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Kurzweil pc3x vs Alesis Fusion HD (88 keys)


Bachus

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Some older synths, if you had to choose between them which one would you choose ... both fit inside the budget .... its not for me, but for a new band just starting out... i know the keyboardists father, so far the lad only played an acoustic piano (quite well) ...

 

Things important :

 

-keyfeel

-piano, dp, organ sounds

-synth, strings and pad sounds

-masterkeyboard functionallity (for future expansions in sound)

-arpegiators

 

 

These two boards are the only used boards available in our area that fit the price... the pc3x, has quite some scars and cracks in the casing, it works fine, but it got a serious dent on the head.. the fusion looks like its only used in the studio...

 

 

I hope some people have experience with these oldies....

Korg Kronos 88, Yamaha Tyros5 (76), Integra 7, macbook pro/mainstage
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Some older synths, if you had to choose between them which one would you choose ...

I was a loyal owner of a Fusion 6HD for years, and recently traded it (and other stuff) at GC for some PA equipment. I now own both a Kurz PC361 and its uncle, the K2600. I'm both a player and a voice tweaker, so I can give some informed responses.

 

keyfeel

Can't comment, I had the 5 octave Fusion. Its keyfeel was pretty good, and it's aftertouch was just what I wanted.

 

piano, dp, organ sounds

Fusion Pianos, very good. DP -- Digital piano? Also quite good as a ROMpler, and the Fusion can do native FM with less effort than the Kurzweil.

 

Kurzweil pianos have never let anyone down. Their FM processing is not as intuitive as the Fusion, but Kurzweil ROMpler voices (including FM and other electric pianos) were made by the best, and are somewhat more expressive than those of the Fusion.

 

Kurzweil clonewheel organ absolutely blows away the Fusion. No comparison.

 

synth, strings and pad sounds

Fusion synth is fantastic. It has an analog synth modeling engine, as well as an unparalleled set of filters -- 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-pole. Although not as easy to tweak as a Roland or Korg, I feel that the Fusion synth engine is a little easier to grasp than Kurzweil's VAST architecture. I would give the Fusion a slight edge over the Kurz as a synth.

 

Kurzweil's strings, out of the box, are an order of magnitude better than the Fusion, on which I tried for years to get a good string sound.

 

I don't really do pads, so I can't address that one.

 

master keyboard functionality

Both are quite good as both master keyboards and as sound modules. In my opinion, the PC3 is better than the Fusion.

 

arpeggiators

I don't do arps either, but my impression is that the Kurzweil's is deeper and more versatile. YMMV.

---

Alesis abandoned the Fusion line within as few years of its release, which was a shame -- its synth engine is capable of analog and acoustic (flute and reed instruments) modeling, provides up to 190 note polyphony (not a misprint), and it records and plays not only sequences but also audio.

 

The PC3 _still_ gets support from Kurzweil, and you can still get parts for it. Its sound is top tier.

 

I loved my Fusion, but I would unhesitatingly go with the PC3.

-Tom Williams

{First Name} {at} AirNetworking {dot} com

PC4-7, PX-5S, AX-Edge, PC361

 

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Agreed with all of the above. I've had both the Fusion 8HD and Kurz PC3x in the past, so I can comment on the feel of the action. The Fusion had buttery smooth action, pretty light for a weighted board. It was a very decent compromise action for playing both piano and synth/organ sounds. The PC3x's action is a bit heavier, but you can still manage playing organ on it. YMMV.

 

I'd also take the PC3x in this case. It's solid as a rock, the masterkeyboard functions are incredible. The Fusion was a really cool board an the VA part is just awesome, but it's OS is a little flaky, it's slow and I had issues with the pitch bender on both the 8 as well as on a 6. It didn't completely return to center position, so it was a bit flat every time you slightly moved the wheel.

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Given your criteria, I'd pick the Kurz. The fusion really shines with VA, Sampling, and sequencer with audio tracks and 8 simultaneous inputs. But those things don't top your list.

Dan

 

Acoustic/Electric stringed instruments ranging from 4 to 230 strings, hammered, picked, fingered, slapped, and plucked. Analog and Digital Electronic instruments, reeds, and throat/mouth.

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Thanks for the advise... i also did some reading up, amd lean towards the kurzweil....

 

 

Does anyone know a good kurzweil user community forum, from where to start the in depth exploration, hunt for free user created sounds, and ask questions?

 

 

There is a deal going for Kore64 for just over 100, would that be a great add?

 

 

Also adding a ribbon controller in the future might just elevate this instrument to the next level as a controller...

 

 

Korg Kronos 88, Yamaha Tyros5 (76), Integra 7, macbook pro/mainstage
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100 Euros for Kore64 is about 1/3 the price. I have thoroughly enjoyed having the extra sounds and I had to pay full price a few years ago. Totally worth it. Don't have a ribbon, so, no comment.

 

The PC3X can be pretty easy to use in the beginning, but it is a very deep machine.

 

For extra programs, try ksetlist.com. It's not a very active site but has lots of user programs and setups that are free. There's also good advice with some digging.

 

For even more advice, years worth of help, try Mastering VAST at http://forums.godlike.com.au. You will have to get used to the Australian accent. Most of the site is free and only requires signing up. Some parts require paying a fee of about $6US, and for that there are manuals that expand on the original manufacturer's manuals, lists of programs and setups, and a lot more.

 

And definitely check out the Kurzweil site, under Support, and pick PC3X. Many frequently asked questions are answered there and many downloads like the original manuals and MOST IMPORTANTLY the most current OS. Do that OS update first, instructions on the Kurzweil site.

 

Hope this helps.

Kurzweil PC4

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Thanks for the advise... i also did some reading up, amd lean towards the kurzweil....

 

 

Does anyone know a good kurzweil user community forum, from where to start the in depth exploration, hunt for free user created sounds, and ask questions?

 

 

Here are some helpful links to forums and Facebook groups:

Mastering VAST forum

http://forums.godlike.com.au/index.php?board=13.0

KSetlist (repository of downloadable sounds)

http://ksetlist.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/kurzweilpc3/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/KurzweilMusicSystems/

Official Kurzweil company page

https://www.facebook.com/kurzweilmusicsystems/?fref=ts

 

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There is a deal going for Kore64 for just over 100

 

Where ?

EUR 138,- is the cheapest I see ...

 

Also adding a ribbon controller in the future might just elevate this instrument to the next level as a controller

 

+1

 

I really love the ribbon and it´s options,- dividing it into 3 "zones", assigning different MIDI CCs to each "zone" and selection of different behaviour of each ribbon-zone in setup mode.

 

I wanted a KURZ Forte until I recognized they ditched the ribbon controller connector.

What a mistake !

 

A.C.

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There is a deal going for Kore64 for just over 100

 

Where ?

EUR 138,- is the cheapest I see ...

 

Also adding a ribbon controller in the future might just elevate this instrument to the next level as a controller

 

+1

 

I really love the ribbon and it´s options,- dividing it into 3 "zones", assigning different MIDI CCs to each "zone" and selection of different behaviour of each ribbon-zone in setup mode.

 

I wanted a KURZ Forte until I recognized they ditched the ribbon controller connector.

What a mistake !

 

A.C.

 

At Thomann in germany they have a B stcok Kore 64 selling for 112 ...

 

 

We made a decision, and bought a used Kurzweil including the Kore64 and pedals for 800, one in a splendid condition... i guess thats a very fair price..

Korg Kronos 88, Yamaha Tyros5 (76), Integra 7, macbook pro/mainstage
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Thanks for the advise... i also did some reading up, amd lean towards the kurzweil....

 

 

Does anyone know a good kurzweil user community forum, from where to start the in depth exploration, hunt for free user created sounds, and ask questions?

 

 

Here are some helpful links to forums and Facebook groups:

Mastering VAST forum

http://forums.godlike.com.au/index.php?board=13.0

KSetlist (repository of downloadable sounds)

http://ksetlist.com/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/kurzweilpc3/

https://www.facebook.com/groups/KurzweilMusicSystems/

Official Kurzweil company page

https://www.facebook.com/kurzweilmusicsystems/?fref=ts

 

I am definately after those... great links Dave, very helpfull...

Korg Kronos 88, Yamaha Tyros5 (76), Integra 7, macbook pro/mainstage
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Some keyboards work like a virus (no not an access) the more i dive into the synth engine, the deeper it is... enormous depth... and very modular in design...

 

The editor helps a lot....

 

If i combine that with its midi capabilities and mainstage... its a great setup for everyone... been playing for half a dozen hours now... to bad its not mine to keep.

 

 

Never owned a kurz before and so i never realised what the fuzz was all about, tough these do definately require a technical mind...

Korg Kronos 88, Yamaha Tyros5 (76), Integra 7, macbook pro/mainstage
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