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The K2000 was released in 1990 and was initially available in four versions, the K2000, K2000S, K2000R, and K2000RS. Although initially very expensive, Kurzweil instruments were popular in top recording studios and for use with music production for film because of their high-quality sounds.
#KURZWEIL PC2X REVIEW SERIES#
Throughout the 1990s, updates and upgrades to the K2000 (and eventually its successors, the K2500 and K2600) ensured that the K2x series was regarded as one of the most powerful and best-sounding synthesizers/samplers available. The company's flagship line of synthesizer workstations, the K2xxx series, began to make real headway with the K2000, which introduced the company's acclaimed Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology (V.A.S.T.) engine. The later 1200 module versions contained these larger sample bases (i.e., PX+SX SX+HX HX+GX). As computing and electronics technologies changed rapidly during the period, larger sample bases could be combined. There were several keyboard versions issued, and the 1000 modules were originally issued in PX (pianos and mixed bag), SX (strings), HX (horns and winds), and GX (guitars and basses) versions, each with differing sample-ROMs. Unlike the K250, these instruments could not sample new sounds directly but their programming architecture and operating system were evolutionary steps that would culminate in the K2xxx series. The K1000 and K1200 (and their rack-mounted variants) were designed to deliver the sample libraries developed originally for the K250 to a wider audience in less expensive and physically more manageable forms. This synthesizer was never a commercial music success, but was very popular in academic and research facilities.
#KURZWEIL PC2X REVIEW SOFTWARE#
Hal Chamberlin (mentioned below) developed software to run on Apple II class computers, which would allow extensive control of the very rich possibilities of the K150. Additional sample ROMs were developed and issued for both models.Īs opposed to using 'sample-based' or 'subtractive' synthesis, the K150 (a rack-mount unit) uses additive synthesis. First issued as a very large and heavy keyboard, the electronics were also issued in a very large and heavy rackmount version, as the 250RMX (Rack Mount "Expander"-the presumed intention being that one could drive via MIDI and sequencers one or more "expanders"). This instrument was inspired by a bet between Ray Kurzweil and musician Stevie Wonder over whether a synthesizer could sound like a real piano. With the secondary outputs of the Kurzweil, you could easily add a Vent or Burn and have some very good Hammond/Leslie - still spending less than the Stage.The company launched the K250 synthesizer/sampler in 1984: while limited by today's standards and quite expensive, it was considered to be the first really successful attempt to emulate the complex sound of a grand piano.
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Loved the light weight for load in/out, the organ was different from the KB3 in the Kurzweil, but I sold the NE3 and bought the PC361. I've never had a Nord Stage, but I did buy an Electro 3-73, kept it for a year or so.
#KURZWEIL PC2X REVIEW FULL#
I like my SK1-73 better for Hammond, but I do use the two together (and have the PC3X if I want a full 88). PC3A6 should be a pretty good keyboard, I'm well pleased with my PC361, and the action is definitely optimized for organ and synth use. Based on the past, I would not expect a 61 key variant in less than six months. Of course, past actions do not mean that any unannounced product WILL happen. The 76 key Forte has just been announced (with a weighted keyboard). This was the case with the original PC3 (the PC2 only had the 88 and 76). If Kurzweil follows the pattern set in previous models, the 88 key comes out first, then the 76 key, and then the 61 key. I considered an Artis-7 but hated the action when I played it so my attention turned away from Kurzweil. A Forte in a 61 would be nice but that is vaporware that may or may not ever materialize. The Kurzweil would be a great controller for MainStage or iPad in the future. Obviously the PC3A6 has an octave less keys. The PC3A6 is $1500 less than the NS2ex compact. Non-piano and non-organ sounds way better to my ears than the NS2 ex. TP9 synth action, organ drawbars, new german grand (not full 16gb like Forte). I've been looking at the PC3A6 which might be a killer combo with the Kronos. But for less money, IMHO they give you an awful lot more power, variety of sounds and fx, flexibility in splits and multis, etc. (as some folks purport), then you should also look at a Kurzweil PC3K8 or PC3A8 which also uses the light weighted Fatar action. In my mind at the moment, if you're looking at a Stage and you actually find the Fatar TP/40 whatever it is flexible enough (not too heavy, not too light) to play piano, Rhodes, B3, etc.