The K3 uses the same technologies as the popular K1. Although it was among the first from Kawai, it is surpassed by the K1 and K5. The K3 is a wavetable synthesizer. 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 high 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. The K3M is a rackmount module version of the K3. The K3 has been used by Jan Hammer and Patrick O'Hearn.

Wyatt

November 10, 2011 @ 7:01 pm

Hey would this be a good first synth? I am thinking about buying it used on craigslist, but what other software/plugins do I need? Or can I just plug it into a wall and play music? Sorry I am new to the world of synths and it probably sounds like I haven't a clue what I'm talking about. Hahaha. Any insight would help out a ton

Lorentz

October 25, 2011 @ 7:30 pm

K3m here, bought one to get the "DWGS" type sounds, and for the simple additive function. Side by side with a JX8P, hard to tell the difference, side by side with a Korg DW, hard to tell any difference, except you have double the wave memory. Easy to program, every parameter has a hard wired button. Nice chorus effect as well, 7 settings. Sonically, very 80's analog, which is a good thing. It's PPG-ish, ESQ-ish, JX-ish and totally DW if you have to categorize it.

calyx93

September 24, 2011 @ 4:34 pm

Really a very underrated machine. If you like the PPG Wave/Waldorf wavetable-based synths, this sounds very close to them, only not nearly as complex, bright or able to scan through a wavetable. Trust me, I have two PPG Waves too ;) In fact, about four or five of the waveforms are taken from the PPG's wavetables and it uses the exact same filters. The only downside is the rather mushy attack on the envelopes - a beautiful chorus makes up for that somewhat.

The user definable/additive waveform is a nice touch too - if one has the patience to use it. A really good deal - find one and see.

Johannes

May 31, 2011 @ 8:00 pm

You can really get some solid analog sounds on these boards.. Particularly if you stick with simple sawtooth waveforms. Good synth for fx and pads + strings and brass. Not so great for bass though, and the stock presets.. Forget them!!! Easy to program, fun to play and for what these are currently selling for right now, a total steal!! Very nice low pass analog filter = WARM!

bill

April 13, 2011 @ 10:47 pm

please stop pissing and moaning about analog hype. its what people want and like.
the k3 is still in my set up today. it can take me into lots of different territory and despite its look alike nature this synth sounds nothing like a jx8p. you can get some pretty good fm ish kinds of sounds from it but honestly this board is extremely analog sounding. i have read some people saying this synth is no good for bass. really it is in fact its excellent all the way around. a couple complaints would be the lack of a mod wheel and perhaps the mylar interface. its a amazing synth for not to much $$

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