Chapter 1
Introduction
Thanks for buying your PC2 MIDI performance controller! It combines 16 megabytes of
renowned Kurzweil ROM sounds with an extensive set of ßexible and easy-to-use performance
and MIDI-control featuresÑall in a portable keyboard that can help you sound like a pro on
stage or in the studio. We hope you like it.
Basic PC2 Features
The Sound
The PC2 offers 64-voice polyphony thatÕs expandable to 128 voices. For maximum ßexibility in
connecting to sound systems and processing or recording equipment, the PC2 provides analog
and digital audio outputs, which you can use simultaneously.
There are 128 factory programs, including KurzweilÕs new stereo triple-strike Grand Piano,
Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos, stereo strings, brass, and Take 6 vocal samplesÑas well as
our critically-acclaimed keyboard, guitar, bass, drums, and percussion sounds. ThereÕs also
room for two Sound ROM Option cards, for up to 48 megabytes of ROM sounds.
Setups make the PC2 a versatile performance instrument and MIDI control keyboard. Each
setup contains four zones that can cover any part of the keyboard, or overlap across the entire
keyboard. You can program each zone independentlyÑwith different programs, physical
controller assignments, and MIDI channels for each zone. Using the onboard arpeggiator, you
can program setups with grooves that start automatically and evolve in countless variations as
you play.
For serious Hammond organ fans we offer KB3 Mode, which uses tone-wheel synthesis to
provide superb recreations of the classic B-3 soundÑincluding real-time drawbar controls and
multi-effects settings that include all of the essential features of a Hammond-Leslie setupÑ
percussion, key click, chorus and vibrato, tube amp distortion, and rotary speakers with
programmable speed control that ramps up and down like the real thing. You can play KB3
programs by themselves or with other programs in setups.
Keyboard and Controllers
There are two PC2 models. Both have the same features, with only one exception. The PC2X has
a fully-weighted 88-key piano action, while the standard PC2 has a 76-key lightly-weighted
action for the perfect combination of power and portability. Both models have mono pressure
(aftertouch), and have programmable velocity sensitivity. (By the way, whenever we mention
the PC2 by name, weÕre referring to both models.)
YouÕll Þnd the usual array of physical controllersÑPitch Wheel, Mod Wheel, jacks for
continuous and switch pedal jacks, and a breath-controller jackÑas well as multi-function
front-panel buttons and sliders, and a unique ribbon controller. TheyÕre all fully programmable.
ThereÕs an extensive list of programmable features for MIDI controlÑthe PC2 isnÕt just a great-
sounding performance keyboard; itÕs a serious tool for MIDI sequencing, and makes an excellent