Kurzweil PC361

With Kurzweil's latest cutting edge chip technology under its hood, the 61-note PC361 delivers 128 voices of incredible sound quality along with real-time controller functions and several other easy to use features.

In addition to Kurzweil's Triple Strike Grand Piano, the PC361 features hundreds of new sounds; basses, drums, guitars, and synths along with a collection of vintage keyboard emulations, KB3 Mode and over 250 orchestral and string section programs. Kurzweil has also integrated their VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer into the PC-361.

The PC361's new Dynamic V.A.S.T. architecture features improved processing power, flexibility and user-friendliness.  It also features an unlimited-track sequencer with 960 PPQ resolution and more effects processing power than Kurzweil's KSP8 processor, creating a more capable music production workstation.  USB and flash xD card ports have been added to optimize flexibility.

Kurzweil's chips (ASICs) are customized for optimum audio performance, meaning no noticeable latency and glitch-free sound.

The PC361 offers a sound set of over 850 programs.  This includes the famous Kurzweil Triple Strike Piano, with dozens of variations to accommodate every kind of player.  All of the basic sounds - basses, guitars, drums, horns and synths - have been painstakingly programmed to reflect the needs of today's professional players, representing a broad selection of styles and flavors from the '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s and today.

The PC361 includes Kurzweil's Classic Keys ROM, which puts a large vintage keyboard rig at your fingertips.  These vintage emulations actually sound like vintage instruments and classic recordings.  The recognizable sounds of those classic electromechanical instruments, with all of their characteristic imperfections, have been faithfully re-created, along with pedals, amps and speakers.  Lush Mellotrons, growling electric pianos, and punchy Clavinets are all there at the touch of a button.

The PC361 is also equipped with the most advanced version of Kurzweil's KB3 Mode tonewheel organ simulator.  In addition to newly developed Leslie effects, and a new bank of B3 programs, they have also included sounds from the classic Vox and Farfisa combo organs.  The PC361's 9 sliders provide real-time drawbar control.

The PC361 offers a full range of orchestral sounds, including Kurzweil's new String Section ROM bank, making it ideal for film-scoring and soundtrack projects.  Every type of articulation, every nuance has been captured, with samples of full and divisi sections of violins, violas, cellos, and double bass.

Kurzweil's Dynamic V.A.S.T. synthesis engine allows up to 32 layers per program and delivers more power and flexibility.  Users can now create and store their own DSP algorithms, with nearly limitless possibilities for routing.

Kurzweil has also "resurrected" the VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer, having built its synthesis engine into the new system.  The VA-1's power-shaped, anti-aliasing oscillators (including supersaw, triplesaw, and hard sync oscillators) combine with a newer, larger set of V.A.S.T. filters (like the classic-style 4-pole low pass w/ resonance) and non-linear processors for impressive synthesizer/controller capabilities available only with the PC361.

Cascade Mode: Every layer in a program can be routed through the DSP of any other layer, in series or blended together, with up to 32 layers. It's the same concept as Triple Mode on Kurzweil's K26 series, without the 3-layer limit.  You can run your sound through dozens of filters (which can all move independently in real-time) in addition to Kurzweil's signature DSP processors like Shaper, Wrap and Distortion.

Programs are categorized and can be selected by scrolling or by using bank and program select buttons (with the aid of the PC361's backlit 240 x 64 display).  User favorites can be organized into convenient "Quick Access" banks for easy one-touch recall.

In addition to fast navigation, each preset sound is accompanied by an "Info" screen which can be accessed at the touch of a button.  As every sound can have its own customized set of real-time, physical controllers (sliders, modwheel, switches, CC Pedals, mono pressure, etc.), the Info button makes viewing the current assignments easy.

Complimenting the PC361's soundset is the the Easy Audition feature, where every one of the PC361's presets is linked to a bank of "riffs", recorded sequences which demonstrate each sound in an appropriate context.  Hit the "play" button on the front panel and get a quick musical preview of the current selection.

The PC361 also sports a feature-laden software-based Desktop Editor with comprehensive, easy-to-use features.  Free downloads of Mac & PC platforms are available.

With up to 16 insert effects, two available auxiliary sends, plus a global Master FX section, the PC361 offers more than twice the processing power of Kurzweil's KDFX engine.  Effects can be chained together in series, or distributed among the PC361's 16 multitimbral channels.  All parameters are assignable to any of the PC361's real time controllers - sliders, pedals, wheels, etc.

The PC361 features a newly designed sequencer, with unlimited tracks and 960 PPQ resolution.  Combining a set of powerful song editing functions like event editing, swing, and controller scaling with a new friendlier interface, the PC361 truly excels as a song writing/arranging workstation, ideal for music production on the fly.  Chasing controls, input quantizing and a global "set song length" function are just a couple of the features we've incorporated.

The PC361 sports sixteen independent, fully programmable arpeggiators featuring 48-step programmable, pattern generators with both pitch and velocity controls - per zone (allowing for up to 16 patterns to playback simultaneously).  These are accompanied by a thorough collection of modes, scales and pre-programmed patterns to get your juices flowing.

The PC361 also offers sixteen unique "Riff" generators, which permit the triggering of MIDI sequenced phrases, beats, or even complete multi-track arrangments from notes on the keyboard and/or any on-board physical controller.

Specifications:

• Analog Outputs: Four 1/4" balanced TRS analog (24-bit DACs).
• Headphones: 1 rear panel 1/4" headphone output.
• Digital Outputs: 24-bit, stereo S/PDIF featuring 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192-kHz modes. (externally clockable)
• MIDI: In, Out, Thru (hardware switchable to copy of MIDI Out).
• USB: MIDI over USB. Also allows the PC361 to load and save data directly to and from a computer as well as perform OS updates.
• Flash Memory Port: xD card type. Store and load programs, OS updates, and sequences. (256Mb max, type "S" / standard format only)
• FREE OS Updates: Flash ROM upgradeable via USB or flash memory card.
• Dimensions: 4.84" H x 13.98" D x 39.37" L (12.3 x 35.5 x 100 cm)
• Weight: 30.86 lbs. 14.00 kg
• Power:  Internal AC power supply. Selectable 120/240V AC operation.

TMGR# PC361