SP3X OVERVIEW

World Class Sound

512 onboard sounds
128 Breathtaking effects
60 Built-in rhythm patterns
Velocity and aftertouch sensitive, piano-weighted keyboard action

The Natural Choice for Professional Musicians…

Kurzweil’s SP3 line brings the stage piano concept to new heights, with unmatched sound quality and expressiveness. The SP3 series is equally well suited for use on stage, at home, or in the studio, and is perfect for worship based music.

Along with the famous Kurzweil Grand Piano, the SP3 offers a wide variety of other top notch sounds, including winds, voices, synths, brass, bass, guitar, percussion and ensembles. Sounds like leads, strings and winds come to life, responding to velocity, aftertouch and 4 real-time knobs, offering unheard of expressiveness in a stage piano.

Try one for yourself to experience the next level of excellence in Kurzweil Stage Pianos.

512 World Class Preset Sounds…

Featuring our triple-strike Grand Piano, Classic EP, Wurlitzer and FM electric pianos, Stereo Strings, Brass, Guitar, Bass, Take 6 Vocals, Drums/Percussion as well as the world’s best sounding GM sound set.

60 Onboard Rhythm Patterns…

The SP3 series provides a sophisticated metronome as well as 60 built-in rhythms which cover a broad variety of styles: Pop, Ballad, R&B, Jazz, Rock, Country, Latin, World, etc. Ideal for both practicing and writing your own music!

Great Action!…

With a full hammer-weighted action, the piano sounds feel like playing a piano. And with aftertouch sensitivity, the SP3 allows more expressive playing for non-piano sounds like winds, strings and synths.

User Friendly USB connectivity…

MIDI over USB in addition to standard MIDI jacks.

World Class Effects…

The SP3 is loaded with 128 effect presets…. enough to enhance any performance. These are taken from our acclaimed K and PC series, with better sound quality than most stand alone effects processors!

Quick Access…

Program up to 16 custom quick access banks with your favorite presets.

Expressive Controls…

The SP3’s pitch and mod wheels feel smooth and responsive. Combined with aftertouch and the SP3’s 4 front panel knobs, they offer real-time control of sound which is simply unprecedented in a stage piano.

LCD Display…

The SP3’s easy to read display provides all the info you’ll need to start making music. You will actually see sound and effect names spelled out instead of just a number.

SPECS

All specifications subject to change without notice.

SP3X Features

Keyboard: 88-note, fully-weighted hammer-action, with velocity sensitive adjustable keys
Display: 2×20 character LCD w/ rear panel contrast knob
Polyphony: 64 Voice Polyphony, dynamically allocated
Multitimbral: 16 parts (one per MIDI channel)
Factory Presets: 512 Programs
MIDI Setups: 16 user setup locations with 4 programmable zones for splits, layers and rhythms
Effects: Dual Processors (A & B) offering 128 total FX presets: 58 Reverbs, 6 Delays, 10 Choruses, 6 Flangers, 3 Phasors, 4 Shapers, 2 Enhancers, 8 Filtered Effects, 4 Distortions, 1 Mono>Stereo, 3 Wide Stereo, 4 Compressors, 2 Panners, 7 Rotarys, Stereo Tremolo, and 44 combination effects chains utilizing Kurzweil1s unique Laserverb
Metronome: Yes
Drum Grooves: 60 pre-programmed patterns
Controllers: Pitch wheel, modulation wheel, 4 front panel knobs, 1 dual switch-pedal input (TRS), 1 continuous control pedal input
Analog Outputs: Two 1/4″ balanced TRS analog (24-bit DACs)
Headphones: Back panel, 1/4″ headphone output
MIDI: In, Out, Thru
USB: Complete MIDI functionality over USB as well as OS updates (both Mac & PC)
FREE OS Updates: OS updates over USB and/or over MIDI

SP3X Specifications

Height: (4.96″) (12.60 cm)
Depth: (13.29″) (33.75 cm)
Length: (55.59″) (141.20 cm)
Weight: (48.50 lb.) (22 kg)
Power: External AC power supply

IMAGES

AUDIO


SP3X Demos


FAQs

MIDI Controllers

Question:
I would like to use a continuous control pedal to control some aspect of the sound. How do I set things up?

Answer:

By default, the C Pedal acts as MIDI Expression (volume swell) for the MAIN zone, but it can be reprogrammed to do a variety of things, separately for each zone, including controlling the leslie effect on organ presets, tremolo depth, vibrato, etc.

The process for assigning the control pedal is the same as the knobs (detailed on pg. 4-12 of the manual).

With a compatible pedal connected, here are the basic steps:

  1. press EDIT
  2. select the zone (layer or split) to work in – do this by pressing the corresponding button (if the zone mutes, then it was already current – just press it again to activate again)
  3. press + hold the “Knob Mode” button and at the same time rock the control pedal. This selects the pedal onscreen for assignment. On screen you will see something similar to:
    Zone:1      CC Pedal
    Ctrl Num: 11 Express

    How to read this screen? These settings indicate that currently in Zone 1 the CC Pedal is assigned to cc#11 Expression.

  4. **now type in the desired CC# code using the numeric sound select buttons on the right. Be sure to press ENTER when done.
  5. press Store, select your desired QA location to save to, then press Yes to confirm.

Repeat the above as necessary for additional zones and/or Setups.

** Regarding what CC codes to use, check out Appendix B in the manual. There you will find custom controller tables, one per on-board program detailing what the various physical controllers do per program by default. By knowing the MIDI CC#’s for each, things can easily be reprogrammed to suit your application.

Here is the list of default physical controller CC assignments used by the SP3X:

Physical Controller MIDI CC#
Knob A cc#6
Knob B cc#13
Knob C cc#22
Knob D cc#23
PitchWheel pitch up/dn
ModWheel cc#1
FtSw1 cc#64
FtSw2 cc#66
CCPedal cc#11

For ex., let’s say you wanted to control the tremolo depth on program 17 Serious Classic. In the manual, Appendix B, you will note Tremolo Depth is activated by ModWheel (MW). Cross referencing that with the defaults table above table, note ModWheel is cc#1.

So by assigning the CC Pedal to cc#1 in step 3 above, you are basically turning the CC Pedal into the ModWheel and thus able to control the same things with your foot that you can with your hand on the Mwheel.

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

CCpedal_Wiring.gif

Setup Mode

Question:
I would like to use a continuous control pedal to control some aspect of the sound. How do I set things up?

Answer:

By default, the C Pedal acts as MIDI Expression (volume swell) for the MAIN zone, but it can be reprogrammed to do a variety of things, separately for each zone, including controlling the leslie effect on organ presets, tremolo depth, vibrato, etc.

The process for assigning the control pedal is the same as the knobs (detailed on pg. 4-12 of the manual).

With a compatible pedal connected, here are the basic steps:

  1. press EDIT
  2. select the zone (layer or split) to work in – do this by pressing the corresponding button (if the zone mutes, then it was already current – just press it again to activate again)
  3. press + hold the “Knob Mode” button and at the same time rock the control pedal. This selects the pedal onscreen for assignment. On screen you will see something similar to:
    Zone:1      CC Pedal
    Ctrl Num: 11 Express

    How to read this screen? These settings indicate that currently in Zone 1 the CC Pedal is assigned to cc#11 Expression.

  4. **now type in the desired CC# code using the numeric sound select buttons on the right. Be sure to press ENTER when done.
  5. press Store, select your desired QA location to save to, then press Yes to confirm.

Repeat the above as necessary for additional zones and/or Setups.

** Regarding what CC codes to use, check out Appendix B in the manual. There you will find custom controller tables, one per on-board program detailing what the various physical controllers do per program by default. By knowing the MIDI CC#’s for each, things can easily be reprogrammed to suit your application.

Here is the list of default physical controller CC assignments used by the SP3X:

Physical Controller MIDI CC#
Knob A cc#6
Knob B cc#13
Knob C cc#22
Knob D cc#23
PitchWheel pitch up/dn
ModWheel cc#1
FtSw1 cc#64
FtSw2 cc#66
CCPedal cc#11

For ex., let’s say you wanted to control the tremolo depth on program 17 Serious Classic. In the manual, Appendix B, you will note Tremolo Depth is activated by ModWheel (MW). Cross referencing that with the defaults table above table, note ModWheel is cc#1.

So by assigning the CC Pedal to cc#1 in step 3 above, you are basically turning the CC Pedal into the ModWheel and thus able to control the same things with your foot that you can with your hand on the Mwheel.

Operating System Updates

Question:
I am trying to connect my SP3X to my computer via USB and am having troubles with it being recognized. How do I fix this?

Answer:

Though not all, most USB-MIDI issues are simply a matter of making sure you are running the most current OS on your SP3X. Earlier revs may be limiting the platforms supported.

The latest version of the SP3X OS is available online at the link below:

At the above link above, Click OS UPDATES. Download and install the current update (instructions included).

Platform Specific Notes:

Windows Users:

If you are updating from SP3X OS v1.02 or older using USB, Windows XP must be used. Follow the instructions located in Chpt 6 of the SP3X Musician’s Guide. Alternatively you can simply use traditional MIDI connections to update your OS. Once updated, Win7, Vista and XP can be used for future updates over USB.

A word about USB Drivers: The SP3X supports “plug n’ play” operation, using Window’s own built-in generic MIDI driver. No proprietary USB MIDI driver is required.

For XP users though, as a convenience, we do offer a Device Installer (available at the same link above) but it is completely optional. The installation of this driver is simply a naming convenience, permitting your host DAW to reference the SP3X by name (“Kurzweil SP3X MIDI”) versus Window’s generic “USB Audio device” driver label. Neither Win7 nor Vista make use of such label drivers as they generate the device name inherently.

Mac OSX Users:

The SP3X supports “plug n’ play” operation. No proprietary USB MIDI driver is required.

Troubleshooting

Question:
Where can I find the SP3X device installer (.inf file) for Windows XP?

Answer:

The SP3 USB Audio driver for Windows XP is no longer available for download as it was not installing properly. Please disregard the manual instructions regarding its need or use.

Note, USB MIDI operations under Window XP are still fully functional even without this driver. The driver (XP only) was completely optional and not required for USB communication. It was purely a naming convenience which was intended to allow an XP-based PC to display “Kurzweil SP3X MIDI” instead of the generic Windows audio driver label “USB Audio Device”.

If you previously attempted to install the XP driver, simply delete any attempted install of this and use the SP3 with just the built-in generic XP USB Audio driver label. If you run into any issues, please contact Kurzweil Support.

Note:
Mac OSX, Windows 7 and Vista do not require a driver/device installer. An appropriate system driver will automatically be added for the SP3 under each of these platforms when connected.

Question:
How can I restore my SP3X 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 SP3X keyboard:

    • Global Menu Method:
        1. press GLOBAL
        2. press RESET (Enter button), you will see:
        Global Settings 
      Reset SP3?_
      1. press Yes/+ 3 times to invoke.

-OR-

  • Boot Loader Method: (useful if you are unable to perform the Global menu method)
      1. turn the unit off
      2. turn the unit on
      3. when the display shows:
       Please Wait...  
    

    press the [Transpose] button.

      1. this will bring you to what is called the Boot Loader Menu – on the screen you will see:
    Install FlashROM   
     via MIDI
      1. press NO (-) button once, you will see:
    Hard RESET         
    
      1. press Rhythm/Metronome button to invoke, you will see:
    Erase RAM objects? 
        No	   Yes
      1. press YES (+) button to confirm

    The unit will blink out as if it is turning off/on again at which point it should be completely factory reset.

The unit will reboot from the start up screen, at which point it should be completely factory reset.

Question:
I am trying to connect my SP3X to my computer via USB and am having troubles with it being recognized. How do I fix this?

Answer:

Though not all, most USB-MIDI issues are simply a matter of making sure you are running the most current OS on your SP3X. Earlier revs may be limiting the platforms supported.

The latest version of the SP3X OS is available online at the link below:

At the above link above, Click OS UPDATES. Download and install the current update (instructions included).

Platform Specific Notes:

Windows Users:

If you are updating from SP3X OS v1.02 or older using USB, Windows XP must be used. Follow the instructions located in Chpt 6 of the SP3X Musician’s Guide. Alternatively you can simply use traditional MIDI connections to update your OS. Once updated, Win7, Vista and XP can be used for future updates over USB.

A word about USB Drivers: The SP3X supports “plug n’ play” operation, using Window’s own built-in generic MIDI driver. No proprietary USB MIDI driver is required.

For XP users though, as a convenience, we do offer a Device Installer (available at the same link above) but it is completely optional. The installation of this driver is simply a naming convenience, permitting your host DAW to reference the SP3X by name (“Kurzweil SP3X MIDI”) versus Window’s generic “USB Audio device” driver label. Neither Win7 nor Vista make use of such label drivers as they generate the device name inherently.

Mac OSX Users:

The SP3X supports “plug n’ play” operation. No proprietary USB MIDI driver is required.

Question:
I am having difficulties getting my Windows PC running Vista/Win7/8 to output MIDI to my Kurzweil via USB. Do I need to install a driver?

Answer:

No. The current line of Kurzweil products have a standard class-compliant USB-MIDI implementation. They do not require the installation of any additional drivers.

Some background to be aware of:

Microsoft has been steadily REMOVING MIDI FEATURES from Windows since Vista. In Windows XP, Microsoft provided a MIDI Mapper control panel which allowed end users to select a MIDI output device. Since Vista this has not been available. As such, certain apps (like Windows Media Player – WMP) can no longer play MIDI songs triggering external MIDI devices because WMP is only routed to the internal Microsoft GS Synthesizer.

This means the MIDI app you choose to use must natively offer its own built-in MIDI mapping abilities OR you could possibly install a 3rd party MIDI mapper whose purpose is to replace the MIDI routing abilities removed from Windows. Fortunately,
these days, most commercial MIDI software products for PC, such as Cubase or Cakewalk, have a configuration screen which includes the MIDI device mapping necessary to route to an external MIDI device.

DOWNLOADS

User Manuals

SP3 Series Musician’s Guide – 7.10 MB
Owner’s Manual
2008-11-11

OS Updates

SP3X v1.05 OS Update – 841 KB
(Installation instructions and a revision history are included within the download.)
2010-12-16

SP3X Device Installer

SP3X Device Installer (No Longer Available)
Please read “Device Installer (XP USB Driver)” above in the FAQ/Troubleshooting section for details.
2008-11-11

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