Kurzweil's SP4-8 is the modern successor to the best selling SP88/X, which famously combined world-class Kurzweil sound quality with previously unheard of affordability and portability. The updated SP4-8 also makes available the same sound set featured in the hugely successful PC3 line of professional keyboards, in an instrument that is slim, lightweight and extremely easy to use. Once set up the SP4-8 leaves the smallest possible footprint, which means that you, not your keyboard, will be in the spotlight. With a user interface that's intelligently designed to make things as easy for you as possible, the SP4-8 provides the features that are most important, right where you'd want them. Create splits and layers with the touch of a button (up to 4 zones); select presets and setups from easy to access category and program buttons; quickly adjust effects parameters; everything is laid out so that you can be up and running and making music right out of the box. While the SP4-8 is the most affordable keyboard that Kurzweil currently offers, no compromises were made, no corners were cut, when it comes to its sounds. Featuring 128 hand-picked programs taken directly from Kurzweil's acclaimed PC3 line, the SP4-8 delivers the best of the best in every category of sound, with the famous Triple Strike Grand Piano, classic electric pianos and lush strings and orchestral instruments, along with top notch basses, guitars, winds, brass, percussion and drums. Kurzweil even included some of their signature KB3 organs, with all KB3 parameters accessible via external MIDI control. Furthering the sonic pallet, the SP4 can also load programs created on the Kurzweil PC3 and PC3LE series keyboards (within the limits of the SP4's DSP resources); additional sounds will also be available for download on the Kurzweil website. Its 16-part multitimbral architecture makes the SP4-8 a powerful tool for writing and recording music in conjunction with an external sequencer or Desktop Audio Workstation. The SP4-8 also features dozens of the PC3's professional quality effect chains. Everything from flawless concert hall reverbs and crisp delays to powerful distortion and amp simulation effects add another layer of depth and realism that can only be found in a Kurzweil. The most relevant effects parameters have been mapped to the SP's Timbre knob, so you can customize your sound without having to dive into menus or manuals.