Kurzweil PC1 - MUSICIANS GUIDE REV B User manual

Kurzweil PC1
Musician’s Guide
©2005 All rights reserved. PC1 is a trademark of Kurzweil. All other products and brand names
are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Product features and
specifications are subject to change without notice.
Part Number: 910401 Rev.B

ii
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
The lightning flash with the arrowhead symbol,
within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert
the user to the presence of uninsulated
"dangerous voltage" within the product's
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL
The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user to the
presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product.
IMPORTANT SAFETY & INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING TO THE RISK OF FIRE, ELECTRIC SHOCK, OR INJURY TO PERSONS
WARNING: When using electric products, basic precautions should
always be followed, including the following:
1. Read all of the Safety and Installation Instructions and Explanation of
Graphic Symbols before using the product.
2. Do not use this product near water - for example, near a bathtub,
washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool,
or the like.
3. This product should only be used with a stand or cart that is
recommended by the manufacturer.
4. This product, either alone or in combination with an amplifier and
speakers or headphones, may be capable of producing sound levels
that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long
period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is
uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the
ears, you should consult an audiologist.
5. The product should be located so that its location or position does not
interfere with its proper ventilation.
6. The product should be located away from heat sources such as
radiators, heat registers, or other products that produce heat.
7. The product should be connected to a power supply only of the type
described in the operating instructions or as marked on the product.
8. This product may be equipped with a polarized line plug (one blade
wider than the other). This is a safety feature. If you are unable to
insert the plug into the outlet, contact an electrician to replace your
obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the plug.
9. The power supply cord of the product should be unplugged from the
outlet when left unused for a long period of time.When unplugging
the power supply cord, do not pull on the cord, but grasp it by the
plug.
10. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not
spilled into the enclosure through openings.
11. The product should be serviced by qualified service personnel
when:
A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged;
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the product;
C. The product has been exposed to rain;
D. The product does not appear to be operating normally or exhibits
a marked change in performance;
E. The product has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
12. Do not attempt to service the product beyond that described in the
user maintenance instructions. All other servicing should be referred
to qualified service personnel.
13. WARNING: Do not place objects on the product’s power supply cord,
or place the product in a position where anyone could trip over, walk
on, or roll anything over cords of any type.
Do not allow the product to rest on or be installed over cords of any
type. Improper installations of this type create the possibility of a fire
hazard and/or personal injury.
RADIO AND TELEVISION INTERFERENCE
WARNING: Changes or modifications to this instrument not expressly
approved by Young Chang could void your authority to operate the
instrument.
IMPORTANT: When connecting this product to accessories and/or other
equipment use only high quality shielded cables.
NOTE: This instrument has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This instrument
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this
instrument does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the instrument off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the instrument and the receiver.
• Connect the instrument into an outlet on a circuit other than the one to
which the receiver is connected.
• If necessary consult your dealer or an experienced radio/television
technician for additional suggestions.
NOTICE
This apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference
Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications.
AVIS
Le present appareil numerique n’emet pas de bruits radioelectriques
depassant les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la class B
prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage radioelectrique edicte par
le ministere des Communications du Canada.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

iii
Kurzweil International Contacts
Contact the nearest Kurzweil office listed below to locate your local Kurzweil representative.
Kurzweil Co., Ltd.
178-353 Gajwa-Dong
Seo-Gu, Incheon, KOREA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
A N D Music Corp.
10107 South Tacoma Way, Suite A-3
Lakewood, WA 98499, USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Young Chang Canada Corp.
250 Victoria Park Ave. Suite # 105
Toronto, Ontario Canada M2H 3P7
Tel: [phone]
Official distributors in other countries are listed on the web site.
World Wide Web Home Page
http://www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com

1
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Introduction................................................................................................................................... 1-1
Basic PC1 Features .................................................................................................................... 1-1
The Sound.................................................................................................................................... 1-1
Keyboard and Controllers............................................................................................................. 1-1
Effects........................................................................................................................................... 1-1
Options ............................................................................................................................................ 1-2
Sound ROM Cards....................................................................................................................... 1-2
Pedals........................................................................................................................................... 1-2
Ribbon Controller.......................................................................................................................... 1-2
Music Rack................................................................................................................................... 1-2
Unpacking your PC1 ................................................................................................................... 1-2
Chapter 2
Startup............................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Setup ............................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Installing the Music Rack.............................................................................................................. 2-1
Basic Connections ....................................................................................................................... 2-2
Power............................................................................................................................................ 2-2
Audio............................................................................................................................................. 2-3
MIDI.............................................................................................................................................. 2-3
Using the PC1 as a MIDI Master ........................................................................................... 2-3
Using the PC1 as a MIDI Slave ............................................................................................. 2-3
MIDI Out/Thru............................................................................................................................... 2-4
Pedals........................................................................................................................................... 2-4
Ribbon .......................................................................................................................................... 2-4
Powering Up .................................................................................................................................. 2-5
Display (LCD) ............................................................................................................................... 2-5
LEDs............................................................................................................................................. 2-5
Software Upgrades....................................................................................................................... 2-5
Playing the Demo Sequences......................................................................................................2-6
Troubleshooting............................................................................................................................ 2-6
No Text in Display .................................................................................................................. 2-6
Low Battery............................................................................................................................ 2-6
No Sound............................................................................................................................... 2-6
No Sound from Receiving Instrument.................................................................................... 2-7
Chapter 3
Performance Features........................................................................................................... 3-1
In This Chapter........................................................................................................................................ 3-1
Overview ......................................................................................................................................... 3-1
Modes........................................................................................................................................... 3-1
Performance Modes..................................................................................................................... 3-1
Program Mode ....................................................................................................................... 3-1
Setup Mode............................................................................................................................ 3-1
Special Modes.............................................................................................................................. 3-2
MIDI Receive Mode................................................................................................................ 3-2
Global Mode........................................................................................................................... 3-2

Kurzweil PC1 Musician’s Guide
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2
Objects.......................................................................................................................................... 3-2
The Internal Setup........................................................................................................................ 3-2
EQ................................................................................................................................................. 3-3
Effects........................................................................................................................................... 3-3
Physical Controllers...................................................................................................................... 3-3
The Front Panel ............................................................................................................................ 3-4
The Performance Region ............................................................................................................. 3-4
Knobs A - D............................................................................................................................ 3-4
Assignable Switch Button ...................................................................................................... 3-5
EQ.......................................................................................................................................... 3-6
Solo........................................................................................................................................ 3-6
The Zone Region.......................................................................................................................... 3-6
Main ....................................................................................................................................... 3-6
Layer...................................................................................................................................... 3-6
Split ........................................................................................................................................ 3-7
Split Layer .............................................................................................................................. 3-7
The Display Region (LCD)............................................................................................................ 3-7
Program Mode ....................................................................................................................... 3-7
Setup Mode............................................................................................................................ 3-7
Edit......................................................................................................................................... 3-8
Menu...................................................................................................................................... 3-8
Effect...................................................................................................................................... 3-8
Panic...................................................................................................................................... 3-8
The Mode Region......................................................................................................................... 3-8
Program ................................................................................................................................. 3-8
Setup...................................................................................................................................... 3-8
MIDI Receive.......................................................................................................................... 3-8
Global..................................................................................................................................... 3-9
The Program/Setup Select Region............................................................................................... 3-9
Miscellaneous............................................................................................................................... 3-9
Master Volume Slider............................................................................................................. 3-9
Cursor Buttons....................................................................................................................... 3-9
Enter/Cancel (Yes/No) ......................................................................................................... 3-10
Plus/Minus buttons and Alpha Wheel .................................................................................. 3-10
Selecting Programs and Setups ............................................................................................ 3-10
Program Mode............................................................................................................................ 3-10
Setup Mode ................................................................................................................................ 3-10
By Using the Alpha wheel and Plus/Minus buttons.....................................................................3-11
Programs Mode.....................................................................................................................3-11
Setup Mode...........................................................................................................................3-11
Program and Setup Organization................................................................................................3-11
EQ .................................................................................................................................................. 3-12
Changing the EQ........................................................................................................................ 3-12
Effects ............................................................................................................................................ 3-12
Controlling Effects....................................................................................................................... 3-12
Changing the Effects Routing..................................................................................................... 3-13
Selecting Effects......................................................................................................................... 3-13
Changing Wet/Dry Mix................................................................................................................ 3-14
Bypassing Effects....................................................................................................................... 3-14
Layering and Splitting ............................................................................................................... 3-15
Using AutoSplit for Quick Layers and Splits ............................................................................... 3-15
How AutoSplit Works .................................................................................................................. 3-16
Saving Quick Layers and Splits..................................................................................................3-17
Changing the AutoSplit Key Without Editing............................................................................... 3-17

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3
Saving the AutoSplit Key ............................................................................................................ 3-17
Muting and Soloing .................................................................................................................... 3-18
Muting......................................................................................................................................... 3-18
Soloing........................................................................................................................................ 3-18
The AutoSplit Feature................................................................................................................. 3-18
General MIDI Features ............................................................................................................. 3-19
Chapter 4
Programming Your PC1....................................................................................................... 4-1
In This Chapter........................................................................................................................................ 4-1
Basic Editing Concepts .............................................................................................................. 4-1
Overview....................................................................................................................................... 4-1
Beginning to Edit .......................................................................................................................... 4-1
Entering an Edit Mode ...........................................................................................................4-2
Finding a Parameter and Changing its Value ........................................................................ 4-2
Naming and Storing ............................................................................................................... 4-2
Other Save-Dialog Functions ....................................................................................................... 4-4
Restoring Factory Effects.......................................................................................................4-4
Deleting Objects..................................................................................................................... 4-4
Dumping Objects.................................................................................................................... 4-4
Editing Short Cuts: Intuitive Entry................................................................................................. 4-6
Short Cuts for Changing Parameter Values........................................................................... 4-6
Short Cuts for Navigating the Controllers Menu.................................................................... 4-6
More About SysEx Dumps............................................................................................................ 4-7
SysEx IDs............................................................................................................................... 4-7
Dumping the Entire Memory.................................................................................................. 4-7
The Program Editor ..................................................................................................................... 4-8
Program Editing Basics................................................................................................................ 4-8
Timbre........................................................................................................................................... 4-8
Controller Value...................................................................................................................... 4-8
Effect............................................................................................................................................. 4-9
Exiting the Program Editor............................................................................................................ 4-9
The Setup Editor .......................................................................................................................... 4-9
Setup Structure........................................................................................................................... 4-10
Special Setups............................................................................................................................ 4-10
126 Internal Setup................................................................................................................ 4-10
127 Clear Setup................................................................................................................... 4-10
128 Default Setup ................................................................................................................ 4-10
Entering the Setup Editor ........................................................................................................... 4-10
Creating Setups...........................................................................................................................4-11
Setting Initial Volume Levels for Different Zones........................................................................ 4-12
Assigning Knobs to Control Wet/Dry Mix in Different Zones...................................................... 4-12
Assigning Entry Values............................................................................................................... 4-14
A Few Important Points About Entry Values ........................................................................ 4-14
Velocity Switching....................................................................................................................... 4-15
Velocity Layering ........................................................................................................................ 4-15
Switching Setups with a Pedal ...................................................................................................4-16
Transposing a Setup With a Button............................................................................................ 4-16
Effects Edit Mode ....................................................................................................................... 4-17
Effects Change Mode................................................................................................................. 4-17
Setting the Effects Change Mode........................................................................................ 4-17
Entering Effects Edit Mode......................................................................................................... 4-17
Selecting Different Effects .......................................................................................................... 4-18

Kurzweil PC1 Musician’s Guide
Table of Contents
4
Editing Effects Parameters......................................................................................................... 4-18
Saving Effects............................................................................................................................. 4-19
Other Effects-Mode Functions....................................................................................................4-20
Common Editing Tasks ............................................................................................................ 4-20
Turning AutoSplit On and Off...................................................................................................... 4-20
Using Mono Audio Output........................................................................................................... 4-21
Editing the Internal Setup........................................................................................................... 4-21
Using the Arpeggiator ............................................................................................................... 4-22
Using Pressure (Aftertouch) as an Arpeggiator Controller......................................................... 4-23
Using the Arpeggiator with a Sequencer or External Controller................................................. 4-24
Using the PC1 to Control External Slaves ......................................................................... 4-24
Sending Bank-Select and Program-Change Messages............................................................. 4-24
Understanding Bank-Select Controllers ..................................................................................... 4-25
Sending Program Changes Only................................................................................................ 4-26
Preventing Program Changes on Slaves................................................................................... 4-27
Working With an External Sequencer .................................................................................. 4-28
Turn Local Control Off! ............................................................................................................... 4-28
Global Method...................................................................................................................... 4-28
Setup Method....................................................................................................................... 4-28
Recording to a Sequencer While in Setup Mode ....................................................................... 4-29
Troubleshooting .......................................................................................................................... 4-29
Chapter 5
Descriptions of Parameters.............................................................................................. 5-1
In This Chapter........................................................................................................................................ 5-1
Program Editor Parameters ...................................................................................................... 5-1
Controller Value...................................................................................................................... 5-1
Setup Editor Parameters ........................................................................................................... 5-2
The MIDI Xmit Menu..................................................................................................................... 5-3
MIDI Channel......................................................................................................................... 5-3
Destination (Dest) .................................................................................................................. 5-3
Bend Range, Semitones (BndRng ST).................................................................................. 5-3
Bend Range, Cents (BndRng ct) ........................................................................................... 5-3
Auxiliary Bend 1, Up (AuxBend1 Up)..................................................................................... 5-3
Auxiliary Bend 1, Down (AuxBend1 Dwn) ............................................................................. 5-3
Auxiliary Bend 2 Range (AuxBend2 Rng).............................................................................. 5-4
Auxiliary Bend Transmit (AuxBend Xmit)............................................................................... 5-4
The Program Menu....................................................................................................................... 5-4
Bank....................................................................................................................................... 5-4
Program ID and Name (No parameter name shown)............................................................ 5-4
Entry Transmit........................................................................................................................ 5-4
Bank Mode............................................................................................................................. 5-5
Program ID Display Format (PNumDisp)............................................................................... 5-5
Program Name Display Format (PNameDisp)....................................................................... 5-6
The Key Range Menu................................................................................................................... 5-6
Low and Hi............................................................................................................................. 5-6
Note Map................................................................................................................................ 5-7
AutoSplit................................................................................................................................. 5-7
AutoSplit Key.......................................................................................................................... 5-7
The Transpose Menu.................................................................................................................... 5-8
Transposition.......................................................................................................................... 5-8
The Velocity Menu........................................................................................................................ 5-8
A Bit of Background ............................................................................................................... 5-8

Kurzweil PC1 Musician’s Guide
Table of Contents
5
Velocity Scale (Vel Scale)......................................................................................................5-8
Velocity Offset (Vel Offset)..................................................................................................... 5-9
Velocity Curve (Vel Curve)................................................................................................... 5-10
Minimum Velocity (Min) and Maximum Velocity (Max) .........................................................5-11
The Controllers Menu................................................................................................................. 5-12
Entry Volume........................................................................................................................ 5-12
The Controllers Menu: Continuous Controller Parameters........................................................ 5-12
MIDI Controller Number (Ctrl Num) ..................................................................................... 5-12
Entry Value........................................................................................................................... 5-13
Exit Value ............................................................................................................................. 5-13
The Controllers Menu: Ribbon Controller Parameters............................................................... 5-13
Ribbon Section Configuration (Ribbon Sect)....................................................................... 5-13
Spring Switch ....................................................................................................................... 5-14
Ribbon Mode........................................................................................................................ 5-14
Spring Position (Spring Pos)................................................................................................ 5-14
The Controllers Menu: Switch Controller Parameters................................................................ 5-14
Switch Type (SwType).......................................................................................................... 5-15
On Controller (On Ctrl).........................................................................................................5-15
On Value .............................................................................................................................. 5-15
Off Controller (Off Ctrl)......................................................................................................... 5-15
Off Value............................................................................................................................... 5-15
Entry State............................................................................................................................ 5-15
Exit State.............................................................................................................................. 5-15
Switch-Button Priority........................................................................................................... 5-16
The Arpeggiator Menu................................................................................................................ 5-16
Arpeggiator Activation (Arp Active) ...................................................................................... 5-16
Arpeggiator Region, Lower Limit (Low) and Upper Limit (Hi).............................................. 5-16
Zone Enable......................................................................................................................... 5-16
Latch Mode .......................................................................................................................... 5-16
Play Order............................................................................................................................ 5-18
Beats.................................................................................................................................... 5-18
Initial Tempo......................................................................................................................... 5-19
Duration................................................................................................................................ 5-19
Velocity Mode (Vel Mode) .................................................................................................... 5-19
Fixed Velocity (Fixed Vel)..................................................................................................... 5-19
Note Shift ............................................................................................................................. 5-19
Shift Limit ............................................................................................................................. 5-20
Limit Option (Limit Opt)........................................................................................................5-20
Glissando............................................................................................................................. 5-21
Effects Edit Parameters ........................................................................................................... 5-22
The FX Routing Parameter.................................................................................................. 5-22
The FXA Select Parameter.................................................................................................. 5-22
The FXB Select Parameter.................................................................................................. 5-22
Parameters for Current Effects - Variable............................................................................ 5-22
FX Wet/Dry Parameter......................................................................................................... 5-23
FX Bypass Parameter.......................................................................................................... 5-23
The MIDI Recv Menu ................................................................................................................ 5-23
Channel Activation (No parameter name shown)................................................................ 5-23
Program ID and Name (No parameter name shown).......................................................... 5-23
Volume (Vol) ........................................................................................................................ 5-23
Pan....................................................................................................................................... 5-24
FX Routing........................................................................................................................... 5-24
A-to-B Wet/Dry Mix (Global A>B) ........................................................................................ 5-24
FX-A Wet/Dry Mix (A)........................................................................................................... 5-24
FX-B Wet/Dry Mix (B)........................................................................................................... 5-24

Kurzweil PC1 Musician’s Guide
Table of Contents
6
The Global Menu ..................................................................................................................... 5-234
Local Control........................................................................................................................ 5-24
Clock .................................................................................................................................... 5-24
Transmit Clock..................................................................................................................... 5-25
Touch................................................................................................................................... 5-25
Setup Change Channel (Setup Chg Chan) ......................................................................... 5-25
MIDI In.................................................................................................................................. 5-25
Exit Save.............................................................................................................................. 5-27
Drum Remap........................................................................................................................ 5-27
Effects Change Mode (FX Chg Mode)................................................................................. 5-28
Effects Channel (FX Channel) ............................................................................................. 5-28
Stored Effects (Stored FX) ................................................................................................... 5-29
Tuning .................................................................................................................................. 5-29
Receive Transposition (Recv Trans).................................................................................... 5-29
Bank-Select Controller (Bank Sel Ctl).................................................................................. 5-29
AllNotesOff........................................................................................................................... 5-30
Device ID.............................................................................................................................. 5-30
Output Mode ........................................................................................................................ 5-30
Available RAM (Mem Avail)................................................................................................. 5-30
Keyboard Version (Ver) ....................................................................................................... 5-30
Expansion Block................................................................................................................... 5-30
Reset PC1?.......................................................................................................................... 5-31
Dump all objects?................................................................................................................. 5-31
MIDIScope? ......................................................................................................................... 5-31
Appendix A
Maintenance and Upgrades..............................................................................................A-1
Replacing the Battery .................................................................................................................A-1
Before you Begin..........................................................................................................................A-1
Opening your PC1........................................................................................................................A-1
Installing the Battery.....................................................................................................................A-1
Replacing the Option Panel..........................................................................................................A-3
Powering up..................................................................................................................................A-3
Boot Block ......................................................................................................................................A-3
Starting the Boot Block.................................................................................................................A-3
About Software Upgrades ............................................................................................................A-3
Setting Up For a Software Upgrade .............................................................................................A-4
Installing an Operating System or Setups....................................................................................A-4
Installing a New Boot Block..........................................................................................................A-4
Resetting the PC1 ........................................................................................................................A-5
Running the Diagnostics...............................................................................................................A-5
Appendix B
Reference........................................................................................................................................B-1
Specifications ................................................................................................................................B-1
Physical Specifications.................................................................................................................B-1
Electrical Specifications................................................................................................................B-1
Voltage and Frequency Ranges.............................................................................................B-1
Power Consumption...............................................................................................................B-1
Environmental Specifications........................................................................................................B-1
Audio Specifications .....................................................................................................................B-2
Line-Level Left and RightAnalog Audio Outputs ...................................................................B-2
Headphone Output.................................................................................................................B-2

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7
Parameter Reference .................................................................................................................B-3
PC1 Audio Signal Routing............................................................................................................B-6
MIDI Controllers............................................................................................................................B-7
Special Controllers .......................................................................................................................B-7
PC1 Effects and Effects Parameters............................................................................................B-8
Reverb ...................................................................................................................................B-8
Delay......................................................................................................................................B-9
Chorus ...................................................................................................................................B-9
Flange..................................................................................................................................B-10
Phase...................................................................................................................................B-10
Chorus + Delay....................................................................................................................B-10
Chorus + Reverb..................................................................................................................B-10
Chorus + Delay + Reverb .................................................................................................... B-11
Flange + Delay..................................................................................................................... B-11
Flange + Reverb.................................................................................................................. B-11
Flange + Delay + Reverb..................................................................................................... B-11
Flange and Other................................................................................................................. B-11
Filters...................................................................................................................................B-12
Laserverb.............................................................................................................................B-12
Distortion..............................................................................................................................B-12
Enhancer..............................................................................................................................B-12
Compressor .........................................................................................................................B-13
Simple Motion......................................................................................................................B-13
Spatial..................................................................................................................................B-13
MIDI Implementation Chart .....................................................................................................B-14
Appendix C....................................................................................................................................C-1
PC1 Programs and Controller Assignments .......................................................................C-1
Factory Controller Assignments....................................................................................................C-1
Programs and Controllers.............................................................................................................C-1
Index.............................................................................................................................................Index-1

1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction
Thanks for buying your PC1 MIDI performance controller! It combines 32 megabytes of renowned Kurzweil
ROM sounds with an extensive set of flexible and easy-to-use performance and MIDI-control features--all in
a portable keyboard that can help you sound like a pro on stage or in the studio. We hope you like it.
Basic PC1 Features
The Sound
The PC1 offers 64-voice polyphony with balanced type stereo analog outputs.
There are 384 factory programs and 128 GM programs, including Kurzweil’s stereo triple-strike Grand Piano,
Rhodes and Wurlitzer electric pianos, stereo strings, brass, and Take 6 vocal samples--as well as our
critically-acclaimed keyboard, guitar, bass, drums, and percussion sounds. In addition, the PC1’s Orchestral
ROM includes String Sections, Solo Strings, Woodwinds, Orchestral Brass, Jazz Brass, Orchestral Ensembles,
Choir, Organ, Harp, Nylon String Guitar, Orchestral Percussion, and Ethnic Percussion. There’s also room for
one Sound ROM Option card, for an additional 16 megabytes of ROM sounds.
Setups make the PC1 a versatile performance instrument and MIDI control keyboard. Each setup contains
four zones that can cover any part of the keyboard, or overlap across the entire keyboard. You can program
each zone independently--with different programs, physical controller assignments, and MIDI channels for
each zone. Using the onboard arpeggiator, you can program setups with grooves that start automatically and
evolve in countless variations as you play.
Keyboard and Controllers
There are two PC1 models. Both have the same features, with only one exception. The PC1X has a fully-
weighted 88-key piano action, while the PC161 has a 61-key unweighted synth-style action. Both models
have mono pressure (aftertouch), and have programmable velocity sensitivity. (By the way, whenever we
mention the PC1 by name, we’re referring to both models.)
You’ll find the usual array of physical controllers--Pitch Wheel, Mod Wheel, continuous and switch pedal
jacks, and multi-function front-panel buttons and knobs, and a unique ribbon controller. They’re all fully
programmable. There’s an extensive list of programmable features for MIDI control--the PC1 isn’t just a great-
sounding performance keyboard; it’s a serious tool for MIDI sequencing, and makes an excellent centerpiece
for sophisticated MIDI studios. The PC1 is also well-equipped to receive MIDI from other instruments or
external MIDI sources like computer-based sequencers.
Effects
To complement the ROM sounds, there are over 150 multiple effects and 30 reverbs. You can apply the effects
to programs or setups, and you can easily control the Wet/Dry mix in real time. You can also program the
multi-effects and reverbs for even more control in performance and recording.

Introduction
Options
1-2
Options
Ask your Kurzweil dealer about the following PC1 options:
Sound ROM Cards
The PC1 has a socket for one ROM expansion card that you can install yourself (the expansion kits come with
complete instructions). An expansion card adds 16 megabytes of ROM sounds to the 32 megabytes of
onboard ROM.
Pedals
The PC1 has two pedal jacks for a stereo or mono switch pedal (for functions like sustain or program/setup
changes) and a continuous pedal (for functions like volume control). The switch pedal jack allows two pedals
to be plugged in simultaneously. Your Kurzweil dealer stocks the following optional pedals:
FS-1 Standard box-shaped switch pedal
KFP-1 Single piano-style switch pedal
KFP-2M Double piano-style switch pedal unit
CC-1 Continuous pedal
Ribbon Controller
There’s a dedicated modular jack (like a telephone jack) on the rear panel for connecting this 600-mm (24-
inch) ribbon controller. You can configure the PC1 to use the ribbon as a single large controller, or a three-
section controller with independent settings for each section.
Music Rack
The sturdy acrylic music rack (model PC-MDS) fits into a bracket that you attach to the PC1’s rear panel.
You’ll find installation instructions on page 2-1.
Unpacking your PC1
Your PC1 carton should contain the following:
zPC1 Performance Controller
zPower adapter
zPiano-style switch pedal
zFour adhesive-backed rubber feet
zThis manual
zWarranty card
zCD-ROM
zTwo overlays for orchestral and GM program categories
You might want to keep the PC1 carton and packing materials for easy shipping or transport.

2-1
Chapter 2
Startup
Setup
When setting up the PC1 for use it must be placed on a sturdy, level surface where both ends of the
unit are supported. A conventional keyboard stand may be used if it is strong enough to support the
unit’s weight (about 50 pounds for a PC1X, 23 pounds for a PC161). If you are going to be using the
unit on a table now or in the future, apply the four stick-on rubber feet to the bottom. Figure 2-1
shows the recommended locations marked with pairs of small guide holes. Remove the backing
paper from each rubber foot and attach just forward of each set of guide holes. It is possible that
these locations could interfere with some keyboard stand’s supports, so check how the PC1 fits on
your stand before applying the rubber feet.
Figure 2-1 Attaching rubber feet
Installing the Music Rack (only for the PC1X model)
You’ll need a Phillips screwdriver to install the optional music rack.
1. Remove the four screws on the rear panel of the PC1, as shown in Figure 2-2.
2. Use the screws to attach the music rack bracket, making sure that the rounded edge of the
bracket is at the top.
3. Slide the music rack in from the top (as shown in the figure).

Startup
Basic Connections
2-2
Figure 2-2 Installing the music rack
Basic Connections
Power
The PC1 has an external transformer/power supply with a standard electrical plug on one end, and a
coaxial plug that connects with the PC1. This is a specialized power supply, and is not
interchangeable with other power supplies.
Caution: Use only the power supply that comes with your PC1, or a replacement purchased from an
authorized Kurzweil dealer. Using a different power supply can seriously damage your PC1!
Before connecting the power supply, make sure your PC1 is off
Place the power supply somewhere where it will stay dry and out of the way. We recommend
keeping it on the floor. Never cover the power supply with anything; it needs adequate ventilation
to prevent overheating.
Connect the plug at the other end of the power-supply cable into a standard power outlet. If you
plan to take your PC1 to a location that uses a different voltage level, you’ll need to get an additional
power supply that’s compatible with the local voltage.

Startup
Basic Connections
2-3
Audio
The PC1 features balanced left and right analog audio outputs with 1 / 4 -inch jacks. For best results,
use balanced cables to connect to balanced, line-level inputs on your mixer or sound system.
It’s important to use shielded, twisted-pair cables. The cables should each have
1 / 4 -inch stereo (tip-
ring-sleeve) plugs on one end to connect to the PC1. The other end of each cable should have either
1 / 4 -inch stereo plugs or XLR plugs. Cables of this type provide balanced operation, which greatly
reduces many types of noise. Unbalanced cables or sound-system inputs won’t give you quite the
same audio quality.
For best performance, set the PC1’s Master Volume Slider to its maximum when adjusting mixer or
sound-system levels. Otherwise, if you adjust the PC1’s level by increasing the level of your sound
system, you’ll increase the noise level.
If you’re using a monaural sound system or running the PC1’s audio into a single mixer channel, we
recommend configuring the PC1 for mono output, in which case the PC1 sends the same combined
signal to the left and right sides of the analog outputs. See page 4-21 for information about using
mono audio output mode.
The PC1 has a headphone jack, which carries the same signal as the main outputs (that’s true
whether you’re using stereo or mono output). The headphone jack accepts a standard
1 / 4 -inch stereo
plug, and is compatible with nearly all types of headphones. Plugging into the headphone jack does
not mute the other audio outputs.
You can also use the headphone jack as an unbalanced stereo line-level output. Just connect a stereo
cable from the headphone jack to a stereo input on your mixer or sound system. If you have only
unbalanced inputs to your sound system, you’ll get better audio quality using the headphone jack.
MIDI
The PC1 both transmits and accepts most standard (and several specialized) MIDI messages. In
other words, it can serve as both a MIDI master and a MIDI slave.
Using the PC1 as a MIDI Master
Connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI Out port of the PC1 to the MIDI In port of the device you want
to control--another MIDI musical instrument, or any device that accepts MIDI, such as a computer
with a MIDI interface or an integrated MIDI In port. This makes the PC1 a MIDI control device, and
you can use it to play other instruments, make recordings using sequencers, or send MIDI System
Exclusive (SysEx) messages for storing programs, setups, and effects settings externally. When the
PC1 is the MIDI master, you can configure it to control only its slaves, or to play its own sounds in
addition to controlling the slaves.
Using the PC1 as a MIDI Slave
Connect a MIDI cable from the MIDI Out port of the instrument or device that you’re using as the
MIDI master to the MIDI In port of the PC1. This makes the PC1 a MIDI slave, enabling you to play
its sounds from any MIDI instrument--keyboard, wind controller, drum pads, whatever--or to
control it via MIDI devices like dedicated sequencers or computers running sequencing applications.
The PC1 can receive 16 independent channels of MIDI information.

Startup
Basic Connections
2-4
MIDI Out/Thru
This jack has two functions: it can be a MIDI Out port, enabling you to send directly to two
different slaves, or it can be a MIDI Thru port, in which case it passes along whatever MIDI
information that the PC1 receives at its MIDI In port (but not the MIDI information that the PC1 itself
generates). This makes it easy to include the PC1 in a chain of multiple MIDI devices, which is a
common configuration when you’re using a computer for sequencing.
There’s a small switch labeled Thru/Out on the PC1’s rear panel (as you face the rear panel, the
switch is to the left of the MIDI In port). Use a small pointed object to set the switch to the position
you want--a ball-point pen works nicely.
Pedals
Plug your switch or continuous pedals into the corresponding jacks on the PC1’s rear panel. We
recommend using the Kurzweil pedals described on page 1-2, but you can use almost any switch or
continuous pedal, as long as it adheres to the following specifications (as most pedals do):
Switch pedals 1 / 4 -inch tip-ring-sleeve plug (tip goes to pedal 1, ring to pedal 2)
Continuous pedal 10-kOhm linear-taper potentiometer,
1 / 4 -inch tip-ring-sleeve plug
If you use a third-party (non-Kurzweil) switch pedal, make sure it’s connected before you turn on
your PC1. This ensures that the pedal will work properly (it might function backward--off when it’s
down and on when it’s up--if you turn on your PC1 before plugging in the pedal). Similarly, don’t
press any of your switch pedals while powering up, because the PC1 verifies each pedal’s
orientation during power up. If you’re pressing a pedal, you might cause it to work backward.
The pedals are independently programmable within each zone of every setup. Here are the default
settings for the two pedals you can use with the PC1:
Switch Pedal 1 Controller 64 (Sustain)
Continuous Control Pedal 1 Controller 11 (Expression)
If you use the double piano-style switch pedal, the other pedal works as Switch Pedal 2 - Controller
66 (Sostenuto)
Ribbon
Connect the optional Kurzweil Ribbon Controller into the modular Ribbon jack on the rear panel.
The ribbon controller itself should rest on a flat surface; it fits nicely between the keys and the
buttons and Knobs on the front panel.
The ribbon is a continuous controller. You can program the ribbon controller to send MIDI
Controller messages 1-127, as well as several specialized messages. It generates values of 0-127 for
whatever MIDI Controllers you assign it to send. Just press it, and slide your finger along the ribbon
to change the value of the message it’s sending.
You can configure the ribbon to have one control section that runs its entire length, or to have three
sections of equal length. It sends its highest values when you press it at the end where the cable
connects. When you configure it to have three sections, each section sends its highest values at the
end closest to the cable.

Startup
Powering Up
2-5
The ribbon controller comes with an adhesive-backed foam strip and Velcro ¨ fastener pads. The
foam strip will hold it in place under most circumstances, but you might find it more convenient
to attach it more securely with the Velcro fasteners (this is recommended when using the ribbon
with a PC161). In that case, we recommend sticking the hook side of each pad to the underside of
the Ribbon and the loop (softer) side to the keyboard. This helps to prevent the hooks in the
Velcro from collecting crud when you don’t have the ribbon attached.
Caution: The modular jack is designed for connection to the Kurzweil Ribbon Controller option only.
Don’t plug any other modular plugs into the Ribbon jack.
Powering Up
When you’ve made all your connections, turn on the PC1 by pushing the side of the power
switch marked with the vertical line. All of the lights on the front panel flash, and the liquid-
crystal display (LCD) shows a series of messages. When the PC1 is ready to play, the display
looks like this:
Caution: Before playing, we recommend that you slide the volume control nearly to the bottom and
gradually push the control up while playing the keyboard. This way you won’t cause any pain or damage if
there’s too much gain in your sound system.
Display (LCD)
The PC1’s 20x2-character liquid-crystal display tells you what’s going on, whether you’re playing
or editing. Depending on your viewing angle (and possibly the temperature), you may need to
adjust the contrast for better visibility. There’s a small black knob on the rear panel, between the
MIDI ports and the Digital Out jack. Use a screwdriver or your fingertips to turn the knob until
you can read the display easily.
LEDs
Most of the buttons on the PC1’s front panel contain light-emitting diodes that indicate the status
of the features that the buttons control. They should all flash red three times as the PC1 starts up.
Software Upgrades
The PC1 contains a type of reloadable computer memory called Flash ROM, which makes
software upgrades fast and easy. You can learn about new features from your Kurzweil dealer,
or from our website (www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com). See Boot Block on page A-3 for software-
installation instructions.

Startup
Powering Up
2-6
Playing the Demo Sequences
1. Press the Program Select buttons Nand Psimultaneously to enter Demo mode.(notice
the word Demo on the front panel under these two buttons). The display shows the
following:
2. Press Plus/Minus button or turn the Alpha wheel to select demo song you want to play.
Press Enter to play the demo. During playback, you can stop the demo by pressing
Cancel.
Troubleshooting
No Text in Display
If no messages are displayed when you turn on the power on your PC1 and no LEDs flash, check
the power adapter connections at the AC outlet and the PC1 Adapter In jack. But if the LEDs
flash with no messages in the display, then adjust the LCD contrast knob in the rear panel.
Low Battery
When you turn your PC1 off, a lithium battery protects the memory that the PC1 uses to store
user-defined programs and setups, and other editing changes that you’ve saved. Every time you
turn on your PC1, it automatically checks the battery voltage. If it’s getting low, you’ll see a
message like this before the PC1 finishes starting up:
When you see this message, you should replace your battery immediately, to avoid losing your
data. See page A-1 for instructions.
No Sound
If no sound comes from the audio or headphones outputs of your PC1 when you play the
keyboard, check the following:
zThe Volume Slider might be set too low
zThere’s no current program or setup selected (the display shows )
zContinuous control pedal 1: check the connection, and check the position of the pedal
zYou might be in Setup mode with all zones muted (inactive): press any or all of the four
buttons labeled Zone 1-Zone 4, and the lights in the buttons will turn green
zLocal control might be off: press the Global button, then turn the Alpha wheel one click
to the right
zThe PC1 might be sending MIDI information only to External MIDI: In Setup mode,
press the Edit button and then press Enter button to enter MIDI Xmit menu, then press
the right cursor button under the display once, then turn the Alpha wheel until you see
or