Kurzweil K2088 Workstation

The Kurzweil K2088 is a flagship 88-note workstation that reimagines the legendary K2000 for the modern player. Combining Kurzweil’s latest Dynamic V.A.S.T. engine, 6-operator FM, VA-style oscillators and a huge factory library, it is built for serious stage and studio work. With 256 voices of polyphony, deep hands-on control and generous user memory, it is a powerhouse for composers, sound designers and performers who need one instrument to handle everything.

At its core, the K2088 delivers Kurzweil’s most advanced implementation of V.A.S.T. to date. Up to 32 layers per programme, flexible DSP routing and powerful modulation options let you sculpt everything from classic K2 textures to entirely new sonic landscapes. Add in patented FlashPlay technology, extensive effects and a fully weighted Fatar TP/40L keybed with aftertouch, and you have an instrument that feels as good as it sounds.

Beyond its sound engine, the K2088 is designed to be the centre of your rig. Sixteen-part multitimbrality, 16-zone Multis, 16-track sequencing, multiple arpeggiators, CC step sequencers and real-time MIDI Riffs give you deep compositional tools without leaving the keyboard. A bright colour LCD, intuitive category browsing and QuickAccess mode keep navigation fast and fluid, whether you are building complex setups or just calling up a piano for a gig.

Connectivity and control are equally comprehensive. Four balanced TRS outputs, audio inputs with onboard FX, MIDI and USB with host functionality, plus pedal, ribbon, wheel and slider inputs make the K2088 a flexible hub for both live and studio environments. With extensive editor software for Mac, PC and iPad, you can dive even deeper into programming and organisation when you need to.

Dynamic V.A.S.T. Sound Engine

The K2088’s Dynamic V.A.S.T. architecture offers up to 32 layers per programme, user-programmable DSP algorithms and flexible routing, including Cascade Mode for chaining layers. This lets you build highly detailed, evolving sounds that respond musically to your playing, from subtle acoustic nuances to complex, cinematic textures.

Huge Factory Library and User Memory

With 2 GB of factory samples and over 2000 factory programmes plus 500+ Multis, the K2088 covers pianos, EPs, organs, synths, strings, basses, guitars and more. A further 2 GB of non-volatile user flash memory lets you load your own samples and legacy Kurzweil formats, making it easy to carry your personal library and decades of classic sounds in one instrument.

Performance-Focused Keyboard and Controls

The 88-key fully weighted Fatar TP/40L keybed with velocity and aftertouch provides a responsive, expressive playing experience suited to both piano and synth work. With a ribbon controller, wheels, sliders, knobs, buttons and multiple pedal inputs, you have extensive real-time control for shaping sounds and performances on the fly.

Advanced Sequencing, Arps and Modulation

A 16-track sequencer, 16 programmable arpeggiators, 16 MIDI CC step sequencers and 16 Riffs per Multi give you powerful tools for building arrangements and rhythmic patterns inside the keyboard. Dedicated transport and arp controls keep everything playable and immediate, ideal for live performance and fast songwriting.

• Dynamic V.A.S.T. with 32 Layers per Programme - Kurzweil’s most advanced V.A.S.T. implementation lets you stack and route up to 32 layers, use Cascade Mode and deploy a wide range of DSP blocks. This depth allows you to design intricate, expressive sounds that can replace multiple instruments in your setup.
• 4 GB FlashPlay Sample System - With 2 GB of factory samples and 2 GB of user flash memory, the K2088 delivers instant access to a huge sound palette with zero loading time. You can combine Kurzweil’s extensive library with your own samples and legacy files for a truly personalised workstation.
• Triple Engine Power: V.A.S.T., FM and Virtual Analogue - The combination of Dynamic V.A.S.T., a 6-operator FM engine and VA1-derived virtual analogue oscillators lets you cover everything from classic FM bells and basses to warm analogue pads and cutting leads, all within a single unified environment.
• Comprehensive Performance and Sequencing Tools - Sixteen-zone Multis, 256-voice polyphony, 16-track sequencing, multiple arpeggiators, CC step sequencers and Riffs give you the tools to build full arrangements and complex live setups without external gear, streamlining both rehearsal and performance.

Keyboard

• Keys: 88-key, fully weighted, hammer-action (Fatar TP/40L)
• Key Sensitivity: Velocity and pressure (aftertouch) sensitive, adjustable

Display

• Type: Colour LCD
• Resolution: 480 x 272 pixels
• Size: 4.3 inch widescreen
• Brightness: Adjustable

Sound Engine and Architecture

• Architecture: Dynamic V.A.S.T. with user-programmable DSP algorithms and routing
• Cascade Mode: Route one layer through the DSP of any other layer within a programme, up to 32 layers deep
• KB3 Engine: KB3 ToneReel organ engine
• FM Engine: 6-operator FM engine with SysEx file loading
• Virtual Analogue: VA1-derived oscillators and DSP
• Polyphony: 256 voices, dynamically allocated
• Multitimbrality: 16 parts (one per MIDI channel)

Memory and Presets

• Factory Sample Memory: 2 GB
• User Sample Memory: 2 GB non-volatile, re-loadable flash
• Supported Sample Formats: WAV, AIF (up to 16-bit / 96 kHz), Kurzweil formats (.K27, .FOR, .PC4, .P3K, .KRZ, .K25, .K26)
• Factory Programmes: 2042
• User Programmes: 4000
• Factory Multis: 587 (up to 16 independent controller zones)
• User Multis: 4000
• General MIDI: No
• Kurzweil String Resonance: Yes
• Master EQ / Compressor: Yes

Effects

• Effect Chains: Over 1000 complex chains
• Types: Reverbs, delays, chorus, flange, phaser, EQs, distortions, rotary speaker simulators, compressors and more
• Total FX Units: 32

Controllers

• Aftertouch: Monopressure
• Wheels: 1 pitch wheel, 1 assignable modulation wheel
• Ribbon: 1 assignable ribbon controller
• Sliders: 9 assignable sliders
• Knobs: 9 assignable knobs
• Buttons: 10 assignable buttons
• Transpose: 2 transpose switches
• Tempo: Tap tempo button and tempo knob
• Arp Controls: Dedicated arpeggiator controls
• Transport: Dedicated transport controls
• Pedal Inputs: 2 switch pedal inputs (supporting single / dual switch or single half-damper), 2 continuous control pedal inputs

Sequencing and Real-Time Functions

• Sequencer: 16 tracks
• Resolution: 960 PPQ
• Editing: Event and track-based tools including quantise, swing, remap, controller scaling and more
• MIDI CC Step Sequencers: 16 simultaneous
• Riffs: 16 per Multi
• Arpeggiators: 1 per Programme, 16 per Multi

Audio and Connectivity

• System Sample Rate: 48 kHz
• Main Outputs: Four 1/4 inch balanced TRS (two stereo pairs)
• Converters: 32-bit D/A
• Output Features: Automatic mono switching on main outs
• Maximum Output Level: +21 dBu
• Output Impedance: 50 ohm balanced source impedance
• Audio Inputs: Two 1/4 inch jacks (one stereo pair), line/instrument level
• Headphones: 1 x 1/4 inch headphone output (rear panel), 130 mW into 32 ohm
• MIDI: In, Out
• USB: MIDI over USB, USB host functionality for MIDI controllers, user object file transfer to/from USB flash drive, OS updates via USB flash drive

Software and Updates

• Editors: External editors for Mac OS X, Windows PC and iPad
• OS Updates: Via USB drive

Power and Included Accessories

• Power Supply: Internal
• Included Accessories: Power cable

Dimensions and Weight

• Height: 5.1 inch (13.0 cm)
• Depth: 15.5 inch (39.5 cm)
• Length: 51 inch (129.5 cm)
• Weight: 49.3 lb (22.38 kg)