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Description

The Kawai K3m is a noteworthy hybrid digital-analog synthesizer module that has captured the imagination of musicians and sound designers for decades. Originally released in the mid-1980s, this module is renowned for its ability to produce lush, rich soundscapes thanks to its unique combination of digital waveforms and analog filters. The K3m is the rack-mount version of the K3 synthesizer, offering the same sonic capabilities in a more compact form factor, perfect for studio setups where space is at a premium.

This synthesizer features a digital waveform generator with 32 waveforms, providing an extensive palette of sounds to explore. Its analog filter adds warmth and depth, making it a versatile tool for both classic and contemporary music production. The K3m also supports MIDI, allowing seamless integration into modern setups, while its programmability offers creative freedom to sculpt and save your own unique sounds.

Whether you're looking to recreate vintage tones or craft entirely new ones, the Kawai K3m delivers with its distinctive voice and robust feature set. Its intuitive interface ensures that both seasoned professionals and adventurous beginners can dive in and start creating right away.

Key Features:

  • Hybrid digital-analog synthesizer module
  • Digital waveform generator with 32 waveforms
  • 6-voice polyphony for rich, layered sounds
  • Programmable memory to store custom patches
  • Analog filters for warm, expressive tones
  • MIDI compatibility for easy integration with modern setups
  • Compact rack-mount design ideal for studio environments

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kawai K3m.

Features and functionality

  • The K3 version has aftertouch and individual buttons for each parameter, making it easy to manipulate settings without menu diving.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The K3M is noted for being easier to program compared to the more challenging K4r.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners of the K3M appreciate its analogue filter and built-in chorus, enhancing its appeal for ambient music production.

    Source
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4.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
nycsynth

One of Kawai's underrated gems

The Kawai K3 (and K3m) is a hybrid digital / analog synth that uses wavetable oscillators and an analog filter section using the legendary SSM2044 filter chips, which some say are the best sounding filter chip made.

Despite not having knobs, the front panel contains dedicated buttons for parameters and is fairly easy to edit. There are also software (and hardware) editors available for this synth.

In addition to standard waveforms, the K3 has several interesting waveforms oriented towards bells and traditional instruments. There is also a programmable additive waveform that is constructed using partials, a hint to their later forays into additive synthesis with the Kawai K5 and Kawai K5000.

This synth lacks some features like PWM, but it has a great bottom end and is a favorite of mine for pads and bass sounds. Overall, I think this is an underrated piece of gear; those who own it would rarely consider parting with it. The rack module is, in my opinion, the preferred (but more rare) synth, because the keyboard only has one wheel (as opposed to the pitch bend AND modulation.)

deepsignalstudios

Kind of analog

It is analog but sounds a little more digital. Less analog sounding than a Juno 106 but more analog sounding than a D50, if that makes any sense.

jimmarchi1

yes, yes it does actually

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kirk Degiorgio uses Kawai K3m

Kirk Degiorgio

Music Producer

...
Verified via Attack Magazine

He says, "so we used to share a Kawai K3, Derrick’s DX100 and I think we had one of Derrick’s reel-to-reels at one point."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Kawai K3m, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
C

christopher_steller

Gear IQ 72

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