Kurzweil K2000 is a DSP based, 31 algorithm synthesizer/sampler workstation introduced in 1991. Kurzweil is a product line of Korean Young Chang Co., Ltd.

Synthesis:

The synthesis, this instrument uses, is called V.A.S.T., which stands for Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology. It is a unique system of pre-defined algorithms with a number of variables, individually editable DSP functions and digital oscillators, combined with the internal or external PCM samples.

There are 8 MB of internal Basic ROM + up to 2 sample ROM blocks (8 MB Orchestral board and 8 MB Contemporary board) + max 64 MB of sample RAM. ROM boards contain internal PCM samples and factory presets.

With optional SMP-K/R sampling board installed, K2000 works as a full sampler (SMP-K/R adds analog and digital sample inputs). Without SMP-K/R installed the instrument works as a fully functioning sample player.

The RAM sample can be fully edited using the following functions: Sample Start, Attack, End, Cut/Copy/Paste; loop forward, backward, bi-directional looping and loop bypass; truncate, fade in, fade out, reverse; cross-fade looping with selectable curves and many other. Some of the above mentioned functions can be used with ROM samples as well.

Sample edit window		Sample edit window – Loop points locators

Sample edit window – Sample parameters		Sample edit window – Keymap

Sample edit window (in order to obtain a clearer image resolution for this document, all display images shown are of K2500R. All the presented functions are the same for the K2000 instruments)

PCM samples or digital oscillators (digitally generated waveforms like sine, sine+ LF sine, saw, saw+, LF saw, square, square+, LF square) can work together within one of the total of 31 DSP algorithms.

Algorithms overview		Variable DSP segment

Algorithm 10 – Digital oscillators example		Edit functions – Soft Keys

As mentioned above, algorithms have variable segments, or in other words, individual DSP units. The algorithms are not rigidly defined as is the case with the Roland JD/JV and XV series but the types of DSP units in an algorithm can be changed. Each DSP is fully editable. K2000 can thus emulate several types of synthesis. This feature makes it really unique among other sample-based instruments.

As could be expected, there are several limitations in DSP combinations. These, however, were resolved with later released and virtually limitless K2600 Triple Mode.

Internal or external samples can be filtered (HPF, LPF, 12db/oct, 24db/oct, BPF, notch, peak, all pass, steep resonance), equalized (several EQ types), mixed with digital oscillators (digitally generated waveforms like sine, sine+, LF sine, saw, saw+, LF saw, square, square+, LF square), distorted and cross modulated.

Other DSPs available are shaper, high freq. stimulator, digital wrap, noise generator, PWM, X-Fade, amplitude modulation, panner, etc.

All individual parameters are fully editable (Hz, cent, dB, sec, msec settings - nothing like usual 1-127).

Algorithm Nr. 1 - 4Pole LPF		Filter cut off frequency page

Filter resonance		Filter separation

There are 3 very fast envelope generators (AMPENV - amplitude envelope / ENV2, ENV3 user definable - 8 segments, looping), ENCTL (envelope control) for dynamic or continuous ADR parameter control, 2 LFOs (generators with many cyclic waveforms and adjustable phase angle between 0 – 270 degrees), 2 ASR envelopes for start and attack of user definable modulation functions, FUN (mathematical functions - formulas full of sin, cos, tg etc. for modulation of individual parameters of DSP algorithms e.g. pitch, filter, amplitude, pan, or direct control of LFO waveforms).

AMPENV – Amplitude envelope		ENV2

ENV3		ENVCTL – Envelope control

LFO		ASR

FUN – FUNctions:-)

The modulation matrix is very complex. "Everything can be modulated by everything" (you can use functions for modulation source control as mixers, negators, invertors, sample and hold, quantization, ramp, shape, etc.).

Each sound program can consist of 32 layers maximum, but there are limitations in older OS versions – 32 layer sound can be played only on one MIDI channel in multitimbral mode intended for drums (since OS 3.54 on 8 channels simultaneously). Internal processing is 32-bit. DA converters are 18-bit.

Program Mode with 3 layers Brite Grand program

Sober multitimbral

K2000 is a 16-channel multitimbral synthesizer with a sophisticated "invisible" multi mode. Each preset or user program in Program Mode can simultaneously work on a different MIDI channel (1-16). This means that no complicated Multi or Performance mode is used for multi-timbral operations. Splits and layers can be programmed and saved as single programs. Individual pan, volume, output pair (Dry, EFX), output gain, can be set for each channel. There are two dedicated buttons on the panel to browse between individual channels/programs.

MIDI Mode - Channel 1		MIDI Mode - Channel 1

However, for those who use the "Performances" and "Multis" the Setups are available as well.

Setups

There are several differences between programs and setups. Program can include several layers but plays only in one Zone on one MIDI channel. Setup enables user to utilize up to three keyboard zones, each of which can have its own MIDI channel, program and control assignments. There can be 100 setups saved in each memory bank.

Setup main page		Setup channel page

Setup keyboard and velocity parameters

Sequencer

The K2500 internal sequencer is one of the best hardware sequencer ever made. It includes 32 fully editable tracks (16 song tracks + 16 arrangements tracks), linear and step recording – cut, copy, paste, quantization, event list editing,

The basic capacity of approx. 30 000 events is expandable up to approx. 190 000. A song is stored in program RAM, which means that it uses your limited internal program memory or expansive optional P-RAM capacity.

Main sequencer window		Sequencer arrange page

Sequencer track edit parameters		MIDI event editor

Effects

The Effect unit is based on a simple Digitech chip and is quite useful and easy to use. It offers fully programmable basic effect algorithms and their combinations (stereo chorus, stereo flange, stereo delay, 4-tap delay, ultimate reverb, room simulator, gated reverb, reverse reverb, parametric EQ, graphic EQ, parametric EQ + delay + mixer, parametric EQ + chorus + mixer, chorus + room + mixer, delay + room + mixer, chorus + hall + mixer, delay + hall + mixer, EQ + gated reverb + mixer, EQ + reverse reverb + mixer, parametric EQ + chorus + delay + mixer, parametric EQ + flange + delay + mixer, chorus + delay + room + mixer, flange + delay + room + mixer, chorus + delay + hall + mixer, flange + delay + hall + mixer, EQ + chorus + 4-tap delay + mixer, EQ + flange + 4-tap delay + mixer).

Since the K2000 is a really powerful synthesizer it is not necessary to add extra "charm" to its sound with reverb and chorus as is the case with some cheap mass produced instruments. The dry sound is rich enough. There are two effect buses available (dry and wet). Unfortunately, it is not possible to set the send level for individual channels in multitimbral mode.

Microtonal tuning

There are 17 pre-programmed intonation tables. All of them are freely user editable.

Microtonal table

Polyphony

The polyphony is 24 voices (together with a maximum of 96 oscillators - 24 sample playback and 72 synthesizer waveforms). The low polyphony is not a limiting factor due to the special voice allocation system patented for K250. This system analyses the most frequently used sounds in multitimbral mode and so the "voice stealing" effect is nowhere near as obvious as with other synthesizers. Of course with a three-layer pad, 24 voices will be consumed easily. But to layer programs for "fat" sound is not necessary.

Polyphony monitor

"Gameboy" inside :)

A tired programmer can play the computer game called "Pong" on the K2000 display.

Pong Game

To play Pong press the "Master" button, then select Utility and press the second function button under the display from the right hand side (or fifth from left hand side) – it is the blank position on the display, then press the setup button and here we go! (Max Score of 168 pongs was achieved by a "tired" Art of Sound programmer.)

Kurzweil K2000 OS Update Version 3.18 Calvin	Kurzweil K2000 OS Update Version 3.18 Janis+	Kurzweil K2000 OS VP 3 Setup Version 3.5 J

Memory and expansion boards

Basic sample ROM: The basic 8 MB of ROM is expandable to 24 MB with the Contemporary (rock, pop, ethnic) and Orchestral ROM boards (the Orchestral ROM board contains a unique collection of orchestral sounds. If you are in film scoring it provides the ultimate solution). Optional RMBK daughterboard is required for the installation of the ROM boards. It is also necessary to replace chips on the motherboard when these boards are installed. For this reason, great care must be taken when buying second hand expansion modules.

Program ROM: There are 200 presets/50 setups in the basic ROM, the optional Contemporary ROM board includes 100 presets/50 Setups and the Orchestral board includes 100 presets/50 Setups. The ROM presets can be overwritten with new user programs at any time.

	Program RAM (P-RAM)

Program RAM: K2000 comes with 116 kB of internal Program RAM, which is expandable to 760 kB. P-RAM modules are available but for an unbelievable price. It is probably the most expensive memory in the known part of the Universe :-). The Program memory is addressed untraditionally for a synthesizer. The addressing is done much like in a sampler. The sounds consist of objects (edited ROM samples, keymaps, sound programs - the sound patches and user DSP settings). Each object has certain size in bytes. Generally the more complicated the sound is the more memory it occupies. Installation of optional P-RAM requires soldering.

Sample RAM: 0 – 64 MB (30-pin SIMM) Max. 19 min with 64 MB RAM – 4x 30-pin SIMM modules each 16 MB).

The optional sampling SMP-K/R interface can be installed to add 18-bit DAC (analog IN, AES/EBU a SPDIF digital IN/OUT) 29.4/32/44.1/48 kHz analog sampling rates

SMP-R		SMP-K

Physical appearance

Keyboard: Velocity and pressure sensitive, 3 MIDI zones. Very comfortable, suitable for fast staccatos and arpeggios. Pitch-bend, modulation wheel and slider + 2 pedal switches + a foot controller.

Display: 240 x 64 backlit green, graphical LCD, easily readable.

Outputs: Keyboard: 4 Audio Out + 2 Mix Out, Rack: 8 Audio Out + 2 Mix Out (18-bit DACS) (standard without sample board). The separate outputs can be used as insert points, allowing external effects to be used and returned to the master stereo output pair.

Data terminals: MIDI IN/OUT/THRU, 25-pin SCSI (+ internal SCSI connector for HDD).

Compatibility: MS-DOS (floppy disks 3,5" FDD is built in, hard drives, ZIP, CD-ROM) Akai S-700, S-900, S-950, S-1000, S-1100, S-3000, Ensoniq EPS a ASR, Roland S-7xx series, PC Wav, Mac Aiff, reads and writes SMF 0, writes SMF 1 (not all OS versions support all formats).

SCSI devices: external HDD, ZIP, CD-ROM, JAZ, internal HDD (the maximum capacity depends on the OS version).

Dimensions: keyboard - 10.5/104/34.1 cm, weight 11.8 kg, rack - 13/43/35.4 cm, 10 kg.

Price: K-2000 keyboard version sells for approx. $ 3,500 (sample board $ 800, P-RAM $ 500, Sample ROM $ 400). The second hand market prices are typically a lot lower (for current second hand prices visit http://www.prepal.com).

Sounds never before imaginable

The instruments has a unique "fat" sound and is excellent in multitimbral settings. It is not necessary to "sweeten" the sound up with reverbs. The rich editing functions offer immense sound possibilities for analog emulations. The instrument offers superb acoustic sounds, excellent pads, as well as aggressive non-harmonic digital colors. K2000 is suitable for all music styles and is excellent for electronic and techno music. This instrument can easily outperform VA synthesizers which were produced a whole decade later. To evaluate the instrument's capability, please listen to our K:Works Modern Synth demo here, and K:Works Gold demo here.

Models available

Famous users

Pink Floyd, Jean Michael Jarre, Depeche Mode, Hardfloor, Tori Amos, Duran Duran, Nitzer Ebb, Front Line Assembly, KMFDM, LTJ Bukem, Nine Inch Nails, Tangerine Dream, Laurent Garnier and many others

Plus

• Excellent sound
• Programmability (beginner could be afraid of the parameters quantity, but the OS is well arranged and logically structured
• Multitimbral - easy and quick operation - no complicated performance or multi sounds settings
• Program list (besides the active sound program there are other 5 neighbouring sounds displayed for better orientation, which is an excellent idea
• Keyboard (one of the best unweighted synthesizer keyboards)
• OS upgrades (EPROM)
• MS-DOS compatibility
• CD-ROM compatibility (Akai, Ensoniq, Roland, MS Windows Wav, Mac Aiff )
• Upward compatibility with the K2500, K2600 models. Most of the sounds can be used downward as well (the newest OS 3.87 can read and translate the K2500 programs). For OS under 3.87 see a handy utility at http://kurzfiler.sourceforge.net/
• Expandability (RAM, ROM, Sample Option etc.)
• Large graphical 64x240 LCD (for easy sample editing, envelopes etc.)
• Design – the original black version is still one of the top synth designs ever made. Unfortunately, the latest VP version offers kitsch and "trendy" CS1x like blue color, which totally lacks the charm of the black original

Minus

• Expansion module prices (especially the P-RAM price, which is sky high)
• There are two motherboards available. Older "Calvin" and newer "Janis". Each motherboard requires its own OS chips
• No MIDI OS firmware upgrade – it is necessary to replace the chips. New replacement OS chips were quite expensive

• 	FAN Kit FK1

  Overheating problems especially on the older "Calvin machines"
• The SMP-K/R and P-RAM boards installation requires soldering
• The ROM board upgrade is complicated
• Sample RAM use 30-pin SIMM modules (16 MB ones are not often available, but the 4 MB ones are nearly free in every second hand computer shop - not all brands are compatible - especially the no-name ones (Same problems as with the E-mu ESI32, e64 and other older samplers)
• SCSI drives incompatibility - some HDD and CD-ROM (all NEC, some Sony drives, etc. Toshiba CDROMs are recommended. A complete list of compatible devices can be found at www.k2users.org/k2/k_main.htm) The higher OS version the better the compatibility provided.
• The LCD backlight is weak
• Lack of controllers (1 slider + pedal is not enough) - 8 sliders, as on later K2500 would be fine
• No arpeggiator

Web resources

http://www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com/ - Kurzweil company web page
http://www.k2users.org/k2/k_main.htm - essential web page for all K2xxx users

Original Kurzweil product brochures

K2000 "sonic chameleon" product brochure from 1991 in English.

K2000 original product brochure from 1994 in English. Nice pictures of P-RAM and Sampling options.

K2000 v.3.0 product brochure from 1995 in English. Contemporary and Orchestral boards in German.

K-2000VP product brochure from 1998. Bi-lingual English/German version for European market.
The picture inside is original black not VP version :-)

All presented brochures are copyright of Young Chang Akki Europe GmbH. or Young Chang Co., Ltd.