The Kurzweil PC4 Performance Controller embodies the perfect fusion of exploration, creation, and performance in a single, powerful instrument. Designed for musicians who demand professional-grade sound quality, extensive control capabilities, and intuitive operation, the PC4 delivers more polyphony from Kurzweil's acclaimed V.A.S.T. engine than any product in the company's history.
Exceptional Sound Engine
At the core of the PC4 lies an unprecedented 256 voices of V.A.S.T. polyphony, providing musicians with virtually unlimited sonic possibilities without voice stealing or compromised performance. This massive polyphonic capacity ensures that even the most complex layered sounds and multi-zone setups maintain their full expression and detail.
Comprehensive Sound Library
The PC4 serves up 2 gigabytes of meticulously crafted factory sounds, featuring over 1000 hand-selected factory presets organized into 13 categories of Programs. The library showcases optimized German 9-foot and vintage Japanese 7-foot concert grand pianos enhanced with Kurzweil String Resonance (KSR) technology for authentic acoustic piano performance. Additionally, the collection includes a wide selection of tailored sounds from the acclaimed Forte® series (EP, Clav, Celeste, Crotales, Harpsichord), along with selections from PC3 Series and KORE 64™ expansions—all handcrafted to deliver unprecedented expressiveness with obsessive attention to detail.
FlashPlay® Technology and User Memory
Kurzweil's patented FlashPlay® technology provides the PC4 with staggering computational horsepower, delivering 2 GB of sample content with zero loading time and ultrafast performance. Users can expand their sonic palette by loading up to 2 GB of custom samples into non-volatile flash memory. The system supports multiple sample formats including .WAV, .AIF (up to 16-bit/96kHz), and various Kurzweil formats (.P3K, .KRZ, .K25, .K26).
Advanced V.A.S.T. Architecture
The PC4 grants full access to Kurzweil's legendary Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology directly from the front panel, offering deep native editing capabilities that are truly immense. With 32 layers per program, each offering its own signal path and a comprehensive host of modular DSP tools, the PC4 provides unprecedented sound creation and modification possibilities. The innovative Cascade Mode allows users to route one layer through the DSP of any other layer within a program—up to 32 consecutive layers deep—for extraordinary sound design flexibility.
Multiple Synthesis Engines
The PC4 incorporates several powerful synthesis technologies:
6-Operator FM Engine: A sophisticated FM synthesis system with the ability to load original FM SysEx files, enabling authentic recreation of classic FM sounds while opening new creative possibilities when combined with V.A.S.T. features.
VA1 Technology: Embedded anti-aliasing, power-shaped oscillators and DSP processing derived from Kurzweil's legendary VA1 concept synthesizer, capable of delivering authentic analog emulations alongside incredibly complex new sounds.
KB3 ToneReal™ Organs: Meticulously modeled after classic tonewheel organs, featuring a full complement of immediately accessible controls including 9 realistic drawbars, rotary speed control, chorus/vibrato, brake, percussion, and more.
Professional Effects Processing
The PC4 features an award-winning effects engine with over 1000 complex effect chains incorporated into programs. This comprehensive suite includes reverbs, delays, choruses, flangers, phasers, distortions, rotary amplifiers, compressors, and more—all fully editable from the user interface. A global Master FX section provides 3-band EQ and compression for final mix polishing. The Kurzweil String Resonance (K.S.R.) system adds authentic piano string resonance modeling for enhanced acoustic piano performance.
Premium Performance Interface
The PC4's 88-note Real Piano Hammer Action (RPHA) keyboard provides a fully-weighted hammer-action experience with velocity and aftertouch sensitivity. Every sound is perfectly matched to the keyboard's response characteristics, ensuring optimal expressiveness across all sonic territories. The 16-Zone Multi Controller Mode enables massive sonic combinations through Kurzweil's renowned Multi mode, offering 16 zones of unparalleled MIDI controller capabilities.
Comprehensive Sequencing and Performance Features
The PC4 includes extensive sequencing capabilities designed for complete musical production:
16-Track Sequencer: A full-featured internal sequencer for recording, editing, mixing, and producing complete tracks entirely within the instrument. The system supports MIDI file import (.mid) as well as Kurzweil PC3-family songs.
16 Simultaneous RIFF Generators: Trigger and manipulate up to 16 simultaneous MIDI sequences on the fly, with options to select from an internal library of patterns or record/import custom sequences for unlimited creative possibilities.
16 Simultaneous Note Arpeggiators: Activate up to 16 independent arpeggiators (1 per program, 16 per Multi) and explore the advanced Step Sequencer environment for rhythmic pulse creation and manipulation.
16 MIDI CC Sequencers: Add sonic animation through 16 simultaneous MIDI CC Step Sequencers for comprehensive modulation sequencing, bringing sounds to life with evolving textures and expressive movement.
Extensive Control Capabilities
The PC4 provides 36 programmable physical controllers for comprehensive real-time sound manipulation:
Sliders and Knobs: 9 sliders and 9 knobs for precise parameter control Switches and Wheels: 10 switches, 2 wheels for instant access to key functions Pedal Inputs: 2 switch pedal inputs (supporting half-damper functionality for pianos) and 2 continuous control pedal inputs Expressive Controls: Aftertouch and ribbon controller input for enhanced performance expression
Front panel master transport controls provide command over the onboard 16-track sequencer, while dedicated transpose controls are conveniently located above the LED-backlit pitch and modulation wheels (LED lights can be disabled for stage use).
Live Performance Features
The PC4 excels in live performance scenarios with its live audio input capabilities. Musicians can plug in and jam along with their favorite music sources via 1/4″ pair and/or 1/8″ (3.5mm) audio inputs. The input bus features dedicated real-time effects processing, allowing users to sweeten backing tracks for live performance and internally mix the signal with the PC4's own output for seamless integration.
Intuitive User Interface
Navigation is streamlined through a bright 4.3″ widescreen color LCD display (480×272) designed for clear operation in any lighting condition. The interface features easy category and program/multi selection with customizable category defaults, ensuring quick access to desired sounds during performance or production sessions.
Professional Audio Quality
The PC4 delivers professional audio quality through four balanced 1/4″ TRS analog outputs arranged as two stereo pairs, featuring premium 32-bit D/A converters with automatic mono switching on main outputs. Multiple audio inputs accommodate various sources, while a dedicated 1/4″ headphone output provides private monitoring capabilities.
Technical Specifications
Keyboard & Interface
- Keyboard: RPHA (Real Piano Hammer Action) - 88-note fully-weighted hammer-action with velocity and aftertouch sensitive adjustable keys
- Display: 480 × 272 pixel high resolution color LCD with adjustable brightness
- Dimensions: 51.25" L × 14.75" D × 6.5" H (130.18 × 37.46 × 16.51 cm)
- Weight: 28.7 lb (13.01 kg)
- Power: External 15VDC 2.5A power supply
Sound Architecture
- Polyphony: 256 voice polyphony, dynamically allocated
- Multitimbral: 16 parts (one per MIDI channel)
- Architecture:
- Dynamic VAST: powerful synthesis engine with user-programmable DSP algorithms and routing
- 6-Operator FM Engine
- VA1 Inside: anti-aliasing, power-shaped oscillators and DSP processing from Kurzweil's VA1 concept synth
- Cascade Mode: route one layer through the DSP of any other layer within a program – up to 32 consecutive layers deep
Memory & Storage
- Sample Flash Memory: 2 GB factory samples + 2 GB re-loadable, non-volatile user flash memory
- Factory Programs: 1,000+
- User Programs: 4,096
- Factory Multis: 50+ (featuring up to 16 independent zones)
- User Multis: 4,096
- System Sample Rate: 48kHz
- General MIDI: No
- Kurzweil String Resonance: Yes
Effects & Processing
- Effects: Over 1,000 complex effect chains featuring award-winning reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, phaser, EQs, distortions, rotary speaker simulators, compressors, and more
- Total FX Units: 32
- Master EQ/Compressor: Yes
Controllers & Interface
- Physical Controllers: 36 total programmable controllers
- Wheels: 1 pitch wheel, 1 modulation wheel (LED-backlit, lights can be disabled)
- Sliders: 9 front panel sliders
- Knobs: 9 knobs
- Switches: 9 switches (assignable/zone mutes/KB3 control), 1 variation switch
- Transport & Tempo: Transport controls, tempo controls with tap tempo
- Transpose: 2 transpose switches
- Aftertouch: Monopressure (aftertouch)
- Additional: Arp controls, ribbon input (ribbon controller sold separately)
- Pedal Inputs: 2 switch pedal inputs (each supporting single switch pedal or single half damper pedal), 2 continuous control pedal inputs
- *1 switch/sustain pedal included; half-damper pedals sold separately
Sequencing & Performance Features
- Sequencer: 16 tracks, 960 PPQ resolution with song editing functions including event and track-based tools (quantize, swing, remap, controller scaling)
- MIDI CC Step Sequencers: 16 simultaneous
- RIFFs: 16 per Multi
- Arpeggiators: 1 per Program, 16 per Multi
Audio Connectivity
- Analog Outputs: Four (2 pairs) 1/4″ balanced TRS analog outputs (32-bit DACs)
- Automatic mono switching on main outputs
- +21dBu maximum output
- 50Ω balanced source impedance
- Audio Inputs:
- Two 1/4″ inputs
- One stereo 1/8″ input (each with FX) for connecting MP3 players or other audio sources
- Headphones: 1 back panel 1/4″ headphone output (130mW into 32 ohm headphones)
Digital Connectivity
- MIDI: In, Out
- USB: Two USB ports (one A port, one B port)
- Complete MIDI functionality over USB
- User program/multi file backup via USB drive
- Operating System updates via USB drive
Software & Updates
- Software Editors: Available for Mac OS X, Windows PC, and iOS devices
- OS Updates: Free OS updates via USB drive
- Included Accessories: Power cable, switch pedal, USB cable
File Format Support
- Audio Formats: .WAV, .AIF (up to 16-bit/96kHz)
- Kurzweil Formats: .P3K, .KRZ, .K25, .K26
- MIDI Formats: .MID files, PC3-family songs
