Kurzweil K2061 and K2088 V.A.S.T. Synthesizers: New info released
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Kurzweil has shared the specs of the upcoming K2061 and K2088 previewed at NAMM 2024. The new K20 series is designed to bring back the famous K2000 V.A.S.T. synthesizer, but with modern technology.
Update March 4, 2024: Kurzweil shares the specs of the K2061 and K2088
According to Kurzweil, the new K2061 and K2088 synthesizers will feature a “resculpted” K2000 synth library (2 GB) and will be compatible with libraries from the K2 era. The new synths support up to 32 layers per program and offer flash sample playback with 2 GB of user sample memory. In addition, they also feature the VA, FM, and KB3 engines. The maximum polyphony is 256 voices.
While the Kurzweil K2061 will offer a 61-key synth-action keybed, the K2088 will offer 88 hammer-action keys with aftertouch. With 16 zones and over 30 physical controllers (including a ribbon controller), the new K20 series doubles as a versatile MIDI controller for external gear.
As of now, Kurzweil hasn’t said when the new synths will become available. We’ll keep you updated!
Kurzweil K2061 and K2088 (NAMM leak from January 29, 2024)
According to reports in the Musicplayer forum, Kurzweil is getting ready to launch two new keyboard workstations: the K2061 and K2088. While they haven’t been officially announced, the manufacturer offered a sneak preview of the prototypes at NAMM.
Both the K2061 and K2088 offer long ribbon controllers similar to the one found in the K2700. The nine faders / drawbars and parts of the user interface also seem to have been lifted from the K2700, which leads me to believe that the K2061 will offer many of the same features, possibly at a lower price point. However, Kurzweil has omitted the drum pads and reportedly also the built-in audio interface.
If I’m not mistaken, the K2061 marks Kurzweil’s first 61-key instrument since the discontinuation of the PC3 A6. I imagine that many gigging musicians will be pleased to see a compact synth-action alternative to the manufacturer’s large-format workstations. While the K2088 will reportedly feature a Fatar TP/40L keybed, Kurzweil has yet to decide on a keybed for the smaller version. As of now, there’s no word of a 73/76-key version.
Reports also indicate that both keyboards offer internal power supplies. They should also be compatible with K2700 and V.A.S.T. sound banks and include the KB3 organ and VA engine.
As of now, there are no official details about the new Kurzweil K2061 and K2088 workstations, but they do look like a nice alternative for players who do not need the full feature set of the K2700. We’ll keep you posted when new details emerge.
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3 responses to “Kurzweil K2061 and K2088 V.A.S.T. Synthesizers: New info released”
K2000 is definitely in my bucket list! I heard it on a music store when I was young and fell in love instantly!
The K2061 is Kurzweil’s first 61-key instrument since the discontinuation of the PC3 A6. This is expected to be welcomed by gigging musicians as a more compact alternative to Kurzweil’s large-format workstations.
k2000 and 2gb of samples in 2024 ?
and these engines are romplers beside vast
and fm engine in korg is like vast on steroids with big lcd and edditor
vs this ?? i mean i know making synths cost money but at least buy some modern hardware inside and add 64gb sd card or like that
to pay this super old slow memory is lol in 2024
similar to 2 – 4 voice synths for 1500+