................ 11-8

General MIDI........................................................................................................................................................... 11-8

The Soft Buttons in Master Mode (Page 1 and Page 2) ..........................................................................................11-10

Save.........................................................................................................................................................................11-10

About...................................................................................................................................................................... 11-10

OBJECT ..................................................................................................................................................................11-10

CLOCK................................................................................................................................................................... 11-12

TapTmp ..................................................................................................................................................................11-13

Utils......................................................................................................................................................................... 11-14

Loader..................................................................................................................................................................... 11-14

Reset........................................................................................................................................................................ 11-15

Chapter 12 Song Mode and the Song Editor

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

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

Song Mode: The MAIN Page .......................................................................................................................................12-1

Current Song (CurSong)........................................................................................................................................12-2

Tempo .......................................................................................................................................................................12-2

Recording Track (RecTrk) ......................................................................................................................................12-3

Program (Prog)........................................................................................................................................................12-3

Track Number (Trk:#) ............................................................................................................................................12-3

Volume (Vol)............................................................................................................................................................12-4

Pan ............................................................................................................................................................................12-5

Mode.........................................................................................................................................................................12-6

Location (Locat) ......................................................................................................................................................12-6

Mode Indicators (+ and x): ....................................................................................................................................12-6

Activity Indicators..................................................................................................................................................12-6

Track Status Indicators...........................................................................................................................................12-7

Track Channels ........................................................................................................................................................12-7

Soft Buttons on the MAIN Page ...........................................................................................................................12-7

The Save Changes Dialog......................................................................................................................................12-8

Song Mode: The BIG Page .......................................................................................................................................... 12-10

Time In....................................................................................................................................................................12-10

Time Out ................................................................................................................................................................ 12-11

Song End ................................................................................................................................................................ 12-11

Loop........................................................................................................................................................................ 12-11

TOC-xi

Punch...................................................................................................................................................................... 12-11

Metro ......................................................................................................................................................................12-11

Song Mode: The FX Pages ..........................................................................................................................................12-11

Song Mode: The MIXER Page....................................................................................................................................12-12

The Rec, Play, and Stop Soft Buttons .................................................................................................................12-12

The Keep Soft Button ...........................................................................................................................................12-12

The Done Soft Button...........................................................................................................................................12-13

Song Mode: The METRO Page ..................................................................................................................................12-13

Metronome ............................................................................................................................................................12-13

CountOff ................................................................................................................................................................12-13

Program..................................................................................................................................................................12-13

Channel ..................................................................................................................................................................12-14

Strong Note............................................................................................................................................................12-14

Strong Vel...............................................................................................................................................................12-14

Soft Note ................................................................................................................................................................12-14

Soft Vel....................................................................................................................................................................12-14

The Rec, Play, and Stop Soft Buttons .................................................................................................................12-14

The Done Soft Button...........................................................................................................................................12-14

Song Mode: The Filter Pages (RECFLT and PLYFLT).............................................................................................12-15

Notes.......................................................................................................................................................................12-15

LoKey .....................................................................................................................................................................12-15

Hi.............................................................................................................................................................................12-15

LoVel .......................................................................................................................................................................12-16

Hi.............................................................................................................................................................................12-16

Controllers .............................................................................................................................................................12-16

Controller...............................................................................................................................................................12-16

LoVal.......................................................................................................................................................................12-16

Hi.............................................................................................................................................................................12-16

PitchBend...............................................................................................................................................................12-16

ProgChange ...........................................................................................................................................................12-16

MonoPress .............................................................................................................................................................12-16

PolyPress................................................................................................................................................................12-16

The Rec, Play, and Stop Soft Buttons .................................................................................................................12-16

The Done Soft Button...........................................................................................................................................12-17

Song Mode: The MISC Page.......................................................................................................................................12-17

Control Chase........................................................................................................................................................12-17

Quant......................................................................................................................................................................12-17

Grid.........................................................................................................................................................................12-18

Swing......................................................................................................................................................................12-18

Release....................................................................................................................................................................12-18

Key Wait .................................................................................................................................................................12-18

Song Mode: The STATS Page .....................................................................................................................................12-18

The Song Editor............................................................................................................................................................12-19

Song Editor: The COMMON Page ............................................................................................................................12-19

Tempo .....................................................................................................................................................................12-20

TimeSig...................................................................................................................................................................12-20

FX Track..................................................................................................................................................................12-20

DrumTrack .............................................................................................................................................................12-20

MidiDst ..................................................................................................................................................................12-20

Soft Buttons on the COMMON Page.................................................................................................................12-21

Song Editor: The TRACK Page ..................................................................................................................................12-21

TOC-xii

Common Parameters for Edit Song: Track Functions .....................................................................................12-22

Region/Criteria Box Parameters ........................................................................................................................12-22

Soft Buttons on the TRACK Page.......................................................................................................................12-23

Song Editor: Track Functions .....................................................................................................................................12-24

Erase .......................................................................................................................................................................12-24

Copy .......................................................................................................................................................................12-24

Bounce ....................................................................................................................................................................12-25

Insert.......................................................................................................................................................................12-26

Delete......................................................................................................................................................................12-26

Quantize.................................................................................................................................................................12-27

Shift.........................................................................................................................................................................12-28

Transpose ...............................................................................................................................................................12-28

Grab ........................................................................................................................................................................12-29

Change ...................................................................................................................................................................12-30

Remap.....................................................................................................................................................................12-31

Song Editor: The EVENT Page...................................................................................................................................12-31

Initial Program, Volume, Pan..............................................................................................................................12-32

Location..................................................................................................................................................................12-32

Bar, Beat, and Tick.................................................................................................................................................12-32

Event Type and Value ..........................................................................................................................................12-32

Soft Buttons on the EVENT Page .......................................................................................................................12-33

Tempo Track ..........................................................................................................................................................12-33

Chapter 13 Storage Mode

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

Using xD Cards.......................................................................................................................................................13-2

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

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

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

Common Dialogues.......................................................................................................................................................13-3

The Select Directory Dialogue ..............................................................................................................................13-3

The File Name/New Directory/Rename Dialogue ..........................................................................................13-4

The STORE Page ............................................................................................................................................................13-4

The Store Advanced Page......................................................................................................................................13-5

The LOAD Page .............................................................................................................................................................13-6

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

Loading Methods....................................................................................................................................................13-8

The Utilities (UTILS) Page..........................................................................................................................................13-10

Soft Buttons on the Utilities Page.......................................................................................................................13-10

Chapter A Specifications

MIDI Implementation Chart .........................................................................................................................................A-1

Speciﬁcations ...................................................................................................................................................................A-2

Appendix B PC3 Bootloader

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

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

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

TOC-xiii

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

Appendix D PC3 Objects (V 1.31)

Programs ..........................................................................................................................................................................D-1

Setups ...............................................................................................................................................................................D-9

Effect Presets with Algorithms....................................................................................................................................D-11

How to Use These Tables......................................................................................................................................D-11

Reverbs....................................................................................................................................................................D-11

Delays......................................................................................................................................................................D-15

Chorus .....................................................................................................................................................................D-17

Flange ......................................................................................................................................................................D-18

Phaser ......................................................................................................................................................................D-18

Trem / Panner / Spatial........................................................................................................................................D-19

Rotary ......................................................................................................................................................................D-19

Distortion ................................................................................................................................................................D-20

Dynamics ................................................................................................................................................................D-21

EQ / Filters .............................................................................................................................................................D-21

Chorus / Combi.....................................................................................................................................................D-23

Flange / Combi......................................................................................................................................................D-24

Effect Chains..................................................................................................................................................................D-26

TOC-xiv

Chapter 1 Introduction

Greetings. Your new instrument offers amazing acoustic, electric, and synthesizer sounds, combined with advanced programming features that will let you create almost any sound you can imagine. This manual covers the PC3 in its 88, 76, and 61-note conﬁgurations (PC3x, PC3, and PC361), as well as the X-Pro, which adds a beautiful cabinet and powerful sound system to the package. For the most part, anywhere we talk about the PC3 in this manual we mean any of these instruments.

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.

Introduction

Keeping Current

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.

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.

.kurzweilmusicsystems.com website to take full

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 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 an 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

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. Buttons above the sliders control rotating speaker speed, percussion, and other organ features.

The quickest way to get to the KB3 programs is by pressing the KB3 button (above the sliders, to the left of the screen). 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.

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)

• 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

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.

1-5

Introduction

Options

1-6

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, all on the same level.

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.

2-1

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.

2-2

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 and a bit more volume. 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.

In Master mode you can set the Aux outputs to duplicate the Main Outs – useful for monitoring and other operations. They are always in stereo, as is the headphone out.

Startup

Startup—the Details

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 synchronize the PC3's S/PDIF Digital Audio output sample rate to an external S/PDIF source. Although no audio signal is received by the "Sync In" jack, its clock is received and may be used to set the output sample rate. For more, please see Master Mode Page 1: Digital Output on page 11-2. NOTE: Sync In is NOT a "Word Clock" input. Only a valid S/PDIF signal is recognized.

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.

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. By default the PC3 will show up as a USB MIDI device. If you choose USB Temporary Drive from Storage mode, the PC3 will temporarily (while on that Storage mode page) become a “virtual storage device” and USB MIDI will be disabled. Different host programs on your computer may indicate various errors as the USB MIDI device is no longer present. Leaving Storage mode will restore USB MIDI functionality.

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.

2-3

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 1-5, but you can use almost any switch or continuous pedal, as long as it adheres to the following speciﬁcations (as most pedals do):

Breath

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:

Switch Pedal 1 Controller 64 (Sustain) Switch Pedal 2 Controller 66 (Sostenuto) Switch Pedal 3 Controller 67 (Soft) Continuous Control Pedal 1 Controller 11 (Expression / Volume) 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.

2-4

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).

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, adjacent to 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.

2-5

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. The USB port works for MIDI (transmit and receive) or to connect your PC3 to a computer for ﬁle transfer. 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.

We recommend that you use the USB cable provided with your PC3 and do not use extension USB cables. The PC3’s Type B USB port is only intended for connection to a USB Type A 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 you must immediately transfer that ﬁle to your desktop (or other folder). You must

copy data from the PC3 virtual drive to your computer’s drive or else the data will be lost.

When 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(s) to your desktop (or other place on the computer) it won’t be on the virtual disk when 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.

2-6

The clock will time-stamp your ﬁles that have been stored to xD cards or via USB.

+ 318 hidden pages