Legacy Model
Downloads and support materials maintained here as a courtesy to owners.
OVERVIEW |
Stage Piano + Synthesizer + Workstation
Following the standard of sonic excellence established by the Forte®, the Forte® SE brings your performance to new heights with its astonishing sound quality, dependability and user-friendly operation.
SOUNDS
2 Gigabytes of Sounds!
Hear the new High Definition Japanese Grand (optimized especially for the SE) and German D Grand, featuring “KSR” – Kurzweil String Resonance. Also included are a wide selection of tailored sounds from the acclaimed Forte® (EP, Clav, Celeste, Crotales, Harpsichord), as well as PC3 Series and KORE 64™ expansions – all handcrafted to deliver unprecedented expressiveness with an obsessive attention to detail.
V2.00 adds 256 new Programs plus over 80 new Multis!
Patented FlashPlay® Technology
Flash-Play® powers the Forte® SE with 2 GB of on-board sample content with zero-loading time, loads of powerful DSP and ultrafast performance.
188 Megabytes User Sample Memory
Now load up to 188 MB of your own custom samples into non-volatile flash memory. Supported sample formats: .WAV, .AIF (up to 16 bit / 96kHz) and Kurzweil formats (.P3K, .KRZ, .K25, .K26).
V.A.S.T. Editing
Deep editing? Look no further. The Forte® SE grants full access to Kurzweil’s legendary Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology directly from the front panel. With 32-layers per program, each offering its own signal path and a host of modular DSP tools, the Forte® SE offers a wealth of sound creation and modification that is truly immense.
Powerful FX Engine
Now featuring 32 FX units of horsepower. Enjoy award-winning Reverbs, Delays, Choruses, Flangers, Phasers, Distortions, Rotary Amplifiers, Compressors and more including the new Spectral 4-Tap and Spectral 6-Tap FX – all fully editable from the user-interface.
K.S.R. – Kurzweil String Resonance
Piano string resonance modeling for enhanced acoustic piano performance!
KB3 ToneReal™ Organs
Modeled after classic organs. Featuring all the controls you want and more, including 9 realistic drawbars.
PERFORMANCE
88-note Italian Hammer-Action Keyboard
Every sound within the Forte® SE is perfectly matched to its 88-note fully-weighted Italian hammer-action keyboard with aftertouch.
Multitrack Sequencer
NEW! Built-in multitrack sequencer with extensive editing tools.
8 Arpeggiators!
Looking for a pulse? Activate up to 8 independent Arps (1 per program, 8 per Multi) and discover the new ‘Step Sequencer’ environment!
Live Audio Input w/ FX
Plug in and jam along with your favorite music player. The 1/8″ (3.5mm) Audio Input sports its own dedicated real-time FX. Sweeten your backing tracks for live performance and internally mix the signal with the Forte SE’s own output.
CONTROLS
Front Panel Master 3-Band EQ
Room too boomy? No problem. Dial it in with the Master EQ section featuring Bass, Treble, a sweepable Midrange and on/off switch.
23 Programmable Physical Controllers
9 Sliders, 11 Switches, 2 Wheels, 2 Switch Pedal Inputs (which support 2 half-damper pedals for pianos, or up to 4 switch pedals), 1 Continuous Control Pedal Input and Aftertouch.
(1 sustain/switch pedal is included).
Easy Access Controls
Pitch/Modulation wheels along with dedicated
-/+ Transpose and sound Variation controls conveniently located right on the front panel.
USER INTERFACE
Sound Selection
Easy Category and Program/Multi selection. Save your own preset for each Category. New ‘Surf-n-Select’ navigation allows you to search for and pre-select your next Program/Multi without interrupting the current selection.
All specifications subject to change without notice.
Favorites Section
Access your Favorite sounds with ONE button press! Conveniently located right below the Forte® SE’s display.
Software Editors
Get deeper into editing your Forte® SE’s Programs, Multis and Effects!
SPECS |
All specifications subject to change without notice.
| Keyboard: | 88 note fully-weighted hammer-action with velocity and aftertouch sensitive keys (Fatar TP/100LR) |
| Display: | 240×64 pixel monochrome LCD with front-panel contrast adjust |
| Polyphony: | 128 Voice Polyphony, dynamically allocated |
| Multitimbral: | 16 parts (one per MIDI channel) |
| Architecture: | Dynamic VAST: Powerful 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 concept 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! |
| Quick Split/Layer: | Easy access with adjustable relative volume (up to 8 zones) |
| Sample Flash Memory: | 188 MB of re-loadable, non-volatile, user flash memory |
| Factory Programs: | 512 |
| User Programs: | 1024 |
| Factory Multis: | 182 – featuring up to 8 independent zones |
| User Multis: | 1024 |
| Favorites: | 10 |
| General MIDI: | No |
| Kurzweil String Resonance: | Yes |
| Master EQ Section: | Front-panel 3-band EQ with sweepable mid and on/off switch |
| Effects: | Hundreds of complex effect chains, incorporated into programs featuring our award winning effects – reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, phaser, EQs, distortions, rotary speaker simulators, compressors, and more ⋅32 total FX units |
| Controllers: | 1 pitch wheel 1 modulation wheel 9 front panel sliders 9 switches (assignable/zone mutes/KB3 control) 1 variation switch 1 Arp switch 2 transpose switches *2 switch pedal inputs (1 switch/sustain pedal is included) 1 continuous control pedal inputs monopressure (aftertouch)(*supports dual switch and half-damper for pianos / dual & half-damper pedals sold separately) |
| Sequencer: | 16 Tracks; 960 PPQ resolution and MMC support. 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. |
| Arpeggiators: | 1-per Program, 8-per Multi |
| System Sample Rate: | 48kHz |
| Analog Outputs: | • Two 1/4″ balanced TRS analog (24-bit DACs) • +21dBu maximum output • 50Ω balanced source impedance |
| Audio Inputs: | One stereo 1/8″ back-panel input (with FX) for connecting your favorite MP3 player or other audio source for accompaniment playback |
| Headphones: | • 1 back-panel 1/4″ headphone output • 130mW into 32 ohm headphones |
| MIDI: | In, Out |
| USB: | • Two USB ports (one A port / one B port) • Complete MIDI functionality over USB • User program/multi file transfer to/from PC/Mac/Flash Drive • Operating System updates from PC/Mac/Flash Drive |
| Software Editors: | External editors for Mac OS X, Windows PC and iOS devices |
| FREE OS Updates: | OS updates over USB and/or Flash Drive |
| Included Accessories: | Power cable, Switch pedal, USB cable, (4) self adhesive feet |
| Height: | (5.2″) (13.2cm) |
| Depth: | (15.2″) (38.6cm) |
| Length: | (48.9″) (124.2cm) |
| Weight: | (40.8 lb.) (18.5 kg) |
| Power: | Internal Power Supply, free voltage 100-265VAC 50/60Hz, 10W max |
IMAGES |
VIDEOS |
Forte SE Update v2.00
What’s New?
Forte SE – Pianos
Performance by muzykuj.com
Forte SE – Program Demo
Performance by Space4Keys
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: KVA Synth
Turn your Forte7/8/SE into a hands-on polyphonic virtual analog synthesizer.
Performance by muzykuj.com
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: The Roog
Demo of the Patch Kreator – The Roog SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Bass – Lead
Demo of the Patch Kreator Bass & Lead SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: BPM//Synth//Strings
Demo of the BPM//Synth//Strings SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Brass & Winds
Demo of the Legacy Plus – Brass & Winds SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: DP1
Demo of the DP1 SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Ensemble Pack
Demo of the Ensemble Pack SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Fast Attack
Demo of the Fast Attack SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Kinder Sounds
Demo of the Kinder Sounds SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Legacy Leads
Demo of the Legacy Leads SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Legacy Organs
Demo of the Legacy Organs SoundBank for Forte 7/8.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Legacy Pack 1
Demo of the Legacy Pack 1 SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Legacy Pack 2
Demo of Legacy Pack 2 SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Legacy Pianos
Demo of the Legacy Pianos SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Legacy Plus-Folk
Demo of the Legacy Plus-Folk Pack SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Legacy Plus-Voices
Demo of the Legacy Plus-Voices Pack SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Legacy Strings
Demo of the Legacy Strings SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: MAP-Motion Arp Pack
Demo of the Motion Arp Pack SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Metalscapes
Demo of the Metalscapes SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: POLY-Kz
Demo of the POLY-Kz SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Retro Pads & Arps
Demo of the Retro Pads & Arps SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Synth Basses
Demo of the Legacy Plus – Synth Basses SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Vintage Keys 1
Demo of the Vintage Keys 1 SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE SoundBank: Vintage Keys 2
Demo of the Vintage Keys 2 SoundBank for Forte 7/8/SE.
Forte 7/8/SE: Algs + Cascade Mode
Explore the Algorithm (ALG) page and its advanced Cascade Mode functions
Forte 7/8/SE: Audio In
Learn the basic functions and how to apply FX to the audio input.
Forte 7/8/SE: The Step Sequencer
Learn the basic functions and also how to create more complex sequences in the 5 minute clip.
Forte vs Forte SE
Compare the Forte7/8 and SE models. Performance by muzykuj.com
SHEL Performance // Musikmesse 2016
Hannah Holbrook (SHEL) performs with the Forte SE
FAQs |
DOWNLOADS |
User Manuals
Forte SE Musician’s Guide – 8.0 MB
Primary owner’s manual (Rev C)
2018-07-02
Forte SE Musician’s Guide – E-Book – 8.6 MB
Primary owner’s manual – .epub format for e-readers and mobile devices (Rev C)
2018-07-02
Forte SE Getting Started Guide – 1.2 MB
Quick Start Guide
2015-11-19
Effect Preset Guide (.png) – 140 KB
Graphic showing the general categories of individual FX presets available when building your own FX chains.
2017-03-06
OS Updates
FORTE-SE_V220_Update – 6MB
Contains: OS v 4.37.35191, Obj 2.01.12, Installation Instructions, Release Notes
2021-08-30
SoundBanks
Patch Kreator: KVA Synth – 66 KB
Turn your Forte SE into a fun and hands-on polyphonic virtual analog synthesizer. The KVA Synth features two oscillators, a sub oscillator, two 2-Pole Filters, Amp Envelope Controls, Filter Modulation and 4 Effects.<br>(Contents: VA Synth Kreator Template, 10 Factory Programs and a controller decal printout).
2016-03-25
DMM: Drum Multi Machine – 115 KB
Turn your Forte SE into a classic XOX-style drum machine! Control 8 zones of drum sounds, with each zone assigned to its own part of the kit. Mute and activate zones on the fly. Change the sound with the FSE controllers, while the FSE’s 8 arpeggiators create the beat. Build your own Drum Multi Machine XOX steps from the template or have fun tweaking a preset!
(Contents: DMM Template, 8 Factory Multis and a controller decal printout).
2016-04-06
DP1 – Drum Pack 1 – 328 KB
8 NEW drum programs that are fun to play and interact with. Based on Arpeggiator patterns designed for each individual program, these drum programs groove for you! Change things up simply by playing new notes and moving controllers. Latch any pattern with a pedal and play other drums or perc on top, creating your own grooves instantly! Turn the Arp OFF to play the drum kits normally. (Contents: 8 Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-04-14
Kinder Sounds – 61 KB
Create music, with your Forte7/8/SE, that evokes the wonder and whimsy of childhood. The Kinder Sounds library includes a Kinderklavier, Polyphon, Melodica, Bell Orchestra and more! *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 8 Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-04-20
Patch Kreator: Bass – Leads – 94.3 KB
Create retro digital sounds with the Bass & Lead Patch Kreator. Mix 80’s synth samples with DSP waveforms on the fly. Use the partial selector to change harmonics in real time. Build new patches from scratch or tweak the included programs. (Contents: Kreator Template, 10 Factory Programs, controller decal printout, instructions, artwork).
2016-04-27
Legacy Pack 1 – 115 KB
Includes six classic Kurzweil factory programs. Each program is enhanced to utilize the greater FX resources and real-time controllers of the Forte family. Enjoy some favorites – renewed and updated! *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 6 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-05-04
MAP // Motion Arp Pack – 74.2 KB
Eight new Kurzweil Factory Programs powered by arpeggiators, LFOs, delays and more! Move your music with the deep motion-modulation engine on the Forte 7/8. *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 8 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-05-18
POLY-Kz – 57.2 KB
10 NEW programs that recreate classic analog polysynths! Each program is also a synth template – with major parameters easily controllable from the front panel. Emulate vintage gear with two “VCOs,” selectable waveforms, filter, and envelope controls. Create lush sounds with modulation options like independent vibrato LFOs for each “VCO”, independent PWM LFO, and pressure triggered mods. *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 10 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-05-31
Retro Pads & Arps – 105 KB
10 NEW lush pads and rhythmic arpeggiator groove programs. Load these sounds into your Forte7/8 and get inspired for your next track or fill in that missing piece of your mix. *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 10 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-06-08
Patch Kreator: The Roog – 86.1 KB
Go Roog and turn your Forte 7/8 into a fun-to-use mono-synth. Inspired by the classic, The Roog lets you create new patches right from the controllers – preserving the original’s functionality. Design new sounds from the template or tweak the presets using the dual oscillators, modeled LP filter, three LFO wave shapes, sync saw/square, two bonus effects and more! (Contents: 12 Factory Programs, instructions, decal, artwork).
2016-06-24
Legacy Pack 2 – 72 KB
Expand your collection with 10 enhanced programs from the Kurzweil vault. Each program has been optimized to use the increased FX and controller resources of the Forte 7/8. Load-up these factory favorites– including Adagio Magic, Ancient Calling and more! *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 10 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-07-11
Metalscapes – 158.8 KB
8 new factory programs that showcase metallic sounds processed with the Forte 7/8. Create mysterious soundscapes with programs like Fisher Cove or Sci-Fi Movie. Add drive with arpeggiated programs: Space Agogo and Cloud Level. Build to an ending with Post Rock and Shimmer Pad. All programs are controller assigned to allow for sound-shaping and modulation changes in real-time. *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 8 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-07-19
Legacy Plus – Voices Pack – 81.7
6 NEW and 4 LEGACY programs to expand your Forte 7/8’s voices category. The Voices Pack includes favorites like Throat Siren and Bandpass Choir as well as new vocal pads, synths and percussion programs to compliment the classic sounds. *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 10 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-08-09
Legacy Plus – Folk Pack – 5.3 MB
Contains 6 Legacy and 4 New programs. Join a backyard folk jam with your Forte 7/8. Create a beat with the Washboard and Bodhran programs, build an ostinato with the Washtub Bass and strum along with a Steel String Guitar, Dulcimer, Mando, or Banjo! *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 10 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-08-23
Vintage Keys 1 – 387 KB
Contains 12 LEGACY programs that have been updated with real-time controller assignments and additional switchable-effects to utilize the resources of the Forte 7/8. Load-up these EPs, Clavs & Pianets and expand your library. Get clunky with the Woostockclunker, noisy with Walrus Pianet and funky with MotorBootyMutron – and more! *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 12 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-09-09
Legacy Strings – 7.0 MB
Contains 6 factory string programs (5 Legacy & 1 New) for the Forte7/8. Each program has been enhanced with additional effects and controller assignments. Pack includes solo string instruments, a synth-based patch and lush ensemble programs. *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 6 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-09-21
Legacy Pianos – 1.7 MB
Contains 11 factory piano programs that span several product lines – including the Artis, PC3 and K2600. These legacy Triple Strike and Artis pianos have been updated to use the additional resources in the Forte7/8. Program enhancements include Kurzweil String Resonance modeling (KSR), added switchable effects, controller assignments and half-pedal functionality. *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 11 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-10-07
Vintage Keys 2 – 635 KB
Contains 18 Legacy programs including 10 Mellotrons and 8 RMI sounds for your Forte 7/8. All programs have been enhanced with additional switchable-effects and real-time controller assignments. These sounds range from the classic mellotron strings, vox and flutes to keyboard RMI programs like the RMI Harpsi, EP, Clav and Piano. Enjoy these early electronic instruments on the Forte series. *Now included in FORTE SE O/S v2 Bank B* (Contents: 18 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2016-10-21
BPM//Synth//Strings – 491 KB
10 legacy programs for the Forte 7/8. These synth string programs are built from vintage analog waveforms and tempo-based effects. Use these sounds to create mysterious themes or rhythmic drive in your music. Controllers and effects have been enhanced to provide real-time control. (Contents: 10 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2017-02-15
Fast Attack – 552 KB
10 legacy programs to add punch to your mix! These synth programs feature fast attack envelops and aggressive waveforms. All programs have been updated with real time controls and enhanced effects. Arpeggio patterns have been added to put the blips, chirps and stabs into motion. (Contents: 10 Factory Programs, instructions, artwork).
2017-04-28
Software Editors
Forte SE – Desktop Editor (Mac) – 10.3 MB
v2.10 of the Forte SE desktop editing software for the Mac
Requires the latest Forte SE OS update (link above)
2016-09-07
Forte SE – Desktop Editor (PC) – 6.0 MB
v2.10 of the Forte SE desktop editing software for the PC
Requires the latest Forte SE OS update (link above)
2016-09-07
Forte SE – iPad Editor – 35.8 MB
(links to App Store store for download)
Requires the latest Forte SE OS update (link above)
2018-03-27
Forte SE – Desktop Controller (Mac) – 9.5 MB
v1.09 of the Forte SE Desktop Controller software for the Mac
Requires the latest Forte SE OS update (link above)
2017-02-16
Forte SE – Desktop Controller (PC) – 6.8 MB
v1.09 of the Forte SE Desktop Controller software for the PC
Requires the latest Forte SE OS update (link above)
2017-02-16
Forte SE – PlugSE (PC) – 6.9 MB
v1.0.0 of the Forte SE Plug-in – (VST) for the PC
Requires the latest Forte SE OS update (link above)
2017-10-05
Forte SE – PlugSE (Mac) – 18.1 MB
v1.0.0 of the Forte SE Plug-in – (AU/VST) for the Mac
Requires the latest Forte SE OS update (link above)
2017-10-05
