88 keys keyboard with hammer action, fully weighted
velocity sensitive
Aftertouch
256 voices
16 part multitimbral
Arpeggiator per MIDI track
Riff generator per MIDI track
16 track sequencer
Dynamic VAST, 6-operator FM, KB3 & VA1 synthesis
Split & Layer Mode for keyboard
16 zone MIDI controller
1000 Factory sounds
4096 User Sounds
50 Factory Multis
4096 User Multis
String Resonance
2GB User Memory for samples
32 effects, including reverb, chorus, tremolo, delay, distortion and EQ
Audio input with live effects
2 assignable Stereo outputs
Ribbon controller input
Incl. sustain pedal
The Kurzweil PC4 is a successful combination of synthesizer, sequencer, master keyboard and controller. The 88-key keyboard with hammer action is fully weighted, velocity sensitive and generates aftertouch. With four synthesizers, Dynamic VAST, 6-Operator FM, KB3 and VA1, the PC4 offers a tremendous selection of excellent sounds to rival any workstation. With over 1000 Factory sounds and 4096 memory locations for your own sounds, the PC4 draws from the full. For multi-programs there are over 50 Factory combinations and another 4096 for User combinations. The sounds of the PC4 can be further refined with 32 different effects, including reverb, chorus, tremolo, delay, distortion, EQ; which can also be used and stored with several in an effect chain. The high polyphony of 256 voices is sufficiently dimensioned so that even with faster playing no fading note is swallowed. This also benefits the 16 parts of the internal sequencer, with which professional sounding songs can be created on the PC4 alone.
High operating comfort
The name PC4 actually stands for "Performance Controller", and the device more than lives up to this claim, because nine buttons, knobs and faders in the control area allow direct access to sound-relevant parameters of the sounds selected for each part, respectively their synthesis model. Furthermore, each of the 16 parts has its own arpeggiator and a riff generator, so that basslines, melodies and the appropriate accompaniment can be created in no time. The PC4 is also a 16-zone MIDI controller, which is perfect for external MIDI equipment such as an expander and for controlling sounds in the DAW. The controls of the control area can be assigned matching. For the keyboard there are different split and layer modes, which even allows layering of multiple sounds including distribution across the whole keyboard. Despite its many features, the PC4 is easy to use, thanks in part to the large, graphics-capable display, the category buttons and, of course, the control section.
Professional connections
In addition to the input for the power supply, there are connections for volume and two CC pedals, as well as the included sustain pedal. Two stereo output pairs connect the instrument to a mixing console, audio interface or sound system. The stereo input is designed to connect eg. a smartphone or CD player and integrate the music from it into the exercises. The headphone output allows undisturbed playing and practicing at any time of the day or night. The USB port allows the PC4 to be connected to a computer and used as a master keyboard with music software (DAW). The MIDI inputs and outputs allow interaction with other MIDI equipment such as a sound expander or a sequencer. A special port is reserved for the separately available ribbon controller, which adds expressive articulations to the game.