Kurzweil built its name making the first machine that could fool you into hearing a real grand piano, then poured that obsession into the K2000. This is the rack version with the sampling option fitted, so it is two instruments in one: a 16-bit sampler that reviewers mention in the same breath as Fairlight and EMU, and a synthesizer running VAST, one of the deepest sound-design engines ever shipped. Load a sample, then route it through filters, DSP oscillators and a modulation matrix that behaves like a modular patchbay. Pink Floyd and Depeche Mode leaned on these. Twenty-four voices, sixteen parts, four-effect multi-FX, and SCSI for limitless storage. A workstation that still does things modern boxes cannot.

FEATURES & PROS:

• VAST Synthesis: Variable Architecture lets you build custom signal paths from DSP blocks, a near-modular approach to sound design.
• 16-Bit Sampler Onboard: The sampling option is fitted, so you can sample in mono or stereo, analog or digital, and mangle to taste.
• 24 Voices, 16 Parts: Proper polyphony and full multitimbral operation for layered productions.
• Resonant Multimode Filter: A genuinely musical digital filter with modulatable resonance.
• Deep Modulation Matrix: Assign and combine modulation sources like an analog modular, for living, evolving patches.
• Studio Multi-FX: Four simultaneous effects, including reverb, chorus, delay, flange and EQ.
• SCSI + Floppy: Sample RAM expandable to 64MB, with SCSI storage for serious sample libraries.
• Up to 10 Outputs: Rack-version routing for proper multitrack mixing.

THE WORD: Equipboard rates the K2000RS's VAST engine as offering near-limitless sound design, and lists Pink Floyd and Depeche Mode among its users. Read more at Equipboard.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Years: 1991 to 2000 (rackmount RS version)
• Type: VAST synthesizer and 16-bit sampler workstation (3U rack)
• Polyphony: 24 voices, dynamic allocation
• Multitimbral: 16 parts
• Sampler: 16-bit, analog and digital sampling (option fitted on the RS), sample RAM expandable to 64MB
• Waveform ROM: 8MB (expandable)
• Filter: digital multimode with modulatable resonance
• Effects: stereo multi-FX, four simultaneous (reverb, chorus, delay, flange, EQ)
• Outputs: main stereo plus assignable (up to 10 on the rack)
• Storage: internal 3.5" floppy, SCSI (internal and external)
• Control: MIDI
• Condition note: vintage unit; like most gear of this age it may benefit from a service