Introduced today by Kurzweil Music Systems is the PC3LE6 ($1,495 MSRP) performance controller, the first of the PC3LE product line. This new line of controllers includes the sound set from the PC3, as well as the PC3's notable features like Setup mode, Song mode, and Quick Access mode. Kurzweil has made navigation much easier by updating the controller's layout with a set of Category buttons for easy viewing and selecting of programs.

According to Kurzweil, the PC3LE6 was designed with interactivity in mind; like the PC3, the LE version's INFO key lets you see which controllers have been assigned to parameters within a program. Whenever you move a real-time controller, the user interface will conveniently display the controller, its real-time value, and the parameter being affected.

The PC3LE6 performance controller features 61 semiweighted action keys with Velocity- and Aftertouch-sensitive keys; 8 backlit impact-sensitive drum pads; and 16 independent arpeggiators. Powered by the V.A.S.T. synthesis engine, the PC3LE6 comes equipped with over 700 effects chains, all with real-time controllers already assigned to relevant parameters. Up to 64 voices of polyphony and up to 10 available insert effects are possible. What's more, the controller includes 24-bit D / A converters, a 240 x 64 backlit LCD with dedicated back panel contrast control, and USB thumb-drive storage, MIDI I/O and Thru, stereo balanced analog outputs, and 24-bit stereo S/PDIF digital output at 48 kHz.

The eight drum pads can be used to trigger sounds, sequences, chords, and arpeggiations. Every program has a drum kit assigned to the pads, for quick access to rhythm tracks. And on top of the existing drum kits from the PC3, the LE adds 100 new drum programs with acoustic brush kits, rock kits, and techno / electronic kits, among others.

All of the original PC3 sounds are included, such as the Kurzweil grand piano, vintage electric pianos, Clavinets and Mellotrons, the Orchestral and Strings collections, VA virtual analog synths, KB3 organs, basses, drums, guitars, percussion, horns, and General MIDI. Add to that 200 new programs developed specifically for the LE, and you get more than 1,050 programs in all.

The PC3LE6 will begin shipping in December of 2009. Look for the 76-note (PC3LE7) and 88-note (PC3LE8) versions to be released in the near future.