Kurzweil K2700 Review: A Powerhouse Synth for Professional Musicians

Unleash Boundless Creativity with the Kurzweil K2700!

Kurzweil has long been a name synonymous with innovation and quality in the world of digital music. Since the launch of the legendary K250 in 1984, Kurzweil has consistently pushed the boundaries of what keyboard workstations can achieve. The K2700, the latest flagship model, continues this legacy by blending advanced synthesis capabilities with an extensive feature set designed to cater to the needs of modern musicians and producers. Positioned as a successor to the highly acclaimed K2600, the K2700 promises to deliver even greater power, flexibility, and control in a sleek, professional-grade package.

Features and Performance

The Kurzweil K2700 is a 88-key workstation that combines Kurzweil’s renowned V.A.S.T. (Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology) with a host of modern features that make it a versatile tool for any musical application:

88 Fully-Weighted Keys:

The K2700 features a fully-weighted hammer-action keyboard, providing an authentic piano feel that is ideal for both studio production and live performance.

V.A.S.T. Synthesis Engine:

At the heart of the K2700 is Kurzweil’s powerful V.A.S.T. engine, which offers an incredible depth of sound design capabilities. With 32 layers per program and hundreds of DSP functions, it’s capable of producing anything from lush pads to intricate, evolving textures.

Massive Sound Library: The K2700 comes loaded with over 1500 factory presets, covering a wide range of instruments, from grand pianos to orchestral strings, as well as a wealth of synthesized sounds. Additionally, the instrument offers 3.5GB of user memory for custom samples, allowing for endless sonic possibilities.

16-Track Sequencer: This workstation is equipped with a 16-track sequencer, allowing for complex compositions and real-time performance adjustments. The sequencer is complemented by powerful arpeggiators and extensive MIDI control options, making it a robust tool for both live and studio environments.

9-Slider Control Surface: The front panel of the K2700 features nine sliders, which can be used to control organ drawbars, synth parameters, and other real-time controls, providing hands-on interaction that enhances creativity.

Connectivity and Power Base

The Kurzweil K2700 is designed to integrate seamlessly into any professional setup:

Comprehensive I/O Options: It includes USB/MIDI, analog outputs, digital SPDIF, and balanced audio outputs, ensuring high-quality signal transmission. The dual expression pedal inputs and four footswitch inputs provide further control over performance.

Audio Interface Capabilities: With a built-in 6-in/6-out audio interface, the K2700 can be used as the central hub of your studio setup, enabling direct connection to DAWs and other recording equipment without the need for additional gear.

User-Friendly Interface: Despite its complex capabilities, the K2700 features a large color LCD display and an intuitive interface, making it easier for users to navigate through sounds, settings, and sequences.

Pros:

• Authentic Key Feel: The fully-weighted hammer-action keyboard provides a realistic piano experience, perfect for serious players.
• Extensive Sound Design Options: The V.A.S.T. engine allows for deep, customizable sound design, suitable for creating unique textures and compositions.
• Large Sound Library: With over 1500 presets and 3.5GB of user memory, the K2700 offers a vast array of sounds to explore.
• Comprehensive Connectivity: The inclusion of an audio interface and extensive I/O options makes it highly versatile for both live and studio use.
• Robust Build Quality: Designed for professional use, the K2700 is built to withstand the rigors of touring and regular studio work.

Cons:

• Complex Interface: The depth of features and the V.A.S.T. engine might be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a steep learning curve.
• Price Point: As a flagship model, the K2700 is on the higher end of the price spectrum, which may be prohibitive for some users.

Conclusion

The Kurzweil K2700 is a powerhouse workstation that offers unparalleled versatility and depth for professional musicians and producers. While its extensive feature set may present a learning curve for some, those who invest the time to master it will find it to be an incredibly rewarding instrument. Whether you’re performing live, producing in the studio, or composing intricate soundscapes, the K2700 stands as one of the most capable workstations on the market today.