Kurzweil K2500S 76-Key Sampling Keyboard
No longer available at zZounds
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Synthesis Modeling Technology/VAST. 48-note polyphony. KB3 with 2.52 operating system. Includes SMP-2X Sampling option.
Overview
Building on the acclaimed V.A.S.T. technology and the features that have made the award-winning K2000 Series the professionals' choice worldwide, the K2500 Series goes several steps further. The 76 and 88 note K2500s feature a superb keyboard feel, an extensive user interface and the extraordinary processing power of Kurzweil's most powerful instrument ever. The 2500S adds a sampling option.
The K2500 and K2500X are more than "workstations": they're "Production Stations." They enable you to complete a project - from conception to final master - without leaving the K2500 environment. Interfacing the K2500 with other digital and analog equipment is a breeze. And, of course, they have 8 MB of Kurzweil's finest sounds on board, which can be expanded to 28 MB.
The K2500 keyboards have what you need for your most challenging projects: true 48-note polyphony; software upgrades from floppy or SCSI; 60 DSP functions; up to 28 MB of internal ROM sounds, 128 MB of sample RAM and 1.25 MB of battery-backed sequence/program memory; an array of controllers, including assignable pressure strips; dual SCSI ports; analog and digital I/O (with options); and 76- and 88-note weighted keyboards.
The Keyboards You've Been Waiting For
Kurzweil instruments have always been known for their superb sound quality and powerful, state-of-the-art sampling technology. With the K2500 and K2500X models, Kurzweil has added top-quality keyboards controller capabilities. Choose between the K2500 with 76 semi-weighted… read more piano-style keys and the deluxe K2500X, with 88 fully weighted piano-style keys.
The K2500 and the K2500X are also full-fledged MIDI controllers with a wealth of assignable control sources. An expressive pressure strip, centered above the keyboard, can be programmed in three zones or one long zone to provide a "touch and hold" facility. A short pressure strip and 2 buttons near the pitch and mod wheels add dramatically to the instruments' expressiveness. The front panel also incorporates 8 independently assignable sliders, eleven assignable buttons with tri-colored LEDs, and 3 sequencer buttons.
The rear panels of the K2500 and K2500X provide additional controller inputs and interfacing options. The controller inputs include 4 footswitch, 1 breath-controller and 2 continuous control pedal jacks. Connectivity is easy with two 25-pin SCSI connectors and MIDI In, Out and Thru (MIDI Thru switchable to a copy of MIDI Out). Rear panel outputs include a pair of mixed audio outs, eight individual audio outs (which double as inserts) and one headphone output. Additional K2500 Options include KDFX Digital Effects Option or DMTi Digital Multi Track Interface for a full range of additional digital I/Os and data conversion facilities.
Features:
76-note semi-weighted or 88-note weighted action keyboard
V.A.S.T. variable architecture synthesis with 60 DSP functions
Highly readable 60 x 240 backlit LCD display
2MB Sample RAM expandable to 128 MB
Dual SCSI Ports
32-track Sequencer
Flash ROM (for software updates via floppy disk and SCSI). The current version for a unit without the KDFX option is 2.96. The current version for a unit with the KDFX option is 4.32. The operating system in your unit is displayed on power up.
Live Mode allows real time V.A.S.T. and KDFX processing of an external signal (requires sampling option)
SMP-2X Sampling Option with analog and digital I/O and sample-while-play
Extensive Sample Processing
KB3 Mode adds an incredible toe wheel organ emulation
Full MIDI controller capabilities: Includes 8 sliders, 2 ribbon controllers, 2 button switches, 4 switch pedal jacks, 2 continuous controller jacks, breath controller jack, mod wheel (without spring), pitch bend wheel (with spring), and aftertouch - all assignable to any MIDI controller number.
Advanced File Management System
8MB base ROM with up to 28 MB of Internal ROM Sounds
The Kurzweil Advantage
The Kurzweil K2500 Series is a major step forward in electronic musical instrument technology. Each instrument combines a powerful sampler, effects processor, software-based sequencer, hierarchical file directory system, true 48-note polyphony, flexible interfacing and Kurzweil's uniquely powerful V.A.S.T. processing technology, all in one unit - and now there's a choice of a 76- or full 88-note piano-style weighted keyboard.
The K2500 Series. True Production Power from Kurzweil. read less
The K2500 and K2500X are more than "workstations": they're "Production Stations." They enable you to complete a project - from conception to final master - without leaving the K2500 environment. Interfacing the K2500 with other digital and analog equipment is a breeze. And, of course, they have 8 MB of Kurzweil's finest sounds on board, which can be expanded to 28 MB.
The K2500 keyboards have what you need for your most challenging projects: true 48-note polyphony; software upgrades from floppy or SCSI; 60 DSP functions; up to 28 MB of internal ROM sounds, 128 MB of sample RAM and 1.25 MB of battery-backed sequence/program memory; an array of controllers, including assignable pressure strips; dual SCSI ports; analog and digital I/O (with options); and 76- and 88-note weighted keyboards.
The Keyboards You've Been Waiting For
Kurzweil instruments have always been known for their superb sound quality and powerful, state-of-the-art sampling technology. With the K2500 and K2500X models, Kurzweil has added top-quality keyboards controller capabilities. Choose between the K2500 with 76 semi-weighted… read more piano-style keys and the deluxe K2500X, with 88 fully weighted piano-style keys.
The K2500 and the K2500X are also full-fledged MIDI controllers with a wealth of assignable control sources. An expressive pressure strip, centered above the keyboard, can be programmed in three zones or one long zone to provide a "touch and hold" facility. A short pressure strip and 2 buttons near the pitch and mod wheels add dramatically to the instruments' expressiveness. The front panel also incorporates 8 independently assignable sliders, eleven assignable buttons with tri-colored LEDs, and 3 sequencer buttons.
The rear panels of the K2500 and K2500X provide additional controller inputs and interfacing options. The controller inputs include 4 footswitch, 1 breath-controller and 2 continuous control pedal jacks. Connectivity is easy with two 25-pin SCSI connectors and MIDI In, Out and Thru (MIDI Thru switchable to a copy of MIDI Out). Rear panel outputs include a pair of mixed audio outs, eight individual audio outs (which double as inserts) and one headphone output. Additional K2500 Options include KDFX Digital Effects Option or DMTi Digital Multi Track Interface for a full range of additional digital I/Os and data conversion facilities.
Features:
76-note semi-weighted or 88-note weighted action keyboard
V.A.S.T. variable architecture synthesis with 60 DSP functions
Highly readable 60 x 240 backlit LCD display
2MB Sample RAM expandable to 128 MB
Dual SCSI Ports
32-track Sequencer
Flash ROM (for software updates via floppy disk and SCSI). The current version for a unit without the KDFX option is 2.96. The current version for a unit with the KDFX option is 4.32. The operating system in your unit is displayed on power up.
Live Mode allows real time V.A.S.T. and KDFX processing of an external signal (requires sampling option)
SMP-2X Sampling Option with analog and digital I/O and sample-while-play
Extensive Sample Processing
KB3 Mode adds an incredible toe wheel organ emulation
Full MIDI controller capabilities: Includes 8 sliders, 2 ribbon controllers, 2 button switches, 4 switch pedal jacks, 2 continuous controller jacks, breath controller jack, mod wheel (without spring), pitch bend wheel (with spring), and aftertouch - all assignable to any MIDI controller number.
Advanced File Management System
8MB base ROM with up to 28 MB of Internal ROM Sounds
The Kurzweil Advantage
The Kurzweil K2500 Series is a major step forward in electronic musical instrument technology. Each instrument combines a powerful sampler, effects processor, software-based sequencer, hierarchical file directory system, true 48-note polyphony, flexible interfacing and Kurzweil's uniquely powerful V.A.S.T. processing technology, all in one unit - and now there's a choice of a 76- or full 88-note piano-style weighted keyboard.
The K2500 Series. True Production Power from Kurzweil. read less
Specs
Power Supply: User switchable international power supply
Architecture: Proprietary V.A.S.T. system
Polyphony: 48 voices (or 24 stereo)
Display: 64 x 240 fluorescent backlit display
Outputs: 8 audio outs (double as inserts) plus mix master pair. 600 ohm stereo headphone out
With SMPK-2 Sample Option: Stereo 1/4" unbalanced analog hi-Z input (tip/ring/sleeve); two balanced (Lo-Z) XLR inputs.
Digital I/O: AES-EBU, optional S/PDIF (via Optical and RCA) inputs and outputs. KDS (Kurzweil Digital Stream) out provides digital out for interfacing with other options.
Sample RAM: up to 128 MB via standard 30 or 72 (depending on date of manufacture) pin SIMMs
Sound ROM: up to 28 MB; 8MB base ROM with full K2000 file compatibility. Optional 8 MB Orchestral ROM Sound Block and 8 MB Contemporary ROM Sound Block; 4 MB Stereo Grand Piano Sound Block
Sequence/Program RAM: 256KB user-programmable battery-backed RAM, expandable to 1.25MB via standard SIPP memory.
SCSI support: Two SCSI-1 25-pin D connectors (to Apple specifications and pinout)
OS Upgrades: User-installed upgrades supplied on 3.5in DOS compatible floppy disks or via download from Kurzweil's web site http://www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com/, saved to 3.5in FD or transfer via SCSI to K2500R battery backed "Flash" EPROM. PC DOS compatibility required.
Advanced File Management System: DOS based, compatible disk format allows for friendly cataloging and retrieving of sounds/files, and powerful utilities include: file search, provide info about media/available space/used space etc., disk MACRO, and Startup file applications allow easy custom configuration.
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 via SCSI in Roland 700 series, Akai S900, S950, S1000, S1100, and S3000, and Ensoniq EPS, and ASR file formats. Reads FDs in Ensoniq and Akai formats.
Additional Options Not Included:
KDFX Digital Effects Option utilizes Kurzweil's newest VLSI DSP chip. Versatile 4-stereo-bus design, full bandwidth, cutting edge DSP functionality, digital I/O and flexible routing scheme.
DMTi Digital MultiTrack interface performs real-time digital data format conversion between K2500, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, ADAT and DA-88. It simultaneously performs real-time sample-rate conversion to 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz or a variety of external clock rates.
Contemporary ROM, Orchestral ROM, Stereo Grand Piano ROM Soundblocks add additional ROM samples, along with new preset programs and setups
PRAM/2 Program RAM Memory Expansion increases the amount of battery backed RAM from 256k to 1280k.
Dimensions:
47.8in. x 17.8in. x 4.8in. 121.4 cm x 45.1 cm x 12.2 cm
Weight:
55.5 lb. 25.2 kg
Architecture: Proprietary V.A.S.T. system
Polyphony: 48 voices (or 24 stereo)
Display: 64 x 240 fluorescent backlit display
Outputs: 8 audio outs (double as inserts) plus mix master pair. 600 ohm stereo headphone out
With SMPK-2 Sample Option: Stereo 1/4" unbalanced analog hi-Z input (tip/ring/sleeve); two balanced (Lo-Z) XLR inputs.
Digital I/O: AES-EBU, optional S/PDIF (via Optical and RCA) inputs and outputs. KDS (Kurzweil Digital Stream) out provides digital out for interfacing with other options.
Sample RAM: up to 128 MB via standard 30 or 72 (depending on date of manufacture) pin SIMMs
Sound ROM: up to 28 MB; 8MB base ROM with full K2000 file compatibility. Optional 8 MB Orchestral ROM Sound Block and 8 MB Contemporary ROM Sound Block; 4 MB Stereo Grand Piano Sound Block
Sequence/Program RAM: 256KB user-programmable battery-backed RAM, expandable to 1.25MB via standard SIPP memory.
SCSI support: Two SCSI-1 25-pin D connectors (to Apple specifications and pinout)
OS Upgrades: User-installed upgrades supplied on 3.5in DOS compatible floppy disks or via download from Kurzweil's web site http://www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com/, saved to 3.5in FD or transfer via SCSI to K2500R battery backed "Flash" EPROM. PC DOS compatibility required.
Advanced File Management System: DOS based, compatible disk format allows for friendly cataloging and retrieving of sounds/files, and powerful utilities include: file search, provide info about media/available space/used space etc., disk MACRO, and Startup file applications allow easy custom configuration.
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 via SCSI in Roland 700 series, Akai S900, S950, S1000, S1100, and S3000, and Ensoniq EPS, and ASR file formats. Reads FDs in Ensoniq and Akai formats.
Additional Options Not Included:
KDFX Digital Effects Option utilizes Kurzweil's newest VLSI DSP chip. Versatile 4-stereo-bus design, full bandwidth, cutting edge DSP functionality, digital I/O and flexible routing scheme.
DMTi Digital MultiTrack interface performs real-time digital data format conversion between K2500, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, ADAT and DA-88. It simultaneously performs real-time sample-rate conversion to 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz or a variety of external clock rates.
Contemporary ROM, Orchestral ROM, Stereo Grand Piano ROM Soundblocks add additional ROM samples, along with new preset programs and setups
PRAM/2 Program RAM Memory Expansion increases the amount of battery backed RAM from 256k to 1280k.
Dimensions:
47.8in. x 17.8in. x 4.8in. 121.4 cm x 45.1 cm x 12.2 cm
Weight:
55.5 lb. 25.2 kg
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Web: https://kurzweil.com/support/
Web: https://kurzweil.com/support/
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(19 ratings)
Submitted January 18, 2009 by a customer from yahoo.com
"It's the sound"
If it was lost or stolen, after crying, and going through a emotional break down and stopping myself from evil thoughts of murdering the thief, I would get another one or the K2600 or the K2661. The K2500 and any other modern up to date synth is all you need
Sound
Sounds excellent. All the sounds that I've found that were 'weak' or not quite useable can be dramatically changed to exactally what I want. Perfect for my style of jazz, funk and gospel. It is the only synth I've ever own, and I've own many, that does not require layering with any other synth for any reason. No other synth I've ever played sounds this good by it self. I plan to add a Korg wavestation not because it needs it but to add vector wave synthesis just to see how they'll sound together. The best advice I can give anyone who owns or plans to own the K2500 is to study the manuals religously and experiment.
Features
It has verything I need as a live performer and home recording with computer
Ease of Use
The Kurzweil is not easy to use, so far. I guess I have to keep playing it to really get comfortable. But the KB3 organ mode is the greatist
Quality
Built to last.
Value
Since they're discontinued, you can find one pretty cheap and it does preety much what the new boards do with the exception of having USB and the card (it uses floppy disk) It's a great value… read more for $600 or less
Manufacturer Support
It's discontinued so I suspect diffculty getting support but I've found many accessories, disk and other stuff still availble on the net. Haven't needed t cal Kurzweil yet.
The Wow Factor
I'm addicted. totally obsessed,I feel in control of my sonic emotions when playing it. The only replacement would be the Kurzweil K2661 maybe.
Musical Background:
professional music producer
Musical Style:
Jazz/Funk read less
Sound
Sounds excellent. All the sounds that I've found that were 'weak' or not quite useable can be dramatically changed to exactally what I want. Perfect for my style of jazz, funk and gospel. It is the only synth I've ever own, and I've own many, that does not require layering with any other synth for any reason. No other synth I've ever played sounds this good by it self. I plan to add a Korg wavestation not because it needs it but to add vector wave synthesis just to see how they'll sound together. The best advice I can give anyone who owns or plans to own the K2500 is to study the manuals religously and experiment.
Features
It has verything I need as a live performer and home recording with computer
Ease of Use
The Kurzweil is not easy to use, so far. I guess I have to keep playing it to really get comfortable. But the KB3 organ mode is the greatist
Quality
Built to last.
Value
Since they're discontinued, you can find one pretty cheap and it does preety much what the new boards do with the exception of having USB and the card (it uses floppy disk) It's a great value… read more for $600 or less
Manufacturer Support
It's discontinued so I suspect diffculty getting support but I've found many accessories, disk and other stuff still availble on the net. Haven't needed t cal Kurzweil yet.
The Wow Factor
I'm addicted. totally obsessed,I feel in control of my sonic emotions when playing it. The only replacement would be the Kurzweil K2661 maybe.
Musical Background:
professional music producer
Musical Style:
Jazz/Funk read less
4 of 4 people (100%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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