The Kurzweil K2661 Workstation

While the Kurzweil K2661, a 61 key keyboard makes this a light and portable instrument, this keyboard has all the power, elegance and functionality of the larger workstations in the Kurzweil K2600 series.

Described by one customer as the “flagship of all keyboards” for use in a live setup, this instrument is perfect for synchronizing and controlling the rest of your stage equipment.

The Kurzweil K2661 incorporates the standard sounds from the K2600 and any new sounds will be compatible with all other K2600s that include ROM1 and ROM2. Additional sounds include the Orchestral ROM block and Contemporary ROM block.

Although the facilities are there to create countless sounds of your own, with the thought that has gone into Kurzweil sounds you will find you rarely need to.

A General MIDI 1 sound set enables authoring of internet MIDI files. The Kurzweil K2661 is a 61 key keyboard that makes this a light and portable instrument. This keyboard has all the power, elegance and functionality of the larger workstations in the Kurzweil K2600 series.

Described by one customer as the “flagship of all keyboards” for use in a live setup, this instrument is perfect for synchronizing and controlling the rest of your stage equipment. The Kurzweil K2661 incorporates the standard sounds from the K2600 and any new sounds will be compatible with all other K2600s that include ROM1 and ROM2. Additional sounds include the Orchestral ROM block and Contemporary ROM block.

Although the facilities are there to create countless sounds of your own, with the thought that has gone into Kurzweil sounds you will find you rarely need to. A General MIDI 1 sound set enables authoring of internet MIDI files. Kurzweil keyboards are designed with their customers in mind.

Brand new features that have been added to the Kurzweil K2661 to meet customer demands include ADAT optical output for 8 channels of 24-bit digital I/O and a SmartMedia slot for easy storage and upgrades. The K2661 features Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology which is exclusive to Kurzweil. It also has a sophisticated 32 track professional sequencer with a maximum internal resolution of 768 ppq, which allows you to playback 8 programs in a single setup. The Kurzweil Digital Effects function (KDFX) is integrated into the K2661.

Kurzweil's unique VLSI chips and DSP algorithms, when combined with a versatile 5-stereo-bus design, 24-bit signal processing, cutting edge DSP functionality, and unparalleled real-time control, ensure this keyboard workstation can produce professional onboard effects. All Kurzweil K2661 I/O can be routed through KDFX including 8 outputs and 8 inputs from the ADAT digital I/O or analog sampling I/O.

There have been some problems reported with KDFX however, and this is true of all K series workstations. Although it has immense power and is easy to customize, the KDFX function does not lend itself at all to the sequencer. The majority of the inbuilt presets rely on a full studio for their amazing sound. Consequently for sequencing you have to choose instruments that all sound right with the same FX studio.

Despite this minor issue, the Kurzweil K2661 is the ideal solution for the music professional looking for a portable workstation with complete MIDI control, ultra-realistic sounds and high level sequencing functions. Retailing at around $2000 depending on extras, it is great value for money when you consider the extensive functionality. See also: Kurzweil Keyboardsdesigned with their customers in mind.

Brand new features that have been added to the Kurzweil K2661 to meet customer demands include ADAT optical output for 8 channels of 24-bit digital I/O and a SmartMedia slot for easy storage and upgrades.

The K2661 features Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology which is exclusive to Kurzweil. It also has a sophisticated 32 track professional sequencer with a maximum internal resolution of 768 ppq, which allows you to playback 8 programs in a single setup.

The Kurzweil Digital Effects function (KDFX) is integrated into the K2661. Kurzweil's unique VLSI chips and DSP algorithms, when combined with a versatile 5-stereo-bus design, 24-bit signal processing, cutting edge DSP functionality, and unparalleled real-time control, ensure this keyboard workstation can produce professional onboard effects.

All Kurzweil K2661 I/O can be routed through KDFX including 8 outputs and 8 inputs from the ADAT digital I/O or analog sampling I/O.

There have been some problems reported with KDFX however, and this is true of all K series workstations. Although it has immense power and is easy to customize, the KDFX function does not lend itself at all to the sequencer.

The majority of the inbuilt presets rely on a full studio for their amazing sound. Consequently for sequencing you have to choose instruments that all sound right with the same FX studio.

Despite this minor issue, the Kurzweil K2661 is the ideal solution for the music professional looking for a portable workstation with complete MIDI control, ultra-realistic sounds and high level sequencing functions.

Retailing at around $2000 depending on extras, it is great value for money when you consider the extensive functionality.