The Kurzweil K2088 represents an advancement in Kurzweil's synthesizer technology, embodying the culmination of Kurzweil's 30+ year evolution of V.A.S.T. (Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology). Developed at Kurzweil's world-renowned R&D facilities in Waltham, MA, the K20 Series asks the fundamental question: what if we could rebuild the legendary K2000 V.A.S.T. synthesizer using today's cutting-edge technology?
Dynamic V.A.S.T. Technology
Building upon the foundation established by the original K2000 series, the K2088 expands Kurzweil's legendary Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology to unprecedented levels. With 32 customizable layers per program, deeply customizable signal paths, and a comprehensive suite of modular DSP tools, the K2088 empowers musicians to craft expansive and nuanced sounds ranging from classic V.A.S.T. recreations to completely unheard-of soundscapes. The system includes new oscillators, FM layers, multi-pole filters, and advanced effects processing.
FlashPlay® Technology and Sound Library
The K2088 harnesses the power of Kurzweil's patented FlashPlay® technology, providing staggering computational horsepower with up to 4 GB total capacity, zero loading time, and ultrafast performance. The synthesizer comes loaded with 2 GB of factory sounds featuring over 2000 factory programs and more than 500 Multi combinations. This extensive library includes updated recreations of synth-focused sounds from Kurzweil's legendary K2000, K2500, and K2600 instruments, alongside reimagined essentials from the K2700, Forte, PC4, PC3, and SP6. The categorized selections encompass world-class pianos, electric pianos, organs, strings, basses, guitars, and much more.
Advanced Synthesis Engines
The K2088 incorporates multiple synthesis engines to provide unlimited creative possibilities:
6-Operator FM Engine: A sophisticated FM synthesis system with the ability to load original FM SysEx files. These FM layers represent a new addition to VAST programs and can be seamlessly combined with traditional VAST features to transcend the boundaries of classic FM synthesis.
Virtual Analog Technology: The K20 Series features advanced anti-aliasing power-shaped oscillators and DSP processing derived from Kurzweil's legendary VA1 concept synthesizer, delivering authentic analog emulations alongside stunningly intricate new sounds.
KB3 ToneReal™ Organs: Drawing inspiration from classic tonewheel organs, the K2088 offers 9 realistic drawbars with full control over rotary speed, chorus/vibrato, brake, percussion, and other parameters—all instantly accessible from the front panel.
Performance and Control Features
The K2088's 88-note fully-weighted hammer-action keyboard delivers a dynamic, responsive playing experience ideal for both high-energy performances and detailed sound design. Featuring aftertouch for added expressiveness and fully adjustable velocity and pressure settings, the keyboard adapts seamlessly to any playing style while providing exceptional comfort and control.
The synthesizer goes far beyond common splits and layers through its hyper multis system—an extension of the singular program experience. Kurzweil's renowned Multi mode offers 16 zones of unmatched MIDI control, enabling massive sonic combinations at your fingertips. Each zone supports 40 programmable physical controllers, including a versatile 3-section ribbon controller, keyboard aftertouch, programmable knobs, buttons, sliders, wheels, and multiple pedal inputs.
Sequencing and Modulation
The K2088 provides endless rhythmic inspiration through 16 fully programmable arpeggiators with dedicated front panel controls. Each arpeggiator operates independently, allowing for unmatched depth and dynamic movement across every layer of sound. Whether building complex sequences or driving energetic grooves, these tools enable intricate rhythm crafting and evolving textures.
Complementing the arpeggiators are 16 simultaneous MIDI CC Step Sequencers that bring sounds to life with evolving textures, animated pulses, and expressive sonic movement. The Real-Time MIDI Sequencing system allows instant triggering, syncing, and control of up to 16 simultaneous MIDI sequences, with options to choose from a built-in library of patterns or record and import custom sequences for limitless creative possibilities.
User Interface and Workflow
Navigation is streamlined through a bright 4.3″ widescreen color LCD display (480×272) designed for clear and effortless operation. The interface offers three different view modes—Large, List, and QuickAccess—that can be switched on the fly to suit moment-to-moment needs. Sound selection is intuitive, with options for direct entry or exploration through the category browser with convenient category defaults. The QuickAccess mode allows customization of workflow through personalized sound groupings for instant recall, while the search function enables quick location of sounds by name or keyword.
The Program Audition feature allows instant auditioning of any factory program, making sound exploration and discovery effortless. Custom notes can be added to Programs and Multis for better organization and tracking of complex setups. Master transport controls provide command over arpeggiators, CC sequencers, the onboard multitrack sequencer, and external DAWs, while dedicated transpose buttons enable instant key and octave changes.
Connectivity and Audio Quality
Professional connectivity is ensured through four balanced 1/4″ TRS outputs arranged as two stereo pairs for flexible audio routing. Crystal-clear sound quality is maintained through premium 32-bit D/A converters, with automatic mono switching on main outputs and a dedicated 1/4″ stereo headphone jack for private monitoring. Live audio inputs with effects processing allow jamming with external audio sources, with dedicated real-time effects for crafting unique textures and creating fully integrated mixes.
Sample Memory and Compatibility
The K2088 includes 2 GB of non-volatile user sample flash memory, tapping into Kurzweil's incomparable backwards compatibility and drawing from decades of legendary sounds ranging from the K2000 to K2700 series. Supported formats include .WAV, .AIF (up to 16-bit/96kHz), and various Kurzweil-specific file types (.K27, .FOR, .PC4, .P3K, .KRZ, .K25, .K26).
Software Integration
The K2088 extends its capabilities through comprehensive software integration. A suite of external Editor applications is available for Mac, PC, and iPad, allowing users to dive deeper into V.A.S.T. technology and unlock the full potential of the K2088's synthesis architecture.
Technical Specifications
Sound Architecture
- Polyphony: 256 voice polyphony, dynamically allocated
- Multitimbral: 16 parts (one per MIDI channel)
- Architecture:
- Dynamic VAST: powerful synthesis engine with user-programmable DSP algorithms and routing
- Cascade Mode: route one layer through the DSP of any other layer within a program – up to 32 consecutive layers deep
- KB3 ToneReel Engine
- 6-Operator FM Engine
- VA1 Virtual Analog Oscillators + DSP
Memory & Storage
- Sample Flash Memory: 2 GB factory samples + 2 GB re-loadable, non-volatile user flash memory
- Factory Programs: 2,042
- User Programs: 4,000
- Factory Multis: 587 (up to 16 independent controller zones)
- User Multis: 4,000
- System Sample Rate: 48kHz
- General MIDI: No
- Kurzweil String Resonance: Yes
Effects & Processing
- Effects: Over 1,000 complex effect chains featuring award-winning reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, phaser, EQs, distortions, rotary speaker simulators, compressors, and more
- Total FX Units: 32
- Master EQ/Compressor: Yes
Controllers & Interface
- Aftertouch: Monopressure (aftertouch)
- Wheels: 1 pitch wheel, 1 assignable modulation wheel
- Ribbon Controller: 1 assignable 3-section ribbon controller
- Sliders: 9 assignable
- Knobs: 9 assignable
- Buttons: 10 assignable
- Switches: 2 transpose switches
- Additional Controls: Tap tempo button, tempo knob, arp controls, transport controls
- Pedal Inputs: 2 switch pedal inputs (each supporting single/dual switch pedal or single half damper pedal), 2 continuous control pedal inputs (*pedals sold separately)
Sequencing & Performance Features
- Sequencer: 16 tracks, 960 PPQ resolution with song editing functions including event and track-based tools (quantize, swing, remap, controller scaling)
- MIDI CC Step Sequencers: 16 simultaneous
- Riffs: 16 per Multi
- Arpeggiators: 1 per Program, 16 per Multi
Audio Connectivity
- Analog Outputs: Four (2 pairs) 1/4″ balanced TRS analog outputs (32-bit DACs)
- Automatic mono switching on main outputs
- +21dBu maximum output
- 50Ω balanced source impedance
- Audio Inputs: Two 1/4″ jacks (one stereo pair) accepting Line/Instrument level signals
- Headphones: 1 back panel 1/4″ headphone output (130mW into 32 ohm headphones)
Digital Connectivity
- MIDI: In, Out
- USB Features:
- Complete MIDI functionality over USB
- USB host functionality (play and control the K2700 with USB MIDI controller)
- User Object file transfer to/from USB Flash Drive
- Operating System updates from USB Flash Drive
Keyboard & Interface
- 88-key fully-weighted hammer-action with velocity and pressure (aftertouch) sensitive adjustable keys (Fatar TP/40L)
- 480 × 272 pixel high resolution color LCD with adjustable brightness
- 8 sliders, knobs
Software & Updates
- Software Editors: Available for Mac OS X, Windows PC, and iPad
- OS Updates: Free OS updates via USB drive
- Included Accessories: Power cable
File Format Support
- Audio Formats: .WAV, .AIF (up to 16-bit/96kHz)
- Kurzweil Formats: .K27, .FOR, .PC4, .P3K, .KRZ, .K25, .K26
Dimensions&Weight
- Dimensions: 51" L × 15.5" D × 5.1" H (129.5 × 39.5 × 13.0 cm)
- Weight: 49.3 lb (22.38 kg)
Power
