Kurzweil K2500

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The K2500 is another evolution of the amazing Kurzweil Sampler - Synthesizer - Workstations. Using their excellent V.A.S.T. synthesis and a professional Sampler option (S models) and Sequencer this is truly an elegant synthesizer with a full keyboard of 76 semi-weighted keys (88 full-weighted piano style keys on the K2500X), 8 real-time sliders, 2 ribbon controllers, pitch and mod wheels and total MIDI controllability. The amazing sounds are contained on 8MB (up to 28MB) of sample ROM, expandable to 28MB using optional sound ROM boards! State-of-the-art sampling is also available on the K2500S and K2500XS with an astonishing 64MB of RAM standard! And that's expandable to 128MB! A 32 track interactive song arranger is also on-board allowing you to create various and complex sequences and songs which can be triggered from a variety of sources. This sequencer is no slacker with pattern, linear, and step recording, cut, copy, paste, advanced groove quantizing, event list editing and other powerful editing tools with up to 16 songs and 16 arrangement tracks. Add stereo outs, eight individual outs, dual SCSI ports, digital I/O and you've got yourself a professional 'Production Studio'.

As a synthesizer, the K2500 is likely one of the most professional and superior instruments available. Very programmable, flexible and excellent sounding as you would expect from Kurzweil, following the amazing K2000 synths. The V.A.S.T. variable architecture synthesis has 60 DSP functions, 438 preset programs (238 ROM, 200 RAM) and is capable of amazingly realistic acoustic instruments and a diverse range of analog synth sounds and other unique sounds complete with multi-effects and real-time MIDI control.

Kurzweil K2500 Image

The K2500S model adds a Sampling option with Extensive Sample Processing and a hi-tech real-time Live Mode V.A.S.T. and K.D.F.X. processing of external analog or digital signals, capable of interfacing with ADAT, TDIF and AES/EBU and receiving up to 8 digital channels at once via the DMTi (Digital MultiTrack Interface). Any of the synths parameters can be used to tweak the external audio signal in real-time and with 20-bit digital output! The K.D.F.X. option offers superb digital 4-stereo-bus multi-effects comparable to any modern rack-mount effects unit. The sampler has analog and digital I/O (AES-EBU, optional S/PDIF) and is capable of sampling while you play.


Of course the sampler offers all the advanced editing functions you'd expect from any professional quality sampler. DSP functions include time compression/expansion, pitch shifting, re-sampling, pasting samples on a beats per minute time line (Mix Beat), volume ramps, mix sample and many other functions.The DMTi option allows for data format and sample rate conversion directly with the Alesis ADAT and Tascam DA-88 machines. And the K2500 features Flash ROM upgradeability via diskettes and SCSI.

Kurzweil K2500 Image

The K2500 Audio Elite System (AES, pictured above) is a Rolls Royce version of the K2500 masterpiece. It comes with every single option available to the K2500 and is fully expanded with ROM and RAM to the max! It also includes extra peripherals such as 2 DMTIs and a CD-ROM drive. And finally it has the most elegant and classiest look of any synthesizer ever! This is truly the World's most powerful and amazing Synthesizer ever...it list's for $19,995.00! The K2600 series is virtually identical to the K2500. With all the same and compatible options and features, the K2600 adds increased preset V.A.S.T wave memory with a standard 12MB expandable to 44MB as opposed to the K2500's 8MB expandable to 28MB. The K2600 series also dawns a sportier looking purple and black color-scheme. The K2500 has been used by Pink Floyd, Nine Inch Nails and ATB.

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Demos & Media

Kurzweil K2500 base (No Roms-Kdfx) Demostration Part 1 by S4K (Jordan Rudess Style)
by
Space4Keys
ManualDownload the original owner's manual from SoundProgramming.net.

Specifications

Polyphony - 48 voices (or 24 stereo)
Oscillators - V.A.S.T. variable architecture synthesis with 60 DSP functions, 8 MB (expandable to 28 MB) Internal ROM sounds
Sampler - Up to 128 MB of Sample RAM
Sequencer - 32 Track sequencer, 16 songs, 16 arrangement tracks
Effects - Optional KDFX Reverbs and effects with Digital I/O
Keyboard - 76 note semi-weighted or 88 note weighted action keyboard (all with velocity and aftertouch)
Memory - 238 Presets in ROM, 200 User in RAM
Control - MIDI, Dual SCSI Ports
Date Produced - 1996

Resources