Kurzweil Music Systems K2600, K2600X, K2600R User's Manual

Introduction

Welcome!

Chapter 1
Introduction

Welcome!

Congratulations, and thanks for purchasing a Kurzweil/Young Chang K2600 Series instrument.
There are seven K2600 Series models, for a wide range of applications:

K2600

K2600S

K2600X

K2600Xs

K2600R

K2600Rs

K2600 AES Top-end model, with built-in sampler, digital I/O, DMTi, and sample libraries

Whichever model you have, youÕre looking at one of the most powerful music workstations
available. The K2600 Series instruments are packed with great acoustic, electric, and synth
soundsÑcombined with some of the most advanced synthesis features available, which you can
use to create almost any sound imaginable. The K2600 incorporates most of the features of the
award-winning K2000 and the K2500, and provides several new features as well.

This manual and the accompanying
you started with your new instrument. YouÕll deÞnitely want to keep the manuals handy as you
become an advanced user, too.

76 keys

K2600 with built-in sampler

88 keys

K2600X with built-in sampler

Rack-mount model

K2600R with built-in sampler

MusicianÕs Reference , as well as the video tutorial, will get

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Introduction

Overview of the K2600

For K2600R Owners

Throughout the MusicianÕs Guide and MusicianÕs Reference weÕve simpliÞed things by saying just
ÒK2600Ó any time weÕre referring to features that are common to all instruments in the K2600
Series. Obviously, though, there are some differences between the rack and keyboard models;
weÕll point them out where they occur and mark them with a handy K2600R margin symbol like
the one to the left of this paragraph. If you own a keyboard model of the K2600, you may want
to read the K2600R-speciÞc information anyway, since much of it also applies when your K2600
is a MIDI slave (when using a computer-based sequencer, for example).

Overview of the K2600

The K2600 has been designed to be a versatile instrument both for performance, and for multi­timbral sequencing and recording. Its Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology lets you build
sounds from realistic instrumental samples and sampled synth waveformsÑthen modify the
nature of those sounds through a wide variety of digital signal-processing (DSP) functions. The
K2600 also generates its own synth waveforms, which can be combined with the samples or
used on their own. The K2600 packs 12 Megabytes of onboard sound ROM. You can add up to
four optional ROM sound blocks (there are two currently available), and you can load samples
from disk into optional sample RAM.

Before we get into explaining Variable Architecture Synthesis, here are a few of the features that
by themselves make the K2600 an impressive stage and studio machine. ItÕs fully multi­timbralÑdifferent programs can be played on each MIDI channel. ItÕs 48-note polyphonic, for a
full sound no matter how many chords you play. ThereÕs an on-board digital effects processor,
providing up to Þve simultaneous effects, including real-time effects control, internally or via
MIDI.

In addition to the standard stereo audio output pair, there are eight separate outputs that can be
conÞgured as stereo pairs, or as individual mono outputs. These are balanced outputs, which
you can connect to either balanced or unbalanced inputs.

The K2600 offers two SIMM sockets (single, in-line memory modules) so you can add optional
Sample RAM, where you can store samples that youÕve loaded from disk. You can add up to 128
megabytes of Sample RAM. (Sample RAM is not battery-backed, so RAM samples are erased
from memory when you power down.)

For ofßine storage, thereÕs also a ßoppy drive and two
ßoppies or on an external hard disk or load them from a CD-ROM drive. The two SCSI ports
make it easy to chain multiple SCSI devices together. ThereÕs also provision for an internal SCSI
hard disk. YouÕll Þnd all this storage potential extremely useful for saving and loading samples,
which can be transferred to and from the K2600 using the standard MIDI sample transfer
format, or the faster, parallel SMDI sample transfer format (SCSI Musical Data Interchange). See
the MusicianÕs Reference for information about MIDI and SMDI sample transfers.

The K2600Õs battery-backed program RAM can store about 800 of your own programs, or about
60,000 notes recorded in the sequencer. This sequencer (Song mode) lets you play back MIDI
type 0 or 1 sequences, record and play back your own songs, and record multi-timbral
sequences received via MIDI. For more onboard storage you can add the P/RAM option, which
will increase your battery-backed RAM to about 1500K (1.5M), enough to store hundreds of
additional programs, setups, songs, and other objects . (Without the P/RAM option, the K2600
has about 500K of program RAM.)

SCSI ports, so you can store Þles on

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The Local Keyboard Channel feature enables you to use the K2600Õs multi-zone setups even if
youÕre using a MIDI controller that can transmit on only one channel. The K2600 will also
rechannelize incoming MIDI information and send it to its MIDI Out port, enabling you to
control additional synths on eight different channels.

An optional sampling feature is available, allowing you to make your own mono or stereo
samples using analog or digital inputs. With the sampling option, you can also use Live mode,
which enables you to take an input signal (at the analog sampling input), and route it through
the K2600Õs VAST algorithmsÑso you can apply Kurzweil DSP and effects to any sound The
sampling option also gives you digital audio output (stereo optical or unbalanced stereo XLR).

ThereÕs also the digital input/output (I/O) option, which provides eight channels for digital
audio input and output (as well as a stereo digital output).

And, of course, thereÕs the incomparable Kurzweil sound. The K2600 comes to you with over
400 programs (called patches, presets, voices, etc. on other synths)Ñ238 in ROM and 200 more
in RAM. There are also about 200 multi-zone performance setups. Many of these setups use note
triggers to play factory-recorded songs that provide grooves and arpeggiation that make great
templates for performance or recording.

VAST Synthesis

Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology gives the K2600 its unprecedented ßexibility. While

many other synthesizers offer a Þxed set of DSP tools (typically Þltering, pitch, and amplitude
modulation) the K2600Õs Variable Architecture lets you arrange a combination of any Þve DSP
functions from a long list of choices. The functions you choose deÞne the type of synthesis you
use.

Introduction

VAST Synthesis

Each layer of every program has its own DSP architecture, which we call an algorithm . Within
each algorithm, you can select from a variety of DSP functions. Each function can be
independently controlled by a variety of sources including LFOs, ASRs, envelopes, a set of
unique programmable functions (FUNs), as well as any MIDI control message. The many
different DSP functions and the wealth of independent control sources give you an extremely
ßexible, truly vast collection of tools for sound creation and modiÞcation. When youÕre ready to
jump in and start creating and editing programs, turn to Chapter 6.

Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology

KB3 T one Wheel Emulation

In addition to VAST synthesis, the K2600 offers many oscillator-based programs that give you
the classic sound of tone-wheel organs like the Hammond B 3ª. KB3 mode, as we call it, is
completely independent of VAST, and has its own set of editing procedures. YouÕll Þnd details in
Chapter 6.

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Introduction

How the K2600 Works

How the K2600 Works

The K2600 integrates three MIDI-driven components: a MIDI controller (the keyboard, or an
external MIDI controller, a sound engine, and a global effects processor (KDFX). The sound
engine responds to the MIDI events generated by the MIDI controller, and turns them into
sounds that are processed within the variable architecture of the algorithmsÑor by oscillators
for KB3 programs. The resulting sound can then be routed through KDFX and to the MIX and
separate audio outputs.

How to Use This Manual

This manual includes the following:

¥ How to connect and power up your K2600, getting around the front panel, and a brief

description of the operating modes

¥ Basic editing, including the normal operations of each operating mode

¥ The advanced programming features that make the K2600 so powerfulÑa number of

familiar synthesis tools and quite a few new ones

Even if youÕre a complete techie, you should read Chapter 3,
a tour of the K2600Õs front panel and learn how to navigate through the major functions.

Chapter 4, The Operating Modes describes the concept and operation of the K2600Õs eight
operating modes, with a brief description of each. Chapters 6 through 13 describe each mode in
detail, including the editors contained within them. Chapters 14 through 17 discuss the
advanced editing features. Chapter 19 shows you how to use the multiple audio outputs to suit
your needs. Chapter 20 is a programming tutorial, giving you speciÞc examples of many of the
K2600Õs programming functions. Some are basic, some are advanced. By working through the
tutorials, youÕll become familiar with many synthesis techniques, and youÕll get a Þrst-hand
look at how to unleash the power of the K2600.

When manual text appears in boldface italic ( like this ), youÕll Þnd it described in the Glossary in
the MusicianÕs Reference . Only the Þrst one or two occurrences of these words are highlighted.

YouÕll also see text in bold face ( like this ). We use bold face to indicate parameter values, K2600
objects (like programs and setups), Þlenames (like songs and samples), and front-panel buttons
(like the Program button and the soft buttons).

The best way to read this manual is with your K2600 in front of you. By trying the examples we
give to illustrate various functions, you can get a quick understanding of the basics, then move
on to the more advanced features.

If you like to Þgure out your equipment for yourself, and normally use manuals only as
reference sources, youÕll probably get the most use out of the MusicianÕs Reference that
accompanies this manual, which contains brief descriptions of the K2600Õs major operating
features, and all sorts of useful listsÑ programs , keymaps , algorithms , effects, control sources ,
and more. A glossary and complete speciÞcations for the K2600 are also included in the

MusicianÕs Reference .

User Interface Basics . Here youÕll get

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Do I Have Everything?

Your K2600 shipping carton should include the following in addition to your instrument:

¥ Power cable

¥ Sustain pedal (keyboard models only)

¥ Instructional video

¥ Two manuals: the MusicianÕs Guide (this manual) and the MusicianÕs Reference

¥ A set of accessory disks

If you donÕt have all of these components, please call your Kurzweil/Young Chang dealer.

The Accessory Disks

The set of accessory disks that came with your K2600 should include the following:

Introduction

Do I Have Everything?

K2600 Base ROM Objects

This disk contains two Þles. The Þrst Þle is named OBJKBXXX.K26 (where XXX is the version
number). The second Þle is named OBJKLXXX.K26 (where XXX is the version number). These
disks provide a backup of the ROM Objects installed in your K2600 at the factory.

You will not normally need to use these disks, however you should keep them in a safe place in
case you need to reinstall this version of the operating system. For example, if you have installed
a newer version of the objects (we make new versions available for download from our web site)
and you encounter any problems, you might need to go back and install the version on these
disks.

OBJKB contains all of the objects in a stock K2600 without sampling. OBJKL contains the Live
Mode objects, which are included in a unit with the sampling option installed.

When you install a new version of the operating system, youÕll need to load all the object Þles
for the options you have. This includes the object Þles for the Orchestral and Contemporary
ROM blocks, if you have them. Load the system Þles Þrst, then all of the object Þles, then exit the
Boot Loader by pressing the
operating the Boot Loader.

Run System soft button. See Appendix A if you need help with

K2600 General MIDI Compatibility

This is a two-disk set, intended to make the K2600 compatible with General MIDI (GM)
programs. The K2600 is not a General MIDI instrument. GM was intended as a least common
denominator and is normally found on low-end instruments, not instruments intended for the
high-end professional.

Nonetheless, we have created a GM compatibility Þle that can be loaded into the K2600. It
contains samples and therefore must be loaded into the unit each time you power up.

There are three different GM Þles. Which Þle you use depends on which ROM blocks you have
in the K2000. The disk that comes with your unit is for a K2600 without any additional ROM
blocks. If you purchase the Orchestral or Contemporary ROM block, you will receive two other
ÞlesÑone for a unit with just the Orchestral ROM added, and one for a unit with the Orchestral
and Contemporary ROM added. You can also download these Þles from the Downloads page of
our web site:

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Introduction

The Accessory Disks

http://www.youngchang.com/kurzweil/html/downloads.html

For complete documentation on how to use the GM Þle, please see QA Banks and General MIDI

Files on page 10-15.

K2600 Demos

This disk contains several directories of demo song Þles, which show off some of the capabilities
of your K2600. In addition, the disk contains two other Þles. KDFXTUTR.K26 contains objects
used in the tour of Effects mode that starts on page 9-12. VIDEO.K26 is referred to in the Disk
mode section of the video tutorial.

Most of the song demos can simply be loaded into the K2600 and played from Song mode.
However, two demo Þles require that your K2600 have the sampling option installed. The demo

LMFBDMO1.K26 , and LMFBDMO2.K26 demonstrate internal feedback loops using a

Þles
chain of VAST->KDFX->sampler->VAST->KDFXÑknown as Live mode. Because a Master table
is included, your SampleMode-page settings will be set automatically when you load the demo
Þle.

Caution : Programs that cause internal feedback can get extremely loud, so itÕs important to be careful

after loading these objects. Live-mode programs are inherently unstable when youÕre in Live mode and the
sampling source (the Src parameter in the Samplemode page) is set to Int . These programs are capable of
producing tremendously loud feedback loops with a relatively small amount of gain. In modes where the
provided studio is not the active studio, the compressor that keeps these feedback chains under control isnÕt
operating, and the loop can grow out of control very quickly. If you intend only to listen to the demo, and
not to examine the programming, we recommend that you delete the song Þle (and its dependent objects)
from your K2600 when you are done listening. We also recommend that you go to the SampleMode page
and set the Src parameter to Ext or the Mode parameter to something other than LiveIn , to help to avoid
any unintended feedback. If you want to look at the program settings, lower the volume on your
instrument, and read the more detailed description of Live mode beginning on page 14-41.

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K2600 Farm & Extras

This disk contains over 1000 extra programs and effects, all cultivated from the ÒfarmÓ where we
grow our programs and effects.

The K2500FRM directory contains over 1000 extra programs, organized in Þles by type of
sound. This set of programs was originally developed for the K2500, hence the name.

The KDFXFARM directory contains two subdirectories. LIVEMODE contains a set of Þles
containing extra programs using Live mode (which requires having the sample option in your
K2500). MOREKDFX contains some FX Presets and a number of Programs that use KDFX, as
well as a couple of blank studios.

PIANOFRM contains extra programs that speciÞcally use the 4-megabyte stereo piano.

VOCODER contains programs and setups that are designed to be used with the Vocoder

feature. You can read about the Vocoder in detail on page 11-4.

K2600 Additional Programs and Factory RAM Banks

This disk contains even more programs from our program farm.

The MOREPRGS directory contains several Þles of extra programs.

The RAMBANKS directory contains a backup Þle of the programs that were loaded into the
300s and 400s banks when your unit was shipped from the factory.

K2500 Compatibility

This disk contains a Þle of all the ROM objects in the K2500. You would use this Þle if you have
songs created originally for a K2500. See Loading Older Setup Versions on page 7-2 for information
about using older objects with the K2600.

K2000 Compatibility

These two disks contain a Þle of all the ROM objects in the K2000. You would use this Þle if you
have songs created originally for a K2000. Again, see Loading Older Setup Versions on page 7-2.

Introduction

The Accessory Disks

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