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fredziak « A reference »
Published on 07/25/10 at 10:16This is a very complete synthesizer which is difficult to detail all the possibilities. Acclaimed in the 90s, this model has inspired many machines for nearly 20 years. Upon its release, the K2000 brings everything was done better and goes beyond, with a very open architecture based on the famous DSP. Accordingly, the synthesizer provides a set of algorithms consisting of many advanced features to sculpt a sound from the base of a collection of samples internal, external samples (like any good sampler) or forms of elementary waves generated, as will the latest "virtual analog". In the end, it almost makes a kind of "modular digital" that explores many worlds of sound.
The K2000 is a machine of great strength. We feel that we are dealing with high-end of the day. The keyboard seems poor at first with small plastic buttons. However, to use it proves to be a master keyboard of choice through both its strength and great expressiveness.
I inflated my K2000 with 64 MB of RAM, the chip's latest OS and an external SCSI hard drive full of sound banks each more impressive than others. This configuration seems recommended to enjoy all the possibilities of the craft. Incidentally, I also replaced the sound chip factories by those newer sounds of the VP series, equivalent to those of K2500.
UTILIZATION
In retrospect, ergonomics lacks buttons or sliders to edit the settings. If the proposed Kurzweil, the K2000 would have resembled the ideal would be wonderful synth beat virtual analog fashion. Unfortunately, it was not in the era of time (despite the release of JD 800 and perhaps precisely because of his mixed success at its release). Suddenly, the interface is kind of menus / submenus / sub-menus shown in a LCD and it must be admitted that in absolute terms, this is not the best.
However, when compared to other machines of this type and his age, the K2000 is exemplary: the organization of functions has been thought in the interests of clarity and efficiency. The main dial is really welcome. Of course the wealth of functions requires the efforts of grip but the interface design is admirable sense. Anyway, reading the massive manual is highly recommended to enjoy the power of the engine.
My main regret today for the management of memory, especially for external programs and samples. Even with the solution of the SCSI disk, navigate the file tree is fairly laborious and time loading point out that the technologies used are from another era. This is not an obstacle but a frustration that makes use less direct and less pleasant.
SOUNDS
The sound quality is very professional, clear and precise. The machine is extremely versatile, it excels in almost all types of sounds. The imitation of all kinds of instruments is very correct and it's going to the symphony with analog synthesizers. The wealth of features to create rich textures and complex.
In short, it would be almost perfect but I think the K2000 is suffering a bit from a lack of personality. I mean, a lot of famous synthesizers have made a specific sound, recognizable, and although it's not too much the case that the K2000 on this subject, is rather chameleon act. Although not entirely neutral, it is rare to specifically choose the K2000 to bring a distinctive sound when it is the main reason for using a D50 now or Wavestation example.
OVERALL OPINION
I bought the K2000 because I was looking for both a good synth and a general good master keyboard for an affordable price.
I do not regret this choice that allows me to have hands a very powerful machine, very professional and versatile. Of course, we can find better today but it is more expensive. And if it is assumed that it was a reference for years is that we must still make good music with today ...
Finally, its complexity and neutrality are perhaps less attractive as a synthesizer of others but I think it is his philosophy that let the user express his own creativity and originality. In short, the K2000 is an instrument that does not reveal its value to those who demonstrate perseverance. While at work!
The K2000 is a machine of great strength. We feel that we are dealing with high-end of the day. The keyboard seems poor at first with small plastic buttons. However, to use it proves to be a master keyboard of choice through both its strength and great expressiveness.
I inflated my K2000 with 64 MB of RAM, the chip's latest OS and an external SCSI hard drive full of sound banks each more impressive than others. This configuration seems recommended to enjoy all the possibilities of the craft. Incidentally, I also replaced the sound chip factories by those newer sounds of the VP series, equivalent to those of K2500.
UTILIZATION
In retrospect, ergonomics lacks buttons or sliders to edit the settings. If the proposed Kurzweil, the K2000 would have resembled the ideal would be wonderful synth beat virtual analog fashion. Unfortunately, it was not in the era of time (despite the release of JD 800 and perhaps precisely because of his mixed success at its release). Suddenly, the interface is kind of menus / submenus / sub-menus shown in a LCD and it must be admitted that in absolute terms, this is not the best.
However, when compared to other machines of this type and his age, the K2000 is exemplary: the organization of functions has been thought in the interests of clarity and efficiency. The main dial is really welcome. Of course the wealth of functions requires the efforts of grip but the interface design is admirable sense. Anyway, reading the massive manual is highly recommended to enjoy the power of the engine.
My main regret today for the management of memory, especially for external programs and samples. Even with the solution of the SCSI disk, navigate the file tree is fairly laborious and time loading point out that the technologies used are from another era. This is not an obstacle but a frustration that makes use less direct and less pleasant.
SOUNDS
The sound quality is very professional, clear and precise. The machine is extremely versatile, it excels in almost all types of sounds. The imitation of all kinds of instruments is very correct and it's going to the symphony with analog synthesizers. The wealth of features to create rich textures and complex.
In short, it would be almost perfect but I think the K2000 is suffering a bit from a lack of personality. I mean, a lot of famous synthesizers have made a specific sound, recognizable, and although it's not too much the case that the K2000 on this subject, is rather chameleon act. Although not entirely neutral, it is rare to specifically choose the K2000 to bring a distinctive sound when it is the main reason for using a D50 now or Wavestation example.
OVERALL OPINION
I bought the K2000 because I was looking for both a good synth and a general good master keyboard for an affordable price.
I do not regret this choice that allows me to have hands a very powerful machine, very professional and versatile. Of course, we can find better today but it is more expensive. And if it is assumed that it was a reference for years is that we must still make good music with today ...
Finally, its complexity and neutrality are perhaps less attractive as a synthesizer of others but I think it is his philosophy that let the user express his own creativity and originality. In short, the K2000 is an instrument that does not reveal its value to those who demonstrate perseverance. While at work!