Kurzweil K2700 Getting Started Guide
Revision: 005
Part Number: 910588-005
Brand Slogan: It's the sound.™
Overview
This guide provides a quick overview of the Kurzweil K2700. For comprehensive details, download the K2700 Musician's Guide from www.kurzweil.com.
Features of the K2700
Sounds
- FlashPlay technology utilizing 4.5GB of instrument Samples, including:
- Optimized Unlooped German D and Japanese C7 Pianos, Triple Strike Piano, Classic Tine (73 & 77) and Reed Electric Pianos, Clavinets, Harpsichords, Celeste, Bells, Glockenspiel, Chimes, Bowed and Hit Crotales, Vector Synthesis Waveforms
- Updated Rock, Synth and Orchestral sounds from Kurzweil's SP6, PC3/4, and KORE64
- 13 Categories of Programs (Piano, E. Piano, Clav, Organ, Strings, Pad, Synth, Brass/Wind, Ensemble, Hybrid, Guitar/Bass, Drum/Perc, Misc)
- 3.5GB of user Sample memory for loading audio Samples from WAV, AIF, and Kurzweil files
- KB3 ToneReal™ organ simulations with 9 sliders as drawbars
- FM: Classic 6 operator FM synthesis
- KSR: Kurzweil String Resonance (piano string resonance simulation)
- Half-Damper pedal support (for piano "half pedaling" sustain techniques)
- Kurzweil's highly acclaimed VAST Synthesis and FX engine
- More than 1500 Factory Programs divided into 13 Categories
- More than 700 Factory Multis
- More than 4000 User IDs to save your own Programs and Multis
- Audio input jacks with FX (stereo pair accepting line/instrument/mic from 1/4" & XLR cables)
- Audio over USB (stereo in/out)
- 256 voices of polyphony
- 16 Zone MIDI controller in Multi Mode for Splits and Layers
- 16 MIDI Tracks in Song Mode
- Arpeggiator with dedicated front panel controls (up to 16 simultaneous in Multi Mode)
- CC Sequencer with dedicated front panel control (up to 16 simultaneous in Multi Mode)
Keyboard and Controllers
The K2700 features an 88-key fully-weighted hammer action keyboard. The physical controllers include:
- 9 assignable sliders
- 9 assignable knobs
- 10 assignable buttons
- 16 assignable velocity sensitive pads
- Pitch Wheel and assignable Modulation Wheel
- Tap tempo button and tempo knob
- 2 Transpose buttons
- Monopressure (Aftertouch)
- Assignable ribbon controller
- 2 assignable switch pedal jacks (supports up to 4 switch pedals with 2 pedals per jack)
- 2 assignable CC pedal jacks
Pedals (Optional)
The K2700 has four jacks on the rear panel for optional pedal controllers.
Two switch pedal jacks are used for two-state parameters (on/off) like sustain, sostenuto, and soft pedal. A Half Damper pedal (continuous switch pedal) allows for "half pedaling" sustain techniques. Each jack supports dual switch pedals, accommodating up to 4 switch pedals.
Two continuous control (CC) pedal jacks are for parameters like volume and wah.
Available pedals from Kurzweil dealers:
- KP-1: Single piano-style switch pedal
- KP-1H: Single piano-style Half Damper pedal
- CC-1: Continuous pedal
Software Updates
Check the Kurzweil website at www.kurzweil.com for new sounds, documentation, and software updates. The Info page in Global mode displays the currently installed OS version.
Quick Start
Setting Up the K2700
- Allow the K2700 to warm up to room temperature if it has been in cold conditions during shipping to prevent condensation.
- Place the K2700 on a keyboard stand or a stable, flat surface.
- Connect the power cable to the K2700 Power jack.
- Ensure your power outlet is compatible with the included power cable and plug it in.
- Connect the included Switch Pedal to the SW1 (SUSTAIN) jack on the rear panel.
- Connect an additional switch pedal to the SW2 jack for Sostenuto control.
- Connect a MIDI CC pedal (expression or volume pedal) to the CC1 (VOLUME) jack for volume control.
- If using speakers, turn down the master volume on your amplifier or mixer. Connect standard 1/4-inch audio cables from the K2700 AUDIO OUT A jacks to your amplifier/mixer inputs. For mono, use only the LEFT (MONO) A jack. Balanced ("TRS" or "Stereo") cables are recommended for balanced inputs.
- Connect stereo headphones to the rear panel headphone jack.
- Set the K2700 VOLUME slider to its minimum position.
Powering On the K2700
- Press the POWER button on the rear panel.
- If using speakers, turn up the volume on your amplifier or mixer.
- Slowly increase the K2700 VOLUME slider and play notes to check the volume. Ensure any connected CC (VOLUME) pedal is at its maximum position.
- If the volume is insufficient with speakers, increase the amplifier/mixer volume.
- If distortion occurs with a mixer, reduce the mixer's gain level or use its Pad button.
- After use, turn down the amplifier/mixer master volume before powering off the K2700.
Auditioning K2700 Sounds
- The K2700 defaults to Program Mode. Use PREVIOUS/NEXT buttons, Alpha Wheel, or CATEGORY buttons to select Programs. Refer to page 15 for details.
- To hear a Program Demo song, press the 0/MISC and KEYPAD buttons simultaneously.
- To hear multi-channel demo songs showcasing capabilities, press the USER and 0/MISC buttons simultaneously.
- Switch between auditioning Programs or Multis by pressing the PROGRAM or MULTI Mode button under the MODE label.
Automatic Power Saving
The K2700 features an Auto Power Off function to conserve electricity, enabled by default. It powers off after 8 hours of inactivity. A warning appears before shutdown. Interacting with controls or playing notes resets the timer. Auto Power Off and its time can be adjusted in Global Mode.
The Front Panel
The K2700's front panel features a comprehensive set of controls for sound manipulation and performance.
Key Controls:
- TRANSPOSE Buttons: Adjust note tuning in semitones. Pressing both resets transposition to 0.
- Pitch Wheel and Modulation Wheel: Control pitch bend and modulation amount, respectively.
- VARIATION Button: Triggers assigned variations for Programs/Multis, such as adding layers or effects. For KB3 Organ Programs, it controls Rotary Speaker speed.
- CONTROL Section: Knobs, sliders, and buttons for controlling synthesis and FX parameters in Program Mode, or Zone volume, synthesis, and FX in Multi Mode. Assignments can be user-customized.
- ARPEGGIATOR Section: ARP and LATCH buttons control the Arpeggiator; CC SEQ button controls the CC Sequencer.
- TEMPO Section: Set tempo for Arpeggiator, tempo-synced FX, or current Multi/Song using the TAP button or TEMPO knob.
- TRANSPORT Section: Controls recording and playback in Song mode.
- SAVE Button and EDIT Button: Used for saving Programs, Multis, and other user objects.
- EXIT Button: Exits editors and returns to Program Mode.
- CHANNEL/LAYER/ZONE/TRACK Buttons: Navigate MIDI Channels, Layers, Zones, or Tracks depending on the current mode.
- AUDIO INTERFACE Section: INPUT 1/2 GAIN knobs control input levels. Hi-Z and +48V buttons enable specific input functions.
- Pads: 16 velocity-sensitive pads for playing notes, chords, or acting as assignable switches.
- Ribbon Controller: Controls pitch bend by default, but can be assigned to other parameters. It can be configured for single or three-section control.
- Soft Buttons: Six buttons below the display whose functions change based on the current screen.
- Navigation Buttons: Move the cursor and select parameters in the display.
- Alpha Wheel: Navigates lists and scrolls through parameter values.
- PREVIOUS and NEXT Buttons: Navigate lists and parameter values.
- MODE Buttons: Access PROGRAM, MULTI, SONG, or GLOBAL modes.
- CATEGORY Buttons: Select and browse Programs by instrument category. Can also function as an alphanumeric keypad when KEYPAD button is active.
- Display: The main user interface for viewing information and editing functions.
The Rear Panel
The rear panel provides connections for power, audio, MIDI, and pedals.
Connections:
- POWER Switch: Powers the K2700 on/off.
- Power Jack: Connects the included power cable.
- MIDI IN and OUT Ports: For communication with other MIDI devices.
- USB Ports: Connect to computers or USB drives for audio streaming, MIDI control, sequencing, backup/restore, and software updates. Note: Specific USB flash drive models may not be supported.
- LCD Knob: Adjusts display brightness.
- AUDIO OUT LEFT (MONO) and RIGHT A/B Jacks: Connect to amplifiers or mixers.
- AUDIO IN LEFT/RIGHT Jacks: Mix external audio sources, apply effects, or route to a computer. Accepts 1/4" or XLR plugs at various signal levels.
- HEADPHONE Jack: For stereo headphone monitoring (requires 1/8" to 1/4" adapter for smaller plugs).
- CC1 (VOLUME) and CC2 Jacks: Connect MIDI CC pedals for volume, swell, or other assignable functions. The Kurzweil CC-1 pedal is recommended.
- SW1 (SUSTAIN) and SW2 Jacks: Connect switch pedals.
Pedal Connections
- Dual Switch Pedals: SW1 and SW2 jacks support dual switch pedals (2 pedals per jack), allowing up to 4 pedals. Use 1/4 inch tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) plugs. Default assignments: SW1a (Sustain), SW1b (Sostenuto), SW2a (Sostenuto), SW2b (Soft Pedal).
- Continuous Switch Pedals (Half Damper): SW1 jack supports Half Damper pedals for finer sustain control, particularly for Piano programs. Only Kurzweil and Korg Half Damper pedals are supported.
K2700 Sounds
The K2700 features Programs (single instrument sounds) and Multis (combinations of Programs). Programs are organized into 13 categories.
Selecting Programs
- Browse All Programs: Use Alpha Wheel or PREVIOUS/NEXT buttons (USER button off).
- Select by Category: Press a CATEGORY button (KEYPAD button off), then use Alpha Wheel/PREVIOUS/NEXT.
- Select User Program: Turn USER button on, then use Alpha Wheel/PREVIOUS/NEXT.
- Select by ID Number: Turn KEYPAD button on, enter ID number, press ENTER.
- Select Category Default Program: Select a program, press and hold the lit CATEGORY button.
Selecting Multis
- Browse All Multis: Use Alpha Wheel or PREVIOUS/NEXT buttons (USER button off).
- Select by ID Number: Use CATEGORY buttons to enter ID, press ENTER.
- Select User Multi: Turn USER button on, then use Alpha Wheel/PREVIOUS/NEXT.
VIEW Soft Button and Quick Access View
Press the VIEW soft button to switch between Large, List, and Quick Access views. Quick Access shows 10 favorite Programs/Multis, selectable via Keypad. Store favorites by pressing and holding Keypad buttons (0-9).
Controllers
Use the K2700's physical controllers (knobs, sliders, wheels, pedals, pads, ribbon, etc.) to modify sounds during performance. Assignments can be customized in Program Edit Mode and Multi Edit Mode. Refer to the Musician's Guide for details.
Modes
Splits and Layers
Combine Programs using Split or Layer functions. Different keyboard regions can play different Programs, or multiple Programs can layer within the same region. Multis must have at least one unused Zone for splitting/layering. Use the SPLIT or LAYER soft button to configure up to four Programs in a Split/Layered Multi.
Program Mode
The K2700 powers up in Program Mode for playing single instrument sounds or multitimbrally via MIDI. Changes made with controllers can be saved as User Programs.
Program Edit Mode
Allows adjustment of parameters like assignable controls, Arpeggiator settings, and other Program parameters.
Multi Mode
Enables playing Multis, which are arrangements of up to 16 Programs split and/or layered across keyboard zones.
Multi Edit Mode
Used to modify Multi parameters such as Program Selection, Key Range, Volume, Pan, and Controller assignments to create custom sound combinations. Changes can be saved as User Multis.
Song Mode
Allows recording and playback of songs using up to 16 tracks of Programs.
Global Mode
Adjusts shared settings like velocity sensitivity, power saving, and USB audio routing. Also used for backing up/restoring User files and resetting to factory defaults.
Info Page
Displays current operating system and sound object versions. Check www.kurzweil.com for updates.
Reset
Returns the K2700 to factory default state. ⚠️ Caution: This deletes ALL User objects. Back up User objects before resetting.
Double Button Presses
Saving/Loading to/from External Storage
User objects can be saved to or loaded from a USB Flash Drive.
Reset Transposition
Simultaneously press TRANSPOSE -/+ buttons or OCTAVE+ / OCTAVE- soft buttons to reset transposition to 0.
Program Demo
Hear a Program Demo song by pressing 0/MISC and KEYPAD buttons simultaneously.
Song Demo
Hear multi-channel demo songs by pressing USER and 0/MISC buttons simultaneously.
Panic
Press ENTER and KEYPAD buttons simultaneously to send an "all notes off" message, deactivating all sounding notes.
Select Channel / Layer / Zone / Track 1
Simultaneously press CHANNEL/LAYER/ZONE/TRACK buttons to select Channel 1 (Program Mode), Layer 1 (Program Edit Mode), Zone 1 (Multi Edit Mode), or Track 1 (Song Mode).
Select Next Unused ID
Press PREVIOUS and NEXT buttons simultaneously to cycle between the last used ID and the next unused ID for saving User objects.
Search
Access the Search page by holding ENTER and pressing a numeric button (0-9). Type a term using category buttons and press ENTER to search. The search is case-insensitive. Use NEXT/PREVIOUS buttons (while holding ENTER) to find subsequent or prior instances of the term.
