PC4 File Compatibility

Question:
What programs/multis/setups from other Kurzweil instruments can I load in my PC4?

Answer:
The PC4 can load content from the following Kurzweil instruments and file types:

Loading Compatible Object File Types

Aside from loading objects from its own .PC4 files, the PC4 can load sounds and objects from other instruments.

When loading file types other than .PC4, the PC4 will attempt a conversion of the objects in those files. The PC4 can often exactly match the sound and function of the original objects. In some cases object parameters may not be converted and must be adjusted by the user after conversion.

Loading K2700 (.K27) and Forte (.FOR) Object Files

Some K2700 and Forte Programs may not be compatible if they use keymaps and samples that are not available on the PC4. It may be possible to import and edit these Programs on the PC4 and select PC4 keymaps that sound very similar to the incompatible Forte keymaps. For example, the PC4 does not have the same Japanese Grand Piano keymaps and samples that the Forte has, but it does have similar keymaps that use a reduced set of the Forte Japanese Grand Piano samples.

Loading Legacy Program/Keymap/Sample Object Files

When loading objects from .P3A, .P3K, .PC3, .PLE, .SPX, .K26, .K25, or .KRZ files, some parameters may need to be edited after loading.

Program Parameter info names and some controller assignments may need to be edited after loading.

A small number of Keymaps that use Samples with very short loops (such as oscillator wave Samples) may playback inconsistently. In this case, the problem can often be fixed by editing the Program to select a similar oscillator wave Keymap.

Some Programs and Samples that use reverse Sample playback may sound slightly different, and may benefit from Keymap or Sample loop editing after loading.

Some legacy K2 series factory Keymaps/Samples (such as oscillator wave Samples) will be remapped to use PC4 keymaps and samples, and will often sound very close or the same as on the original instrument. Some legacy K2 series factory keymaps/samples can not be remapped and may need to be replaced manually by editing the Program and selecting a different factory Keymap.

Loading Legacy K2 Series Object Files (K26, .K25, .KRZ)

When loading objects from K26, .K25, or .KRZ files, objects are converted to PC4 object types. Some object parameters cannot be converted and must be edited after loading.

All K2 series Keymap objects can be loaded, some parameters will be converted to PC4 specific parameters.

Most K2 series Program objects can be loaded. FX cannot be converted and must be edited after loading. Parameter info names and some controller assignments may need to be edited after loading. See the section above for more details on loading legacy Keymaps and Samples.

The Program Editor Keymap page sample skipping parameter (SmpSkp) cannot be loaded, so Samples can only be transposed upward by one octave. Programs and Keymaps may need to be edited to compensate for this.

A small number of DSP algorithms and functions (some filters, oscillators, etc.) cannot be loaded, so Program layers may need to be edited to compensate for this.

KB3 programs created with a K2500 or K2600 cannot be loaded, however the PC4 contains a variety of KB3 programs which can easily be modified and edited.

Triple Mode programs created with the K2600 cannot be loaded, however the PC4 improves upon this feature with Cascade Mode. Cascade Mode allows a program signal to be routed through up to 32 layers of DSP algorithms (for details see “Alt Input” on page 3-55 of the Musician’s Guide).

All K series Setup objects can be loaded and converted to Multis. FX cannot be converted and must be edited after loading.

Loading FM Preset Files (.SYX)

The PC4 can load .SYX files containing FM programs from classic 6 operator FM synthesizers. Imported FM programs can be edited in Program Mode and combined with additional layers and VAST synthesis features. For details on editing imported FM programs, see “Editing FM Layers” on page 3-82 of the Musician’s Guide.

Loading Audio Sample Files (.WAV and .AIF)

From the LOAD page, .WAV and .AIF audio Sample files can be loaded and used with user created Keymaps (see “Building a Keymap” on page 5-8 and “Editing Samples” on page 5-10 of the Musician’s Guide). Mono and stereo files can be loaded, 8 or 16 bit, with sample rates up to a maximum of 96000 Hz. Once Samples are loaded to the PC4’s user sample flash memory, Samples remain in the PC4 even when the power is off, until they are manually deleted. Also, once Samples are loaded to the PC4’s user sample flash memory, there is no load time for those user Samples when turning on the PC4.

To load a user audio file, select a .WAV or .AIF file from the LOAD page file list and press the FILL soft button. On the “Fill from ID” page, select an ID then press the FILL soft button again to begin loading samples into unused user IDs.

On the Keymap Editor Main page (see “The Keymap Editor” on page 5-1 of the Musician’s Guide) loaded audio Samples can be selected in the Sample field. In the Sample field, you can find the audio file you loaded by entering 4096 (or whichever ID you filled from) on the alphanumeric keypad and pressing ENTER. If you have previously loaded user Samples, you may have to scroll above 4096 (or whichever ID you filled from) as your Sample will have been loaded into the next available unused ID.

Loading MIDI Song Files (.MID)

MIDI song files (.MID) can be loaded, they appear as Songs in Song Mode. Songs that use the General MIDI sound set are not supported and must be edited after loading to select appropriate instrument Programs for each track.