Kurzweil latest workstation, Kurzweil PC3K8 is an upgraded PC3 and a new addition to Kurzweil’s workstation and family. The PC3K8 features 88-keys keyboard, with the addition of 128 MB of sample memory, real-time control over volume and sound parameter, basic sample editing and full keymap editing, a USB host port to support the use of thumb-drives for data loading and storage as well as OS updates. Not forgetting, the PC3K8 also features all the presets and features of it’s predecessor PC3, including anti-aliasing VA oscillators, improved KB3 Mode, Classic Keys, Orchestral and String Sections sound sets, the renowned Kurzweil Grand Piano, Cascade Mode, 16 independent Riffs and arpeggiators, Song Mode and QA mode, unparalleled MIDI control, and many more.
The PC3K8 non-volatile user sample memory can load your user samples, turn the unit off and the samples are still intact. This is especially applicable for keyboardists who use samples in a live setting. This new feature has been most sought after by musicians and professionals alike for at least a decade. The ‘K’ implies backward compatibility to Kurzweil K-Series from K2000, K2500 to K2600 keyboards. All the K-Series samples can be loaded in the PC3K8 with 100 percent compatibility whereas, the K-Series programs have about 70 percent compatibility. However, users will have to tweak the sound a little in order to have the exact sound. The keyboard can be set up with up to 16 zones and layers.
With the new Kurzweil PC3K8 ability to load legacy K-Series sample patches and almost two decades of programmes with almost full compatibility via Dynamic V.A.S.T. synthesis engine, once again underscoring Kurzweil commitment to non-obsolescence by design.
Alesis introduced it’s Q49 USB/MIDI Keyboard Controller during Winter NAMM Show in Anaheim, California. The Alesis Q49 is an entry-level Keyboard Controller which is ideal for Students, Studios environment and Stage performances.
The Q49 is a fully featured keyboard controller, with 49-key synth-action keyboard that is compatible with virtually any music software and MIDI hardware devices, USB-MIDI and conventional MIDI jacks for easy connection to your Computer and MIDI device, full controls of pitch and modulation wheels, octave up and down, and an assignable data slider. The Q49 allows you to send velocity sensitive note information from the keys and you can also send program changes from the keys, which is very useful for both programming and performing music.
The compact keyboard controller is designed with tools that will enable musicians to make music the way they enjoy most. The Alesis Q49 is compact, affordable and user-friendly, and it is compatible with virtually any MIDI software and hardware devices.