Flagship Kurzweil PC3K now shipping in the UK

Sound Technology Ltd and Kurzweil Music Systems proudly announce shipping of the PC3K keyboard, expanding the PC3 line to include key new features along with backwards compatibility with the legendary K Series product line.

Photo above: Kurzweil PC3K with K Series compatibility now shipping

In addition to all of the innovative features that made the PC3 a major success, the PC3K features 128 MB of non-volatile user sample memory. Utilizing a breakthrough in sample flash technology, the PC3K allows user samples to remain intact after a power-cycle, with zero load time upon powering back on. The PC3K can load .WAV files, but more importantly, it can load legacy Kurzweil .K files from the K2000, K2500 and K2600 keyboards. This opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities; users can now combine the PC3K's unmatched Dynamic V.A.S.T. synthesis engine with the staggering library of K Series samples generated by users and developers alike for over 15 years.

Along with K Series samples, the PC3K will support the importing of most K Series keymaps, programs and setups, providing seamless integration for existing K series customers and an enticingly large collection of sounds for new Kurzweil users to explore. From Broadway performers and high profile pop stars to working players, the PC3K will allow musicians who've relied on Kurzweil for years to continue using their sounds with the next generation of our technology, without having to start over from scratch.

In addition to the ability to load samples, the PC3K offers basic sample editing and full keymap editing. Of course, all of the features and presets that made the PC3 so popular are present as well; 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 the list goes on.

Another major improvement added to the PC3K is the inclusion of a USB host port to support the use of thumb-drives for data loading and storage as well as OS updates.

The PC3K is already in use in Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Love Never Dies" sequel to "Phantom of the Opera." Just as past major musical productions like "Miss Saigon" and "Wicked" have relied heavily upon the K2600's Setup Mode functionality, "Love Never Dies" called for a level of detailed performance control that could only be found in a Kurzweil. Also, critical to the project is the ability to load and re-use programs and samples that had been developed for the K series. The PC3K's support for .K26 files and its 128 MB of non-volatile user sample memory meant that Webber's team would be able to seamlessly transition from the K series to the PC3K with minimal effort.

The score calls for four PC3K's being played alongside a small ensemble of real winds, strings and percussion. The keyboards have made it possible to re-create the massive sound of an 80 piece full orchestra utilizing a pit-sized group of musicians, with the digital instruments working to augment and enhance the acoustic ones

The Kurzweil PC3K is available now priced at £2205 RRP ex VAT.

For more information please contact Kurzweil's UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd on 01462 480000 or visit www.soundtech.co.uk/kurzweil

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Kurzweil announces shipping of new SP4-7 stage piano, SP4-8 to launch at NAMM

Sound Technology Ltd and Kurzweil Music Systems are proud to announce UK shipping of the new SP4-7 76-note semi-weighted stage piano, and announce SP4-8 88-note fully-weighted version to launch at NAMM 2011.

Photo above: Kurzweil SP4-7 is shipping now

Photo above: Kurzweil SP4-8 launches at NAMM 2011

The SP4 Series are premium instruments designed for musicians who require exceptional sound quality and expression. Top professionals and hobbyists alike will be able to appreciate the responsive actions, nuanced sound design and advanced performance features, all of which set the SP4 Series apart.

Equipped with many of the same sounds and effects as our acclaimed PC3 family, the SP4 Series offers the best Kurzweil has to offer; a variety of exquisite acoustic pianos, vintage electric pianos, dazzling string sections, lush pads, KB3 organs, mallets, drums, basses, guitars and more. With four programmable zones, the SP4 series conveniently allows you to create splits and layers at the touch of a button, which means you can react and adjust your sound in a live setting on-the-fly with comfort and ease.

With additional sounds online available for download, you can create a personalized sound set with absolutely no "filler". Don't need drums or guitars? Download extra electric pianos and KB3 organs. Also, the SP4 Series can load programs created on our PC3 and PC3LE keyboards. All of this means that you, the player, can be involved in shaping the character of an instrument that you can truly call your own.

Both models are designed to be rugged yet lightweight. The SP4-7 weighs just 24 lb (11kg) and the SP4-8 just 39 lbs (17.7kg).

The Kurzweil SP4-7 is available in the UK now priced at just £680 + VAT. The SP4-8 is expected in Q2 2011 priced at just £880 + VAT.

For more information please contact Sound Technology Ltd on 01462 480000 or visit www.soundtech.co.uk/kurzweil

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Kurzweil release v2.0 software for PC3 line-up

Kurzweil Music Systems is proud to announce the release of OS V2.0 for the PC3 line. Included are many new features and over 200 new presets, many of which are the result of direct input and feedback from our customers. V2.0 demonstrates our continued focus on the concept of non-obsolescence by design and our commitment to our customers, which lasts long after a Kurzweil keyboard is purchased.

One major improvement is the new Intuitive Info feature, which enables the PC3 to provide visual feedback in the display whenever a controller (slider, button, wheel, etc.) is used, letting the player know which parameter is being affected and by how much in real-time. This interactive user interface has been designed to make you feel like you're using a musical instrument, not just a piece of hardware.

The PC3's synthesis engine has undergone a few notable enhancements. Several new V.A.S.T. DSP oscillators have been added along with the ability to edit both keymaps and samples in ROM, opening up even more sonic possibilities than ever before.

New presets include acoustic pianos, synths, pads, FM electric pianos, over 100 new drum kits and a comprehensive collection of pipe organ stop settings. Both our KB3 tone-wheel organ simulator and rotary effects have been improved and have been receiving strong positive feedback from our beta testers.

To download please visit www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com

For more information on the PC3 line please contact UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd on 01462 480000

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Kurzweil PC3LE Series ships in the UK

Kurzweil Music Systems and UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd are pleased to announce UK shipping of the new Kurzweil PC3LE Series.

With 64 voices of polyphony and a sleek easy-to-navigate front panel, the PC3LE combines many of the PC3's best sounds and features with our friendliest user interface to date along with a new, streamlined sound category system. The PC3LE has been designed with ease of use and on-the-fly music production foremost in mind, with 16 independent arpeggiators and up to 16 simultaneous riffs, all of which can be triggered and manipulated by keystrokes or a host of real-time controllers. For real-time controllers, the PC3LE offers 8 backlit impact and continuous force-sensitive drum pads, two wheels, 5 assignable knobs and 6 assignable switches in addition to 4 switch pedals and one CC pedal.

The PC3LE Series features over 800 presets, the PC3's synth architecture and sample set, KB3 organ emulation and world class effects.

The PC3LE also provides USB Master capabilities, thumb-drive storage and seamlessly integrates into any studio or live stage setup.

Three choices for keyboard action are offered - the PC3LE8 88-note hammer weighted, PC3LE7 76-note semi-weighted and PC3LE6 61-note semi-weighted.

All are available now priced at £1075 RRP ex VAT for the PC3LE6, £1275 RRP ex VAT for the PC3LE7 and £1460 RRP ex VAT for the PC3LE8.

For more information please contact UK distributor Sound Technology Ltd on 01462 480000 or visit www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com

About Kurzweil

Kurzweil Music Systems was founded in 1982 by Ray Kurzweil, who was inspired by Stevie Wonder after having collaborated on a reading machine for the blind. In 1983 the Kurzweil K250 was considered the first successful attempt to realistically emulate the sound of a grand piano. Since then, Kurzweil has been renowned for being a major innovator in the music tech industry and continues today stronger than ever under the proven leadership of Hyundai Development Co.

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Stevie Wonder joins Ray Kurzweil for launch of new Kurzweil PC3K synthesizer

25 years since the launch of Kurzweil's K250 ground-breaking synthesizer, Stevie Wonder joined Ray Kurzweil for the launch of Kurzweil's new flagship model, the PC3K. On Friday night, in a small suite at the Anaheim Hilton, an invited audience saw Kurzweil present Stevie with the new model who then enthralled the audience with an impromptu performance of two songs.

Photo: Stevie Wonder with Ray Kurzweil

The PC3K keyboard expands the PC3 line to include key new features along with backwards compatibility with the legendary K Series product line. In addition to all of the innovative features that made the PC3 a major success, the PC3K features 128 MB of non-volatile user sample memory. Utilizing a breakthrough in sample flash technology, the PC3K allows user samples to remain intact after a power-cycle, with zero load time upon powering back on. The PC3K can load .WAV files, but more importantly, it can load legacy Kurzweil .K files from the K2000, K2500 and K2600 keyboards. This opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities; users can now combine the PC3K's unmatched Dynamic V.A.S.T. synthesis engine with the staggering library of K Series samples generated by users and developers alike for over 15 years.

Along with K Series samples, the PC3K will support the importing of most K Series keymaps, programs and setups, providing seamless integration for existing K series customers and an enticingly large collection of sounds for new Kurzweil users to explore. From Broadway and West End performers and high profile pop stars to working players, the PC3K will allow musicians who've relied on Kurzweil for years to continue using their sounds with the next generation of our technology, without having to start over from scratch.

Mike Papa, Kurzweil National Sales Manager for American Music and Sound, couldn't be more thrilled. "This is the breakthrough the industry has been waiting for - the added value of 18 years' worth of K Series sound development is simply immeasurable. It's mind-blowing to think that artists can continue to build upon the body of work they've been creating for just under two decades, when most other manufacturers require users to re-invent the wheel each time a new platform is introduced."

In addition to the ability to load samples, the PC3K offers basic sample editing and full keymap editing. Of course, all of the features and presets that made the PC3 so popular are present as well; 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 the list goes on.

Another major improvement added to the PC3K is the inclusion of a USB host port to support the use of thumb-drives for data loading and storage as well as OS updates.

The PC3K is expected to ship in Q1 2010 with a price to be confirmed.

More information from Sound Technology on 01462 480000, www.soundtech.co.uk/kurzweil

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"A genuinely attractive offering to the serious gigging pianist" - Kurzweil SP3X

In an exclusive first review, the Kurzweil SP3X is featured in the May issue of Performing Musician Magazine.

“Not only does the SP3X offer considerably more acoustic piano variations to choose from, but their overall quality has improved aswell. These pianos generally have a very good definition of tone, right through the register. Also, this time you can actually tell the difference between most of the variations…some of its electric piano sounds make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up”.

“…the effects deserve special attention. Just as they do in the SP2X, Kurzweil's powerful and expressive effects really bring this piano's sounds to life and can give them a powerful new dimension”.

To read the full review, pick up the May Issue of Performing Musician Magazine (Issue 20). The Kurzweil SP3X is available now at £1199 RRP.

More information:
http://www.soundtech.co.uk/kurzweil/news/performing-musican-review-kurzweil-sp3x

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