PRODUCT INFORMATION AND HISTORY - CURRENT AS OF 12/2000 PRO PRODUCTS K250, K250 Expander and the RMX The K250 was Kurzweil's original product, and made history as the first instrument to truly reproduce acoustic instrument authentically. The 250 went through many changes of the operating system (up to v7.2E) and the addition of upgrades, including extra ROM soundblocks, additional sample RAM, and even a SCSI option . It was produced from 1984-89. The K250 Expander was introduced in 1985. It was literally a keyboard-less K250. The RMX, an 8 space rack module was released in 1986. Currently, all service and support for the 250 is being handled by Sweetwater Sound (219) 432-8176. 1000/1200 Series Products This is an entire family of instruments which originally started production in the fall of 87, featuring quality sample playback of acoustic instruments at a fraction of the cost of the 250. They evolved from the 1000 to the 1200 series by way of a fairly convoluted path. The following is an attempt to explain this evolution. The series originally consisted of the K1000, a 76 note keyboard, and the PX, SX, HX, and GX modules (Professional, String, Horn, and Guitar expanders). The PX is identical to the K1000. Each of the instruments has room to add additional samples via ROM soundblocks. Aftertouch (mono/channel pressure) was added to the K1000, which was then renamed the K1000SE (Special Edition). This pressure strip is not available as an upgrade for the original K1000. When the first soundblock was released, it was added into the keyboard and called the K1000SE/EXT, and added into the PX and renamed the PX Plus. The PX Plus also was given a new front panel with 23 buttons, just like the keyboard. (The original four modules had 8 buttons). The SX and HX were combined and renamed the AX Plus - also 23 buttons. Soundblocks were also created for the HX and SX, one for each module. Both of these soundblocks could be added to the AX Plus. The next step in the evolution was the creation of the version 5 operating system, which added many controller features for the keyboard and made fundamental changes in the way programs were stored, called up, and organized. This software was added to the keyboard models which were renamed the K1000SE II and K1000SE II/EXT. (Let's see, I wonder how many letters we can add to the name of this keyboard.) Finally, the second soundblock for the K1000/PX was released. With this addition, the keyboard was renamed the PRO76 and the PX Plus renamed the PRO I. An 88 note version keyboard was also created and named the K1200, which was virtually identical to the PRO76 with the exception of the additional keys and a larger amount of user RAM. Version 5 was added to the AX Plus along with its soundblocks and renamed the PRO II. And the GX was combined with the HX, HXA soundblock, and version five and named the PRO III. Whew, that covers all of the models. As of 4/92, production ceased on the 1200 series. List of samples in each unit: 1000PX: "Professional Expander" Piano, String, Choir, Acoustic Bass, Vibes, Organs, Clarinet, Trumpet, Baritone Horn, and waveforms. PXA: Flute, Rhodes, Electric Bass, Drums, more waveforms PXB: Steel guitar, harp, marimba, tenor sax, percussion 1000HX: "Horn Expander" Trumpet, Harmon Mute Trumpet, Trombone, Three different Tenor Saxes, waveforms HXA: Soprano Sax, Two different Alto Saxes, Baritone Sax, Brass Stabs, extra roots for existing HX samples 1000SX: "String Expander" Full orchestral strings, Solo Violin, Solo Cello, pizzicato strings, waveforms SXA: Clarinet, Flute, Oboe, Bassoon, French Horn, Timpani 1000GX: Nylon String, Steel String, Strat, Martin Semi-Hollow Body, Electric Bass, Guitar Mutes, waveforms Older models can still be upgraded. The K1000SE can be upgraded to a PRO76, the PX and PX Plus to a PRO I, and the HX, SX, and AX Plus to a PRO II. There were never any soundblocks created for the GX, but version 5 software can be added to it. All of these soundblocks can be purchased exclusively from Sweetwater Sound (219) 432-8176. All upgrades are available as of this writing. The original K1000 needs an additional circuit board in order to add the chips; these boards are no longer available so it is not possible to upgrade a K1000 unless the daughter board had previously been added when installing a ROM block. MIDIBOARD This 88 note wooden keyboard controller was one of the first instruments to be designed specifically as a controller, with no built in sounds. The keyboard could be split into three different zones and transmit on up to eight different MIDI channels. Introduced in 1986, it had many innovative features, including poly pressure and adjustable transmission of velocity. The first version of operating system was 1.7 and was followed by 2.1 and 2.2. It is possible to tell the version by the number of parameters per "Instrument". 1.7 has 42, 2.1 has 44, and 2.2 has 46. In the fall of 88, version 3.0 was released. Its many new features included an arpeggiator, new Setups, and a rewritten manual - this time written in the English language (only if you saw the original manual can you appreciate this statement). The upgrade to version 3.0 is no longer available. The MIDIBOARD was discontinued in the fall of 1989. 150 and the 150fs This unique synthesizer employed true Fourier Additive Synthesis, a technique which creates sound by adding individually controlled partials together to create a whole. Introduced in 1986, it was originally an attempt to create a more reasonably priced alternative to the expensive 250 - creating Fourier sound models which could emulate acoustic instruments. In this regard, it was only mildly successful. But for someone who wanted to create sound from scratch, it had awesome power. Unfortunately, the only way to access this power was through the use of the Sound Modeling Program, software written originally for the Apple II computer. Eventually, a version was written for the Macintosh, but run this required a program called II-in-a-Mac, which allowed the Macintosh to emulate an Apple II. Though never very successful with the average musician, the 150 proved to be extremely popular with acousticians and scientists involved with research into the effect of sound on humans, due to the complete control over every aspect of the sound. The original 150 was updated by adding more sounds, a new front panel, and some additional features and renamed the 150fs. Older units can still be updated. Support for this unit is being provided by the engineer who originally designed it, Hal Chamberlin. You can reach Hal at Young Chang Research & Development, hal_chamberlin@ycrdi.com. The 150 was discontinued in summer of 1988. 2000 SERIES In December 1991, Kurzweil released the first product to employ a powerful new synthesis technology, Variable Architecture Synthesis. The most powerful synthesis engine developed for a commercial product, this technology offers an unprecedented amount of control over every aspect of sound creation. The K2000 has gone through seven main incarnations of its operating system. It initially shipped with version 1.0. When the rack was released in October 1992, both keyboard and rack started shipping with v1.3. With the release of the sampling option, units with the sampling hardware installed shipped with v2.07 or 2.08J (the same software, but for different circuit boards, due to a manufacturing change on the engine board). In August of 94, version 3.01 was released. Version 3 added full sequencing capabilities plus greatly enhanced Disk Mode capabilities. Version 3.18, released in February 95, contained a number of smaller enhancements. Version 3.54, released in April 97, added a number of enhancements, including increased SCSI compatibility. The final version, 387 was released in November 99, and added ISO 9660 compatibility and several other enhancements The industry acclaimed the K2000RS as the TEC award winner in the Mix Magazine's prestigious award competition. These instruments have become the 'standard' multi-media development tools, as well as the top selling samplers against very stiff competition. They have been reviewed in more than 40 magazines and have graced the covers of over 10 of the industries top publications around the world. Most top magazine editors own one of the 2000 series instruments. Additional options include an Orchestral ROM block, Contemporary ROM block, increased PRAM, and a sampling option. The 2000 series consists of eight models: K2000 61 note keyboard K2000R three space rack version of the K2000 K2000S K2000 with sampling option (includes 2 meg sample RAM) K2000RS rack version of K2000S K2vx 61 note keyboard (see below for more info) K2vxS K2vx with sampling option (includes 2 meg sample RAM) K2000VP K2000 with v3.54 OS and 2 meg sample RAM K2000VPR a rack version of the K2000VP The K2vx represents the mature K2000 keyboard platform. It began shipping in March 1996. The K2vx is a K2000 which comes with the options already installed (both ROM blocks and PRAM). It also has a different set of preset (ROM) programs, different from those found on the K2000 plus 200 additional ROM programs which take advantage of the fact of having both additional ROM blocks by combining sounds from all three blocks. (There are a total of 600 preset programs.) A new front panel graphic was also designed. The K2000VP and K2000VPR began shipping in 1997 and replaced the K2000, K2000S, K2000R, and K2000RS (which were then discontinued). They are K2000s that ship with the newest v3.54 operating system. They include the first 200 presets from the K2vx, plus 2 meg of sample RAM. In addition, they ship with an extra Analog Synth Collection disk library, which features over 31 disks of analog synth samples and programs. Although they don't include the sampling option, it can be purchased and installed. The K2000 product line was discontinued in the summer of 2000. MicroPiano Released in November of 93, this half space rack module features Kurzweil's new piano sample, along with a Fender Rhodes, FM type electric piano, Hammond B-3, and Ensemble Strings. It has 32 preset programs with 32 voice polyphony, built in reverb and chorus effects (16 different effects patches), selectable velocity response, etc. The Micro Piano has won all magazine awards for best sound, best value, overall best auxiliary sounds etc. It is the top seller in half rack piano modules. The MicroPiano was voted best Piano Module by Keyboard and Electronic Musician Magazine. It was nominated for the TEC Award in October 1994 by the readers of Mix Magazine (who sponsors the awards). PC88 Released in July 94. This is an 88 note weighted keyboard controller with built in sounds. As a master MIDI keyboard controller, it is extremely full featured. Though it shares many features from the MIDIBOARD, including the arpeggiator, it features a vastly improved user interface. It is also much better suited for carrying around - at only 50 lbs, it is about half the weight of the MIDIBOARD! It has four zones which can be split or layered, and a large variety of fully programmable physical controllers including: 4 sliders, 2 switch pedals, 4 continuous pedals, 3 front panel switches, pitch wheel, mod wheel, and mono pressure. In addition, unlike the MIDIBOARD, it contains built in sounds. The 32 voice sound engine features 64 preset sounds including: Grand Piano, Fender Rhodes, FM type electric piano, strings, Hammond B-3, Harpsichord, Clavinet, Vibes, Marimba, Electric Bass, Acoustic Bass (with and without layered Ride Cymbal), Acoustic Guitar, and Synth Pads. It also includes a stereo digital effects processor with 40 effects algorithms for reverb, chorus and delay. An optional VGM expansion board offers an additional 32 voices of polyphony with 224 programs including: the General MIDI soundset (128 programs), 77 additional programs, and 19 programs which are a duplicate of some in the base unit (this allows you to create a 64 voice patch). This board also has its own independent effects processor. An additional model is the PC88MX, which is a PC88 that comes with the VGM board already installed. The PC88 won the TEC Award from Mix Magazine in October 1995. The PC88 was discontinued in the summer of 2000. 2500 Series The 2500 series instruments were the next step (after the 2000 series) in the evolution of the VAST technology. The rack version began shipping in April 95, and the keyboard followed in January 96. These instruments have greater capabilities (double the polyphony, increased RAM storage, internal resampling, etc.) while at the same time maintaining a compatibility with the 2000 series, so that programs and samples can be moved back and forth between the two instruments. One major improvement is the implementation of Flash ROM in the instrument, making it easy for the user to update, by installing a new OS from disk. In addition, the keyboard versions have Master Controller capabilities surpassing that found in the PC88. Also available for the 2500 series is a new 4 meg stereo piano ROM block. So far there have been 15 releases of the operating system. The K2500 rack was released in April 1995 and contained version 1.0. It was followed fairly quickly by 1.17, and then 1.24, containing minor changes. With the release of the keyboard versions in January 1996, v2.08 was released. Version 2 changed Setup Mode to allow for 8 zones instead of 3. Version 2.13 allowed the 8 zone Setups for the rack units. Version 2.31 contained a number of minor bug fixes. Version 2.52 added KB3 mode, Kurzweil's physical model of a drawbar, tone wheel organ. Version 2.64 contained a number of minor bug fixes. Version 2.80 added Live Mode, which allowed sending an external signal in through the sample input for real time VAST and KDFX processing, without having to create a sample. Version 2.88 contained a number of minor bug fixes. Version 2.96 added support for the ISO-9660 format. In May 98, the KDFX option (a high end built in effects processor) was released for the K2500. Units with KDFX installed use v4.0 or later. Versions 4.04 and 4.21 contained a number of minor bug fixes. Version 4.32 added a number of new features, including RAM tracks, which makes it easy to record sampled tracks while playing a sequence, and automate the placing of the recorded samples into the sequence. There are seven model in the 2500 series: K2500 76 note keyboard with semi-weighted action K2500X 88 note keyboard with weighted piano action K2500R Rack version of K2500 K2500S K2500 with sampling option K2500XS K2500X with sampling option K2500RS Rack version of K2500S K2500XAES This is K2500X that comes fully loaded with all options, a large library of CD-ROMs, a CD-ROM drive, and two DMTis (see below). The case was changed to a premium metallic silver finish with endcaps that have a wood veneer. The K2500R was nominated for a TEC award in 1995. The K2500 keyboard won the TEC award in 1996. K2500XAES won the TEC award in 1999. The K2500 series was discontinued in December 2000. DMTi The DMTi is a 1U rack module designed to be used as a stand alone digital signal converter, digital patchbay, as well as for use interfacing Kurzweil's K2500 series production stations to popular MDM formats such as TDIF(tm), and Adat(tm) formats found on MDMs produced by Sony, Tascam, Alesis, Fostex and others. The DMTi allows communication between Alesis Adat(tm), or Tascam's DA88(tm) with their respective proprietary 8 channel digital formats, and AES-EBU or SPDIF digital formats. The DMTi was also designed to interface with Kurzweil's proprietary 8 channel digital protocol KDS - Kurzweil Digital Stream (offered as an upgradeable option for the K2500 series). The DMTi can perform sample rate conversion in real time on up to 4 stereo pairs of incoming digital data while acting as the master or slave clock. This device is well suited for use with popular digital mixers such as Yamaha's O2R(tm), or Korg's Soundlink(tm). The DMTi allows many different digital input formats to be user routed to a variety of digital output formats and sample rate converted. The DMTi began shipping in November 1996. ExpressionMate The ExpressionMate is a MIDI controller that can be used to send a variety of controller messages to any MIDI instrument. It consists of a ribbon, which is similar to the ribbon found on the K2500 keyboards, and a master control box, which has an input for the ribbon as well as pedal inputs for switch and CC pedals and a breath controller input. It also has two button switch controllers. All controllers can be assigned to send any MIDI controller message. In addition, it has a built in arpeggiator. It started shipping in July 1999. K2600 The K2600 were designed as a replacement for the K2500 series. Although, these instruments share many features with the K2500 (and the K2000 series as well), many improvements and expanded capabilities were added. The stereo piano ROM block and KDFX, which are options for a K2500, are included in the K2600. The internal circuit boards were completely redesigned to improve reliability, and the audio output was improved considerably with the addition of balanced analog outputs, giving a hotter and cleaner signal. Other differences include a larger amount of battery backed RAM and room for two additional ROM blocks. The amount of space in the Flash ROM was also increased, allowing for additional features to be added to the operating system. The first of these was Triple Modular Processing, a major enhancement of V.A.S.T technology. This allows the ability to string together three layers in a linear fashion. With 30 possible algorithms for layer 1, 38 for layer 2, and 26 for layer three, this gives you almost 30,000 possible combinations - and with the variations of DSP functions available, there are literally trillions of possible combinations. So far there have been 3 releases of the operating system. The K2600 series started shipping in October 1999 with v1.03. Version 1.13 contained minor bug fixes. Version 2.0 added support for Triple Modular processing and Disk Partitioning and shipping in June 2000. Just like the K2500 series, there are seven model in the 2600 series: K2600 76 note keyboard with semi-weighted action K2600X 88 note keyboard with weighted piano action K2600R Rack version of K2600 K2600S K2600 with sampling option K2600XS K2600X with sampling option K2600RS Rack version of K2600S K2600XAES This is K2600X that comes fully loaded with all options, a large library of CD-ROMs, a CD-ROM drive, and two DMTis (see below). The case has a premium metallic silver finish with endcaps that have a wood veneer. Stage Piano Series The Stage pianos are low cost digital pianos, with basic controller functions built in. There are 3 models: SP76 (76 note semi-weighted action), SP88 (88 note semi-weighted action), and SP88X (88 note fully weighted action). The sound engine in the instrument is identical to the MicroPiano. It has the capability of transmitting on two MIDI channels at once (though the sound engine only listens on one channel) and can therefore be used to create splits and layers when using the SP with an additional external module. It has a number of programmable control oriented parameters. The SP76 and SP88 started shipping in October 1999. The SP88X started shipping in August 2000. PC2 Series The PC2 is the generation Performance Controller, an evolution from the PC88. Building upon the already advanced design of the award winning PC88, the PC2 features outstanding sound and impressive controller capabilities. A new Easy Split and Layer feature makes it both fast and easy to quickly create layers and splits. The PC2 series comes in both the PC2 76-note and PC2X 88-note keyboard. The 64 voice instrument has twice the polyphony of the PC88, and can be expanded to 128 voices. Although many of the controller oriented features are similar to the PC88, the PC2 features entirely new sounds, many never heard on other Kurzweil instruments. Sounds include a triple strike stereo grand piano, lush stereo strings, newly recorded multi-strike classic electric pianos (both Fender Rhodes and Wurlitzer), brass sections, acoustic and electric guitars and basses, drums, percussion, voices (featuring Kurzweil's outstanding Take 6 vocal samples), and more. It also features Kurzweil's KB-3 modelled tone wheel organ mode, giving you ultra-realistic tone wheel organ programs. Additional sounds include mallet percussion, clavinet, harpsichord, synths. Two additional ROM blocks are currently being developed, to add additional sounds. It also includes an effects processor based on the KDFX technology first used ion the K2500, giving a vast improvement over the effects used in the PC88. The PC2 started shipping in March 2000. HOME PRODUCTS Ensemble Grande & Ensemble Grande Mark II These were Kurzweil's first products for the home market. The original EG was created by combining the MIDIBOARD keyboard, the sound engine from the 150, a drum machine, and a simple four track sequencer, all built into a beautiful furniture cabinet resembling an upright piano. The EG Mark II was minus the drum machine and sequencer, and in a smaller cabinet. Produced in 1986 & 87. EGP, EGP/K, & EX These instruments all used the same technology as in the 1000 series. The EGP was the same keyboard and samples as the K1000, with built in speakers and a simpler operating system. The EX was a module version of the EGP. Produced 1988-1989 The EGP/K was identical to the EGP, but contained the ROM-1 soundblock, so it had the same samples as found in the K1000SE/EXT. Produced 1989. Ensemble Grande Mark III, Ensemble Grande Mark IV The EG Mark III was the same as the EGP, but with an 88 note keyboard and a furniture cabinet. The Mark IV was the same as the EGP/K, but with an 88 note keyboard and a furniture cabinet. Produced 1989-1991. EG-20 and 900-MX The EG-20 was a less expensive variation of the EG Mark III, with only half the polyphony (12 voice instead of 24) and fewer sounds. The unit had a card slot for additional samples. The 900-MX was a module version of the EG-20. It was sold in Europe only. Produced 1989-90. MS-1 and MS-1A Kurzweil's only stand alone sequencer, this unit was designed to be extremely easy to use. It was a four track, four channel sequencer with minimal editing capabilities. Internal memory was 8,000 notes with a card slot for RAM memory cards. The MS-1A was the same but with memory increased to 16,000 notes. Produced 1989-91. EP-500 series These digital pianos were the first products to be produced by Young Chang, after they purchased Kurzweil. They were sold from June 91 through May 92. They used the same technology as the 1000 series but had a new set of sampled instruments and many different features, including user programmable splits and layers. The cabinetry is quite beautiful, manufactured with the same materials and in the same manner as Young Chang acoustic pianos. Mark Series Mark 5 This digital piano started shipping in November 92. It was the first Kurzweil product to feature our new piano sample - all previous products had used the recording originally done for the 250. The keyboard features 32 voice polyphony, 22 different programs plus drums, user settable splits and layers, digital reverb and effects, and many useful MIDI features. The Mark 5 was discontinued in 1998. Mark 10 This digital piano started shipping in March 93. It is Kurzweil's first product to feature auto-accompaniment, also called Easy Play. It includes a greatly expanded sound set, with 86 different sounds (virtually a complete orchestra) plus over 80 drum and percussion instruments. In addition to all the features included in the Mark 5, it has 32 preset rhythms, musical styles for use with auto-accompaniment, an 8 track, 8 song sequencer, a visual/aural metronome, a DD/HD floppy disk drive, and many other features. The Mark 10 was discontinued in 2000. Mark 150 & Mark 110 These models have the identical features of the Mark 10, but are built into grand piano style cases and look absolutely gorgeous. The Mark 150 has a 5' grand piano case and more powerful amplification than the Mark 10 and Mark 110. It started shipping in June 93. The Mark 110 has a smaller 3' 7" case and has the same amplification features as the Mark 10. It started shipping September 1996. The Mark 150 was discontinued in 1997. Mark 12 The Mark 12 is Kurzweil's next step in the evolution of digital pianos. It has the same types of features found in the Mark 10, but has been greatly enhanced. It features a large 2x40 backlit display, which allows for a smarter user interface. It has additional sounds (over 300) and styles, a larger sequencer (16 track), SRS(tm) 3D Stereo Sound, editable Drawbar organ settings, and other new features. Released September 96. Mark 152 The Mark 152, has the same cabinetry of the Mark 150 but has the same electronics as the Mark 12. It started shipping in December 96. Mark 1 & Mark 2 These keyboards were designed to replace the RG-100 (see below). They have similar features, but have a wooden cabinet instead of a metal case with detachable stand. There are a few feature differences between the two models, wit the Mark 2 having effects and more speakers. The Mark 1 started shipping February 99 and the Mark 2 started shipping October 98. The Mark 1 was discontinued in 2000. Mark 3 This instrument was designed to replace the RG-200 (see below). It has similar features, but has a wooden cabinet instead of a metal case with detachable stand. It started shipping August 98. The Mark 3 was discontinued in 2000. Mark 6 This instrument replaced the Mark 5, and has features that fit in between the Mark 5 and Mark 10. It has 128 sounds, and is GM compatible. It has built in effects and a premium sound system. It also has a disk drive and a 5 track, 5 song recorder. It started shipping March 99. Mark 8 This model has the features of the Mark 6, plus the auto accompaniment features found in the Mark 10. It started shipping October 98. The Mark 8 was discontinued in 2000. RG Series RG-100 This is a no frills, inexpensive digital piano, featuring four sounds: Piano, Electric Piano, Strings, and Pipe Organ. It has 32 voices, built in reverb and chorus, a single track sequencer (intended for practicing purposes), and a detachable keyboard stand. It started shipping in October 93. RG-200 This is an enhanced version of the RG-100. In addition to the RG-100 sounds, it includes variations of the acoustic piano, electric piano, and strings, plus Vibes, Harpsichord, 2 Choirs, Acoustic Bass, and Electric Bass, for a total of 12 sounds. You can layer and split sounds. The sequencer contains a larger memory and the ability to have 4 songs instead of one. Released in May 94. The RG Series was discontinued in 1999. Troubadór The Troubadór replaced the RG100 as Kurzweil's least expensive digital piano. It has the same features as the RG100, but also includes hardware jacks for interfacing with the KCL (Kurzweil's Teaching Lab). It started shipping in January 2000. KCL Designed for a group teaching environment, and ideal for use with the Troubadór, the Kurzweil Computer Lab (KCL) provides teachers with the necessary communication tools to instruct 1 to 16 students. Add a second KCL and up to 32 students can be monitored. The KCL is extremely flexible, allowing the teacher to communicate, using keyboard or microphone, to one student, several students, or the entire group. All connections between teacher and students are bi-directional, including both keyboard and headset communication. Each set of student controls on the KCL includes keyboard volume, group assign and pair assign buttons. The teacher can monitor student performance undetected and communicate privately with a student. The console is specially designed to assist the instructor in teaching keyboard performance skills, music theory, and more. It started shipping in January 2000.