V.A.S.T. Capabilities, Infinite Creativity

We asked ourselves, what if we could rebuild the legendary K2000 V.A.S.T. synthesizer, but using today’s technology?
Enter the new K20 Series…

From the world renown R&D facilities in Waltham, MA, the K20 Series represents the culmination of Kurzweil’s 30+ year evolution of V.A.S.T. technology, perfected through generations of venerable K2 synthesizers. With 32 customizable layers per program, massive polyphony and a host of creative hands-on controls, the K20 Series empowers you to craft expansive and nuanced sounds ranging from V.A.S.T. classics through yet unheard of soundscapes.

Dynamic V.A.S.T.

V.A.S.T. was born in the K2000 series. The K2088 expands on Kurzweil’s legendary Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology offering 32-layers per program, deeply customizable signal paths and a host of modular DSP tools including new oscillators, FM layers, multi-pole filters, and FX.

Patented FlashPlay® Technology

FlashPlay® provides the K2088 with a staggering amount of horse-power. Up to 4 GB total capacity with zero-loading time, and ultrafast performance.

2 GB of Factory Sounds

The K2088 delivers a vast sound library of over 2000 factory Programs and over 500 Multi combinations centered around updated recreations of many synth-focussed sounds from Kurzweil’s legendary K2000, K2500 and K2600 instruments as well as reenvisioned must-haves from the K2700, Forte, PC4, PC3 and SP6. Categorized selections also include our world-class pianos, EPs, organs, strings, basses, guitars and more.

2 GB User Sample Memory

With 2GB of non-volatile, user sample flash memory, tap into Kurzweil’s incomparable backwards compatibility, drawing from decades of legendary sounds ranging from our K2000 to the K2700 series. Supported formats include .WAV, .AIF (up to 16-bit/96kHz), and Kurzweil-specific file types (.K27, .FOR, .PC4, .P3K, .KRZ, .K25, .K26).

256 Voices of V.A.S.T. Polyphony

Loads of lightening quick polyphony to support your most demanding sonic explorations and performances.

6-Operator FM Engine

6-Operator FM Engine with the ability to load original FM SysEx files. FM layers are a new addition to VAST programs and can be combined with VAST features to go far beyond classic FM synthesis.

Virtual Analog

The K20 Series features advanced anti-aliasing power-shaped oscillators and DSP processing derived from Kurzweil’s legendary VA1 concept synth, offering authentic analog emulations alongside stunningly intricate new sounds.

Studio-Quality FX

The K2088 delivers an extensive suite of professional-grade effects, including lush reverbs, dynamic delays, rich choruses, and more—all customizable to suit your sound. A dedicated Master FX section with 3-band EQ and compression ensures your mix is polished and performance-ready.

KB3 ToneReal™ Organs

Inspired by classic tonewheel organs, the K2088 offers 9 realistic drawbars and full control over rotary speed, chorus/vibrato, brake, percussion, and more—all instantly accessible.

Get in Touch

The K2088’s 88-note fully-weighted, hammer-action keyboard delivers a dynamic, responsive playing experience ideal for high-energy performances and detailed sound design. Featuring aftertouch for added expressiveness and fully adjustable velocity and pressure settings, it adapts seamlessly to your playing style, providing exceptional comfort and control.

Take Control

Go beyond common splits and layers and experience new hyper multis, an extension to the singular program experience. Massive sonic combinations are at your fingertips with Kurzweil’s renowned Multi mode offering 16 zones of unmatched MIDI control!

Express Yourself

Elevate your performances and productions with 40 programmable physical controllers per multi zone.  The K2088 features a versatile 3-section ribbon controller, keyboard aftertouch, an array of programmable knobs, buttons, sliders, wheels and a host of pedal inputs.

Endless Rhythmic Inspiration

With 16 fully programmable arpeggiators and dedicated front panel controls, craft intricate rhythms and evolving textures. Whether you’re building complex sequences or driving energetic grooves, each arpeggiator operates independently for unmatched depth and dynamic movement across every layer of your sound.

Modulation in Motion

Bring your sounds to life with 16 simultaneous MIDI CC Step Sequencers, delivering evolving textures, animated pulses and expressive sonic movement.

Real-Time MIDI Sequencing

Instantly trigger, sync and control up to 16 simultaneous MIDI sequences. Choose from a built-in library of patterns or record and import your own for limitless creative possibilities!

Intuitive Visuals

Easily navigate the K2088 with its bright, 4.3″ widescreen color LCD display (480×272), designed for clear and effortless operation. Switch between three different view modes (Large, List and QuickAccess), on the fly, to suit your needs moment to moment.

A Sound Selection

Instantly access sounds through direct entry or explore the category browser with convenient category defaults. Customize your workflow with QuickAccess mode to create personalized sound groupings for instant recall. Need something specific? The search function lets you quickly locate sounds by name or keyword, keeping your creativity flowing without interruption.

Program Audition

Once you’ve narrowed your selection, instantly audition any factory program with the Program Demo feature, making it easy to explore and discover the perfect sound.

Get Organized

Add custom notes to your Programs and Multis to help you keep track of your library and more complex setups.

Master Transport Controls

Take command of your arpeggiators, CC sequencers, onboard multitrack sequencer, and external DAW with the dedicated front-panel master transport section.

Transpose on the Fly

Play in any key or octave instantly by way of the dedicated front-panel -/+ transpose buttons conveniently located above the pitch and modulation wheels.

Balanced Audio Ouputs

Easily connect to your mixer, amplifier, or studio monitors with the K2088’s four balanced 1/4″ TRS outputs (two stereo pairs) for flexible audio routing. Enjoy crystal-clear sound with premium 32-bit D/A converters, automatic mono switching on the main outputs, and a dedicated 1/4″ stereo headphone jack for private monitoring.

Live Audio Inputs w/ FX

Jam along with an external audio source using the convenient 1/4″ inputs. Enhance your sound by processing the input through dedicated real-time effects to craft unique textures. Perfect for live performances, you can polish vocals or backing tracks and blend them internally with the K2088’s own output for a fully integrated mix.

Mac/PC Desktop Editor

Diver deeper into V.A.S.T. and the K2088 with the suite of external Editor applications* for Mac, PC and iPad.

*coming soon

SPECS

All specifications subject to change without notice.

Keyboard:
88-key, fully-weighted, hammer-action with velocity and pressure (aftertouch) sensitive adjustable keys (Fatar TP/40L)
Display: 480 x 272 pixel high resolution color LCD with adjustable brightness
Polyphony: 256 voice polyphony, dynamically allocated
Multitimbral: 16 parts (one per MIDI channel)
Architecture: Dynamic VAST: powerful synthesis engine, with user-programmable DSP algs and routing.
Cascade Mode: route one layer through the DSP of any other layer within a program – up to 32 consecutive layers deep!
KB3 ToneReel Engine
6-Operator FM Engine
VA1 Virtual Analog Oscillators + DSP
Sample Flash Memory: 2 GB factory samples
2 GB of re-loadable, non-volatile, user flash memory
Factory Programs: 2042
User Programs: 4000
Factory Multis: 587 (up to 16 independent controller zones)
User Multis: 4000
General MIDI: No
Kurzweil String Resonance: Yes
Master EQ/Compressor: Yes
Effects: Over 1000 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: Monopressure (aftertouch)
1 pitch wheel
1 assignable modulation wheel
1 assignable ribbon controller
9 assignable sliders
9 assignable knobs
10 assignable buttons
2 transpose switches
Tap tempo button and tempo knob
Arp controls
Transport controls
*2 switch pedal inputs each supporting single/dual switch pedal or single half damper pedal (1 switch/sustain pedal is included; half-damper pedals sold separately)
2 continuous control pedal inputs
Sequencer: 16 Tracks; 960 PPQ resolution. Song editing functions include both event and track-based tools like quantize, swing, remap, controller scaling and more.
MIDI CC Step Sequencers: 16 simultaneous
Riffs: 16-per Multi
Arpeggiators: 1-per Program, 16-per Multi
System Sample Rate: 48kHz
Analog Outputs: Four (2 pairs) 1/4″ balanced TRS analog (32-bit DACs)
Automatic mono switching on main outs
+21dBu maximum output
50Ω balanced source impedance
Audio Inputs: Two 1/4” jacks (one stereo pair) accepting Line/Instrument level signals.
Dedicated Gain knobs, Hi-Z switch for electric guitar/bass, and +48V Phantom Power switch for Microphones.
Headphones: 1 back panel 1/4″ headphone output
130mW into 32 ohm headphones
MIDI: In, Out
USB: Complete MIDI functionality over USB
User Object file transfer to/from USB Flash Drive
Operating System updates from USB Flash Drive
Software Editors: External editors for Mac OS X, Windows PC and iPad*
(*coming soon)
FREE OS Updates: OS updates via USB drive
Included Accessories: Power cable, switch pedal, USB cable
Height: 5.1” (13.0 cm)
Depth: 15.5” (39.5 cm)
Length: 51” (129.5 cm)
Weight: 49.3 lb (22.38 kg)
Power: Internal power supply

IMAGES

AUDIO

Song Demos


VIDEOS

Coming Soon!

FAQs

Coming Soon!

DOWNLOADS

User Manuals

K20 Series Musician’s Guide – 4 MB
Primary owner’s manual (Rev 1)
2025-1-12

OS Updates

Software Editors

Coming Soon!

SUPPORT

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