Kurzweil K2600

A professional-grade synthesizer and workstation from Kurzweil Music Systems, part of the K2xxx series.

Overview

The Kurzweil K2600 is a synthesizer/sampler workstation made by Kurzweil Music Systems and . It belongs to the K2xxx series and is a more powerful descendant of the K2000. Kurzweil's professional workstations began with the K2000 in 1992. The K2600 improved on earlier models like the K2500 by adding a new effects engine called KDFX. The sound engine architecture did not change in any significant way. It uses Kurzweil's proprietary VAST (Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology) engine and is DSP-based. Through its K:Works 'LE' software environment, the unit supports "Original Kurzweil K2xxx ROM and FARM programs". Variants include the K2600X, K2600R, and K2600S, and the 'S' model has a sampling option. A rare rack-mount version, the K26r (or K2600R), was also produced.

Specifications

Product type	synthesizer/sampler workstation
Manufacturer	Kurzweil Music Systems
Release year
Polyphony	48 voices
Keyboard
Dimensions	Width: 1214 mm (47.80 in), Depth: 451 mm (17.80 in), Height: 122 mm (4.80 in)
Sound engine	VAST
Effects engine	KDFX
Algorithms	127 algorithm
Variant	Analog & Digital - 'LE' (K26ADBLE)

Design

The K2600 is a DSP-based synthesizer built on Kurzweil's proprietary VAST engine. It stays in line with the K2000 and K2500 series and adds the enhanced KDFX effects engine. Its K:Works 'LE' environment supports ROM and FARM programs from the broader K2xxx line.

Context

The K2600 continues the line of Kurzweil professional workstations that began with the K2000 in 1992. It was positioned as an upgraded K2000/2500 series machine, with better effects processing from KDFX and the same core VAST architecture. It was part of a family that included the K2600X, K2600R, and K2600S, and the last of those has a sampling option. A rare AES Audio Elite System variant existed, and only seven units were ever made.

Market

Used K2600 units turn up on the secondary market. Prices run from about $843.71 to $1,700 for units in excellent condition. The AES Audio Elite System variant is exceptionally rare, with only seven known units.