There have been murmurs of new Kurzweil synths for some time, and now the company has finally revealed its latest V.A.S.T synths in the form of the K2061 and K2088 models. Some are calling this the K20 series, while Kurzweil’s own website lists it in the K2 section underneath the K2700 from 2021. Either way, we have two impressive instruments here.
Unsurprisingly, the K2088 has 88 keys while the K2061 has 61 keys. The larger model features a Fatar TP/40L fully-weighted, hammer action keybed, while the 61 key version has the Fatar TP/9 semi-weighted synth action feel. Both keyboards have velocity and aftertouch.
Kurzweil’s Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology (V.A.S.T) technology is not new, having been evolving for over 30 years. These two synths represent another jump forward in sound processing power.
Each program features 32 customisable layers, huge polyphony, and a range of hands-on creative controls.
There’s 2GB of factory sounds — over 2000 programs and 500 multis — plus up to 4GB total capacity thanks to the FlashPlay system on board. Many of the built in sounds come from the K2000, K2500 and K2600 instruments as well as reedited samples from the K2700, Forte, PC4, PC3 and SP6.
The KB3 ToneReal Organs feature nine realistic drawbars and full control over rotary speed, chorus/vibrato, brake, percussion and more.
There’s a 6-operator FM Engine with the ability to load original FM SysEx files. FM layers can be combined with VAST features for greater creative possibilities.
Kurzweil’s VA1 concept synth raises its head in tech on board these new instruments, with advanced anti-aliasing power-shaped oscillators and DSP.
Built in studio quality effects include reverbs, delays, choruses and more, alongside a 3-band EQ and compression.
As well as simple keyboard splits and layering, Kurzweil’s Multi mode setting offers 16 zones of MIDI control. Controllers include a 3-section ribbon controller and an array of programmable knobs, buttons, sliders, wheels and a host of pedal inputs.
Sixteen fully programmable arpeggiators with dedicated front panel controls, 16 simultaneous MIDI CC step sequencers, and real-time MIDI sequencing, all offer a huge range of possibilities.
Specifications
| Keyboard: | K2061: 61-key, semi-weighted synth action with velocity and pressure (aftertouch) sensitive adjustable keys (Fatar TP/9) K2088: 88-key, fully-weighted, hammer-action with velocity and pressure (aftertouch) sensitive adjustable keys (Fatar TP/40L) |
| Display: | 480 x 272 pixel high resolution color LCD with adjustable brightness |
| Polyphony: | 256 voice polyphony, dynamically allocated |
| Multitimbral: | 16 parts (one per MIDI channel) |
| Architecture: | Dynamic VAST: powerful synthesis engine, with user-programmable DSP algs and routing. Cascade Mode: route one layer through the DSP of any other layer within a program – up to 32 consecutive layers deep! KB3 ToneReel Engine 6-Operator FM Engine VA1 Virtual Analog Oscillators + DSP |
| Sample Flash Memory: | 2 GB factory samples 2 GB of re-loadable, non-volatile, user flash memory |
| Factory Programs: | 2042 |
| User Programs: | 4000 |
| Factory Multis: | 587 (up to 16 independent controller zones) |
| User Multis: | 4000 |
| General MIDI: | No |
| Kurzweil String Resonance: | Yes |
| Master EQ/Compressor: | Yes |
| Effects: | Over 1000 complex effect chains, incorporated into programs featuring our award winning effects – reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, phaser, EQs, distortions, rotary speaker simulators, compressors, and more 32 total FX units |
| Controllers: | Monopressure (aftertouch) 1 pitch wheel 1 assignable modulation wheel 1 assignable ribbon controller 9 assignable sliders 9 assignable knobs 10 assignable buttons 2 transpose switches Tap tempo button and tempo knob Arp controls Transport controls *2 switch pedal inputs each supporting single/dual switch pedal or single half damper pedal (1 switch/sustain pedal is included; half-damper pedals sold separately) 2 continuous control pedal inputs |
| Sequencer: | 16 Tracks; 960 PPQ resolution. Song editing functions include both event and track-based tools like quantize, swing, remap, controller scaling and more. |
| MIDI CC Step Sequencers: | 16 simultaneous |
| Riffs: | 16-per Multi |
| Arpeggiators: | 1-per Program, 16-per Multi |
| System Sample Rate: | 48kHz |
| Analog Outputs: | Four (2 pairs) 1/4? balanced TRS analog (32-bit DACs) Automatic mono switching on main outs +21dBu maximum output 50? balanced source impedance |
| Audio Inputs: | Two 1/4” jacks (one stereo pair) accepting Line/Instrument level signals. Dedicated Gain knobs, Hi-Z switch for electric guitar/bass, and +48V Phantom Power switch for Microphones. |
| Headphones: | 1 back panel 1/4? headphone output 130mW into 32 ohm headphones |
| MIDI: | In, Out |
| USB: | Complete MIDI functionality over USB User Object file transfer to/from USB Flash Drive Operating System updates from USB Flash Drive |
| Software Editors: | External editors for Mac OS X, Windows PC and iPad* (*coming soon) |
| FREE OS Updates: | OS updates via USB drive |
| Included Accessories: | Power cable, switch pedal, USB cable |
| Height: | K2061: 4.5” (11.5 cm) K2088: 5.1″ (13.0 cm) |
| Depth: | K2061: 14.2” (36 cm) K2088: 15.5″ (39.5 cm) |
| Length: | K2061: 38.3” (98.5 cm) K2088: 51″ (129.5cm) |
| Weight: | K2061: 26.3 lb (11.92 kg) K2088: 49.3 lb (22.38 kg) |
| Power: | Internal power supply |
Exact pricing and availability to be confirmed.
