Kurzweil PC3X

1.21 software. The presets are not as 'glossy' sounding as, say, a Fantom or a Motif, but very playable and work really well in a mix. This is my first Kurzweil, and there's a bit of a learning curve - but I've dealt with much more difficult equipment. I learned the basics in a day or so, even without a dedicated manual. Lots of functions are the same as in the K2600, that manual has been very helpful.

Polyphony isn't an issue, I have made setups with 8-9 internal sounds as well as triggering external sounds via USB and MIDI, and there's no stopping the PC3, the timing is impeccable and the sounds are well defined. The controller capacity is vast (pun intended), and it's really easy to make complicated setups. Having all sliders, switches and other controllers assignable per patch is unmatched and extremely helpful. Playing the PC3 is like having a third hand, it's actually quite amazing. I haven't tried the sequencer, - I'm a Logic kind of guy - and I don't use the KB3 mode.

This relates to the category above; I would rate the internal sounds as 7-8/10 and the MIDI capacity as a 12/10, and it's indeed called a performance controller. Velocity has selectable curves and ranges, and I'd say it's hard to make it sound bad. If you can program it, it's a real beast. Other synths may sound biggger out of the box, but won't work as well when there are other instruments involved.

I had one crash on an older OS, now it seems solid. Almost every single synth I've had has crashed in one way or the other.

Along with DSI, probably the best support in the business. These guys really go out of the way to make us customers happy. Upgrades are regular and add functions and bug fixes, and new sounds. Upgrades via USB are a breeze.

I couldn't replace it with anything else. As a performance controller, it's the best out there - period. There are other synths out there with newer sound rom, flashy expansions and sample ram, but if you want a REAL performance controller, look no further. I used to have a Roland A-90, nothing ever reached their class when it comes to control - until now. I wish it had sample ram, but then again it's not a 'K' series synth, it's a PC. I have too many synths to list, but I can mention a M3-73, Motif ESr, Fantom Xr, PEK+PER, Nord Stage 88+Compact, Nord C1, Leslie, Andromeda, Moog LP, Roland JX3P, Vari-OS. And a couple more. :)

Very easy to navigate, the separate category buttons are a boon and once you know your fave presets, you can dial them in numerically. Elegant and adaptable.

Simply the best sounding ROMpler available today. I sold my Triton Extreme 88 to finance buying the PC3X and while I loved my Korg, the Kurzweil blows it out of the water. Immensely playable.

Patch editing is logically laid out and follows on from previous Kurzweils so great if you're an experienced user. For a newbie, the forthcoming Patch Editor will help.

Mine only came with a very brief preliminary manual but there is a proper one on the site now as a PDF download.

128-note polyphony, Dynamic VAST architecture *plus* Kurzweil's VA-1 virtual analogue thrown in too. I'm in the UK so I have the TP40-L keyboard and I love the action on it. Very smooth to play and just amazing for the piano presets.

The quality of the built-in effects are superb. Lovely ambiences from the reverbs, very gritty distortions and a host of other thick effects. I would say they easily compare / surpass my Lexicon MPX-1.

The sequencer, like all onboard sequencers I've used, is a little arcane if you're used to DAW sequencing. But if you've ever used any Korg or Yamaha onboard sequencers, you'll get to grips with it fairly quickly. In this instance, I missed the Korg's touchscreen and extra pixels.

In terms of sound quality - put it this way, I don't use most of my sample libraries any more! There is a tendency when talking about sample-based sounds to go for a 'never mind the quality, feel the width'-type argument. Obviously, the Kurzweil has less sample memory to chuck at its pianos than a dedicated multi-gigabyte library. But it's the way the presets are programmed that makes them come alive, the articulation of the samples. I have the PC3X, the 88-note version, and it is simply the most inspiring instrument I've played in a long while. It feels like I'm playing an acoustic instrument, it's that expressive.

The pianos are complemented with equally stunning orchestral, string, brass and percussion sections. The dedicated organ emulation easily beats Logic's built-in softorgan and I'd say it bests Native Instruments' effort too.

And an added cherry on the top - the Mellotron sounds in the Classic Keys bank. Wow.

If I had to say a current weakness it would be that the pure synthy side isn't as well served in the presets. The VA-1 sounds great but it's obvious that Kurzweil have aimed their presets at the more bread'n'butter player side rather than wacky synth presets. Therefore, it's not even trying to compete with the Virus TI. Which is fine, as I already have one. I would say that if you wanted it to, you could program those kind of patches in as the engine is capable of some fine tones.

Sooo... if you're making music that needs great pianos, lush strings, thundering choirs etc, the PC3(X) is a no-brainer. If you're making wild-*** dubstep or glitch, it might not be your go-to keyboard.

Never had a single crash, never had to reboot. No build-quality or finish issues either. Beautiful instrument.

This is where Kurzweil soar so far past any of their other competitors. They're present on a couple of forums I know and they respond promptly and efficiently to every user bug, issue or request. Where you get the corporate blank wall of silence from Apple, you get real, helpful, FRIENDLY humans at Kurzweil.

This is the antithesis of most major music corps nowadays. I have been so impressed by the outstanding level of service that I've recommend the Kurzweil to every player I know. That a keyboard that sounds this fabulous also has this kind of backup is simply unheard of.

I would rate this area higher than ten if I could.

This is my central master and composing keyboard now. I'm even thinking of getting a 76-note PC3 for my live room now, as I like it so much.

I've been playing synths since 1978, gigging since 1982. Professional musician since 1997. Other synths I own:
Alesis Andromeda, Memorymoog, Rogue, Source, JP8, JX-3P, Doepfer modular, Elektron MD + MM, Yamaha VL1 and more.

If I had a fantasy wish list for the Kurzweil... I wish it had:
Big, colour touchscreen to make onboard patch editing easier
Was made out of some fantasy material that would make it lighter as I have a bad back but want those 88-keys :-)

Well, since the manual won't be released until late August, I took mine back because I couldn't figure out how to use it. I got a Motif XS and it blows away the PC3x in terms of being a production powerhouse! Back to the *yawwwn* PC3x...It's not one of those keyboards where you can just start pushing buttons and start sequencing songs. The presents do sound nice-for the most part...more on that later. Editing the patches requires knowledge of advanced synthesis...not for me! Again, can't comment on the manual since there isn't one!

Polyphony is the standard 128 note. Keyboard action is good except for the physical defect that is on all of the earlier shipped units preventing one key from sounding when a certain chord group is pressed.
Apparently, according to Kurzweil, their effects are the best in the business, but the reverbs I heard were mediocre at best. I'm seriously beginning to think that Kurzweil's best at marketing only-not synth programming-like they claim...It takes 2 expansion ROM cards and it's storage is by xD cards type S, which unfortunately are going out of production for good. Sequencer is NOT umlimited tracks like what is mentioned on the website and the resolution is NOT 1500 + ppqn-again, false advertising. The sequencer res is 480 ppqn. No step sequencer.

Strings sound great, pianos are not bad, orchestral sounds not bad-except for timpanis, organs are quite well emulated and guitars are nicely done. The BRASS IS HORRIBLE on this thing to say the least. Probably some of the worst brass patch programming I have EVER heard...This board is good for churches and session players but pretty much USELESS for production, yet it's labeled as a 'Full Blown Music Production Workstation'. THAT is an outright LIE. Kurzweil ain't what it used to be...

Not reliable, I've read horror stories of it locking up during live performances...can you imagine?!! Plus the defective units are just unacceptable in my opinion. They should have been thoroughly tested before going out the door. Common sense right?!

At first, very helpful, but they don't like to be reminded of their many mistakes and they can't understand why people are miffed having been waiting for a manual for almost 3 months now?!!

I own a Motif XS (AMAZING) an MPC 4000 (AMAZING) and an ASR 10 (AMAZING). The PC3x will undoubtably be looked at as Kurzweil's first big mistake since almost going bankrupt a few years ago. Plain and simple, they're charging $1000.00 too much for it.

Version 1.1.1
Old fashion LCD display but the PC3x is conceived to be played right out of the box. There are plenty of editing capabilities but, until the promised soft editor will be released, you have to do the tweaking by means of a quite poor interface.
Presets are very good and Rock/Blues oriented. The manual is clear but not so complete.

128 notes polyphony. 88 piano-like keys with aftertouch. The action is a little softer than Yamaha or Korg equivalents. You have multi-effect with routing capability but I have still not gone too deep in that. There is a xD Card slot for saving of program, settings and songs. A USB port can be used for midi transmission and for load/save of files on a PC or MAC. There are some Expansion slots for ROM samples but at the moment no option is available on the Kurzweil website. The PC3x has full midi controller capabilites with 9 sliders (read drawbars too) and many buttons. The sequencer is also there and it can work in combination with the arpeggiator to trigger riffs or full songs from Program or Setup mode

As Kurzweil's owner know the top sounds are the acoustic and electric pianos. These really shine if you think the total ROM is only 64Mb!! The KB3 organ simulation is also very realistic and playable. Orchestral sounds are not so bad either. I would say that the focus is on the sound of the 70s but what is most important is the playability of the presets. This is a keyboard that makes you want to play!!

I have it since 1 week so no real feedback on this. Nevertheless it is well built and it has already stand a trip of 900Km on the backseats of my car

I have upgraded the OS from the Kurzweil site and it worked very good.

At the moment I'm very happy of this unit. I was evaluating the purchase of a Korg M3 or a Yamaha Motif XS8 but I think this PC3x has everything I need. I'm a longtime KORG user and I can notice the difference in the sound. It is not a matter of pure audio quality. It is the character of the sound that is richer and warm. I love Korg instruments for their power, user interface and ergonomy but if you're looking for a musical instrument this one is for you. You can get much higher quality and ergonomy with a DAW if you need it. Only regret is on the lack of possibility for loading some user samples. Let's hope for the future expansions