2011 NAMM Show: Kurzweil Music Systems is now shipping the PC3K8 keyboard workstation, expanding the PC3 line to include key new features along with backwards compatibility with the K-Series product line.

The PC3K features 128 MB of non-volatile user sample memory. The PC3K allows user samples to remain intact after a power-cycle, with zero load time upon powering back on.

The PC3K can load .WAV files, but more importantly, it can load legacy Kurzweil .K files from the K2000, K2500 and K2600 keyboards. This opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities; users can now combine the PC3K’s Dynamic V.A.S.T. synthesis engine with the library of K Series samples generated by users and developers alike for over 15 years.

Along with K Series samples, the PC3K will support the importing of most K Series keymaps, programs and setups, providing seamless integration for existing K series customers and an enticingly large collection of sounds for new Kurzweil users to explore.

In addition to the ability to load samples, the PC3K offers basic sample editing and full keymap editing. All of the features and presets of the PC3 are present as well; anti-aliasing VA oscillators, improved KB3 Mode, Classic Keys, Orchestral and String Sections sound sets, the renowned Kurzweil Grand Piano, Cascade Mode, 16 independent Riffs and arpeggiators, Song Mode and QA mode and extensive MIDI control,.

Another notable improvement to the PC3K is the inclusion of a USB host port to support the use of thumb-drives for data loading and storage as well as OS updates.

The Kurzweil PC3K8 is available now for about $3,500.