page 16
Startup in Detail
How the PC3A Works
Each layer of every program has its own DSP architecture, or algorithm. Within each algorithm,
you can select from a variety of DSP functions. Each function can be independently controlled by
a variety of sources including LFOs, ASRs, envelopes, a set of unique programmable functions
(FUNs), as well as any MIDI control message. The many dierent DSP functions and the wealth
of independent control sources give you an extremely exible, truly vast collection of tools for
sound creation and modication. When you’re ready to jump in and start creating programs,
consult the PC3A Musician’s Guide.
KB3 Tone Wheel Emulation
In addition to VAST synthesis, the PC3A oers many oscillator-based programs that give you the
classic sound of tone-wheel organs like the Hammond B3. KB3 mode, as it is called, is completely
independent of VAST, and has its own set of editing procedures. Nine dedicated sliders on the
PC3A’s front panel give you real-time drawbar control over these organ sounds. Buttons above
the sliders control rotating speaker speed, percussion, and other organ features.
The quickest way to get to the KB3 programs is by pressing the KB3 button (above the sliders, to
the left of the screen). The blue LED in the KB3 button will light when the current program is a
KB3 program.
PC3A Programs
The PC3A powers up in Program mode, where you can select and play programs (called patches,
presets, or voices on other instruments). Programs are preset sounds composed of up to 32 layers
of samples or waveforms. If you’ve left Program mode, just press the Program mode button or
Exit button to return.
Selecting Programs
When you are in Program mode, there are three basic ways to select a PC3A program:
• Press one of the Bank buttons (above the sliders on the left side of the front panel) to select a
bank, then press a Category button and a Program button. The Category and Program
buttons are on the front panel, between the screen and the alpha wheel.
Note: The instrument names above the Category buttons are relevant for Banks 1 and 2 (Base 1
and Base 2). For all other Banks, the Category buttons select a group of 8 programs to be selected by
the Program buttons, but the group of programs may not match the instrument name of the selected
Category button.
• Type the program’s ID (number) on the alphanumeric buttonpad, then press Enter. If you
make a mistake, press Clear, then start over.
• Scroll through the list using the Alpha Wheel, the Plus or Minus button under the Alpha
Wheel, or the cursor buttons (the arrow buttons to the right of the display).
The PC3A has various settings for responding to MIDI Program Change commands from
external sources. These are explained in the PC3A Musician’s Guide, which can be downloaded at
www.kurzweil.com.
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