Kurzweil K2000S

A 61-note synthesizer and sampler all-in-one with V.A.S.T. synthesis, built-in sampling, and 32-track sequencing

Overview

The Kurzweil K2000S is the base K2000 with a built-in sampler added. The keyboard has 61 notes and responds to velocity and aftertouch. There are pitch and mod wheels, and the front panel is laid out in an organized way. It is praised for its playability and build quality. You can work with synthesis or sampling, and there is plenty of connectivity for external storage and digital audio I/O.

Specifications

Product type	Synthesizer and sampler all-in-one
Synthesis	V.A.S.T. (Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology)
Internal processing	32-bit with 18-bit DACs
Sound-shaping algorithms	31
Keyboard	61-note velocity & aftertouch sensitive
Controls	Pitch and mod wheels
Sampler RAM	2MB standard, expandable to 64MB
Sampling inputs	Analog or digital (AES/EBU, S/PDIF)
Sampling capability	Stereo or mono, 16-bit
ROM	8MB of multi-samples
Storage	Built-in 3.5" disk drive, SCSI port for external drives or internal hard disk
Effects	Stereo multi-effects with up to four simultaneous effects (reverb, chorus, delay, multi-tap delay, flange, rotary simulation, and more)
Audio outputs	Up to six polyphonic outputs
Sequencer	32-track, 768 ppq resolution, nondestructive track editing, groove quantizing
Sequencer capacity	Expandable from 30,000 to 190,000 events
Operating system	Upgradeable

Design

The K2000S uses V.A.S.T. synthesis with 32-bit internal processing and 18-bit DACs. It supports 31 sound-shaping algorithms, including resonant filters, EQs, amplitude modulation, waveshaping, LFOs, and oscillator mixing. The stereo multi-effects engine runs four effects at once. The sequencer has 32 tracks at 768 ppq resolution. The sampler is a full 16-bit design with analog/digital I/O and SCSI. The front panel has a built-in 3.5" disk drive and dedicated controls, and the pitch and mod wheels are high quality.

Context

The K2000S is a K2000 with added sampling. The K2000rs is the rack-mount version of the K2000S. Upgrades include the Orchestral Expansion Board (8 Mb) and the Contemporary Expansion Board (8 Mb). The K2000 series has been used by Robert Miles, Pink Floyd, Jean Michel Jarre, Depeche Mode, Tori Amos, Stevie Wonder, and Nine Inch Nails, across electronic, rock, and ambient work.

Market

The K2000S has been seen for sale at around 300 (currency unspecified, likely Euros). No comprehensive market data or common failure patterns are documented.