Kurzweil K2661 61 Key Synth Action Keyboard

KURZWEIL K2661 Details ^top

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The Evolution of Sound Continues

Professionals around the world use Kurzweil instruments for all their production needs. From film studios and composers to the U.S. Government, Kurzweil delivers the quality and award-winning audio that is required only by the best.

Continuing this time honored tradition, Kurzweil is proud to offer our newest model, the K2661. Fully compatible with all Kurzweil K2x00 models, professionals can continue their work without interruption, always confident that archived work will be compatible.

Kurzweil's world-renowned V.A.S.T. architecture, enhanced with Triple Modular Processing, provides 127 algorithms to shape your sounds. In addition, the KDFX effects processors provide 5 stereo bus effects with 24 bit processing. The K2661 is a complete workstation, allowing the user to work from concept to completion without changing stations.

Non-Obsolence

Kurzweil is known worldwide for our quality instruments that are being constantly upgraded, not outdated. All K2000, K2500, and K2600 Series libraries are forward compatible with the K2661. This is how Kurzweil was able to build the largest sound library in the world. In addition, Kurzweil reads other major formats directly into the system for use with its V.A.S.T. architecture. New operating systems and options are always being created, expanding an artist's power while preserving his investment in time and programming.

V.A.S.T.

Kurzweil's award-winning Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology (V.A.S.T.) is a state-of-the-art synthesis system, giving an artist powerful expression currently unavailable from any other brand. V.A.S.T. can accurately model or emulate many synthesis processes offered by the competition, past or present. In addition, V.A.S.T. has many processes not available anywhere else. A simple comparison will prove the K2661 is the clear choice for any sound professional.

Ask & Receive

The K2661 also includes new features that K2600 players around the world have asked for. New features for the K2661 include ADAT optical output for 8 channels of 24-bit digital output and a SmartMedia slot for convenient storage and upgrades. The K2661 includes all of the standard ROM sounds from the K2600, plus the Orchestral ROM block and Contemporary ROM block. In addition, a General MIDI 1 sound set is provided for convenient authoring of MIDI files for the World Wide Web.

The Features You Want

• 61 note unweighted synth-style action with monophonic aftertouch
  
• True 48 voice polyphony with 192 oscillators
  
• Fluorescent 64 x 240 backlit LCD display
  
• Up to 128 MB of sample memory
  
• Flash memory for OS and ROM storage (allows software updates via SmartMedia, MIDI and SCSI)
  
• Full MIDI controller capabilities including eight sliders, optional ribbon controller, footswitches, pedals and breath controllers, all assignable
  
• V.A.S.T. Variable Architecture Synthesis
• Technology with 60 DSP functions.
  
• Triple Modular Processing offers 126 sound shaping algorithms for per-voice processing
  
• Extensive sample-processing capabilities
  
• Over 450 programs provided
  
• 32 track sequencer with full editing
  
• 16 MIDI channels, each can be a 32 layer program
  
• Sampling option with analog and digital inputs and sample-while-play capability
  
• Up to 48MB on board ROM sounds, including Kurzweil's acclaimed Stereo Grand Piano
  
• Powerful KDFX 5 stereo bus, 24-bit digital effects
  Optical digital ports, selectable as ADAT Lightpipe or S/P-DIF for up to 8 channels of 24-bit digital I/O/
  
• KB-3 Organ Mode provides powerful tone wheel organ synth models
  
• Live Mode, real-time processing of live inputs
  
• Balanced analog audio outputs
  
• Stereo headphone output

KB-3

The KB-3 Organ Mode accurately models a Tone Wheel Organ. The sliders and mod wheel are used as the drawbars for real-time control. This revolutionary synthesis modeling tool gives the user the power to blend harmonics in real-time to create and control unique new timbres. Full polyphony is always maintained, with a single-voice containing 9 harmonics that may be blended, controlled and/or recorded in real-time.

Sequencer

The K2661's full-function 32-track sequencer is equipped with many features found only on the most sophisticated software-based sequencers. With a maximum internal resolution of 768 ppq, sequencer functions include: Linear, Pattern and Step (Drum Machine), Record Modes, Reference Quantize, Event Edit List, Cut, Copy, Paste facilities, Advanced Auto Arranger functions (allows sequences to be triggered from keys with velocity sensitivity and transposition), grab (imports tracks from other sequences) and more. Reference Quantize allows the user to quantize to a groove track, and to quantize tracks not previously recorded with a click. The Event Edit List, with view filters and audible scroll, enables precise, computer-style editing. If the user already created work on a computer sequencer, or wants to use a computer for additional development, the K2661 can import and export either Type 1 or Type 0 MIDI files on DOS format media. The K2661 sequencer is the most sophisticated sequencer of its kind available.

MIDI Control

The K2661 is a complete MIDI controller. The front panel also has eight independently assignable sliders, useful as MIDI sliders, for sequencer mixdown, or as organ drawbars in the KB-3 Mode. Two buttons above the pitch and mod wheels are completely programmable. The optional 600mm ribbon controller is programmable in three distinct zones or one long zone. Additional controllers include sequencer "transport control" buttons, 4 footswitch inputs, and 2 continuous control pedal inputs (1 CC and 1 CC/breath controller). The breath controller input accepts Yamaha BC-1, BC-2, and BC-3 breath controllers. The multitude of flexible controllers make the K2661 the ideal center piece for any MIDI production.

Balanced Outs

The K2600 includes 24-bit Balanced Audio Outputs with patented output circuitry that deliver professional audio signal levels (1/4" t/r/s). Unbalanced (1/4") outputs are also supported.

User-Installable Options

The K2661 user can install options including Sample RAM (up to 128MB) and Sound ROM boards.

Lightweight & Portable

The K2661 is the most portable keyboard in the K2600 family by far. Gigging musicians will appreciate the ability to take their most sophisticated production station out on the road.

Live Mode

This sequencer has powerful V.A.S.T. DSP capabilities to process any incoming mono or stereo signal via the digital inputs or analog inputs (requires the sampling option). Imagine plugging your guitar, microphone, mixer or tape track directly into your K2661 and customizing the sound using any of the V.A.S.T. parameters, all in real-time. Then add effects using the K2661's state-of-the-art KDFX. The K2661 is the most advanced real-time signal processor ever created. With the ADAT/AES selectable optical I/O connections you get up to 8 inputs and 8 outputs which can bidirectionally communicate with other devices such as Adat Modular Digital Multitrack recorders or computer digital audio interfaces.

On Board Sounds

The K2661 offers over 450 programs (with 100s more available) for a wide and useful sound selection. Handy search string functions allow the user to locate a program, setup or object quickly in memory. The K2661 uses a file format that is K2000, K2500, and K2600 compatible, enabling it to read Kurzweil or third-party sound libraries for each instrument from SmartMedia or any SCSI disk (such as CD-ROM). The K2661 can also read other manufacturers' sample libraries including Roland's(r) 700 Series, Akai(r) S1000, S1100 and S3000, and Ensoniq(r) EPS and ASR file formats. V.A.S.T. processing will give new life to these files. The K2661 gives the Kurzweil owner access to the largest sound library in the world.

Interactive Setups

The K2661 interactive setups allow for easy creative inspiration using multi-timbral "grooves." Kurzweil gives the user instant access to the most useful parameters for real-time control of programs and setups from a wide assortment of preassigned controllers.

Connectivity

The rear panels of the K2661 provides additional controller inputs for a multitude of interfacing possibilities. The controller inputs include the 600 mm ribbon controller, four footswitch, one breath-controller and two continuous control pedal jacks (1 CC pedal and 1 CC/breath input). Interconnection is easy with a 25-pin SCSI connector and MIDI In, Out and Thru (Thru switchable to a copy of Out). Rear panel outputs include a pair of mixed audio outs, four individual 24-bit balanced audio outs with Kurzweil's patented output circuitry, and one headphone output. In addition, optical ports provide selectable ADAT Lightpipe or S/P-DIF I/O. Add the K2661 Sampling Option (SMP-2X) for a full range of additional digital and analog inputs. The K2661 brings unparalleled control, distribution, and communication to your digital audio environment.

KDFX

KDFX (Kurzweil Digital Effects) utilizes Kurzweil's proprietary VLSI chips and DSP algorithms. It includes a versatile 5-stereo-bus design, 24-bit signal processing, cutting edge DSP functionality, and unparalleled real-time control, all with an extremely flexible routing scheme. All I/O can be routed through KDFX including 8 outputs and 8 inputs from the ADAT digital I/O or analog sampling I/O.

Sound ROM

The K2661 has 32 MB of internal sound ROM, and two expansion slots for a total of up to 48MB of ROM sound samples. The internal sound ROM includes all of the samples from the K2600, the K2600's Orchestral and Contemporary ROM options, and a General MIDI 1 sound set. In addition, the Stereo Dynamic Piano, and Vintage Electric Pianos ROM options can be installed in the expansion slots.

The Choice is Clear

Kurzweil's award-winning instruments have always been known for their excellent sound quality, long-life, and state-of-the-art synthesis and sampling technology. Once again Kurzweil delivers the next generation of music with the K2661. The right features, the right technology and the right sounds. Now more than ever Kurzweil is the choice of professionals around the world.

KURZWEIL K2661 Specs ^top

Specifications

Model: K2661 - 61-note unweighted synth-style keyboard

Power Supply: User switchable international power supply.

Architecture: Proprietary V.A.S.T. system.

Polyphony: 48 voices.

Display: 64 x 240 fluorescent backlit display with brightness and contrast controls.

Analog Outs: 4 balanced audio outs with 24-bit converters plus mix stereo pair (can also be used as unbalanced). Stereo headphone out.

With SMP-2X sampling option: Stereo 1/4 in. unbalanced analog hi-Z input (tip/ring/sleeve); two balanced lo-Z (XLR) inputs.

Digital I/O: 8 channels of 24-bit ADAT input and output or 2 channels of S/P-DIF input and output via optical ports.

With SMP-2X: 2 channels optical S/P-DIF inputs.
(due out Spring 2004 / price: tbd)

Sample Up to 128 MB via 1 non-composite 72 pin SIMM.

Sound ROM: Up to 48 MB; 32 MB base ROM plus 8 MB Stereo Dynamic Piano ROM, and 8 MB Vintage Electric Piano ROM

Sequence/Program RAM: 1.5 MB user-programmable battery-backed RAM.

SCSI support: One SCSI-1 25-pin connector. For external connections only. Internal hard drives not supported.

Software Upgrades: User-installed upgrades via SmartMedia card, MIDI or SCSI. Software available for download from this web site. DOS compatibility required.

AFMS File System: User-friendly cataloging and retrieval of individual objects. Powerful utilities including: file search, info about media/available space, disk macros, startup file applications, and more.

KB3 Drawbar Mode: Allows blending of nine harmonics per voice in real-time (full polyphony maintained at all times). KB3 Mode allows realistic tone wheel organ emulations and innovative, dynamic new timbres.

Live Mode: Process any incoming signal via the digital or optional analog inputs with powerful V.A.S.T. synthesis functions and built in KDFX capabilities.

Sample Processing DSP: Non-real-time DSP functions include time compression/expansion, pitch shifting, re-sampling, pasting samples on beats-per-minute timeline (Mix Beat), volume ramps, mix sample, and many other functions. Sample Processing DSP does not require the sampling option to be installed.

Sequencer: Full-function sequencer with 16 song and 16 arrangement tracks. Offers pattern, linear, and step recording, cut/copy/paste, advanced 'groove' quantizing, event list editing and other powerful editing tools. Sequences can be triggered in real time from the keyboard.

Compatibility: Reads/writes Standard MIDI Files, AIFF and WAVE files. Reads libraries in Roland 700 series, Akai S1000, S1100, and S3000, and Ensoniq EPS, and ASR file formats.

Dimensions: 39.4" x 14.2" x 4.3" 100.2 cm x 36 cm x 11 cm

Weight: 32 lbs. 14.5 kg