Forte SE File Compatibility

Question:
What programs/multis/setups from other Kurzweil instruments can I load in my Forte SE?

Answer:
The Forte SE can load content from the following Kurzweil instruments and file types:

Loading Compatible Object File Types

Aside from loading objects from its own .FSE files, the Forte SE can load sounds and objects from other instruments.

When loading file types other than .FSE, the Forte SE will attempt a conversion of the objects in those files. The Forte SE can often exactly match the sound and function of the original objects. In some cases object parameters may not be converted and must be adjusted by the user after conversion.

Loading Program Objects

When importing a Program objects Parameter info names and some controller assignments may need to be manually adjusted.

Loading Multi/Setup Objects

When importing a Setup or Multi object any Zone above Zone 8 will not be imported. Riffs will not be imported.

Loading K2700 (.K27), PC4 (.PC4) and Forte (.FOR) Objects

Some K2700/Forte/PC4 Programs may not be compatible if they use keymaps and samples that are not available on the Forte SE. It may be possible to import and edit these Programs on the Forte SE and select Forte SE keymaps that sound very similar to the incompatible keymaps. For example, the Forte SE does not have the same German and Japanese Grand Piano keymaps and samples found in these other models, but it does have similar keymaps that use a reduced set of the German and Japanese Grand Piano samples.

The Forte SE is also lacking the following samples found in these other models: High Definition Reed EP, High Definition Tine EP 77, High Definition Bells, Glockenspiel, and Chimes.

Loading Legacy K2 Series Object Files (K26, .K25, .KRZ)

When loading objects from K26, .K25, or .KRZ files, objects are converted to Forte SE object types. Some object parameters cannot be converted and must be edited after loading.

All K2 series Keymap objects can be loaded, some parameters will be converted to Forte SE specific parameters.

Most K2 series Program objects can be loaded. FX cannot be converted and must be edited after loading. Parameter info names and some controller assignments may need to be edited after loading. See the section above for more details on loading legacy Keymaps and Samples.

The Program Editor Keymap page sample skipping parameter (SmpSkp) cannot be loaded, so Samples can only be transposed upward by one octave. Programs and Keymaps may need to be edited to compensate for this.

A small number of DSP algorithms and functions (some filters, oscillators, etc.) cannot be loaded, so Program layers may need to be edited to compensate for this.

KB3 programs created with a K2500 or K2600 cannot be loaded, however the Forte SE contains a variety of KB3 programs which can easily be modified and edited.

Triple Mode programs created with the K2600 cannot be loaded, however the Forte SE improves upon this feature with Cascade Mode. Cascade Mode allows a program signal to be routed through up to 32 layers of DSP algorithms (for details see “Alt Input” on page 7-36 of the Musician’s Guide).

All K series Setup objects can be loaded and converted to Multis. FX cannot be converted and must be edited after loading.

Loading FM Preset Files (.SYX)

The Forte SE can load .SYX files containing FM programs from classic 6 operator FM synthesizers. When the Global Mode User Type is set to Advanced, imported FM Programs can be edited in Program Mode and combined with additional layers, VAST synthesis features and FX. Imported .SYX files appear as new Programs in Program Mode. (Note: FM Programs/Layers can be edited on the keyboard, but only basic parameters and FX can be adjusted. For full FM editing, the SoundTower editor must be used. FM editing will be available in an upcoming release of the SoundTower editor.)

Loading Audio Sample Files (.WAV and .AIF)

From the LOAD page, .WAV and .AIF audio files can be loaded and used with user created keymaps (see “Building a Keymap” on page 9-9 and “Editing Samples” on page 9-10 of the Musician’s Guide). Mono and stereo files can be loaded, 8 or 16 bit, with sample rates up to a maximum of 96000 Hz. Once samples are loaded to the Forte SE’s user sample flash memory, samples remain in the Forte SE even when the power is off, until they are manually deleted. Also, once samples are loaded to the Forte SE’s user sample flash memory, there is no load time for those user samples when turning on the Forte SE.

To load a user audio file, select a .WAV or .AIF file from the LOAD page file list and press the Fill soft button. (If the Global Mode User Type parameter is set to advanced, you will be prompted to select an ID to fill from. In that case you must select an ID then press the Fill soft button again to begin loading samples into unused user IDs).

On the EDIT:Keymap Main page (see “The Keymap Editor” on page 9-1 of the Musician’s Guide) loaded audio samples can be selected in the Sample field. In the Sample field, you can find the audio file you loaded by entering 1025 (or whichever ID you filled from) on the alphanumeric keypad and pressing Enter. If you have previously loaded user samples, you may have to scroll above 1025 (or whichever ID you filled from) as your sample will have been loaded into the next available unused ID.

Notes:

-When transferring files to and from the Forte SE via the USB Computer Port, the maximum size of files that can be transferred is approximately 20 MB. This is suitable for most, non-sample objects. For transferring audio sample files, use the USB Storage Port with a USB mass storage device such as a “thumb drive.” When using the USB Storage Port to transfer files, the file size that can be transferred is limited only by the size of the USB mass storage device, and the Forte SE’s available object and sample memory.

-The Forte SE only has 188 MB of user sample memory, so you may not be able to import larger user samples from Forte/PC4/K2700.

Loading MIDI Song Files (.MID)

MIDI song files (.MID) can be loaded, they appear as Songs in Song Mode. Songs that use the General MIDI sound set are not supported and must be edited after loading to select appropriate instrument Programs for each track.