Forte File Compatibility

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

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

Loading Compatible Object File Types

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

When loading file types other than .FOR, the Forte will attempt a conversion of the objects in those files. The Forte 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 Legacy K2 Series Object Files (K26, .K25, .KRZ)

When loading objects from K26, .K25, or .KRZ files, objects are converted to Forte 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 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 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 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 7-53 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 can load .SYX files containing FM programs from classic 6 operator FM synthesizers. Imported FM programs can be edited in Program Mode and combined with additional layers and VAST synthesis features. For details on editing imported FM programs, see “Editing FM Layers” on page 7-85 of the Musician’s Guide.

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 “PREVIEW (Sample Preview)” on page 12-23 of the Musician’s Guide for an easy way to create a keymap from user or factory samples. See “Building a Keymap” on page 9-9 and “Editing Samples” on page 9-11 for more details on editing keymaps and samples.

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’s user sample flash memory, samples remain in the Forte even when the power is off, until they are manually deleted. Also, once samples are loaded to the Forte’s user sample flash memory, there is no load time for those user samples when turning on the Forte.

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 Ch. 9 Keymap and Sample Editing 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 1024 (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 1024 (or whichever ID you filled from) as your sample will have been loaded into the next available unused ID.

Note: When transferring files to and from the Forte 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’s available object and sample memory.

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.