Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $100
Budget/Beginner
$500
$1501+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
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
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
Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Charly utiliza un Kurzweil PC-88 para tocar "Tango" junto a Joaquin Sabina en La Noche del 10.
Not a lot to say, we can see the name of the keyboard right at the beginning of the video
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.
Jesse used the Kurzwell PC-88 during Maroon 5’s performance on The Today Show in 2004, as seen in this Instagram post.
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.