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Average Price: $100

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Description

PC88/mx OVERVIEW

Discontinued Model

Downloads and support materials maintained here as a courtesy to owners.

The PC88 is a self-contained portable keyboard that features quick and intuitive access to 64 (and optionally more) internal sounds derived from Kurzweil’s renowned ROM samples. It canproduce up to 32-note polyphony in full stereo, and lets you layer as many as 4 sounds at once. Built-in reverb and chorus are also provided, and there’s a sophisticated on-board arpeggiator for composing, performing, or just fooling around.

Thirty-two versatile MIDI Setups are provided to let you start making great music immediately.You can also use these Setups as templates, or create new Setups from the Internal Voices.

Furthermore, the PC88 is a high-quality MIDI keyboard controller, with 88-key weighted action, adjustable velocity and pressure (aftertouch) curves, two programmable on-boardwheels, four sliders, three buttons, and jacks for two footswitches and four continuous control pedals. Data on four independent MIDI channels can be sent simultaneously, using four different “zones”, each of which has its own key range — which can overlap with any others —and its own controller definitions, as well as the ability to be muted or soloed instantly. Other features allow merging and remapping of incoming MIDI data (listening on all 16 channels), and the ability to go instantaneously from one complex setup to another.

Finally, the PC88 is a versatile multitimbral instrument that can be used to complement any MIDI setup. With the optional plug-in VGM (Voice/GM expansion) board, the PC88 becomes a top-of-the-line General MIDI instrument, for use in education, multimedia production, games, and other exciting applications. In addition to expanding the PC88’s complement ofsounds to match the General MIDI spec, the VGM board adds 12 sets of drum and percussion sounds, and doubles the PC88’s maximum polyphony to 64 notes.

Source: https://kurzweil.com/pc88-mx/ , last visited: 04.02.2024 (dd,mm,yyyy), 10:56 pm

Product specs

Brand Kurzweil
Model PC88mx 88-Key 64-Voice Performance Controller and Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1990s
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard MIDI Controllers
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Full Size
Keyboard Action Weighted
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through
Number of Keys 88 Keys
Polyphony 64 Voices

FAQs

What type of keyboard action does the Kurzweil PC-88 have?

The Kurzweil PC-88 features a weighted keyboard action, providing a realistic piano feel that is ideal for both practice and performance.

How many voices of polyphony does the Kurzweil PC-88 support?

The Kurzweil PC-88 supports 64 voices of polyphony, allowing for complex and layered sound performances without note dropouts.

Does the Kurzweil PC-88 have MIDI connectivity?

Yes, the Kurzweil PC-88 includes MIDI Input, Output, and Through connections, making it compatible with various MIDI devices and setups.

Is the Kurzweil PC-88 suitable for live performances?

The Kurzweil PC-88 is well-suited for live performances due to its 88 weighted keys and high-quality sound engine, which provide both playability and rich sound.

Can the Kurzweil PC-88 be used as a MIDI controller?

Yes, the Kurzweil PC-88 functions as a MIDI controller, allowing you to control external sound modules and software instruments effectively.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard.

Setup and maintenance

  • Power issues often arise due to a cracked Main I/O board; replacing the board can resolve this problem.

    Source

User experience

  • Velocity inconsistencies reported, with some notes lacking range and others triggering full velocity unexpectedly.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The keyboard can split and blend samples and offers extensive MIDI capabilities, though the piano samples may lack expressiveness compared to modern boards.

    Source
  • The Kurzweil PC88 lacks USB connectivity; a MIDI to USB cable or device like the Nektar MidiFLex is necessary for MainStage integration.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A newer Yamaha P115 offers a more expressive playing experience, especially for dynamic range in piano samples.

    Source
  • Weighing around 50 lbs, the PC88 is heavier than most modern weighted key digital keyboards, impacting portability compared to lighter models like the Yamaha CK61.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A complete setup including sustain pedal, power supply, bench, and stand for $350 is available, though some buyers experienced issues post-purchase.

    Source
  • For a few hundred dollars, the PC88 is considered a good investment if it’s in good working condition, though newer alternatives like Studiologic controllers are also worth considering.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The PC88 excels as a standalone instrument with its hammer action keybed, but modern digital sounds in MainStage or third-party apps are preferred for better piano tones.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • The PC88 has four assignable sliders and limited buttons, restricting control assignments in MainStage, unlike newer controllers with more extensive control options.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Kurzweil PC88

soundonsound.com

Kurzweil's PC88 charms with its superb keyboard action, making it feel akin to playing a real piano. The built-in sounds, particularly the piano tones, are exceptional, rivaling any instrument on the market. Its controller capabilities are comprehensive, offering extensive MIDI functions. However, the external power supply and limited MIDI ports are minor drawbacks. Despite these, the PC88 stands out as a top-tier choice for professional keyboardists seeking both studio and stage excellence.

positive

4.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Healy uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Matthew Healy

Singer, Guitarist

The 1975

...
Verified via YouTube

Used for Is there somebody who can watch you

See how Charly García uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Charly García

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

...
Verified via YouTube

Charly utiliza un Kurzweil PC-88 para tocar "Tango" junto a Joaquin Sabina en La Noche del 10.

See how Geoff Downes uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Geoff Downes

Keyboardist

Yes

...
Verified via Gigjunkies

Downes can be seen in a photo on this site playing a Kurzweil PC-88.

See how Roger O'Donnell uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Roger O'Donnell

Keyboardist, Music Producer

The Cure

...
Verified via Rogerodonnell

listed 14th down in rogers keyboard list

See how Ray Charles uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Ray Charles

Keyboardist

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via YouTube

Not a lot to say, we can see the name of the keyboard right at the beginning of the video

See how Adam Wakeman uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Adam Wakeman

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Black Sabbath

...
Verified via Photo

he can bee seen playing a pc88 in this photo.

See how Fito Páez uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Fito Páez

Guitarist, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance of "Si Disney Despertase," Fito Páez can be seen using the Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard, as captured in a mid-90s concert video uploaded by Tarkovsky Fan on YouTube.

See how Dizzy Reed uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Dizzy Reed

Keyboardist

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via YouTube

Throughout the video Dizzy can be seen using the keyboard

See how Jesse Carmichael uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Jesse Carmichael

Singer, Guitarist

Maroon 5

...
Verified via Photo

Jesse used the Kurzwell PC-88 during Maroon 5’s performance on The Today Show in 2004, as seen in this Instagram post.

See how Steve Walsh uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Steve Walsh

Singer, Keyboardist

Kansas

...
Verified via Photo

The picture shows Walsh playing a Kurzweil PC88 on stage.

See how Brent Mydland uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Brent Mydland

Singer, Keyboardist

Grateful Dead

...
Verified via Bonhams

A BRENT MYDLAND KURZWEIL PC88 MX KEYBOARD, LATE 1980S An electronic keyboard used by the musician on-stage at various concerts throughout the late 1980s; with serial number 42941200873 noted on the back.?

See how Todd Edwards uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Todd Edwards

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

43 second in todd shows and talks a little bit about it

Album Usage

The Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard has been featured on the following albums:

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 Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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audiac

audiac

Gear IQ 249

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