Kurzweil K2000RS
A rackmount digital sampler synthesizer from the 1990s with advanced preset capabilities and expandable storage.
Overview
The Kurzweil K2000RS is a rackmount sampler synthesizer made by Kurzweil, recognized as a flagship digital synth of its era. It was designed for professional studio and stage use, offering deep sampling functionality and a rich library of presets. While often referenced alongside the K2000 and K2000R models, the K2000RS shares core architecture with these units but includes specific hardware revisions and enhancements. The synth is noted for its distinctive sound character, particularly in the original preset library, which users describe as ethereal and musically expressive—qualities not fully replicated in later models.
Specifications
| K2000 OS version | 3.87 can load K2500 presets |
| File compatibility | Can read and write .wav files with OS 3.87 |
| Storage format | Supports reading and writing in FAT format |
| Preset count | Includes around 1,000 presets, with approximately 200 in ROM and the rest originally provided on floppy disk |
Design
The K2000RS features a modular internal layout with a motherboard, sub board, audio output board, sampling board, and front panel equipped with tact switches. It originally used an EL foil-based LCD display and a 90s-era floppy drive, later upgraded in some units to a CF card via an ACARD SCSI-to-IDE adapter. The system stores its OS on EPROM chips and includes a battery, transformer, mains connector with voltage selector, and a disk drive bay. An internal Digitech FX section contains socketed RAM chips for easy replacement. The original loud internal fan has been replaced in some units with a modern, silent version, and the main audio potentiometer has been replaced in at least one known example.
Context
Known as "the Rolls Royce of digital synths in its time," the K2000RS stood at the top of Kurzweil's lineup, praised for its unique sonic character and high-end build. It was associated with figures like Ray Kurzweil and Hal Chamberlin, and its original patches are considered irreplaceable by some users. Though later models offered updated features, the K2000’s sound retains a dedicated following.
Market
The K2000RS carried an original price equivalent to around $24,000 in today's currency, reflecting its premium market position.
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