265:, which is somewhat limited, although up to 3 oscillators per voice can be used and an intelligent voice stealing algorithm retires the playing notes which are estimated to be least audible rather than simply the oldest. Each voice of the K2000 is able to play a separate program, allowing for smooth transitions during live performance - this simple feature took Kurzweil's competitors more than a decade to match. The keyboard came with 2MB of sample RAM but could be equipped with up to 64 megabytes of RAM for user loaded samples. Later models included the K2000VP (keyboard), K2000VPR (rack), K2VX (keyboard w/ optional ROMs), and K2VXS (keyboard w/ optional ROMs + sampling), which were based on the same hardware as the K2000 series but had the K2500 sound set loaded.
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drastically improved the quality of effects over the K2000 and K2500's built-in effects units, and added more flexibility such as using the
Kurzweil as a vocoder. But the most impressive feature of the K2600 was Kurzweil's 'Triple Strike Piano', which was one of the most realistic-sounding sampled pianos available at the time. Patches for the K2500 were completely redesigned to incorporate the KDFX and triple strike capability. The K2600 uses different type sound expansion ROMs than the K2500 (although they contain the same samples), and could have a classic keys and
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programming architecture and operating system were evolutionary steps that would culminate in the K2xxx series. There were several keyboard versions issued, and the 1000 modules were originally issued in PX (pianos and mixed bag), SX (strings), HX (horns and winds), and GX (guitars and basses) versions, each with differing sample-ROMs. As computing and electronics technologies changed rapidly during the period, larger sample bases could be combined. The later 1200 module versions contained these larger sample bases (i.e., PX+SX; SX+HX; HX+GX).
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same "German D" piano from the Artis is available in the Forte, but far more extensively sampled. The Forte adds two more dynamic layers, and string resonance. By comparison, the German D piano is 128MB in size on the Artis, and 4GB on the Forte. On top of the "German D" the Forte features a "Japanese Grand", which is a sampled Yamaha C7 grand piano, also 4GB in size. Other features are a bigger sound library, bigger effects library, a bigger, full colour display, and more.
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398:. It was good for this purpose because it had 88 fully weighted keys and the ability to set four zones for controlling different instruments. It was also a bit smaller so it was more portable than the K series instruments. The instrument itself had 64 internal sound patches and the ability to combine them together with different effects. It was common for performers to use this instrument in combination with a rack mount K series synth. The PC88MX included a
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250:(V.A.S.T.) engine. Throughout the 1990s, updates and upgrades to the K2000 (and eventually its successors, the K2500 and K2600) ensured that the K2x series was regarded as one of the most powerful and best-sounding synthesizers/samplers available. Although initially very expensive, Kurzweil instruments were popular in top recording studios and for use with music production for film because of their high-quality sounds.
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The initial
Kurzweil SP Series are Stage Pianos based on the popular Kurzweil Micro Piano half-rack module of the mid-1990s. It provides 32 sounds including pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings and synths. The board is also a fairly capable MIDI controller, and features two ribbon controllers. In
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The MIDIboard had its virtues and its drawbacks. It was reasonable to manufacture and relatively inexpensive for the range of input forces, both presses and impulse inputs, it could transduce. One of its drawbacks was that it was not well damped in very light playing, making touch uncertain. At some
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In the 2000s, Kurzweil introduced the PC2 Series of keyboards that contained the famed Triple Strike Piano and used a V.A.S.T. synthesis engine similar to the K2xxx series, and later introduced the PC1 Series, which was a slightly cut down version of the PC2, losing only the KB3 organ mode, and some
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The K2661, released in 2004, is basically a full-featured K2600 with a 61-key keyboard, flash memory storage, and a redesigned sound set that includes the expansion sets that had been produced for the K2000, K2500, and K2600. The other difference from the K2500 and K2600 is that there is no built-in
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The K2500R and K2500/K2500X, released in 1995 and 1996 respectively, were substantial improvements to the K2000R and K2000, increasing polyphony to 48 voices and supporting up to 128MB of sample RAM. The K2500 and later K2600 models can have a single patch running 192 virtual oscillators. There were
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In Spring 2008, Kurzweil launched the PC3 Performance
Controller, which has next generation V.A.S.T. synthesis technology derived from the K2xxx series but vastly improved with new features, new algorithms, virtual analog synthesis, sequencer, powerful effects processor based on Kurzweil KSP8 unit,
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over whether a synthesizer could sound like a real piano. First issued as a very large and heavy keyboard, the electronics were also issued in a very large and heavy rackmount version, as the 250RMX (Rack Mount "Expander"—the presumed intention being that one could drive via MIDI and sequencers one
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In the summer of 2014, the
Kurzweil Forte was released as the new flagship stage piano. The Forte is based on the same architecture as the Artis, but with more features. Most notably the Forte has 16GB of "flash play" sample memory used for brand new piano, electric piano and clavinet samples. The
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in six velocity layers with pedal noise effects. Other than aforementioned splitting- and layering abilities, and effects manipulation on pre-programmed controllers the Artis has no on-board editing options. However, a company called "Soundtower" released an editor application for Mac, PC, and iOS
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that served as one plate of a capacitor and was designed to deform (change shape under pressure) in a scaled way. The sensors were nicknamed 'sushi sensors' because the first prototype was conductive rubber sheet (think 'nori') held in a barrel shape by a center of white silicone RTV (think 'the
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In 2013 Kurzweil released a brand new stage piano called the "Artis". Marketed as "the ultimate all-in-one gigmachine", the Artis is an 88 key weighted action keyboard, in a newly designed, relatively light package of 21 kg. Featuring sounds from the PC3K series and the "Kore64" expansion
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In July 2021 Kurzweil announced a new K2700 flagship workstation. It was released in late 2021 in a 88-key graded-hammer weighted keyboard version. Although marketed as a new product line, the K2700 largely extends the synthesis engine and display and control layout of the Forte and PC-series
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The company launched the K250 synthesizer/sampler in 1984: while limited by today's standards and quite expensive, it was considered to be the first really successful attempt to emulate the complex sound of a grand piano. This instrument was inspired by a bet between Ray
Kurzweil and musician
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The
Kurzweil K2600, released in 1999, improved on the K2500 with the addition of a new effects engine called KDFX and an enhancement to the V.A.S.T. engine called triple-mode. KDFX was also offered as an upgrade for the K2500 and later made available as a standalone product in the KSP8. KDFX
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The K1000 and K1200 (and their rack-mounted variants) were designed to deliver the sample libraries developed originally for the K250 to a wider audience in less expensive and physically more manageable forms. Unlike the K250, these instruments could not sample new sounds directly; but their
505:, a feature found on few other keyboards. The MIDIboard also provides comprehensive signal routing, layering, and transposition control. These advanced features are not without their cost: the MIDIboard weighs approximately 100 lb and is fairly difficult to use.
221:(mentioned below) developed software to run on Apple II class computers, which would allow extensive control of the very rich possibilities of the K150. This synthesizer was never a commercial music success, but was very popular in academic and research facilities.
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In 2008, all K26xx series synthesizers were discontinued by
Kurzweil Music Systems, although inventory still remained as of August 2008. This left the PC3 and PC3X (which have no sampling capability; see below) as Kurzweil's flagship synthesizers at that time.
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inputs and a program RAM (PRAM) expansion for loading larger soundsets or MIDI songs into memory. If one had purchased a model without onboard sampling, one could add the sampling option, PRAM, and reinstall their operating system to have the upgraded model.
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performance keyboards. While it retains backward compatibility with the earlier K-series and PC-series patches, some of those sound different since certain features of the earlier K-series work differently and the effect processor layout is different.
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library, and a user interface focused on easy selection, layering and splitting of sounds, the Artis is aimed at live performance. Also featuring in the Artis is a brand new "German D" grand piano. A newly sampled
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Forte SE - A cheaper, simplified Forte with fewer sounds and effects, 128mb versions of both the German and
Japanese pianos and only 2GB of "Flash Play" memory. The Forte SE still has more features than the Artis
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K2500AES - Audio Elite System, Limited
Release (6 Units) 88 note weighted action keyboard with sampling, KDFX effects engine, all available upgrade options, and an extensive sample library (retail cost, $
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In 2011, Kurzweil released the PC3K series of keyboards, which added the ability to load K2xxx-series samples and programs (with limitations). It includes sample-playback capability and 128 Mbytes of
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also a number of other minor improvements as well as sound expansion options (daughterboard including 4MB piano ROM expansion, 8MB orchestral ROM board and 8MB contemporary ROM board).
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It contained a number of interesting innovations, some of which remain fairly uncommon. For example, most MIDI controllers provide aftertouch data, but the
Midiboard is capable of
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in 1990. Hyundai Development Company (HDC) acquired Young Chang in 2006 and in January 2007 appointed Raymond Kurzweil as Chief Strategy Officer of Kurzweil Music Systems.
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hard disk, using the appropriate factory kit (data cables, power cables, and mechanical adapters). The capacity of disks is up to 8GB split into 2GB partitions.
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The company's flagship line of synthesizer workstations, the K2xxx series, began to make real headway with the K2000, which introduced the company's acclaimed
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was released in 1991 and was initially available in four versions, the K2000, K2000S, K2000R, and K2000RS. The S versions contain the hardware required for
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expansion, although sounds could be edited and new sounds created. Another distinguishing feature of the PCx series was the lack of an onboard sequencer.
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telephone-like connector. By design, it is not possible to mount an internal hard disk, however external SCSI storage units can be connected to the
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soundboard with additional high-quality sounds taken from the K2xxx series. Unlike the K2xxx series, the PCx series did not include
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Its novel sensing system, invented and patented by Tripp and Key Concepts co-founder, John Allen, provided velocity, individual
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point, working for Kurzweil, Hal Chamberlin debounced this burble. A hardware fix was possible - splitting the sensors.
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rice'). Released in 1988, the MIDIboard's software and electronics were designed under contract to Key Concepts by
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pressure, and release velocity information from a single sensor per key. Each sensor was shaped as an arch of
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Forte 7 - A full featured Forte, but with 76 keys (unlike the Artis 7, these are fully weighted keys)
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As opposed to using 'sample-based' or 'subtractive' synthesis, the K150 (a rack-mount unit) uses
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Artis SE - A cheaper, simplified Artis with fewer sounds, fewer effects and fewer controllers.
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in 1983, and have continued producing new instruments ever since. The company was acquired by
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ribbon controller, although a Kurzweil external ribbon unit can be fitted via a
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As of April 2016, the Artis and Forte series consisted of 6 models in total:
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All K2000, K2500, K2600 and their rack mount versions can host one internal
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Hyundai names Kurzweil Chief Strategy Officer of Kurzweil Music Systems
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Artis 7 - A full featured Artis, but with 76 semi-weighted keys
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Kurzweil synthesizer music demonstrations at MiddleOfNowhere
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and overall better sounds than previous Kurzweil synths.
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K2500XS - 88 note weighted action keyboard with sampling;
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Synthesizer manufacturing companies of the United States
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141:(innovator) and Bruce Cichowlas (software developer).
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purposes. They released their first instrument, the
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American electronic musical instrument manufacturer
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539:Forte - the original keyboard as described above
530:Artis - the original keyboard as described above
519:devices, allowing for full V.A.S.T. editing.
307:K2500RS - rack-mounted version with sampling.
290:K2500S - 76 note semi-weighted keyboard with
304:K2500R - rack-mounted version (no keyboard);
714:Manufacturing companies established in 1982
458:summer of 2007, Kurzweil launched the SP2.
205:were developed and issued for both models.
287:K2500X - 88 note weighted action keyboard;
248:Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology
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724:1982 establishments in the United States
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201:or more "expanders"). Additional sample
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284:K2500 - 76 note semi-weighted keyboard;
280:The K2500 was available in 7 versions:
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613:"Kurzweil K2700 Workstation Keyboard"
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129:is an American company that produces
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474:The Kurzweil MIDIboard, a dedicated
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637:. January 1995. Archived from
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131:electronic musical instruments
105:Electronic musical instruments
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674:Kurzweil PC3 Performers Guide
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698:NAMM Oral History Collection
516:Steinway model D grand piano
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453:Micro Piano half-rack module
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144:Kurzweil was a developer of
133:. It was founded in 1982 by
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669:The homepage of the company
611:Reid, Gordon (March 2022).
339:K2600 (1999) on home studio
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577:Kawai Musical Instruments
417:PC3LE6 on NAMM 2010
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348:(GM) sound set added.
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20:Kurzweil Music Systems
503:polyphonic aftertouch
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422:inputs and outputs.
390:PC88 on stage
315:and an input for a
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700:(January 20, 2007)
567:Yamaha Corporation
562:Roland Corporation
509:Artis/Forte Series
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234:K2xxx synthesizers
225:K1xxx synthesizers
215:additive synthesis
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487:conductive rubber
323:(I/O) to connect
317:breath controller
313:ribbon controller
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209:K150 synthesizer
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154:reading machines
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139:Ray Kurzweil
137:(musician),
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67:Headquarters
43:Company type
551:Competition
404:floppy disk
301:20,000.00).
191:K250 (1984)
166:Young Chang
54:Electronics
708:Categories
653:"Products"
588:References
483:aftertouch
382:PCx Series
80:Key people
470:MIDIboard
445:SP Series
263:polyphony
95:(founder)
88:(founder)
582:Dexibell
292:sampling
272:K2000VPR
259:sampling
172:Products
148:for the
116:kurzweil
101:Products
51:Industry
546:though.
158:musical
111:Website
59:Founded
46:Private
572:Clavia
325:S/PDIF
365:DB-25
255:K2000
150:blind
557:Korg
433:PC2X
408:SCSI
406:nor
361:6P6C
353:SCSI
329:ADAT
253:The
203:ROMs
162:K250
118:.com
62:1982
696:at
327:or
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Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.
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