Kurzweil PC3 (2011)

A 76-key semi-weighted digital piano and synthesizer with Dynamic V.A.S.T. architecture, 128-note polyphony, and KB3 Mode tonewheel organ simulation.

Overview

The Kurzweil PC3 came out in 2011. It is a digital piano and synthesizer built as a high-end performance controller keyboard. It runs on the Dynamic V.A.S.T. architecture and gives you 128 notes of polyphony. There are over 850 programs, with up to 32 layers per program. The sound set includes the Kurzweil Triple Strike Piano, the Classic Keys ROM and a new String Section ROM bank. The PC3 also has the VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer and KB3 Mode - the most advanced version of Kurzweil's tonewheel organ simulator - with 9 real-time drawbar control sliders.

Specifications

Key count	76
Key weight	Semi-weighted
Key size	Full
Touch sensitivity	yes
Aftertouch	yes
Number of voices	1074
Polyphony	128
Sound generation	Dynamic VAST
Piano sounds	yes
Real world sounds	yes
Sounds editable	yes
Accompaniments	yes
Recorder/Sequencer	yes
MIDI	yes
USB	yes
AC power	yes
Batteries	no
Speakers	no
Audio out	yes
Audio in	no
Sustain pedal	yes
Programs	over 850 programs
Triple Strike Grand Piano	famous Kurzweil Triple Strike Piano
Classic Keys ROM	Classic Keys ROM
KB3 Mode	the most advanced version of Kurzweil's widely lauded KB3 Mode tonewheel organ simulator
Drawbar control	9 sliders provide real-time drawbar control
Flash xD card port	flash xD card port

Design

The PC3 uses Kurzweil's Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology, in the form of the Dynamic V.A.S.T. architecture, which the page describes as a significant advancement in synthesis. It includes the VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer and the Cascade feature, which adds to the sound design options.

Market

The Kurzweil PC3 had an original retail price of $2830. It has no built-in speakers and does not run on batteries, so it needs AC power. For extra storage, the usual expansion is the flash xD card port.