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Kurzweil 88 Note Weighted Keyboard (seq/64poly)
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Under the hood, the PC3LE8 features the same groundbreaking chip technology that has made the PC3 the most talked about keyboard in recent years. All of the PC3's sounds are includedthe famous Kurzweil grand piano, vintage electric pianos, Clavinets and Mellotrons, dazzling Orchestral and Strings collections, stunning VA virtual analog synths, KB3 organs, realistic basses, drums, guitars, percussion and horns, General MIDI, plus nearly 200 new programs developed specifically for the LEover 1050 programs in all. Kurzweil has improved the method for navigating through such a massive sound set; programs in the LE can be viewed and selected with a new set of Category buttons. Select "Leads" and you'll see a list of all the synth leads in the machine, grouped together. Same goes for the other 20 categories, everything from Synth Bass to Mallets to Guitars.
These programs take advantage of the V.A.S.T. synthesis engine, using pristine samples paired with detailed programming of literally hundreds of synth and effects parameters. Whether it's the rosin of a bowed string instrument, the resonant harmonics of a piano's damper pedal, or the thumps and squeaks of an electromechanical keyboard, Kurzweil's done its homework and provided a level of detail and realism previously unimagined, allowing you to focus on the important business of making music.
The PC3LE8 comes equipped with over 700 onboard effects chains from which to choose, all with real-time controllers already assigned to relevant parameters. With world class reverbs that decay into complete silence; warm, classic sounding phasers, flangers, and choruses; and burning, saturated distortions, you'll have everything you need to make your music sound like a polished, finished product from the outset. The PC3LE8's architecture provides up to 10 insert effects, which can be distributed among 10 channels, with an available auxiliary effect as well.
Interactivity
In the PC3, Kurzweil introduced the "INFO" feature, a soft button-press that allows the user to see which controllers have been assigned to parameters within a program. For the LE, it's taken this to the next level, with an interactive user interface that communicates directly with you whenever you move a real-time controller. Turn a knob, hit a button, or move a wheel and the LE's screen will display the controller, its real-time value, and the parameter being affected. An example would be moving the modwheel on an organ program - you would see the following: "Modwheel 79 Distortion Drive". This system never breaks downyou can change effect chains freely and all of this info remains intact, updated to reflect the new chain you've selected. Also, this info is transferred seamlessly to Setup Mode so you can see whatever controllers have been assigned to programs used in any zone of a setup.
Customization
Prefer to spend your time playing over sound-programming? Think of the LE as the preset-player version of the original PC3. All the sound, no deep programming necessary.
At the same time, Kurzweil wanted to give users the quickest, simplest possible way to adjust the PC3LE's sounds to suit individual tastes and needs. In any given program or effects chain, select relevant parameters have been pre-assigned real-time controllers for easy access. Move a controller and hit the SAVE buttonno menus, no pages with endless parametersand you get one touch sound customization.
Kurzweil understands that flexibility is important when it comes to customizing your sound. Don't want filter frequency control on a knob? Prefer to have it assigned to the modwheel? No problem. The PARAMETERS page allows you to re-assign any controller to any available• parameter. You can save your custom sounds to the user bank, with over 1000 ID slots.
*available parameters are predetermined and vary per program
A Different Drummer
With the PC3LE8, Kurzweil has introduced a new set of dynamic physical controllers8 backlit, velocity-sensitive drum pads that can be used to trigger sounds, sequences, chords and arpeggiations. Every program in the machine has a drum kit assigned to the pads, so you'll always have access to a rhythm track when you need it. As a bonus, a set of over 100 new drum programs, with acoustic brush kits, slammin' rock kits and a number of heavily effected techno/electronic kits, in addition to the 24 existing kits from the PC3 have been included. Just as Kurzweil put a great deal of effort into making sure that the keyboard action feels just right, the drum pads were implemented with precision and care, with utmost attention given to how they feel when played. After all, this is a musical instrument and not just a piece of technology.
Everything Else You'd Expect...
Complimenting the LE's new features are a few old familiar Kurzweil favorites; Setup Mode, Quick Access Mode, and Song Mode, all taken directly from the PC3.
Setup Mode enables the LE to act as a powerful MIDI controller as well as providing 16 simultaneous, independent, fully programmable arpeggiators, with factory and user-programmable patterns. On top of that, each setup can have up to 16 simultaneous Riffssequences that can be triggered by buttons, drum pads, or notes on the keyboard. While Setup Mode, with up to 16 zones each with its own program, is still as powerful as ever, Kurzweil's added a Split/Layer button to make the creation of simple setups quick and easy.
Quick Access Mode allows you to create custom banks of 10 sounds that can be accessed by a single button-press, and Song Mode delivers a full-featured 16 track sequencer with all of the powerful editing features that you'd find in a high-end workstationevent editing, swing, controller scaling, input quantize, input filter, and chasing controls. User memory provides over 1000 ID slots each for your own QA banks, Setups and Songs.
Connectivity
Saving, loading and updating the OS are all made easy on the LE with the inclusion of both USB Host and Device ports. You can save your user programs, setups, and songs to a USB thumb-drive or directly to a computer. OS updates can be loaded from a thumb-drive or directly from your computer, and of course the LE sends and receives MIDI over USB. Standard MIDI jacks are also included for In, Out, and Thru. For audio, the PC3LE8 features high-quality, hum-canceling, stereo balanced analog outputs, with 24-bit DACs as well as a 24-bit stereo S/PDIF digital output at 48K.
Features:
88 fully-weighted hammer-action keys
Velocity and aftertouch sensitive
64 Voice Polyphony
16 part multitimbral
200 new programs developed specifically for the LEover 1050 programs in all
V.A.S.T. synthesis engine
700 onboard effects chains, all with real-time controllers already assigned to relevant parameters
Interactive user interface that communicates directly with you whenever you move a real-time controller
8 backlit, velocity-sensitive drum pads that can be used to trigger sounds, sequences, chords and arpeggiations
Setup Mode, Quick Access Mode, and Song Mode, all taken directly from the PC3
USB Host and Device ports
OS updates can be loaded from a thumb-drive or directly from your computer
Standard MIDI jacks for In, Out, and Thru
High-quality, hum-canceling, stereo balanced analog outputs, with 24-bit DACs
24-bit stereo S/PDIF digital output at 48K
These programs take advantage of the V.A.S.T. synthesis engine, using pristine samples paired with detailed programming of literally hundreds of synth and effects parameters. Whether it's the rosin of a bowed string instrument, the resonant harmonics of a piano's damper pedal, or the thumps and squeaks of an electromechanical keyboard, Kurzweil's done its homework and provided a level of detail and realism previously unimagined, allowing you to focus on the important business of making music.
The PC3LE8 comes equipped with over 700 onboard effects chains from which to choose, all with real-time controllers already assigned to relevant parameters. With world class reverbs that decay into complete silence; warm, classic sounding phasers, flangers, and choruses; and burning, saturated distortions, you'll have everything you need to make your music sound like a polished, finished product from the outset. The PC3LE8's architecture provides up to 10 insert effects, which can be distributed among 10 channels, with an available auxiliary effect as well.
Interactivity
In the PC3, Kurzweil introduced the "INFO" feature, a soft button-press that allows the user to see which controllers have been assigned to parameters within a program. For the LE, it's taken this to the next level, with an interactive user interface that communicates directly with you whenever you move a real-time controller. Turn a knob, hit a button, or move a wheel and the LE's screen will display the controller, its real-time value, and the parameter being affected. An example would be moving the modwheel on an organ program - you would see the following: "Modwheel 79 Distortion Drive". This system never breaks downyou can change effect chains freely and all of this info remains intact, updated to reflect the new chain you've selected. Also, this info is transferred seamlessly to Setup Mode so you can see whatever controllers have been assigned to programs used in any zone of a setup.
Customization
Prefer to spend your time playing over sound-programming? Think of the LE as the preset-player version of the original PC3. All the sound, no deep programming necessary.
At the same time, Kurzweil wanted to give users the quickest, simplest possible way to adjust the PC3LE's sounds to suit individual tastes and needs. In any given program or effects chain, select relevant parameters have been pre-assigned real-time controllers for easy access. Move a controller and hit the SAVE buttonno menus, no pages with endless parametersand you get one touch sound customization.
Kurzweil understands that flexibility is important when it comes to customizing your sound. Don't want filter frequency control on a knob? Prefer to have it assigned to the modwheel? No problem. The PARAMETERS page allows you to re-assign any controller to any available• parameter. You can save your custom sounds to the user bank, with over 1000 ID slots.
*available parameters are predetermined and vary per program
A Different Drummer
With the PC3LE8, Kurzweil has introduced a new set of dynamic physical controllers8 backlit, velocity-sensitive drum pads that can be used to trigger sounds, sequences, chords and arpeggiations. Every program in the machine has a drum kit assigned to the pads, so you'll always have access to a rhythm track when you need it. As a bonus, a set of over 100 new drum programs, with acoustic brush kits, slammin' rock kits and a number of heavily effected techno/electronic kits, in addition to the 24 existing kits from the PC3 have been included. Just as Kurzweil put a great deal of effort into making sure that the keyboard action feels just right, the drum pads were implemented with precision and care, with utmost attention given to how they feel when played. After all, this is a musical instrument and not just a piece of technology.
Everything Else You'd Expect...
Complimenting the LE's new features are a few old familiar Kurzweil favorites; Setup Mode, Quick Access Mode, and Song Mode, all taken directly from the PC3.
Setup Mode enables the LE to act as a powerful MIDI controller as well as providing 16 simultaneous, independent, fully programmable arpeggiators, with factory and user-programmable patterns. On top of that, each setup can have up to 16 simultaneous Riffssequences that can be triggered by buttons, drum pads, or notes on the keyboard. While Setup Mode, with up to 16 zones each with its own program, is still as powerful as ever, Kurzweil's added a Split/Layer button to make the creation of simple setups quick and easy.
Quick Access Mode allows you to create custom banks of 10 sounds that can be accessed by a single button-press, and Song Mode delivers a full-featured 16 track sequencer with all of the powerful editing features that you'd find in a high-end workstationevent editing, swing, controller scaling, input quantize, input filter, and chasing controls. User memory provides over 1000 ID slots each for your own QA banks, Setups and Songs.
Connectivity
Saving, loading and updating the OS are all made easy on the LE with the inclusion of both USB Host and Device ports. You can save your user programs, setups, and songs to a USB thumb-drive or directly to a computer. OS updates can be loaded from a thumb-drive or directly from your computer, and of course the LE sends and receives MIDI over USB. Standard MIDI jacks are also included for In, Out, and Thru. For audio, the PC3LE8 features high-quality, hum-canceling, stereo balanced analog outputs, with 24-bit DACs as well as a 24-bit stereo S/PDIF digital output at 48K.
Features:
88 fully-weighted hammer-action keys
Velocity and aftertouch sensitive
64 Voice Polyphony
16 part multitimbral
200 new programs developed specifically for the LEover 1050 programs in all
V.A.S.T. synthesis engine
700 onboard effects chains, all with real-time controllers already assigned to relevant parameters
Interactive user interface that communicates directly with you whenever you move a real-time controller
8 backlit, velocity-sensitive drum pads that can be used to trigger sounds, sequences, chords and arpeggiations
Setup Mode, Quick Access Mode, and Song Mode, all taken directly from the PC3
USB Host and Device ports
OS updates can be loaded from a thumb-drive or directly from your computer
Standard MIDI jacks for In, Out, and Thru
High-quality, hum-canceling, stereo balanced analog outputs, with 24-bit DACs
24-bit stereo S/PDIF digital output at 48K
Q & A
There are currently no questions for this product.
Reviews
3.138.124.123
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Versatile Board 0 of 0 customers found this review helpful
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Product Experience I own it
Closest Store Ottawa, Ontario
First, I will plug the local Long and McQuade here in Ottawa. They provided incredible service and really went the extra mile to ensure that I was satisfied. This included accepting another product for return when the manufacturer warranty would not repair the defect. The L&M service is a key reason to support the local brick and mortar vendor...
In terms of this board, I own the 88 key version and have also owned the 61 key version. The hammer action on the 88 key is pretty good for this this price range. I preferred the SV-1 board, but it had some defects... The PC3 LE8 keys are a bit bouncy, but this works for me. They keys are not too noisy, unlike some other models in this price point. The 61 key version has a great action for a synth and lends itself to organ playing.
The construction of the board is solid. No factory defects or inconsistencies so far. Good fit and finish.
The sounds are pretty versatile. None are the best I have heard in a given category, but overall, they are consistently good. if you are going to own one board, this is a pretty good option. Lots of pianos, excellent organs, a few good EPs, excellent orchestral sounds and good synth sounds. If you wish to a program a custom pipe organ sound, there are a lot of differnt pipe options!
Programming is a bit dense, but it is not inaccessible.I had incredible service with Kurzweil online help. Sent them an email becuase I couldn't figure out how to program aftertouch (they call it pressure). I heard right back with an explanation.
In terms of the sequencing / programming functionality, I can't comment on these too much as I haven't used them in any depth. There assignable drum pads which are pretty neat and I could see them being useful in some settings....
In all, a very good board. Worth a try.
Posted by anonymous on Nov 20, 2012
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 88 Note Weighted Keyboard (seq/64poly) | 324293 |
