V.A.S.T.

Built on Kurzweil’s legendary Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology, the SP8 combines authentic acoustic realism, deep synthesis, and intuitive hands-on control—giving you everything you need to command the moment.

The Speed You Need

Powered by Flash-Play® architecture, the SP8 combines unprecedented processing power with zero-loading time, giving you instant access to a massive 2 GB of sample content for ultrafast creation.

2 GB of Factory Sounds

Fueled by 2 GB of factory samples—from the expressive German D and legendary Triple Strike pianos and classic tine electric pianos to cinematic bells and signature Kurzweil textures—every sound is voiced to feel alive and cut effortlessly through the mix. With 1,000 factory programs and over 200 Multis for rich splits and layers, it’s packed for total performance.

Backwards Compatibility

1000 factory presets not enough? Load your favorite V.A.S.T. programs from numerous current and past Kurzweil models. With over 4,000 user locations, you have massive space to store and organize your custom sound collection.

(Does not support importing user samples. Some restrictions apply.)

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

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

KB3 ToneReal™ Organs

The SP8 features the revolutionary KB3 ToneReal Engine, a dedicated system that perfectly models classic organs of the past. Level up your performance with a matrix of instantly accessible knobs and buttons for real-time control over drawbars, rotary speed, chorus/vibrato, brake, percussion, and more.

Virtual Analog

The SP8 houses our 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.

6-Operator FM Engine

The SP8 features a 6-operator FM Engine with the ability to load original FM SysEx files.

KSR – Kurzweil String Resonance

Experience the rich, subtle complexity of a real acoustic instrument. Our advanced KSR –  Kurzweil String Resonance perfectly emulates the harmonic vibrations of undamped strings, adding depth, realism, and a beautiful, natural sustain to your piano performance.

Professional-Grade Effects

The SP8 is armed with a complete suite of professional effects chains, featuring lush reverbs, dynamic delays, and rich choruses. Use the dedicated Global FX Section—with 3-band EQ and compression—to ensure you mix is polished and performance-ready.

The Key to Performance

Experience dynamic, responsive play with the SP8’s 88-note fully-weighted, 4-zone graded hammer-action keyboard. Perfect for stage or studio, adjustable velocity settings ensure exceptional comfort and seamless adaptation to your unique playing style.

Take Control

The SP8’s Multi Mode transcends simple splits and layers. Utilize its 5 independent controller zones to construct truly deep sonic combinations and fully customized controller assignments.

The Stage is Yours

Take command of your stage performances and studio productions! With a total of 37 physical controllers, per zone, the SP8 features a versatile matrix of programmable knobs and buttons, along with a pair of wheels and a series of pedal inputs.

Endless Rhythmic Inspiration

Create intricate rhythms and evolving textures using the 5 fully programmable arpeggiators, accessible directly from the front panel. Each arpeggiator functions independently, providing unmatched depth and dynamic movement for complex sequences or energetic grooves across all sound layers.

Modulation in Motion

Sculpt vibrant, evolving textures and animated pulses. The 5 simultaneous MIDI CC Step Sequencers bring your sounds to life with powerful, expressive sonic movement and intricate rhythmic control.

Real-Time MIDI Sequencing

Go from idea to groove with 5 simultaneous MIDI sequence players. Independently trigger and sync them, tapping into the built-in library or importing your own patterns for boundless creative control.

Clean Visuals

Experience effortless control through the SP8’s bright, high-resolution color LCD display. Its clear, intuitive design makes navigation simple, ensuring your focus stays on performance.

Your Environment, In Seconds

The SP8 boots up in under 23 seconds and adapts to your workflow from the moment you power on. Choose to start directly in Program or Multi mode, so it’s ready to work the way you do.

Your Sound, Instantly

Access any program with direct entry, or effortlessly navigate the internal library using the Category Browser. Build your perfect setlist with Custom Favorites, giving you one-touch recall of the sounds you use most. And when you need that exact program, the powerful Search function cuts through the noise, locating sounds by name or keyword in seconds.

Program Audition

Use the instant Program Demo feature to audition any factory program on the spot. Go from browsing to brilliant, effortlessly finding the exact sound to fuel your creativity.

Pick Your Favorites

Leverage the SP8’s 396 Favorites memory slots, giving you one-touch recall of your most needed individual programs and/or multi combinations, organized in 99 banks of 4.

Splits/Layers Made Easy

Seamlessly combine and/or split individual programs with the SP8’s easy Split and Layer features. Quickly assign different voices to high and low ranges of the keyboard, or stack programs for a richer, more complex texture, all from the intuitive front-panel controls.

Transpose on the Fly

Customizable to semitone or octave increments, instantly shift your playing to any key or octave with a simple press of the dedicated front-panel -/+ transpose buttons, expanding your creative possibilities.

Balanced Audio Ouputs

Experience superior sound and connectivity. The SP8 utilizes premium 32-bit D/A converters for crystal-clear output. Connect effortlessly to professional gear using the 1/4″ TRS outputs (with automatic mono switching), and use the dedicated 1/4″ stereo jack for private headphone monitoring.

Live Audio Input w/ FX

Use the 1/8″ stereo input to process and blend external audio directly into your mix. Apply dedicated real-time effects to anything from backing tracks to live vocals, creating a unique, studio-quality texture that’s perfectly integrated with the SP8’s output.

Mac/PC/iOS Software Suite

Unlock the full power of V.A.S.T. and the SP8 with our dedicated suite of external Editor applications for Mac, PC, and iPad. Take complete control and dive deep into sound design and customization.