via this auction
Click the image for the full size shot.
"The K3 is a wavetable synthesizer [not exactly - it's a digital additive synth with analog filters]. It has 32 waveforms, some of which are samples of acoustic instruments like piano and percussion as well as some unique waveforms. By combining two of these waveforms you can create unique new sounds or add a twist to a traditional sound. Since there are only 32 of these waveforms, the K3 also features a programmable digital waveform where you can tweak the harmonic content of a waveform allowing for added flexibility and range of sounds.
What's really neat about the K3 is that (unlike the K1) it has analog filters and envelopes! So although the sound may be digital at first, it sure does get warmed going through the filter. The low pass resonant filter even has its own envelope generator. There's also a hi pass filter and a highly flexible LFO. The K3 is an interesting synth, nicely bridging the gap between the analog and digital domain of vintage synthesizers.
Here's a video of this synth in action"
Oh yes, the K3. I have the rack version (K3m) - and I love it. Very easy to use, seems very reliable and sturdy, and it has an absolutely wonderful, smooth filter (ssm2044 I beleive). 7 types of chorus, none of them noisy (as on some synths of the same vintage). Strings and pads especially sit well in the mix, and I often use it without any effects other than the built-in chorus. Nothing fancy, not really sexy in any way - but I wouldn't want to miss the sound of it.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
delayscape
Where are you getting that the K3 is additive synthesis?
ReplyDeleteIt quite clearly has 32 waveforms stored in ROM. There is nothing additive about that.
What a lame video
ReplyDeleteI couldn't find the manual for mine, but I'm pretty sure the 32 waveforms are actually additive. You can definitely create your own waveforms by selecting the different partials to use. You can find references in the Sonic State user reviews where the following was pulled:
ReplyDelete"It have the early implementetion of Kawai's additive synthesis with 32 time-fixed amplitud partials (sine waves) to create single-cycle waveforms.You get several of this harmonic configurations in the preset waveforms and a memory space for edit your own additive waveform by adding sine waves of user definable amplitude."
I have a K3 and it's a pretty fun synth. It's digital but very warm.
For the anon person who put their foot in their mouth RTM!!
ReplyDeleteI have had four different K3 or K3m's in my life and i can tell you that there is a way to do additive waveforms.
The structure lets you define One additive waveform with up to 32 partials and them store it on the ram cartridge.
There is 1 additional waveform that does very basic additive synthesis. Nothing like the K5000S, but it's still additive.
ReplyDelete