Sunday Synth Jam: Skoulaman created this live Berlin School/space music/ambient synthesizer jam.

Details via skoulaman:

Sequenced with an arpeggiator loop from the Kurzweil Midiboard connected with the Kawai k1r and the Waldorf micro Q. The solo vibe sounds are from a Yamaha CX5M computer and the Korg Lamda in combination with a Moogerfooger. Accords played om the Juno 106 and on the Korg Lamda.

Inventor, author and futurist Ray Kurzweil appeared on I’ve Got a Secret in 1965, when he was 17 years old, demonstrating his music-composing computer.

Kurzweil Music Systems has announced the PC3LE6, the first of its new PC3LE line of performance control keyboards.

The LE line includes the sound set from the PC3, in addition to many of the PC3’s most popular features like Setup Mode, Song Mode and Quick Access Mode.

The LE’s streamlined user interface has been designed to allow for a quick learning curve. This new, interactive U.I. provides a constant stream of useful information to players; move a controller and the LE will display the controller’s name, value and the parameter to which it’s been assigned. (Example – Knob 5: 43 Reverb Wet/Dry)

The PC3LE line also features USB thumb-drive storage, 16 independent arpeggiators, 16 simultaneous Riffs, 8 backlit impact-sensitive drum pads and high quality 24-bit D/A converters. The 61-note PC3LE6 will be followed shortly by the release of the 76 and 88-note versions, the PC3LE7 and PC3LE8.

Kurzweil has published a page of audio demos at their site.

The Kurzweil PC3LE6 retails for about $1,300.

PC3LE6 Features:

• Keyboard:     Fatar TP-8; 61-note semi-weighted action with velocity and aftertouch sensitive keys
• Display:     240 x 64 backlit LCD w/ dedicated back panel contrast control
• Polyphony:     64 Voice Polyphony, dynamically allocated, lightning fast performance
• Multitimbral:     16 parts (one per MIDI channel)
• Architecture:     PC3 sound engine, complete with anti-aliased VA oscillators and KB3 Mode. Important synth and effects parameters can be accessed and adjusted via the PC3LE6’s front panel knobs and buttons – user settings can be captured and saved with a single button press. Supports loading PC3 programs
• Factory Presets:     PC3 sound set, including Base ROM, Orchestral, Classic Keys, String Section, General MIDI set and over 70 KB3 programs with total of over 800 programs
• Factory MIDI Setups:     256 factory programmed MIDI setups. Up to 2048 user programmable MIDI setups, each with 16 independent zones, effects, triggerable pattern-based “Riffs” and arpeggiator settings. Dozens of user-editable patterns for both pitch and velocity
• General MIDI:     Standard
• User Memory:     2048 locations for user created preset programs, songs and setups
• Sequencer:     16 tracks; 960 PPQ resolution. Song editing functions include both event and track-based tools like quantize, swing, remap, controller scaling and more. Controller chasing and quick “set song loop point” functions are also included
• Effects:     10 insert effects distributed over 10 busses, one auxiliary send; featuring over 500 of our award winning effects – reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, phaser, EQs, distortions, rotary speaker simulators, compressors, and more
• Controllers:     Pitch wheel, modulation wheel, 5 front panel knobs (15 virtual knobs with a two-tiered shift button), 7 front panel switches (momentary or toggle, software selectable), 2 switch pedal inputs, 1 continuous control pedal input and mono pressure. Controller values can be “captured” and stored as part of a program. In addition to all of these, the PCLE6 also features 8 backlit velocity-sensitive drum pads that can be used to trigger sounds, sequences, chords and arpeggiations
• Arpeggiator:     16 full-featured independent arpeggiators with multiple latch modes, selectable play order, velocity, duration, tempo, and sync functions as well as pre-recorded beats and musical phrases
• Riffs:     16 simultaneous “Riff” generators (used for triggering MIDI sequenced phrases, beats, or complete multi-track arrangments from notes on the keyboard and/or any on-board physical controller)
• Analog Outputs:     Two 1/4″ balanced TRS analog (24-bit DACs)
• Headphones:     1 rear panel 1/4″ headphone output
• Digital Outputs:     24-bit, stereo S/PDIF at 48K (internal clock)
• MIDI:     In, Out, Thru
• USB:     Host port for connecting a USB thumb-drive and a Device port that allows the PC3LE6 to load and save data directly to and from a computer, perform OS updates and send/receive MIDI over USB
• FREE OS Updates:     Flash ROM upgradeable via USB or thumb-drive

PC3LE6 Specifications

• Height:    (5.00″) (12.70 cm)
• Depth:    (14.50″) (36.83 cm)
• Length:    (41.50″) (105.41 cm)
• Weight:    (31.00 lb.) (14.06 kg)
• Power:     Internal AC power supply
• Automatic selection 90-250V AC operation

This is a deep interview with a deep guy – Ray Kurzweil – about some deep ideas.

In the early 80’s, Kurzweil developed the Kurzweil K250 digital synthesizer, which developed into one of the most influential digital synthesis platforms.

Kurzweil sold his music business in 1990 and in recent years has focused his attention on artificial intelligence, transhumanism and the technological singularity.

Some of his ideas for the future seem far out. But if you watch this video, you’ll hear Kurweil’s thoughts on exponential technological development and how it creates change that is difficult for our linear minds to predict.

Fantastic stuff – bookmark it and give it a listen when you have a chance.

via ComputerHistory:

[Recorded July 13 2009] Ray Kurzweil is a 21st century polymath. He is a scientist, inventor, entrepreneur, author, visionary and futurist. As a scientist and inventor he has pioneered work in optical character recognition (OCR), speech recognition technology, and electronic keyboard instruments. As an entrepreneur, Kurzweil has founded businesses in the fields of OCR, music synthesis, speech recognition, reading technology, virtual reality and financial investment. He is the author of numerous books on health, artificial intelligence (AI), the technological singularity and futurism. The Kurzweilian version of the future is the inevitable merger of humans and intelligent machines.In this discussion with Computer History Museum Senior Curator Dag Spicer, Kurzweil shares his vision of how technology will re-shape the human body (and culture generally) into one that incorporates advanced technologies into a new type of post-human organism. Kurzweil sees this transformation occurring over the next 20 to 50 years and beginning with the integration of electronic-based systems into the human body. Some decades after that, a further transformation occurs–one based on nanotechnology—which incorporates the manipulation and construction of interfaces and complex systems based on atomic-level structures that merge with and control specific bodily functions and attack its problems (i.e. cancer). Some of the philosophical implications of Kurzweils vision are also discussed.

Here’s a bit of amazing solo keyboard work from Jordan Rudess in his big hair days.

Rudess is all over the keys and all over the place in this six minute synth jam.

via Croketas

Image: lindes

Saturday Synth Porn: A great shot of Amanda Palmer of The Dresden Dolls, playing the keys with vigor.

Note her unique choice in synthesizers.

via the Synthtopia Flickr Group

pianopera posted this switched-on take on the Bach Goldberg Variations BWV 988, played by J.S. on a Kurzweil 250 Digital Keyboard, calling it Bach’s Nightmare: The Ultimate Rape, or The Art of Kitsch.

As an electronic music fan and a Kurzweil user – I actually like these takes on Bach’s classics.

What do you think? Would Bach be switched-on, or is this just the rape of everything holy in classical music?

This is a demo of the Kurzweil PC3X. The PC3x offers an array of sounds, powerful arpeggiators and additional performance features.

Sweetwater’s Daniel Fisher puts the Kurzweil PC3X through its paces.

EM has a review this month of the Kurzweil Music Systems PC3x.

EM basically raves about the Kurzweil PC3x:

I cannot think of a more thorough and better-implemented performance keyboard than the PC3x. The sounds are rich, expressive, and natural. Learning to become an expert V.A.S.T. programmer is difficult, but maneuvering around the instrument for typical live tasks couldn’t be simpler. Quick Access mode puts you one button away from whatever sound or preprogrammed setup of splits/layers you need, and there are numerous other shortcuts and button combinations. The user definability of every real-time control is beyond that of any other hardware synth.

Best of all, the PC3x is an honest-to-goodness synthesizer at heart. The VA-1 marriage with V.A.S.T. is brilliant, and you get an overwhelming number of usable preset sounds. Whether your interests are classical, pop, rock, jazz, or urban, the PC3x will become the centerpiece of your composition duties and the star of your stage performance. It’s a beautifully crafted instrument that’s a pure joy to play.

You can view the full review here.

2009 NAMM Show: Kurzweil has introduced the new Kurzweil PC361 keyboard synthesizer.

Description:

The PC361 is Kurzweil’s ultimate performance controller keyboard, with an enormous collection of stunning sounds combined with comprehensive real-time controller functions.

In addition to Kurzweil’s Triple Strike Grand Piano, the PC361 features hundreds of new sounds; basses, drums, guitars, and synths, along with a collection of vintage keyboard emulations, KB3 Mode and over 250 orchestral and string section programs.

The PC361’s new Dynamic V.A.S.T. architecture is the fruit of several major strides made in improving processing power, flexibility and user-friendliness. Kurzweil has also integrated its legendary (and vaporous) VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer into the new system!

The Kurzweil PC361 also includes an unlimited-track sequencer with 960 PPQ resolutionr, making the PC361 a full blown music production workstation. What’s more- they’ve added USB, flash xD card port, a newly designed keyboard action, and a new intuitive user interface.

The Kurzweil PC361 Keyboard Synthesizer lists for $2395 and is expected to ship in Spring 2009.

Here are the PC361 details from Kurzweil:

What’s Inside…

One thing which clearly sets Kurzweil apart from the competition is the fact that we design our own chips (called ASICs) for all Kurzweil products. Simply put, our chips are customized for optimum audio performance. What does this mean for the end user? It means that all of the processing power in a Kurzweil chip is devoted exclusively to sound. It means no noticeable latency – the performance is always lightning fast. And most importantly, it translates into that rich, full, glitch-free sound for which Kurzweil has become famous. Yes developing our own chips is more expensive and more time consuming. We think it’s well worth it. Once you’ve heard the PC361, we think you’ll agree.

The Kurzweil Sound…

The PC361 offers an enormous sound set of over 850 programs, raising the bar once again for both audio quality and variety. With the best samples in the industry, and a powerful, responsive synth engine breathing life into them, you’ll feel like you’re playing an actual instrument, not just playing samples. Of course there’s the famous Kurzweil Triple Strike Piano, with dozens of variations to accommodate every kind of player. All of the basic sounds – basses, guitars, drums, horns and synths – have been painstakingly programmed to reflect the needs of today’s professional players, representing a broad selection of styles and flavors from the ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, ’90s and today.

Also included is our Classic Keys ROM, which puts an impossibly large vintage keyboard rig at your fingertips. These are vintage emulations which actually sound like vintage instruments and classic recordings. The recognizable sounds of those classic electromechanical instruments, with all of their characteristic imperfections, have been faithfully re-created, along with pedals, amps and speakers. Lush Mellotrons, growling electric pianos, and punchy Clavinets are all there at the touch of a button, programmed to sound just like those classic albums.

For more vintage firepower, the PC361 is equipped with the most advanced version of Kurzweil’s widely lauded KB3 Mode tonewheel organ simulator, which screams, sputters and sizzles just like the original. In addition to newly developed Leslie effects, and a new bank of B3 programs, we’ve also included sounds from the classic Vox and Farfisa combo organs. The PC361’s 9 sliders provide real-time drawbar control.

The PC361 offers a full range of world class orchestral sounds, including our new String Section ROM bank, making it ideal for film-scoring and soundtrack projects. Every type of articulation, every nuance has been captured, with samples of full and divisi sections of violins, violas, cellos, and double bass. The details, the warm swells, animated pizzicatos and the sound of scraping rosin all add to the breathtaking effect of these string sections. You can plug and play with sounds worthy of a finished production – instant gratification with uncompromising sound quality.

Dynamic V.A.S.T..

Under the hood of the PC361 is simply the most powerful synthesis engine ever created by Kurzweil. Dynamic V.A.S.T. picks up where the K series left off. Having up to 32 layers per program means that emulations of real instruments can be extremely detailed and accurate, while the synthesized sounds can be extraordinarily large and complex.

Expanding upon our V.A.S.T. architecture, the PC361’s new architecture delivers more power and flexibility combined with unprecedented ease of use. Users can now create and store their own DSP algorithms, with nearly limitless possibilities for routing.

In another huge development, we’ve resurrected the VA-1 Virtual Analog Synthesizer, having built it’s synthesis engine right into the new system. Hear the VA-1’s power-shaped, anti-aliasing oscillators (including supersaw, triplesaw, and hard sync oscillators) combined with a newer, larger set of V.A.S.T. filters (like the classic-style 4pole low pass w/ resonance) and non-linear processors and you’ll understand why the internet is buzzing about this feature.

Cascade Mode…

Every layer in a program can be routed through the DSP of any other layer, in series or blended together, with up to 32 layers. It’s the same concept as Triple Mode on our K26 series, without the 3 layer limit. You can run your sound through literally dozens of filters (which can all move independently in real-time) in addition to Kurzweil’s signature DSP processors like Shaper, Wrap and Distortion, allowing for some truly dazzling results. This is one more feature which makes the PC361’s synth engine so powerful and so different than anything else on the market.

User Interface…

While the PC361’s user interface may look familiar to veteran Kurzweil users, major improvements have been made, allowing for a much more user friendly experience. The PC361’s backlit 240 x 64 display conveys all the information you’ll need, when you need it, in an elegant, easy to navigate environment.

Programs are categorized and can be selected by scrolling or by using bank and program select buttons. Further, user favorites can be organized into convenient “Quick Access” banks for easy one touch recall.

In addition to fast navigation, each preset sound is accompanied by an “Info” screen which can be accessed at the touch of a button. As every sound can have its own customized set of real-time, physical controllers (sliders, modwheel, switches, CC Pedals, mono pressure, etc.) , the Info button makes viewing the current assignments effortless.

Complimenting the PC361’s killer soundset is the the Easy Audition feature, where every one of the PC361’s presets is linked to a bank of “riffs”, recorded sequences which demonstrate each sound in an appropriate context. Just hit the “play” button on the front panel and get a quick musical preview of the current selection. Program selection and navigation, fast and easy.

Helping to tap the system’s full potential, the PC3 also sports a feature-laden software-based Desktop Editor with comprehensive, easy to use features. (free download- both Mac & PC platforms available)

Effects…

With up to 16 insert effects, two available auxiliary sends, PLUS a global Master FX section, the PC361 offers more than twice the processing power of our acclaimed KDFX engine. Effects can be chained together in series, or distributed among the PC361’s 16 multitimbral channels. And these are simply the best effects in the business – burning distortions, transparent compressors, warm phaser and chorus effects, perfect reverbs – everything from flawless vintage emulations to concert halls which decay into complete silence. All parameters are assignable to any of the PC361’s real time controllers – sliders, pedals, wheels, etc.

Sequencer…

The PC361 features a newly designed sequencer, with unlimited tracks and 960 PPQ resolution. Combining a set of powerful song editing functions like event editing, swing, and controller scaling with a new friendlier interface, the PC361 truly excels as a song writing/arranging workstation, ideal for music production on the fly. Chasing controls, input quantizing and a global “set song length” function are just a couple of the features we’ve incorporated.

Arpeggiators & Riffs…

The PC361 sports sixteen (yes, 16!) independent, fully programmable arpeggiators featuring 48-step programmable, pattern generators with both pitch and velocity controls – per zone (allowing for up to 16 patterns to playback simultaneously). These are accompanied by a thorough collection of modes, scales and pre-programmed patterns to get your juices flowing.

If that wasn’t enough, the PC3 offers sixteen unique “Riff” generators, which permit the triggering of MIDI sequenced phrases, beats, or even complete multi-track arrangments from notes on the keyboard and/or any on-board physical controller.

Kurzweil K2500 Demostration

Description:

This is a two-part demo of the Kurzweil K2500 keyboard synthesizer.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Demostration Keyboard: Kurzweil K2500 Base version ( no ROMs/kdfx)Patches: Pecussion and Drum Kit

via Space4Keys

2009 NAMM Show rumor: GearJunkies reports on a 61-keyboard version of the Kurzweil PC3, the Kurzweil PC361, which is rumored to be coming in January. 

It would be welcome to see a new keyboard from Kurzweil, but we’d rather see something revolutionary than evolutionary.

Got any more NAMM rumors? Leave a comment!

Kurzweil PC3 Features:

• Polyphony: 128 Voice Polyphony, dynamically allocated, lightning fast performance.
• Multitimbral: 16 parts (one per MIDI channel)
• Architecture:

Dynamic VAST: Powerful new synthesis engine, with user programmable DSP algs and routing. More DSP power than even our K Series instruments.

VA1 Inside: anti-aliasing, power-shaped oscillators and DSP processing from Kurzweil’s VA1 prototype synth, capable of delivering authentic analog emulations as well as incredibly complex new sounds.

Cascade Mode: lets the user route one layer through the DSP of any other layer within a program – up to 32 consecutive layers deep!

• Sequencer: Unlimited tracks; 1536 PPQ resolution. Song editing functions include both event and track-based tools like quantize, swing, remap, controller scaling and more. Controller chasing and a global “set song length” functions are also featured.
• Effects: 16 insert effects distributed over 12 busses, plus two auxiliary sends; featuring over 300 of our award winning effects – reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, phaser, EQs, distortions, Leslie simulators, compressors, and more.
• Master FX Section: User controllable master EQ section and master compressor for quick adjustments during live performance or putting the final touches on your studio mix. (These do not use up the insert effect resources.)
• Controllers: Pitch wheel, modulation wheel, 9 front panel sliders/drawbar controllers, 2 front panel switches (momentary or toggle, software selectable), 3 switch pedal input, 2 continuous control pedal inputs, mono pressure, Super Ribbon input, breath controller input. Controller values can be “captured” and stored as part of a program.

The MCDISK-2 is a solid-state Media Card drive that has no moving parts and makes no noise during operation. It comes in a small beige case that is 8.5″ x 6.75″ x 2.25″ and can be used in any orientation, flat or on its side. It is very sturdy and solid, equally at home on the road or in the studio. The case has a fan in it but we ship the drive with this fan disabled in order to keep the unit completely noise-free. The fan is not needed in this configuration because the internal MCDISK drive puts out no heat at all and the internal power supply puts out only a very small amount. The case stays cool internally from natural air flow.

The MCDISK-2 has two PCMCIA slots which enable you to use Compact Flash or Smart Media cards for storage (with the correct PCMCIA adapters). 

The MCDISK-2 is compatible with a wide range of samplers:

• Korg Triton Classic, Triton Studio, Triton LE, Triton Rack, Triton Pro
• Akai MPC60, MPC60 II, MPC2000, MPC2000XL, MPC3000 (requires the Vailixi 3.50 OS), S1000, S1100, S2000, S2800, S3000, CD3000, S3200, S3200XL, MPC4000, S5000, S6000, Z4/Z8
• Yamaha Motif 6, Motif 7, Motif 8, RS7000, PSR9000, EX5, EX7
• Ensoniq EPS, EPS 16+, ASR-10, ASR-88, ASR Rack
• EMU Emax SE/HD, ESI-32, ESI-2000, ESI-4000, E4k, E5000, E6400, E64, EIII, EIIIxp, EIV, E4XT Ultra, E-Synth
• Roland XV-5080, S750, S760, S770
• Kurzweil K2000, K2000VP, K2vx, K2vxS, K2000R, K2000RS, K2500X, K2500XS, K2500S, K2500R, K2500RS, K2600X, K2600XS, K2600S, K2600R, K2600RS, K2661

The case has two SCSI-2 HD-50 connectors (SCSI-1 Centronics connectors are available instead – see Related Products below), front power LED, status/activity LED and a SCSI ID selector switch. The unit ships internally terminated can ship unterminated at your request. The drive has an internal power supply that is auto-switching so it works with any power system in any country.

An internal version of the MCDISK-2 SCSI card reader drive is also available.

The MCDISK-2 retails for $145.

Note: SCSIforSamplers has ceased trading.

Description:

Synth jam, with kurzweil k2600x, roland v synth xt, korg triton rack + mosscartoni animati by gilles boscolospace4keys.com

Jeff Dunmire demos the updates to Kurzweil’s PC3/PC3X keyboards.

As a Kurzweil 2500 owner, I appreciate Kurzweil’s genius. But after reading this article, it’s hard not to think that he’s a bit wacky, too:

Kurzweil is writing and producing an autobiographical movie, with walk-ons by Alan Dershowitz and Tony Robbins. Kurzweil appears in two guises, as himself and as an intelligent computer named Ramona, played by an actress. Ramona has long been the inventor’s virtual alter ego and the expression of his most personal goals.

“Women are more interesting than men,” he says, “and if it’s more interesting to be with a woman, it is probably more interesting to be a woman.” He hopes one day to bring Ramona to life, and to have genuine human experiences, both with her and as her. Kurzweil has been married for 32 years to his wife, Sonya Kurzweil. They have two children — one at Stanford University, one at Harvard Business School.

“I don’t necessarily only want to be Ramona,” he says. “It’s not necessarily about gender confusion, it’s just about freedom to express yourself.”

Kurzweil’s movie offers a taste of the drama such a future will bring. Ramona is on a quest to attain full legal rights as a person. She agrees to take a Turing test, the classic proof of artificial intelligence, but although Ramona does her best to masquerade as human, she falls victim to one of the test’s subtle flaws: Humans have limited intelligence. A computer that appears too smart will fail just as definitively as one that seems too dumb. “She loses because she is too clever!” Kurzweil says.

I think living to 125 as a transgendered virtual person would be a lot more fun if there were more kick-ass synths like the Kurzweil 2500 to play with.

Hyundai, one of the world’s largest corporations, plans to work with Ray Kurzweil to “build Kurzweil Music Systems into one of the largest music instruments brands in the world.”

Kurzweil, who founded Kurzweil Music in 1982, will work with Kurzweil Music Systems management on technology strategy and will also be a primary spokesperson for the company.

Kurzweil was honored at the recent NAMM convention with a “Life Achievement Award”, along with Stevie Wonder and Billy Joel.

“The combination of Kurzweil Music’s strong core technology, with the new Kurzweil ‘Mara’ chip technology, which is stronger than anything else in the industry, and strong brand with Hyundai’s resources, management excellence, and manufacturing reliability will be unbeatable,” said Kurzweil in an impromptu acceptance speech.

K-Sounds

Volume 2: Advanced Control Piano, is an all-new, Kurzweil-format piano library designed to provide exceptional sound quality and real-time control. As a hardware-based alternative to gigabyte-size samples, this library offers KDFX-based sympathetic string resonance emulation, individual samples up to 15 seconds long, and detailed, comprehensive programming.

Solo piano programs offer real-time control over dynamic response, tonal clarity, sustain enhancement, release time, high and low shelf EQ, reverb level, reverb time, and early reflection content. Variation programs offer narrow stereo imaging, prominent sympathetic string resonance, and alternate tuning for layers. Special programming uses polyphony efficiently. Dozens of presets are provided.

Piano programs are featured in all common layered combinations – pads, strings, orchestra, electric pianos, and their variations – and a few that are uncommon as well. Bonus sounds are included.

Dozens of banks are provided, ranging from 16Mb to 128Mb in size. Banks vary with respect to sample length, sampling frequency, and the number of samples used.

Volume 2: Advanced Control Piano is compatible with all Kurzweil K2xxx instruments and optimized for KDFX-equipped models. Operating system requirements may apply.

The library is available online through the KSounds site.

Kurzweil Music Systems

We look forward to getting our hands one for testing. Kurzweil has released this preliminary information about the VA1:

Developed using Kurzweil’s newest proprietary DSP technology, the 61 note VA1 uses patent pending “Power Shaped Oscillators” to generate classic analog-style waveforms which can be smoothly “shaped” from one into another, without the use of cross-fades. Presets include everything from classic analog emulations to sounds which are truly ground-breaking.

The VA1 combines a vast array of real-time DSP processing with flexible FM and sync capabilities, providing a wide spectrum of sonic possibilities. Dual multi-mode 4-pole resonant filters, 3 LFOs, 2 ASRs, and 2 extremely fast ADSR envelopes are just a few of the sound-sculpting tools available. The VA1 offers 16 voices of polyphony, 7 simultaneous sound-sources per voice, and 4 part multitimbral capability. Each multitimbral part has its own effects (based on our acclaimed KDFX and KSP8 processors) and its own independent arpeggiator.

With 59 knobs, and 108 buttons, the VA1’s user interface is both precise and intuitive, providing instant access to nearly all synth parameters. The VA1 offers an unprecedented amount of performance control as well, with pitchwheel, modwheel, joystick, and inputs for 4 switch pedals, 2 CC pedals, breath controller and Kurzweil’s exclusive ribbon controller, all of which are assignable in the VA1’s 6×46 modulation matrix. The LFOs, arpeggiators, portamento and effects can all be easily synced to MIDI clock and/or each other.

External signals can be processed in the VA1’s oscillator and filter sections, or through its built-in 48-band vocoder. Stereo inputs with Neutrik “combo jacks”, and a stereo mic pre-amp with phantom power give the VA1 a unique edge in both live performance and studio settings, allowing quick “1-step” vocal processing with superb sound quality. The audio outputs are equally impressive, with 4 1/4″ balanced analog outs employing Kurzweil’s patented circuitry, standard headphone jack (with independent headphone monitoring), and an optical port with up to 8 channels of 24-bit digital audio.

Physical Specifications

Improved Synth-Style Action: 61 velocity and aftertouch sensitive keys

59 Knobs: 11 detented “selection” knobs and 47 smooth, endless encoders provide both instant access and precise, real time control over a wide array of parameters.

108 Buttons: Virtually eliminate the need for multiple button-presses and having to page through endless menus.

Assignable Controllers: Equipped with pitchwheel, modwheel, and a joystick, as well as inputs for ribbon, breath controller, 4 switch pedals, and 2 CC pedals, the VA1 offers an unprecedented amount of performance control.

Internal Power Supply

Smart Media Slot: For quick external storage of programs and easy OS updates

2 line x 16 character backlit LCD display

Dimensions: 40.25″ W x 3.7″ H x 14.8″ D Weight: 27.5 lbs.

Synth Specifications

16 Polyphonic Voices

4 Part Multitimbral Capability

Sound Generation: Each voice has 7 sound sources – 3 oscillators, 2 “Processors”, Noise, and External. All 7 sources can be used simultaneously without reducing polyphony. Power Shaped Oscillators: Employing Kurzweil’s latest DSP innovations, the VA1’s oscillators generate analog-style waveforms which can be smoothly transformed from one into another, without the use of cross-fades. Traditional waveforms such as sine, square, saw, triangle, and variable pulse are available as well.

Processors: Using a versatile selection of DSP algorithms, each “Processor” can provide functions like “sample and hold”, distortion, and ringmod. The processors can also serve as sub-oscillators.

FM and Sync: The VA1’s FM synthesis capabilities are powerful and flexible, with a number of choices available for inputs and destinations. Each of the oscillators can be synced to a number of sources.

Deform Section: Located just before the filters in the signal path, the Deform section provides an additional block of real-time processing. Ringmod, Shapers, and a variety of digital distortion algs can be selected.

Filters: The VA1’s dual filters can be arranged in series or parallel configuration and offer a broad selection of filter types. Minimoog style 4 pole resonant lo-pass with feedback, 2 and 4 pole lo-pass and hi-pass, bandpass, and notch are among the many available filter algorithms.

LFOs and Envelopes: 3 LFOs (1 local, 2 global) each with a range of up to 50hz, 2 lightning-fast ADSR envelopes, 2 standard ASRs.

Modulation Matrix: With 6 inputs (3 assignable) for each of the 46 possible destinations, the VA1 provides unmatched programming flexibility.

Arpeggiator: The VA1 features 4 independent simultaneous arpeggiators, one for each of its 4 multitimbral parts.

Effects: With 4 simultaneous effects available, one for each of the VA1’s 4 multitimbral parts, the effects section features a varied collection of presets taken from our award-winning KDFX (for K2500 and 2600) and KSP8 processors. The effects presets are fully programmable and can be assigned real-time controllers through the VA1’s modulation matrix.

MIDI Sync: Portamento, LFOs, arpeggiators, and envelope triggers, as well as many of the time-based effects (delay, flange, etc.) can easily be synced to MIDI and/or each other.

Vocoder: The 40 band vocoder can use external inputs for both carrier and modulator in addition to the VA1’s internally generated sound sources.

I/O

Inputs: The VA1 comes equipped with 2 Neutrik “combo jacks” (both 1/4″ and XLR) for balanced or unbalanced signals.

Pre-amp: With the inclusion of a stereo mic pre-amp and phantom power, the VA1 offers the most complete capabilities for vocoding and the processing of external audio.

Analog Outputs: 4 balanced 1/4″ jacks, using patented Kurzweil circuitry, 1 stereo headphone jack.

24-Bit Digital Output: Optical port selectable as ADAT (8 channels) or S/P DIF format.

Kurzweil was up to Wonder’s challenge. Kurzweil developed the first ROM-based sampling keyboard, the K250. It was the first keyboard to successfully reproduce the sound of acoustic instruments. It amazed the music industry when it was released, because it accurately reproduced so many instruments, while being very playable, and flexible.

Since then, Kurzweil has released a series of keyboards that have built on the reputation that the K250 established. The Kurzweil has evolved by improving polyphony, effects, the sequencer, control flexibility and more. Their top-of-the-line K2600 series is one of the top choices for studio musicians because of its great sounds, power as a workstation, and abilities as a keyboard controller.