Kurzweil PC3LE6 User Manual

Musician’s Guide
(For PC3LE6, PC3LE7, and PC3LE8)
©2010 All rights reserved. Kurzweil ® is a product line of Young Chang Co., Ltd. Young Chang®, Kurzweil ®, V. A. S. T. ®, PC3LE®, PC3®,
X-Pro, KDFX®, Pitcher®, and LaserVerb®, KSP8 ™, K2661™, K2600™, K2500™, and K2000™ are trademarks of Young Chang Co., Ltd. All
other products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Product features and specifications
are subject to change without notice.
You may legally print up to two (2) copies of this document for personal use. Commercial use of any copies of this document
is prohibited. Young Chang Co. retains ownership of all intellectual property represented by this document.
910520-003 – March 2010

Kurzweil PC3LE6 Specifications

General

Sound Engine	VAST (Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology)
Programs	256 factory programs
User Programs	256 user programs
Multitimbral	16 parts
Keyboard	61-key, velocity-sensitive, synth-action
Polyphony	64 voices
Display	240 x 64 pixel backlit LCD
Presets	256
MIDI	In, Out, Thru
Effects	Reverb, chorus, EQ
Controllers	Pitch wheel, modulation wheel
Outputs	2 x 1/4" (L/Mono, R)
Headphones	1/4"
Sound ROM	128 MB
Sequencer	16 tracks
Connections	USB, MIDI

Summary

IMPORTANT SAFETY & INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS

Basic precautions for using electric products, including grounding and ventilation.

Chapter 2 Startup

Make Connections

Step-by-step instructions for connecting the PC3LE and sound system.

Make Music

Startup—the Details

Detailed explanation of power, audio, and MIDI cable connections.

Connecting the Power Cable (Line Cord)

Information on power requirements and connecting the power cable.

Connecting Audio Cables

Instructions for connecting analog and digital audio outputs.

Connecting MIDI

Details on connecting MIDI devices via 5-pin DIN and USB.

Pedals

USB Storage Port

Explains the use of the USB storage port for file backup and updates.

USB Computer Port

Details the function of the USB computer port for MIDI and file transfer.

Chapter 3 User Interface Basics

Mode Selection

Explains how to select between the PC3LE's six primary operating modes.

Assignable Controls

Details the five assignable knobs and their parameter control functions.

Assignable Switches

The Save Button

Details the process of saving edited program settings.

Navigation

Explains how to use the display and surrounding buttons for navigation.

The Soft Buttons

The Edit Button

Activates the editors for each of the PC3LE's modes.

The Exit Button

Used to leave editors and return to the previous mode or main page.

Data Entry

Explains methods for entering values: Alpha Wheel, -/+ buttons, and alphanumeric pad.

The Alpha Wheel

The -/+ Buttons

The Alphanumeric Pad

Intuitive Controller Selection/Data Entry

Method for assigning physical controls to parameters intuitively.

Search Function

How to find programs or setups by searching for a string of characters.

Quick Song Recording and Playback

Controls for recording and playing back song ideas from any mode.

Chapter 4 The Operating Modes

Selecting Modes

Describes how to select between the six primary operating modes.

Using the Modes

Brief descriptions of the six primary modes: Program, Setup, Quick Access, Master, Song, Storage.

Program Mode

Explains selecting, playing, and editing programs.

Setup Mode

Details on selecting, playing, and editing setups with multiple zones.

Quick Access Mode

Master Mode

Song Mode

Storage Mode

Chapter 5 Editing Conventions

Introduction to Editing

Saving and Naming

Details the standard procedure for saving and naming objects.

Saving and Loading Files—Storage Mode

Chapter 6 Program Mode

Pads

Assignable Knobs, Switches, Pedals, and Wheels

The Program Mode Page

Selecting Programs

Startup Program

Saving Controller Settings

Saving A Newly Edited Program

Guides on saving programs that have not been previously edited.

Updating A Previously Edited Program

Details on saving changes to programs that have already been edited.

Arpeggiator Settings (Arp Settings Button)

Split/Layer Button

V.A.S.T. and KB3 Programs

Explains the difference between V.A.S.T. and KB3 synthesis types.

Real-time Controls in KB3 Mode

The Program Editor

Introduces the editor for modifying program parameters and effects.

The PARAMETERS Page

MIDI Values

Control Source

The BASIC Page

The PADS Page

The EFFECTS (FX) Page

Allows applying audio effects chains to programs.

The ARPEGGIATOR 1 & 2 Pages (ARP 1, ARP 2)

Chapter 7 Setup Mode

Selecting setups

Split/Layer Button

Explains how to create split or layered zones within a setup.

The Control Setup

The Channel/Program (CH/PROG) Page

MIDI Bank Mode (BankMode)

Controllers (CTRLS) Page

Allows assignment of physical controllers to parameters or MIDI CCs for zones.

Knobs, CC Pedal, Modwheel, Pitchbend up/dn (Pitch Wheel,) Pressure

Scale

Curve

Offset

DestType

Dest

Entry and Exit Values

SW Pedal 1 & 2, Arp. switch, Arp. latch sw, Switch 1-10

Pads

Riff

The RIFF1 Page

The RIFF2 Page

The Controller Destination List

The COMMON Page

Arpeggiator Sync (ArpSync)

Aux FX Channel

The FX Pages: FX, AUXFX1, AUXFX2

Manages audio effects chains for programs within setups.

Send Levels and Pre/Post Ins.

Set Controls KB3 (KB3CTL)

Recording A Setup To Song Mode

Guides on recording setup data into Song mode.

Chapter 8 Quick Access Mode

In Quick Access mode

Using Quick Access mode

The QA Editor

Allows customization of existing Quick Access banks.

Selecting A Quick Access Entry To Edit

Selecting A Program For A Quick Access Entry

Selecting A Setup For A Quick Access Entry

Naming And Saving A Quick Access Bank

Details how to name and save Quick Access banks.

Chapter 9 Master Mode

Master Mode Page 1 (MAST 1)

Parameters for tuning, transposition, tempo, and velocity/pressure maps.

Tune

Transpose

Tempo

Velocity Map (Vel Map) (Master)

Adjusts global MIDI velocity response settings.

Pads Velocity Map (PadVelMap)

Pressure Map (Press Map) (Master)

Adjusts global MIDI pressure (aftertouch) response.

Intonation

Master Mode Page 2 (MAST 2)

Configures digital output, FX mode, and system settings.

Clock Source

Drum Remap

General MIDI

MIDI Transmit (XMIT)

Controls how the PC3LE sends MIDI information to USB or MIDI Out.

Destination

Channel

Transpose

Velocity Map (Transmit)

Adjusts MIDI velocity mapping for external gear.

Pressure Map (Transmit)

Adjusts MIDI pressure mapping for external gear.

Program Change (ProgChange)

MIDI Receive (RECV)

Defines the PC3LE's response to incoming MIDI signals.

Basic Channel

MIDI Receive Mode (MIDI Mode)

Velocity Map (Receive)

Adjusts MIDI velocity mapping for incoming signals.

Pressure Map (Receive)

Adjusts MIDI pressure mapping for incoming signals.

Program Change Mode (PrgChgMode)

Local Keyboard Channel (LocalKbdCh)

Program Change Formats

Extended Program Changes

Reset

Returns the PC3LE's memory to its factory default state.

Chapter 10 Song Mode and the Song Editor

Getting Started with the Sequencer

Introduces the PC3LE's sequencer for recording and playing songs.

Song Mode: The MAIN Page

Overview of real-time recording, playback, and track selection.

Current Song (CurSong)

Tempo

Recording Track (RecTrk)

Selects which track is enabled for recording.

Program (Prog)

Volume (Vol)

Sets the volume level for each track.

Pan

Sets the initial pan position (left/right speaker) for each track.

Mode

The Rec, Play, and Stop Soft Buttons

Controls song recording and playback.

Song Mode: The FX Pages

Manages audio effects chains for programs within Song mode.

Song Mode: The METRO Page

Song Mode: The Filter Pages (RECFLT and PLYFLT)

Song Mode: The MISC Page

The Song Editor

Provides access to detailed editing functions for songs.

Song Editor: The COMMON Page

Sets global song parameters like tempo and time signature.

Song Editor: The TRACK Page

Offers track-based editing functions like Erase, Copy, and Quantize.

Bounce

Grab

Change

Remap

Song Editor: The EVENT Page

Allows viewing and editing of individual MIDI events within a track.

Chapter 11 Storage Mode

Storage Mode Page

Interface for managing files on USB devices.

Load

Format

Using USB Devices

Explains how to connect and use USB storage devices.

The Select Directory Dialog

The File Name/New Directory/Rename Dialog

The STORE Page

Selects user objects from RAM to store on a device.

The Store Advanced Page

The LOAD Page

Loads .PLE files or individual objects from storage.

Loading Individual Objects

Chapter 12 Tutorial: Song Mode

Recording Overview

Part 1: Assign Instruments To Tracks

Step-by-step guide to assigning sounds to tracks.

Part 2: Set The Tempo

Instructions for setting the song's tempo.

Part 3: Record Your First Track, Save The Song

Guides on recording and saving the first track.

Part 4: Record Additional Tracks

Instructions for adding more instrument parts to a song.

Part 5: Fixing Mistakes

Methods for correcting passages in recorded tracks.

Part 6: Adjusting The Volume Of Each Instrument

Adjusts track volumes and stores them as initial settings.

Part 6 b: Recording Volume Automation

Part 6 c: Erasing Volume Automation

Quantizing

Creating Loops With The Big Time Page

The Event List

Chapter 13 Tutorials: Setup Mode

The Setup Editor

Provides access to detailed editing pages for setups.

Using And Editing A Split Program Setup

Creates split setups by assigning different programs to keyboard ranges.

Using Setup Mode To Play Layers Of Instruments

Creates layered setups by overlapping instrument programs.

Adjusting The Volume And Pan Of Zones

Modifies the volume and speaker position for each zone in a setup.

Assigning Multiple Knobs To Control Volume In Different Zones

Assigns separate knobs to control volume for different zones.

Assigning A Single Knob To Control Relative Volume In Different Zones

Uses one knob to adjust relative volumes across multiple zones.

Assigning A Single Knob to Crossfade Between The Volume Of Different Zones

Uses a knob to smoothly blend volumes between zones.

Switch Between Zones Based On Played Keyboard Velocity

Triggers zones based on keyboard playing velocity.

Assigning a Footswitch to Switch From One Setup To Another

Assigns a footswitch to cycle through setups.

Creating A New Setup

Guides on creating a new setup from scratch or a template.

Basics Of Using Riffs

Introduces the concept and basic usage of riffs in setups.

Adding A Riff, Sync Riffs

Transposing A Riff As It Is Triggered

Using A Single Song For Multiple Riffs

Riff Troubleshooting

Chapter 14 Power User Tips

General Tips

Set The Start-up Program And MIDI Channel

Configures the initial program and MIDI channel on startup.

Picking Favorite Programs For Each Category

Program Mode General Tips

Advanced Tips

Covers advanced features for efficient operation and editing.

Intuitive Controller Selection/Data Entry

Method for assigning physical controls to parameters intuitively.

Search Function (Find A Program Or Setup By Name)

Allows finding programs or setups by searching for text strings.

Quick Song Recording And Playback (Record An Idea From Any Mode)

Enables recording and playback of song ideas from any mode.

Program Mode

Change The Effects Chain

Change Knob, Switches, and Other Controller Assignments and Control Non-Default Parameters

Details reassigning controllers and editing parameters.

Setup Mode

Assign A Zone To Use Pads Only

Assign Pads To Play Notes, Chords, Riffs, Or To Toggle Other Functions Like Arpeggiators

Explains assigning pads to various functions, including arpeggiator control.

Create A User Shift Or Velocity Pattern For Custom Arpeggiations

Record A Short Song For Use As A Riff, Record A Setup To Song Mode

Appendix B PC3LE Bootloader

Using the Bootloader Menu

UPDATE IMAGE

Describes the process of updating PC3LE software and objects.

Run Diags

System Reset

Details how to restore the instrument to factory default settings.

File Utilities

Format Flash