Kurzweil PC3K6, Musician'S Manual

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Introduction
How the PC3K Works
1-3
How the PC3K Works
The PC3K integrates three MIDI ‐ driven components: a MIDI controller (the keyboard, or an
external MIDI controller), a sound engine, and an effects processor that employs the same
effects used in Kurzweil’s KSP8. The sound engine responds to the MIDI events generated by
the MIDI controller, and turns them into sounds that are processed within the variable
architecture of the algorithms—or by oscillators for KB3 programs. The resulting sound can then
be routed through the PC3K’s effects and to the audio outputs.
VAST Synthesis
The PC3K’s Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology (V.A.S.T.) lets you build sounds from
realistic instrumental samples and sampled synth waveforms—then modify the nature of those
sounds through a wide variety of digital signal ‐ processing (DSP) functions. The PC3K also
generates its own synth waveforms, which can be combined with the samples or used on their
own.
While many other synthesizers may offer a fixed set of DSP tools (typically filtering, pitch, and
amplitude modulation) the PC3K’s Variable Architecture lets you arrange a combination of DSP
functions from a long list of choices. The functions you choose define the type of synthesis you
use.
Each layer of every program has its own DSP architecture, which we call an algorithm . Within
each algorithm, you can select from a variety of DSP functions. Each function can be
independently controlled by a variety of sources including LFOs, ASRs, envelopes, a set of
unique programmable functions (FUNs), as well as any MIDI control message. The many
different DSP functions and the wealth of independent control sources give you an extremely
flexible, truly vast collection of tools for sound creation and modification.
The PC3K offers powerful editing features we call Dynamic V.A.S.T. and Cascade Mode .
• Dynamic V.A.S.T. allows you to “wire” your own algorithms, combining different DSP
functions in any order you like, including parallel and serial configurations.
• Cascade Mode lets you route any layer of a program into the DSP of any other layer. Any of
the 32 layers of a program can go into any other layer.
When you’re ready to jump in and start creating programs, turn to Chapter 6.
KB3 Tone Wheel Emulation
In addition to VAST synthesis, the PC3K offers many oscillator ‐ based programs that give you
the classic sound of tone ‐ wheel organs like the Hammond B3. KB3 mode, as we call it, is
completely independent of VAST, and has its own set of editing procedures. Nine dedicated
sliders on the PC3K’s front panel give you real ‐ time drawbar control over these organ sounds.
Buttons above the sliders control rotating speaker speed, percussion, and other organ features.
The quickest way to get to the KB3 programs is by pressing the KB3 button (above the sliders, to
the left of the screen). The blue LED in the KB3 button will light when the current program is a
KB3 program.
VA-1 Programs
The VA ‐ 1 (Virtual Analog Synthesizer) programs included with the PC3K offer realistic
emulations of classic analog synthesizers, built from Kurzweil’s unique anti ‐ aliased DSP ‐
generated oscillators. The PC3K’s power ‐ shaped oscillators let you transition smoothly from one
waveform into another in real time, without using cross ‐ fades.