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Introduction
Keeping Current
Check for new documentation and operating system upgrades before you start using your
instrument. When new software is available for the PC3A, it will be posted at
www.kurzweil.
com
. You’ll use the PC3A’s Boot Loader (described in this manual) to upgrade your instrument to
use the new software.
Overview of the PC3A
Pictured below is the 88-key PC3A8.
The PC3A’s 1400+ programs include improved piano sounds from the German D Grand EXP
expansion, and improved guitar, drums, synth, brass, and woodwind sounds from the KORE64
expansion. Also included are string sections from the Orchestral and Contemporary sound
blocks, Stereo Triple Strike Piano, Classic Keys for realistic vintage electric piano sounds, and
General MIDI (GM) sounds. 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.
In addition to V.A.S.T. capability, a few of the features that by themselves make the PC3A an
impressive stage and studio machine are:
•
128-voice polyphony
• Fully multi-timbral voices, so that different programs can be played on each MIDI channel.
• An on-board digital effects processor provides multiple simultaneous effects, including
real-time effects control, internally or via MIDI.
• More effects processing power than Kurzweil’s own KSP8 studio effects processor.
•
Two additional balanced analog outputs in addition to the standard stereo audio output pair,
as well as a digital output. All of the outputs are available simultaneously.
For backup, storage, and moving files, two types of USB ports are provided on the back panel of
the PC3A. A USB storage port allows you to connect a USB device such as a thumb drive, and a
second USB Computer port lets you connect the PC3A to a computer for file transfer and MIDI
connectivity.
Arp
SW