Question:
What is the basic procedure for navigating the SP2 Sound Select menu?

Answer:

Basic Procedure

You have two rows of 8 buttons on the right hand side, grouped together and named Sound Select:

–The upper 8 buttons are used to select the desired category of instrument (ie Pianos, Strings, Organs etc)

–The lower 8 buttons are used to make selections within each of the 8 categories. There are 8 choices per category.

So (8 categories) x (8 choices within each category) = 64 total sound selections available in the whole unit.

The process to select any one of the 64 is pretty simple:

1. Press desired sound category from the top row
2. Press the desired sound within that category for the 8 choices in the 2nd row

Examples

It would help to refer to pg. 3-6 in the owner’s manual as there is a table there showing all 64 sounds, in their 8×8 layout.

If you wanted to select the “Concert Grand” sound:

1. from the top row, press PIANO
2. from the bottom row, press the 4th button from the left (labeled “9”)**
   On screen the number “4” will be displayed indicating sound 4 in the list as seen in the table on pg. 3-6.

** Don’t let the button labels in the bottom row throw you. As these same buttons are used for data entry input in other modes of the machine, they are numbered straight 1-9, then 0 (plus a few other functions), starting in the top row continuing through the bottom row. But for sound selection these numbers are not relevant or used here. The button NAME in the top row and the button position in the bottom row (counting from left to right) are the keys to grasp.

Let’s try another example. If you wanted to next select “ProgRocker’sB”:

1. from the top row, press Organ/Clav
2. from the bottom row, press the 5th button from the left (aka “0”)
   On screen the number “21” will be displayed indicating sound 21 in the list as seen in the table on pg. 3-6.

TIP: if you are selecting a new sound from the SAME category, there is no need to re-select the same category you are already in. In such an instance simply select a new lower-row button. You only need to press a top-row button when changing categories.

Question:
I am transposing the keyboard but am finding the amount I transpose is not being sent to my external devices which I have connected to the SP2 MIDI Output. How can I correct this?

Answer:

The key is to note that there are two modes of transpose available in the SP2:

1. quick, local transpose method
2. zone transpose within Setup editor

Using method (1), from the Program Mode (i.e. not in EDIT), simply press/hold Transpose and strike desired note (relative to C4). Note: this does not transmit out the MIDI out, i.e. local only.

The Transpose light remains lit while a transposition is in effect. Reset by repeating steps and pressing C4 as your selection.

Using method (2) from inside the EDITor, you can transpose each zone independently and this DOES affect MIDI note data output. Press Edit, select zone, press/hold Transpose and strike desired note.

Question:
I am trying to connect my SP2 to my computer via USB and am having troubles with it being recognized. How do I fix this?

Answer:

Though not all, most USB-MIDI issues are simply a matter of making sure you are running the most current OS on your SP2. Earlier revs may be limiting the platforms supported.

You can check to see what version of OS your SP2 is running simply by powering up. Briefly in the display during boot up, you will see a 3-digit revision number displayed, v1.XX.

The latest version of the SP2 OS is available online at the model links below:

• SP2
• SP2X
• SP2XS

Select your specific model above, Click OS UPDATES. Download and install the current update (instructions included).

Platform Specific Notes:

Windows Users:

If you are updating from SP2 OS v1.07 or older using USB, Windows XP must be used. Alternatively you can simply use traditional MIDI connections to update your OS. Once updated, Win7, Vista and XP can be used for future updates over USB.

A word about USB Drivers: The SP2 Series supports “plug n’ play” operation, using Window’s own built-in generic MIDI driver. No proprietary USB MIDI driver is required.

For XP users though, as a convenience, we do offer an SP2 Series Device Installer (available at the same links above) but it is completely optional. The installation of this driver is simply a naming convenience, permitting your host DAW to reference the SP2 unit by name (“Kurzweil SP2 MIDI”) versus Window’s generic “USB Audio device” driver label. Neither Win7 nor Vista make use of such label drivers as they generate the device name inherently.

Mac OSX Users:

v1.01 of the “Boot Block” (SP2BootV101.mid) is required for USB updating functionality (included in the OS update download). If you are currently running less than v1.01 of the boot block (the boot block version number is displayed on screen upon entering the boot block menu), you must update the boot block via traditional MIDI connections first before you can use USB to update the OS. Alternatively you can simply use traditional MIDI connections to update your OS and not use USB for updating.

The SP2 Series supports “plug n’ play” operation. No proprietary USB MIDI driver is required.

Question:
I would like to use a continuous control pedal to control some aspect of the sound. How do I set things up?

Answer:

By default, the C Pedal acts as MIDI Expression (volume swell) for the MAIN zone, but it can be reprogrammed to do a variety of things, separately for each zone, including controlling the leslie effect on organ presets, tremolo depth, vibrato, etc.

The process for assigning the control pedal is the same as the knobs (detailed on pg. 4-12 of the manual).

With a compatible pedal connected, here are the basic steps:

1. press EDIT
2. select the zone (layer or split) to work in – do this by pressing the corresponding button (if the zone mutes, then it was already current – just press it again to activate again)
3. press + hold the “Knob Mode” button and at the same time rock the control pedal. This selects the pedal onscreen for assignment, briefly displaying “CPd” as confirmation
4. **now type in the desired CC# code using the numeric sound select buttons on the right. Be sure to press ENTER when done.
5. press Store, select your desired QA location to save to, then press Yes to confirm.

Repeat the above as necessary for additional zones and/or Setups.

** as far as what CC codes to use, check out Appendix B in the manual. The first Table lists “Factory Settings” which indicates what the numeric CC values are by default for each physical controller, including the “CC Ped”. Following you will find one table per on-board sound detailing what the various controllers do per program. Look at the available controllers per sound and make your assignment as needed.

For ex., let’s say you wanted to control the tremolo depth on program 11 Old Sly Rhds. You will note Tremolo Depth is activated by Mwheel. Cross referencing that with the “Factory Settings” table, note Mwheel is cc#1.

So by assigning the CPed to cc#1 in step 3, you are basically turning the CPedal into the ModWheel and thus able to control the same things with your foot that you can with your hand on the Mwheel.

Question:
How Can I disable the Pitch Wheel?

Answer:

PROGRAM MODE

The following will turn off the Pitch Wheel, globally, in Program Mode.

1. 1. Press + hold the KNOB MODE button and at the same time move the Pitch Wheel.
      The display will show “Wheel 1” (UH1):

      UH1

 

1. 1. Release the KNOB MODE button.
      The display will show “Enabled” (En):

      En

 

1. 1. Press either the ( -/No ) or ( +/Yes ) buttons beneath the display.
      The display will show “Disabled” (diS):

      diS

 

1. 1. Press KNOB MODE to exit.

 

1. 1. Press STORE.

 

1. 1. Press PROGRAM.
      The display will show “Internal?” (In?):

      In?

 

1. Press ( +/Yes ) to confirm.

---

SETUP MODE

In Setup Mode, each setup must be edited separately as each is a unique entity and each of the 3 zones within, separately assignable as well.

1. 1. Select the Setup in question.

 

1. 1. Press EDIT.

 

1. 1. Select the Setup zone that you wish to disable the Pitch Wheel (press Main, Layer or Split). The display will show “m” (main), “L” (layer) or “P” (split) accordingly.For ex., here we have selected the Layer zone:

      L64

 

1. 1. Press + hold the KNOB MODE button and at the same time move the Pitch Wheel.
      The display will show:

      UH1

 

1. 1. Release the KNOB MODE button.
      The display will show “Enabled”:

      En

 

1. 1. Press either the ( -/No ) or ( +/Yes ) buttons beneath the display.
      The display will show “Disabled”:

      diS

 

1. 1. (Optional) Go back to step 3 and repeat for other zones as needed.

 

1. 1. When finshed, press STORE.
      The display will show “Save Setup?” (Su?):

      Su?

 

1. Press ( +/Yes ) to confirm.

Question:
How can I restore my SP2 to its factory defaults?

Answer:

Caution: Hard resetting will erase all user memory ! Need be, save any custom programming via sys-ex dump before proceeding.

There are two methods for performing a hard reset on a SP2 Series keyboard:

• • Global Menu Method:
    1. press GLOBAL
    2. press RESET (Enter button)
    3. press Yes/+ 3 times

-OR-

• Boot Loader Method: (useful if you are unable to perform the Global menu method)
  1. turn the unit off, then on
  2. when you see the 3 red dots blink in the bottom of the screen, press TRANSPOSE – this will bring you to what is called the Boot loader Menu – on the screen you will see:bbl – followed by
     1.XX – the version boot block version number, then
     UoS
  3. press STOP once, you will see rSt (for reset)
  4. press Rhythm/Metronome button to invoke.
  5. press PLAY to confirm

The unit will blink out as if it is turning off/on again at which point it should be completely factory reset.

If this fails to remedy things, or if you cannot even enter this menu, then it will likely be time to take the unit to an “authorized Kurzweil service center for repairs.

Question:
I am trying to connect my SP2 to my computer via USB and am having troubles with it being recognized. How do I fix this?

Answer:

Though not all, most USB-MIDI issues are simply a matter of making sure you are running the most current OS on your SP2. Earlier revs may be limiting the platforms supported.

You can check to see what version of OS your SP2 is running simply by powering up. Briefly in the display during boot up, you will see a 3-digit revision number displayed, v1.XX.

The latest version of the SP2 OS is available online at the model links below:

• SP2
• SP2X
• SP2XS

Select your specific model above, Click OS UPDATES. Download and install the current update (instructions included).

Platform Specific Notes:

Windows Users:

If you are updating from SP2 OS v1.07 or older using USB, Windows XP must be used. Alternatively you can simply use traditional MIDI connections to update your OS. Once updated, Win7, Vista and XP can be used for future updates over USB.

A word about USB Drivers: The SP2 Series supports “plug n’ play” operation, using Window’s own built-in generic MIDI driver. No proprietary USB MIDI driver is required.

For XP users though, as a convenience, we do offer an SP2 Series Device Installer (available at the same links above) but it is completely optional. The installation of this driver is simply a naming convenience, permitting your host DAW to reference the SP2 unit by name (“Kurzweil SP2 MIDI”) versus Window’s generic “USB Audio device” driver label. Neither Win7 nor Vista make use of such label drivers as they generate the device name inherently.

Mac OSX Users:

v1.01 of the “Boot Block” (SP2BootV101.mid) is required for USB updating functionality (included in the OS update download). If you are currently running less than v1.01 of the boot block (the boot block version number is displayed on screen upon entering the boot block menu), you must update the boot block via traditional MIDI connections first before you can use USB to update the OS. Alternatively you can simply use traditional MIDI connections to update your OS and not use USB for updating.

The SP2 Series supports “plug n’ play” operation. No proprietary USB MIDI driver is required.

Question:
The Transpose functions seems to only be allowing me to transpose in whole steps. How can I fix this?

Answer:

The problem you are encountering is a bug that was introduced in OS v1.06. The solution is to update your SP2 to the latest version of the OS, available online at the model links below:

• SP2
• SP2X
• SP2XS

Select your specific model above, Click OS UPDATES. Download and install the current update (instructions included).

Question:
I am having difficulties getting my Windows PC running Vista/Win7/8 to output MIDI to my Kurzweil via USB. Do I need to install a driver?

Answer:

No. The current line of Kurzweil products have a standard class-compliant USB-MIDI implementation. They do not require the installation of any additional drivers.

Some background to be aware of:

Microsoft has been steadily REMOVING MIDI FEATURES from Windows since Vista. In Windows XP, Microsoft provided a MIDI Mapper control panel which allowed end users to select a MIDI output device. Since Vista this has not been available. As such, certain apps (like Windows Media Player – WMP) can no longer play MIDI songs triggering external MIDI devices because WMP is only routed to the internal Microsoft GS Synthesizer.

This means the MIDI app you choose to use must natively offer its own built-in MIDI mapping abilities OR you could possibly install a 3rd party MIDI mapper whose purpose is to replace the MIDI routing abilities removed from Windows. Fortunately,
these days, most commercial MIDI software products for PC, such as Cubase or Cakewalk, have a configuration screen which includes the MIDI device mapping necessary to route to an external MIDI device.

Question:
I would like to use a continuous control pedal to control some aspect of the sound. How do I set things up?

Answer:

By default, the C Pedal acts as MIDI Expression (volume swell) for the MAIN zone, but it can be reprogrammed to do a variety of things, separately for each zone, including controlling the leslie effect on organ presets, tremolo depth, vibrato, etc.

The process for assigning the control pedal is the same as the knobs (detailed on pg. 4-12 of the manual).

With a compatible pedal connected, here are the basic steps:

1. press EDIT
2. select the zone (layer or split) to work in – do this by pressing the corresponding button (if the zone mutes, then it was already current – just press it again to activate again)
3. press + hold the “Knob Mode” button and at the same time rock the control pedal. This selects the pedal onscreen for assignment, briefly displaying “CPd” as confirmation
4. **now type in the desired CC# code using the numeric sound select buttons on the right. Be sure to press ENTER when done.
5. press Store, select your desired QA location to save to, then press Yes to confirm.

Repeat the above as necessary for additional zones and/or Setups.

** as far as what CC codes to use, check out Appendix B in the manual. The first Table lists “Factory Settings” which indicates what the numeric CC values are by default for each physical controller, including the “CC Ped”. Following you will find one table per on-board sound detailing what the various controllers do per program. Look at the available controllers per sound and make your assignment as needed.

For ex., let’s say you wanted to control the tremolo depth on program 11 Old Sly Rhds. You will note Tremolo Depth is activated by Mwheel. Cross referencing that with the “Factory Settings” table, note Mwheel is cc#1.

So by assigning the CPed to cc#1 in step 3, you are basically turning the CPedal into the ModWheel and thus able to control the same things with your foot that you can with your hand on the Mwheel.

Question:
What pedals can I use with my Kurzweil instrument?

Answer:

Switch Pedals

A foot switch pedal from any manufacturer is compatible with our keyboards. Japanese pedals are wired in reverse polarity from American pedals. But all our products check the pedal polarity on power up and reverse themselves if needed, so as long as the pedal is plugged in before you turn on the unit, any pedal will work (be certain to not step on the pedal during power up as this can interfere with the auto-calibration).

In addition, some keyboards use mono jacks for each switch pedal input, whereas other keyboards use a single stereo jack for two pedals.

The PC3 Series, K2 Series, K1 series, PC2 Series, SP2 Series, SP5, PC88, and KME61 use mono jacks for each pedal. The standard single pedal available from Kurzweil is the KP-1.

The SP4, SPS4-8, PC1, SP3X, SP76/88 Series, Rumour/Mangler, Mark ProOneiS, Mark ProTwoiS, RG Series, and Troubador use a single stereo jack for dual pedal units (not sold by Kurzweil). It is still possible to plug a single, mono plug pedal into these units but you will only have access to one of the pedals. If the pedal is plugged in all the way, it will be the Left pedal, and if the plug is pulled out slightly, it will be the right pedal. A stereo (M) to dual-mono (F) “Y” adapter can also be employed to permit the use of two, single pedals.

---

Continuous Controller Pedals

Our keyboards require a pedal with a TRS 1/4″ connector and 10k linear potentiometer. Most manufacturers EXCEPT Yamaha and Korg make pedals with the same specifications and should work. Yamaha and Korg pedals typically use an exponential potentiometer and therefore will not work correctly. The CC-1 pedal is available from Kurzweil. You can order a pedal through your “local Kurzweil dealer.

CC-1 Wiring Spec

The Control Pedal must be wired to a single stereo (TRS) 1/4″ plug as follows:

• Wiper to tip connection of 1/4″ plug
• Top end of resistance element to Ring connection
• Bottom end of resistance to Sleeve connection

Question:
How Can I disable the Pitch Wheel?

Answer:

PROGRAM MODE

The following will turn off the Pitch Wheel, globally, in Program Mode.

1. 1. Press + hold the KNOB MODE button and at the same time move the Pitch Wheel.
      The display will show “Wheel 1” (UH1):

      UH1

 

1. 1. Release the KNOB MODE button.
      The display will show “Enabled” (En):

      En

 

1. 1. Press either the ( -/No ) or ( +/Yes ) buttons beneath the display.
      The display will show “Disabled” (diS):

      diS

 

1. 1. Press KNOB MODE to exit.

 

1. 1. Press STORE.

 

1. 1. Press PROGRAM.
      The display will show “Internal?” (In?):

      In?

 

1. Press ( +/Yes ) to confirm.

---

SETUP MODE

In Setup Mode, each setup must be edited separately as each is a unique entity and each of the 3 zones within, separately assignable as well.

1. 1. Select the Setup in question.

 

1. 1. Press EDIT.

 

1. 1. Select the Setup zone that you wish to disable the Pitch Wheel (press Main, Layer or Split). The display will show “m” (main), “L” (layer) or “P” (split) accordingly.For ex., here we have selected the Layer zone:

      L64

 

1. 1. Press + hold the KNOB MODE button and at the same time move the Pitch Wheel.
      The display will show:

      UH1

 

1. 1. Release the KNOB MODE button.
      The display will show “Enabled”:

      En

 

1. 1. Press either the ( -/No ) or ( +/Yes ) buttons beneath the display.
      The display will show “Disabled”:

      diS

 

1. 1. (Optional) Go back to step 3 and repeat for other zones as needed.

 

1. 1. When finshed, press STORE.
      The display will show “Save Setup?” (Su?):

      Su?

 

1. Press ( +/Yes ) to confirm.

Question:
I am transposing the keyboard but am finding the amount I transpose is not being sent to my external devices which I have connected to the SP2 MIDI Output. How can I correct this?

Answer:

The key is to note that there are two modes of transpose available in the SP2:

1. quick, local transpose method
2. zone transpose within Setup editor

Using method (1), from the Program Mode (i.e. not in EDIT), simply press/hold Transpose and strike desired note (relative to C4). Note: this does not transmit out the MIDI out, i.e. local only.

The Transpose light remains lit while a transposition is in effect. Reset by repeating steps and pressing C4 as your selection.

Using method (2) from inside the EDITor, you can transpose each zone independently and this DOES affect MIDI note data output. Press Edit, select zone, press/hold Transpose and strike desired note.

Question:
The Transpose functions seems to only be allowing me to transpose in whole steps. How can I fix this?

Answer:

The problem you are encountering is a bug that was introduced in OS v1.06. The solution is to update your SP2 to the latest version of the OS, available online at the model links below:

• SP2
• SP2X
• SP2XS

Select your specific model above, Click OS UPDATES. Download and install the current update (instructions included).