Question:
How can I set the Pitch Bend Range for individual programs via MIDI?

Answer:

Pitch Bend Range can be set by sending MIDI controller messages. Specifically, you do it with Registered Parameters (cc# 100 and 101).

On the MIDI channel in question, you need to send:

Question:
I edit a Setup and change the Program, but after I save the Setup, the Program reverts to the original sound. How can I fix this?

Answer:

The problem is likely caused because of controller assignments that you are not aware of.

One thing you want to be careful of – if you start from an existing Setup and make changes, some of the parameters from that original Setup may be set to do specific things, which will affect what you are trying to do. A good example of this is Setup #1. It has the “F” button assigned to a GoTo Program function in Zone 1. The button is used to switch back and forth between Piano and Vibes. If you edit Setup #1 and change the program for Zone 1 under the Program button, it will appear that your change doesn’t work correctly after you save your Setup.

What is happening is that the “F” button control function overrides the setting of the Program parameter. For this reason, it is usually easier to start with the Default Setup, #127 (a blank template in memory). If you do choose to start with one of the preset Setups, please be sure to look in Appendix E of the manual to get familiar with the controller assignments for that Setup.

Another thing to be aware of – whenever you call up a Setup, the PC88 copies all of the parameter values into an edit buffer. Any changes you make are made in that edit buffer, and the changes don’t go into memory until you Store that Setup. If no Setup exists at a specific location, then nothing is copied into the edit buffer, and so the data in the edit buffer is whatever was there from the last real Setup.

For example, lets say you start with a PC88 set to factory defaults (no user Setups saved in memory). Now you call up Setup 1. All the parameters from Setups 1 are placed in the edit buffer. Next you call up Setup #67, but there is no Setup #67 yet in the instrument, so the display says “Not Found”. Since nothing existed there, the values from Setup #1 are still in the edit buffer and if you start editing those values will be there unless you change them. As you can imagine, this can lead to confusion.

So again, the best way to create your own Setup is to either start from scratch with Setup 127, or start with another existing Setup if you know how its parameters are set and want to also make use of those pre-exisitng settings.

Question:
What pedals can I use with my Kurzweil instrument?

Answer:

Switch Pedals

A foot switch pedal from any manufacturer is compatible with our keyboards. Japanese pedals are wired in reverse polarity from American pedals. But all our products check the pedal polarity on power up and reverse themselves if needed, so as long as the pedal is plugged in before you turn on the unit, any pedal will work (be certain to not step on the pedal during power up as this can interfere with the auto-calibration).

In addition, some keyboards use mono jacks for each switch pedal input, whereas other keyboards use a single stereo jack for two pedals.

The PC3 Series, K2 Series, K1 series, PC2 Series, SP2 Series, SP5, PC88, and KME61 use mono jacks for each pedal. The standard single pedal available from Kurzweil is the KP-1.

The SP4, SPS4-8, PC1, SP3X, SP76/88 Series, Rumour/Mangler, Mark ProOneiS, Mark ProTwoiS, RG Series, and Troubador use a single stereo jack for dual pedal units (not sold by Kurzweil). It is still possible to plug a single, mono plug pedal into these units but you will only have access to one of the pedals. If the pedal is plugged in all the way, it will be the Left pedal, and if the plug is pulled out slightly, it will be the right pedal. A stereo (M) to dual-mono (F) “Y” adapter can also be employed to permit the use of two, single pedals.

Continuous Controller Pedals

Our keyboards require a pedal with a TRS 1/4″ connector and 10k linear potentiometer. Most manufacturers EXCEPT Yamaha and Korg make pedals with the same specifications and should work. Yamaha and Korg pedals typically use an exponential potentiometer and therefore will not work correctly. The CC-1 pedal is available from Kurzweil. You can order a pedal through your “local Kurzweil dealer.

CC-1 Wiring Spec

The Control Pedal must be wired to a single stereo (TRS) 1/4″ plug as follows:

• Wiper to tip connection of 1/4″ plug
• Top end of resistance element to Ring connection
• Bottom end of resistance to Sleeve connection

Question:
How can I set the Pitch Bend Range for individual programs via MIDI?

Answer:

Pitch Bend Range can be set by sending MIDI controller messages. Specifically, you do it with Registered Parameters (cc# 100 and 101).

On the MIDI channel in question, you need to send:

Example: Lets say you want to set the bend range to 2 semi-tones. First you send cc# 100 with a value of 0; then cc#101 with a value of 0. This turns on reception for setting pitch bend with the Data controller (#6). Then you send cc# 6 with a value of 2 (in semitones; this will give you a whole step up and a whole step down from the center).

Once you have set the bend range the way you want, then you send controller 100 or 101 with a value of 127 so that any further messages of controller 6 (which you might be using for other stuff) won’t change the bend range.

Question:
How can I restore my PC88 to its factory defaults?

Answer:

Caution: Hard resetting will erase all user memory! Need be, save any custom programming via sys-ex dump before proceeding.

There are two methods for performing a hard reset on a PC88:

• • Global Menu Method:
    1. press GLOBAL
    2. press >>> until you see “Reset PC88?” (2nd to last item in menu)
    3. press [Yes] twice

-OR-

• Boot Diagnostic Method: (useful if your screen is blank and cannot perform the Global menu method)
  1. start with the unit off
  2. hold down the 1, 2, & 3 buttons (on the alphanumeric keypad) and power up – release the buttons within two seconds of turning on the unit.
  3. press the <<< button under the display corresponding to Reset.
  4. turn the unit off and back on.

Via either method, the unit will “initialize” itself for about 5 sec. or so and then reboot to factory specs.

If the above methods do not successfully restore your unit’s normal operation it will likely be time to take the unit to an “authorized Kurzweil service center for repairs.

Question:
I edit a Setup and change the Program, but after I save the Setup, the Program reverts to the original sound. How can I fix this?

Answer:

The problem is likely caused because of controller assignments that you are not aware of.

One thing you want to be careful of – if you start from an existing Setup and make changes, some of the parameters from that original Setup may be set to do specific things, which will affect what you are trying to do. A good example of this is Setup #1. It has the “F” button assigned to a GoTo Program function in Zone 1. The button is used to switch back and forth between Piano and Vibes. If you edit Setup #1 and change the program for Zone 1 under the Program button, it will appear that your change doesn’t work correctly after you save your Setup.

What is happening is that the “F” button control function overrides the setting of the Program parameter. For this reason, it is usually easier to start with the Default Setup, #127 (a blank template in memory). If you do choose to start with one of the preset Setups, please be sure to look in Appendix E of the manual to get familiar with the controller assignments for that Setup.

Another thing to be aware of – whenever you call up a Setup, the PC88 copies all of the parameter values into an edit buffer. Any changes you make are made in that edit buffer, and the changes don’t go into memory until you Store that Setup. If no Setup exists at a specific location, then nothing is copied into the edit buffer, and so the data in the edit buffer is whatever was there from the last real Setup.

For example, lets say you start with a PC88 set to factory defaults (no user Setups saved in memory). Now you call up Setup 1. All the parameters from Setups 1 are placed in the edit buffer. Next you call up Setup #67, but there is no Setup #67 yet in the instrument, so the display says “Not Found”. Since nothing existed there, the values from Setup #1 are still in the edit buffer and if you start editing those values will be there unless you change them. As you can imagine, this can lead to confusion.

So again, the best way to create your own Setup is to either start from scratch with Setup 127, or start with another existing Setup if you know how its parameters are set and want to also make use of those pre-exisitng settings.

Question:
I am playing a .MID file from an external seqeuncer into the PC88. It plays the notes but not the correct sounds. What do I need to do to remedy this?

Answer:

Most .MID files are intended for an instrument with General MIDI (GM) compatibility. You must have the VGM board in your PC88 (included in the PC88MX) in order to have GM compatibility. You must also turn GM On in your PC88 by going into the Global Menu, scrolling to the General MIDI parameter and turning it On. This reverts back to Off when you turn the unit off, so you must set it each time you power up the PC88.

Note: some .MID sequences will have a sysex message to turn GM On automatically. Unfortunately, the PC88 does not respond to this message, so you must turn GM On manually.