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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 Igor Khoroshev uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Igor Khoroshev

Keyboardist, Composer

Yes

...
Verified via YouTube

Igor is playing a church organ sound on a PC88 at 5:57 in this video.

See how Mick Leslie Jones uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Mick Leslie Jones

Singer, Guitarist

Foreigner

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo you can see Mick with a Kurzweil PC88.

See how Donna Lewis uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Donna Lewis

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In a live performance video on The Donna Lewis Channel, Donna Lewis is seen using the Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard.

See how Gonzalo Aloras uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Gonzalo Aloras

...
Verified via Photo

In a 2017 live solo performance during the Músico Anfitrión series, Gonzalo Aloras can be seen playing the Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard, as shown in a user-uploaded photo.

See how Pinetop Perkins uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Pinetop Perkins

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Pinetop Perkins & Hubert Sumlin

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video from 2009, Pinetop Perkins can be seen playing the Kurzweil PC-88 (@2:15) during a live performance of Chicken Shack, along with Bob Margolin on Guitar, Bob Stroger on Bass, Sugar Blue on Harmonica, and Willie Big Eyes Smith on Drums.

See how Allan Zavod uses Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard

Allan Zavod

Keyboardist

...
Verified via Photo

Allan Zavod is confirmed to use the Kurzweil PC-88 Keyboard, as he is visibly playing it while performing with George Benson in a photograph from the gallery of his official website.

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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1
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1

Community setups

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audiac

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