Kurzweil K2061 and K2088 Synthesizers: New info released!

04 Mar by Lasse Eilers |

4,6 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes

Kurzweil K2061 · Source: forums.musicplayer.com

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Kurzweil has shared the specs of the upcoming K2061 and K2088 previewed at NAMM 2024. The new K20 series is designed to bring back the famous K2000 V.A.S.T. synthesizer, but with modern technology.

Update March 4, 2024: Kurzweil shares the specs of the K2061 and K2088

According to Kurzweil, the new K2061 and K2088 synthesizers will feature a “resculpted” K2000 synth library (2 GB) and will be compatible with libraries from the K2 era. The new synths support up to 32 layers per program and offer flash sample playback with 2 GB of user sample memory. In addition, they also feature the VA, FM, and KB3 engines. The maximum polyphony is 256 voices.

While the Kurzweil K2061 will offer a 61-key synth-action keybed, the K2088 will offer 88 hammer-action keys with aftertouch. With 16 zones and over 30 physical controllers (including a ribbon controller), the new K20 series doubles as a versatile MIDI controller for external gear.

As of now, Kurzweil hasn’t said when the new synths will become available. We’ll keep you updated!

K20 series on Kurzweil’s website

Kurzweil K2061 and K2088 (NAMM leak from January 29, 2024)

According to reports in the Musicplayer forum, Kurzweil is getting ready to launch two new keyboard workstations: the K2061 and K2088. While they haven’t been officially announced, the manufacturer offered a sneak preview of the prototypes at NAMM.

Both the K2061 and K2088 offer long ribbon controllers similar to the one found in the K2700. The nine faders / drawbars and parts of the user interface also seem to have been lifted from the K2700, which leads me to believe that the K2061 will offer many of the same features, possibly at a lower price point. However, Kurzweil has omitted the drum pads and reportedly also the built-in audio interface.

Kurzweil K2088
Kurzweil K2088

If I’m not mistaken, the K2061 marks Kurzweil’s first 61-key instrument since the discontinuation of the PC3 A6. I imagine that many gigging musicians will be pleased to see a compact synth-action alternative to the manufacturer’s large-format workstations. While the K2088 will reportedly feature a Fatar TP/40L keybed, Kurzweil has yet to decide on a keybed for the smaller version. As of now, there’s no word of a 73/76-key version.

Reports also indicate that both keyboards offer internal power supplies. They should also be compatible with K2700 and V.A.S.T. sound banks and include the KB3 organ and VA engine.

As of now, there are no official details about the new Kurzweil K2061 and K2088 workstations, but they do look like a nice alternative for players who do not need the full feature set of the K2700. We’ll keep you posted when new details emerge.