Kurzweil PC4 - Review / Overview / Demo

Kurzweil PC4 - Review / Overview / Demo
Video Index (thank you to KZbin fan Jukka Tarvonen for putting this index together!):
1) Overview No 1 0:47
2) Piano demos
● 1 Dyn 9ft Grand (German Steinway & Sons grand piano) 2:45
● 14 Rich Grand 7ft (Japanese Yamaha grand piano) 3:08
● 15 Studio Grand 7ft 3:28
● RecitalGrand 9ft 3:44
3) Overview No 2 4:06
● Over 1.000 Programs/Patches/Sounds
● 256 voices polyphony (Kurzweil Forte has 128 voice polyphony)
● Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology (V.A.S.T.) editing
● 2 GB internal sound flash memory (Kurzweil Forte has 16 GB internal sound flash memory)
● 2 GB flash memory for users to load their own sounds (Kurzweil Forte has 3,3 GB flash memory for own sounds)
● Max 32 layers per program
● Tone wheel organ modeling KB3 ToneReal Organs Mode
● New Medelli 88 note hammer weighted keyboard action with aftertouch (instead of the Italian Fatar action with Kurzweil Forte)
● Additional features 5:55
● 16 arpeggiators
● 16-Track MIDI Sequencer
● 6-Operator FM Engine (as with the Yamaha DX7 & TX7)
● 4.3” color LCD widescreen display
4) Rear panel inputs & outputs 7:06
5) Top panel
● Pitch bend & modulation wheels 11:17
● Transpose buttons 12:13
● Master volume
● Variation button
● Programmable 9 faders, 9 knobs & 9 switches 14:00
● MIDI channel / Save / Edit buttons 15:54
● 6 soft buttons below the LCD display 18:11
● Different views with the LCD display 19:43
● Piano demos 20:35
● 9 knobs (bass, middle, treble EQ, effects editing) 21:41
● Cursor buttons, jog wheel, mode buttons
● 12 buttons for different instrument categories 23:14
6) Program/patch/sound demos
● Electric piano demos 24:13
● Clavinet demos 25:02
● Organ demos 25:37
● Strings demos 26:38
● Pad demos 27:30
● Synth demos 27:52
● Brass & winds demos 28:33
● Ensembles demos 29:19
● Hybrids demos 29:49
● Guitar & Bass demos 30:06
● Drum kit demos 30:46
7) Getting a new default program in different instrument categories 31:19
8) Split section 32:31
9) Layer section 34:24
10) Multi section 34:50
11) Song / 16-Track Sequencer section 35:21
12) Global mode 38:37
● Keyboard velocity touch sensitivity
● After touch sensitivity
13) Effects section 40:50
14) Tools section 41:29
● MIDI Out / MIDI In / State / Voices / About
15) Searching for different programs 42:30
16) Arpeggiator section 44:48
17) ALG = Algorithm = Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology (V.A.S.T.) editing section 45:30
18) Program/patch/sound demos
● 197 Fooled Again Org 46:40
● 151 Zombie B3 47:29
● 202 Indagardenoveden 47:50
● 203 Animals Organ 48:12
● 204 Chapel Organ 48:31
● 284 Bass & Violins 49:12
● 285 Proper Pizzicato 49:30
● 315 Fast Mix Octaves 50:07
● 319 Fast Violins II 50:27
● 327 Fast Tremolo 50:52
● Modwhl Remix Str 51:05
● 422 Synbrass Pillow 51:23
● 495 Jump! Obx 51:52
● 506 Funkensteinz'AHP 52:01
● 689 AcidJazzFlute 52:12
● 692 StrawberryFlutes 52:34
● 723 Vivaldi Orchestra 52:43
● 757 Perc Atk Strings 53:09
● 758 Pizz & Perc 53:22
● 760 Broadway Backup 53:32
● 766 LH Timp Roll Orch 53:47
● 780 MagicChinaFlower 54:03
● 784 ChirpingStompbox 54:11
● 819 TremBucker 54:19
● 833 Steel String 54:29
● 837 Real Nylon 54:45
● 840 ShortStrumma 55:06
● 841 Banjo Plus 55:11
● 858 Upright Growler 55:31
● 863 Drum&Bass Kit 55:37
● 894 Bacjsweep Kit 55:50
● 904 Sandy Bott'm Kit 56:05
● 970 Vocal Percussion 56:12

[@professor_prte4104]

Man, this is what I call a good demonstration video. You really show a lot of things (ok, nearly one hour, but if you want to see what this instrument is really able to do...) Thanks Chuck ! Greetings from France

[@sahilhiramanlakhraj7508]

Amazing performance I've missed that song intro

[@ivan-kaschenko]

Great overview. Thanks. Seems I'm falling in love with this instrument compared to my current Korg Kross )

[@stevewilcoxson7173]

When I think of Kurzweil I think of some of the best sounds in the industry paired with an antiquated key action.

[@robeggers5560]

After researching so many keyboards I just pulled the trigger on this one. The drawbars were a big deciding factor with the organ sounds.

[@nzmal]

Rob Eggers me too. Had a couple of older Kurzweils but this us like the result of all their research coming together in the right combination. Great having 16 multi layers of FM to mess with. And as always killer pianos imho.

[@e.d.1642]

I was hesitating between the Roland fa07 and Yamaha modx7 but with the new PC4-7 it's hard for them to compare

[@davcar23]

How have you guys liked it so far?

[@robeggers5560]

@@davcar23 I really like mine. one of the things that really won me was the hammond sound but I never use it. Organ is such a different instrument than piano. Sounds are great and absolutely no problems so far. Love everything from the grand to Rhodes

[@JukkaTarvonen]

1) Overview No 1 0:47 2) Piano demos ● 1 Dyn 9ft Grand (German Steinway & Sons grand piano) 2:45 ● 14 Rich Grand 7ft (Japanese Yamaha grand piano) 3:08 ● 15 Studio Grand 7ft 3:28 ● RecitalGrand 9ft 3:44 3) Overview No 2 4:06 ● Over 1.000 Programs/Patches/Sounds ● 256 voices polyphony (Kurzweil Forte has 128 voice polyphony) ● Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology (V.A.S.T.) editing ● 2 GB internal sound flash memory (Kurzweil Forte has 16 GB internal sound flash memory) ● 2 GB flash memory for users to load their own sounds (Kurzweil Forte has 3,3 GB flash memory for own sounds) ● Max 32 layers per program ● Tone wheel organ modeling KB3 ToneReal Organs Mode ● New Medelli 88 note hammer weighted keyboard action with aftertouch (instead of the Italian Fatar action with Kurzweil Forte) ● Additional features 5:55 ● 16 arpeggiators ● 16-Track MIDI Sequencer ● 6-Operator FM Engine (as with the Yamaha DX7 & TX7) ● 4.3” color LCD widescreen display 4) Rear panel inputs & outputs 7:06 5) Top panel ● Pitch bend & modulation wheels 11:17 ● Transpose buttons 12:13 ● Master volume ● Variation button ● Programmable 9 faders, 9 knobs & 9 switches 14:00 ● MIDI channel / Save / Edit buttons 15:54 ● 6 soft buttons below the LCD display 18:11 ● Different views with the LCD display 19:43 ● Piano demos 20:35 ● 9 knobs (bass, middle, treble EQ, effects editing) 21:41 ● Cursor buttons, jog wheel, mode buttons ● 12 buttons for different instrument categories 23:14 6) Program/patch/sound demos ● Electric piano demos 24:13 ● Clavinet demos 25:02 ● Organ demos 25:37 ● Strings demos 26:38 ● Pad demos 27:30 ● Synth demos 27:52 ● Brass & winds demos 28:33 ● Ensembles demos 29:19 ● Hybrids demos 29:49 ● Guitar & Bass demos 30:06 ● Drum kit demos 30:46 7) Getting a new default program in different instrument categories 31:19 8) Split section 32:31 9) Layer section 34:24 10) Multi section 34:50 11) Song / 16-Track Sequencer section 35:21 12) Global mode 38:37 ● Keyboard velocity touch sensitivity ● After touch sensitivity 13) Effects section 40:50 14) Tools section 41:29 ● MIDI Out / MIDI In / State / Voices / About 15) Searching for different programs 42:30 16) Arpeggiator section 44:48 17) ALG = Algorithm = Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology (V.A.S.T.) editing section 45:30 18) Program/patch/sound demos ● 197 Fooled Again Org 46:40 ● 151 Zombie B3 47:29 ● 202 Indagardenoveden 47:50 ● 203 Animals Organ 48:12 ● 204 Chapel Organ 48:31 ● 284 Bass & Violins 49:12 ● 285 Proper Pizzicato 49:30 ● 315 Fast Mix Octaves 50:07 ● 319 Fast Violins II 50:27 ● 327 Fast Tremolo 50:52 ● Modwhl Remix Str 51:05 ● 422 Synbrass Pillow 51:23 ● 495 Jump! Obx 51:52 ● 506 Funkensteinz'AHP 52:01 ● 689 AcidJazzFlute 52:12 ● 692 StrawberryFlutes 52:34 ● 723 Vivaldi Orchestra 52:43 ● 757 Perc Atk Strings 53:09 ● 758 Pizz & Perc 53:22 ● 760 Broadway Backup 53:32 ● 766 LH Timp Roll Orch 53:47 ● 780 MagicChinaFlower 54:03 ● 784 ChirpingStompbox 54:11 ● 819 TremBucker 54:19 ● 833 Steel String 54:29 ● 837 Real Nylon 54:45 ● 840 ShortStrumma 55:06 ● 841 Banjo Plus 55:11 ● 858 Upright Growler 55:31 ● 863 Drum&Bass Kit 55:37 ● 894 Bacjsweep Kit 55:50 ● 904 Sandy Bott'm Kit 56:05 ● 970 Vocal Percussion 56:12

[@PianoManChuck]

Wow - thanks for taking the time to put that together!

[@PianoManChuck]

Hope you didn't mind that I put your list in the description for this video, with credit given to you. Again, thanks again for taking the time to do this, much appreciated!!

[@richardjanes1695]

Great Review of the Kurzweil pc4.

[@ChrisJones-uc6tb]

You are the best at explaining this instrument. I have the PC3X. I want this keyboard for Live, not just because of weight, but it is outstanding as a Live performance instrument...I will buy one. Thanks, "Chief" KC

[@link2012_KSH]

World's first review of Kurzweil PC4!

[@GodlikeAu]

Just a minor correction. Flash Play isn't so much to do with loading speed, it refers to the fact that the PC4 plays directly from FlashRAM. What this means for the user is that the samples are stored in flash and will survive power cycling. Load the samples once, and they will remain in memory even if you unplug the PC4.

[@IsaacSilva83]

I bought this keyboard recently, thanks to this review. Also my Kronos, my Kross and my Fantom... I'm happy with everyone of them... Thanks Chuck

[@madness8556]

That's not enough keyboards. You need at least 4 more! 😉 Nice set up.

[@rossmaclochness1456]

Any issue with reliability/glitches/defects on the PC4?

[@TimE_5150]

Great review Chuck, very in depth. I am glad you kept your clothes on when you mentioned "flash play" :) even though it may have made this video go viral. Keep up the awesome work (and your clothes on as well) Be well my friend.

[@PianoManChuck]

Thanks Tim. But 'flash' also means super fast.... so if you blinked, you missed it!

[@TimE_5150]

@@PianoManChuck it was also something that used to sit on top of a camera. You missed about a minute after one of those.

[@PianoManChuck]

I remember! There was the kind that was used only once and then thrown away, or the more expensive kind that could be used over and over after a short (up to 30 seconds) recharge time. Either way it blinded everyone who posed! And you wouldn't know if anyone had their eyes closed until you got the pics back a week later! Different world back then.

[@TimE_5150]

@@PianoManChuck Ha Ha that is for sure. Simpler times. And those flash cubes got very hot.

[@PianoManChuck]

@@TimE_5150 - Too hot to handle!

[@reginaldcole5596]

WOW,didn’t expect so many dislikes for this kB.I always liked Kurzweil.I guess we(keyboardist)are monolithic group.Kinda sad that creativity is lost to branding.

[@samiam9059]

Ignorance is bliss

[@EverettDudgeon138]

Really wish Kurzweil would do a module version of their sounds.

[@alexanderkatriz9748]

They do: kurzweil.com/product/micropiano/downloads/

[@georgegeorgio1751]

I think it's time for Kurzweil to finally make some lower priced hardware and even exploit their unique V.A.S.T synthesis by including their PC4 DX7 file reading capability in these lower priced items to some of us sample playback is not important, cause we already have modules , boards and DAW's that do that.

[@kevink.7074]

Alexander, you’re funny. 😂

[@georgegeorgio1751]

​@@alexanderkatriz9748 Discontinued Model

[@ChrisJones-uc6tb]

I agree.

[@St_Modler]

Great review, and very nice with some more in depth information about the PC4. My old worn out PC3X might possibly retire soon :-)

[@charlesworton4020]

Hey - thanks for a great review. Something the PC4 is NOT, is an arranger keyboard; there are no built in rhythms. This can be a consideration for home pianists, when it can be fun to have the back up rhythms available at the punch of a button. There are very few keyboards that have organ drawbar capability; another that does, is the Casio WK-7600. It comes up short in a number of areas, when compared to the PC4; it has 76 keys rather than 88, and the Kurzweil samples are far superior to those of the Casio. But it's far lighter than the PC4, easier to move around, and it does have full arranger capability (and a 16 track recorder). AND... it's just $450 USD, 23% of the cost of the PC4. I don't think the WK-7600 is on anybody's "worlds best keyboard" list, but it does offer amazing value for the price. >Charlie

[@MaxThompsonMusic]

I'm getting one of these guys...only because Viscount no longer makes the K4EX/K4 midi controller, and this is the next best thing for using with my rack rig. Loved my PC3(76) in many ways so I'm sure the internal sounds will be a bonus.

[@AntonisAdelfidis_UnderGround]

Nice review, thanks!!!

[@EverettDudgeon138]

Yeah...I’m interested in this for sure. Would like to see the sequencer in action.

[@PianoManChuck]

Sequencer was covered in the video. 35:13

[@EverettDudgeon138]

PianoManChuck thanks!

[@richardjanes1695]

I think, the Kurzweil sounds much better than the RD2000. the sounds are awesome.

[@keizy1479]

Thanks Charles Worton, just as I suspected. I knew that there had to be a drawback. This is the very reason why I wasn’t interested in the Artis series. The only little consolation is that it has an onboard sequencer.

[@tomislavrac717]

However, it does not have overdub.

[@jfcleanup]

Sorry, but the Kronos still sounds better to my ears. Even after 8 / 9 years after it's introduction. The only good sounds are the new ones that were introduced with the Forte (AP/EP/Clav) the rest is 1985 rompler stuff meant for 64k of memory. I wish they finally addressed that !

[@bobmander7886]

The KRONOS is still about twice the price...

[@rayderrich]

Man I wish this keyboard had a real good keybed for pianists, the rest looks so great!

[@leif656]

Nice review, thank you for that! I really liked the first melody and you play with such a passion and feeling, one can see how much you enjoy and love music! I would love to know what song it is? I must learn how to play that even if it takes decades (if I have that left of my life that is) :) I'm looking into a PC4 or perhaps even PC3K because of the legacy k2 support with a compatibility file (had a K2000 back in time) and better keybed as far as I heard.

[@PianoManChuck]

Thanks Leif! The song is one of my originals entitled "Forgotten". You can get the MIDI file of my playing a fuller version of it over at www.PianoManChuck.com/MIDI.html where you can bring the file into Synthesia, or Casio's "Chordana Play For Piano" where it becomes the tutorial via "falling bars".

[@leif656]

@@PianoManChuck Didn't know you had a video with a longer version, thank you Chuck! Bought the midi file and gotta start learning! :)

[@rustyyates421]

Can you do a simple split and layer simultaneously? Example, bass/ piano with a pad underneath the piano

[@Moigle1]

Great review! I'm happy with my Kronos, but if the PC4 comes out with a 6x or 7x key, semi-weighted action, I won't be able to resist.

[@rickygarcia7400]

Moigle1 yeah i want one with 61 its would be Awsome already have a kurtzweill k2000v3 and vp and k2500 they work awsome but the dang screens are dark except the 2500.

[@uhoh007]

Great Value. I hope you review the new Fantom also :)

[@happyrat1garyg.510]

Screw the Kronos. This keyboard's gonna put Kurzweil back on the map for sure, Great demo Chuck. I'm already salivating to test drive one myself.

[@keizy1479]

Actually this is more like a replacement for the lousy PC3LE series which has mainboard issues with the 7 variant. An issue that is very expensive to fix. Hope that’s not the same issue with this one.

[@garycitro1674]

Thanks Chuck! Looks GREAT! Nice and light too! Q's: No music rest? No battery option like AAs on the Casio? And no internal speakers obviously. I almost feel like I need this AND a Casio PX-s1000 as a knock around or busking instrument with internal speakers.

[@johnadams5489]

It wouldn't be a stretch to say the PC4 is in response to the Yamaha MODX. That KB is light weight with many of the sounds and features of their more expensive models, but in an all plastic body, lightweight, and a lot less money. $1999 seems to be the price point that weekend musicians can afford, without paying for an all metal case that is much more road worthy. Weekend players want lighter and less expensive boards. They won't be shipping them off on air planes, they will probably be carted across town in the back seat of a car. The user interface looks dated, a lot of variations on the same instruments. Meh. But I don't have a need for a "stage piano".

[@benjaminacargen7799]

I'm talking about the PC4 and other digital pianos in the market.

[@mazurnagrywa5998]

Can MIDI OUT be used as MIDI THRU? How to set it in the instrument? Regards ;)

[@madness8556]

Great review! It's a shame that a supposedly professional instrument doesn't have an internal power supply. External power adaptors are the pitts IMHO.

[@sebastiangomezmusic]

I know you love the Casio PX560. How do you like the Pc4 compared to it?

[@percyman7925]

Can u do a video showing using midi in...I have hammond bass pedals and can't figure out how to control them

[@Benqo]

Thank you Chuck for your looong review ;) What about making a short demo with PC4´s FM engine?

[@PianoManChuck]

This was a review unit - its already gone.

[@Benqo]

@@PianoManChuck ok ;)

[@billsolomon1]

Can one player audio tracks MP3? Or can they be converted to wav and then played? Is there a general midi set of programs?

[@davcar23]

Totally sold on this board, no need to look for a second hand PC3k at this price, my only question is is there enough space above the keys for the ribbon controller like on the PC3?

[@Paul-by5kv]

I'm trying a PC4 in a couple of weeks. I have a Roland Fantom X8 but... The main things that I want the Kurzweil to impress me with (hopefully) are not getting dead spots when changing sounds, and having a smooth after touch. The Fantom albeit a few years old is a real letdown on both those areas. Does anyone know whether these aspects are good on Kurzweils? I've played pretty much every other make of keys apart from Kurzweils over the years. Any comments would be appreciated thanks.

[@TD-iz2tb]

Hey man how did you like the kurz?

[@formercakid]

The PC4 may backfire on Kurzweil because they are going to sell a ton of these boards but the sales of the rest of their line of keyboards (unless they are going to discontinue some) is going to suffer drastically.

[@St_Modler]

I'm guessing that stuff like the Artis, the Forte SE and most of the PC3-range is going to be discontinued within long. The PC4 will make most of it obsolete.

[@ChurchBoy0487]

I'd still rather own a PC3K7

[@St_Modler]

@@ChurchBoy0487 Why?

[@alexanderhelms9039]

I m first Songwriter Jimi the Rat from Germany

[@c3ajeff]

Still wish they would incorporate a large touch-screen. (or even this: just make an interface for one you could add on.) I don't see enough innovation here to upgrade from my 3x. There are some nice features, but only 2GB sample memory? I've played a LOT of keyboards and I still like the Kurz the best - it has the feel and sound that suits me.

[@EverettDudgeon138]

Jeffrey Miller You can use the editor on your PC...much better than a touchscreen.

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

shame it doesnt come with a fazioli sound

[@Jvaldes609]

looking to use it with logic pro x, I like the 256 poly but does it have interface capabilities like the modX? does it carry audio and midi through one usb cable?

[@dirkkeersmaekers4343]

Is there also coming out a 61 key version?

[@ingofritzsche7737]

Yes nearly, now is a PC4-7 out it has about 76 Keys. I go for it!!

[@a124947]

The price of this keyboard just went up by $500 (as of 6/1/21). Are features being added or is this just purely a price increase?

[@PianoManChuck]

Unfortunately its a price increase. This is due to Covid-19 and the worldwide effect its had on supply/parts shortages as well as worldwide freight charges.

[@a124947]

@@PianoManChuck Well, I was afraid of that. Thanks for responding. Guess I waited too long to pull the trigger on this one. Edit: Was looking at their new K2700. Is that just the PC4 with drum pads and more memory? Looks a lot like it. It is just $500 more than the PC4 now, so might end up going with that now. Maybe that is why they increased the price of the PC4 so more folks would opt for the new K2700?

[@pontram]

​@@a124947 PC4-88 (or simply PC4) is here in Germany now ca. 1800 €, and K2700 is 3000 (maybe it was available in summer, but now it is not until Feb), so huge price difference. I wonder if Kurzweil is struggling like Roli in the past, before they went out of business they threw out many of their pricey seaboards heavily reduced. K2700 looks very promising but is nowhere as much promoted as Roland/Yamaha/Korg workstations.

[@mikerutigliano1821]

Anyone have any comments of this Kurzweil PC4 vs the Yamaha MODX ? Trying to pick one to buy and still working thru the decision

[@kevink.7074]

I checked out the ModX at length before going with this. The key feel on the Kurzweil is much better, plus has aftertouch. To my ears the piano and EP’s are much more organic on the Kurzweil as well. A touch screen would have been nice, but my guess is the Kurzweil will last longer (replacing faulty touch screens is a pain!). Overall, the sound generation capabilities of both are quite vast, but Kurzweil has more convincing acoustic sounds. The ModX has some very nice electronic patches and rhythms. Patch transition on both units works about equally well, which is to say, not perfectly on either. This is my main frustration. Patch to patch, Kurzweil handles the transitions perfectly, EXCEPT for the organ engine, which has very choppy sound transition. Multis do not transition seamlessly AT ALL. This can be minimized by carefully programming patches to contain identical master effects settings but not entirely eliminated. On the ModX it seems that certain multis transition perfectly, while others don’t. Either one falls short of the Kronos in that regard. 24 second boot time on the Kurzweil is most welcome. Overall the Kurzweil roped me in with its better build quality, extensive front panel control, awesome acoustic sounds, better organ tones...but the ModX is nice too, especially if you do electronic music.

[@mikerutigliano1821]

@@kevink.7074 thank you for the information and appreciate the advise

[@Keybman]

Thanks! What about playable setups? Again bad as on PC3?

[@CTBroadfoot]

It sounds underwhelming to me with a dated interface. Looks like something from the early 2000s.

[@kostependrhs]

No. The 2000 model was the K2600. It sounds way better than this. The interface looks ok. But the sound of this pc4 is disappointing comparing to the K-2*** series. Otherwise is simply an ok sounding instrument very capable for sound design (vast algorithms).

[@BaymondRell]

@Get The Gringo You've had this PC4 for a bit now, are the built-in sounds "freshened" up to be relevant against other releases like the MODX? (Pads/strings/synth in particular)

[@samiam9059]

Own a kronos 88 for 8 years and a PC3-76 years ago. This has extreme fidelity and depth. If you like to program sky is the limit. Incredible instruments can be built.

[@taoyeahright]

does this have a better feel than the modx8 or Kawai es8?

[@bavite]

I love this piece of music you just have played on the Kursweill Can you tell me the name of it

[@PianoManChuck]

The video is 57 minutes in length. To which location in the video are you referring?

[@michaels3003]

@@PianoManChuck , probably all of them... :-) It seems that you have a million music pieces in your head. Very impressive!

[@regmason2329]

Chuck are you recording this with a Zoom Q8?

[@PianoManChuck]

No. 3 cameras were used, and Audio from the PC4 was recorded directly from its line outs.

[@alexanderhelms9039]

Can you please play strings sound and later Chor Jimi the Rat

[@TheLovedbyJesus]

Have ya tried sampling into this yet? Is that part of it difficult??

[@wayneking5906]

A "whopping 2gb of memory" ??? You can get 128 gb for next to nothing. What is the big deal with " 2 " ? Is it a different kind of memory or something? Am I missing something ?

[@St_Modler]

It's flash memory - that means absolutely no lag or annoying loading times.

[@billcuffey5183]

@@Kurzweilmusicsystems Hi Dave!

[@wiggygfe]

This or a MODX8?

[@GestattenWinnetou]

Neither one... Get an Artis instead.

[@darkboneus2001]

@@GestattenWinnetou on what planet is Artis better than PC 4? People are acting as if they can judge these sounds by hearing them open air through a cheap camera mic, then compressed on KZbin. Artis is pretty low end compared to this model. Artis doesn't allow vast editing, has no aftertouch, and has very limited fx resources. It's like comparing k series to pc88.

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

@@darkboneus2001 recorded directly, no air

[@EverettDudgeon138]

Out of curiosity, can you change the polyphony at all? I know it’s an odd request but on certain poly synth patches in order for it to sound more authentic it should be 4 to 8 voices. Also if one is re creating some of the old K250 patches that only had 12 voices so I’m just curious if you can specify the number of voices of polyphony on the programs.

[@Benqo]

That's very unusual request. What is the advantage of such a limited polyphony? In my Kurzweil PC3LE that has 64 voices of pilyphony I very often run of the amount of voices and it is very unpleasant to hear the voices cut away.

[@josephkissel6062]

@@Benqo "Certain poly synth patches in order for it to sound more authentic it should be 4 to 8 voices. Also if one is re creating some of the old K250 patches that only had 12 voices"

[@Benqo]

@@josephkissel6062 that´s weird request. How can the smaller number of voices affect the sound? If you are using more than the maximun, the voices get stealed. Nothing more.

[@josephkissel6062]

@@Benqo If you are going for a "vintage specific" sound," you will abide by the technical limitations of the time to get a more "accurate" presentation of the sound. For instance, if you're trying to make a representational 80s polysynth sound, you probably want the voices to top out at 8. Otherwise, you're going to get more notes, perhaps a muddier sound too, that isn't what you're going to be hearing on countless 80s tracks. If you still don't understand what's going on here, it's possible this conversation doesn't have any relevance to your style of production ...

[@EverettDudgeon138]

@@josephkissel6062 Personally I find this is an issue with the current 16 voice analog synths on the market. With longer release times and Reverb the sound gets way too clustered.

[@markjaylandes]

How does the PC4 differ from the Forte?

[@St_Modler]

A whole lot. SP4 is a pretty old model now, and basically a simple stage piano with presets only. The Forte is the current flagship model and much, much more advanced.

[@markjaylandes]

@@St_Modler sorry, I meant how does the PC4 differ from the Forte.

[@St_Modler]

@@markjaylandes Arh, okay :-) Well, the PC4 is basically a cheaper, light weight alternative to the Forte, with smaller samples, external power supply and a different keybed, but with more physical controllers and (probably) many more preset sounds. It seems to be what the Forte SE was supposed to, but the Forte SE was let down by the atrocious Fatar TP100-action and the small monochrome screen.

[@markjaylandes]

@@St_Modler Thank you! I have the Forte, but I don't want to gig with it because it's heavy as hell and was wondering if this would be a good alternative?

[@St_Modler]

@@markjaylandes Well, I've been gigging with the PC3X, which is as heavy as the Forte, and I am really looking forward to the PC4. I think it's gonna be a great machine for gigs. The PC4 also has twice the polyphony of the Forte and the PC3, so a lot of horsepower for making splits and layers.

[@HighlandStudio91]

Damn I love this keyboard....but ultimately,it's really disappointing,as it's virtually useless as a workstation without a usable display screen(WTF Kurzweil....a Korg Krome is half the price and has a 7" touchscreen!?)

[@dirkkeersmaekers4343]

Poweful forceful tool,i want a 61 key version.

[@judsonchristudas]

Not inspiring sounds anymore! Get a Montage!

[@dbefore7165]

kurz has a proper synth engine.. better than montage

[@dbefore7165]

Lordtunes Music I had a montage too, no va engine, just rompler plus fm, the kurz has better effects and much deeper synth engine. Saying that, sold them both and got a quantum so pretty happy.

[@ChazSeamus28]

@@tuneunleashed I'd rather have a modx.. the guitars are amazing. nothing else out there like it as far as accurate guitar sounds

[@marvinkmooneyoz]

@@tuneunleashed they both have advantages. The pc4 and updated forte can run the VAST system into the FM and vice versa, and can use samples as modulator or carrier. Montage is only 6 or so basic waveforms, but can do 8 operator, and has tons of algorithms built in.

[@rickygarcia7400]

Does this one have the same patches is the k2000v3 I love the patches on my k2000s but the screens are dying

[@NathanBentall]

if you're handy, you can replace the display with an LED backlight one - did it on my k2k...

[@benjaminacargen7799]

Why is the piano sound so flat and dry, can't these digital piano manufacturers carbon copy the sound of an acoustic piano right from the key is struck and travel down throughput the wooden casings? That's what we call resonance.

[@St_Modler]

I think some of it has to do with the fact, that when you are playing an acoustic piano, a lot of that resonance is something that you are feeling rather than hearing. When listening to a digital emlation of a piano, you are missing all the physcial vibrations from the instrument itself, and so it feels "dryer".

[@benjaminacargen7799]

Yes that's it, some of them have even copied even the pedal noise but how come they've missed to copy that actual split second sound that travels inside the wooden body of an acoustic?

[@garycitro1674]

i think part of the problem is that we all want to spend $2000 expecting to recreate the experience of playing an $80,000 piano! :-)

[@anthonydiaz3386]

Can't beleive that this is the brand that Pink Floyd keyboardist Rick Wright used in their historical concerts Pulse, Delicate Sound of Thunder, ...etc. Not impressed at all with Kurzweil nowadays.

[@kostependrhs]

The brand that rick wright used was a very different kurzweil. An elite brand. Their top quality models was the K-series (when you got them full with all their expansion cards installed). Indeed my K2600 (7000€ in 2002) sounds better than this pc4. Krz was sold and nowadays is a very different brand. More like samsung. Wait and you ll see Kurzweil smartwatches and other shit like this.

[@punypoppy9147]

Heh, you just have to work like mad to make it sound like one. :) The PC3 ( and this ) uses a lot of same PCM's than the K2000 series did, exactly the same. Richard didn't use stock sounds. Atleast my Pc3 sounds exactly like the parts that were used in Pulse as an example. Pc3 is notorious to program though, i think it has steeper learning curve since the VAST is Kurzweil's own hierarchy. Pc4 is no exception to that. The stock sounds have always been pretty bad, but make no mistake it's still really a work horse and a lot of me prefers to this rather than example Korg kronos 2 which i often use. This synth has something that others just doesn't. Make no mistake, Kurzweil is good if you can manage it, very unique and can create damn nice textures etc. It just doesn't shine on this kind of demonstrations, never has. Peace! :)

[@alexanderhelms9039]

I search the electic light Orchestra

[@reacionario2026]

Same harmonies and same arpeggios. Boring

[@nytom4info]

Too many buttons!

[@jaykeel7309]

This is a disappointing big step back from the PC3. This looks and sounds like a toy.