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Kurzweil K2600XS 88-Key Production Station Keyboard with Sampling

Adds a sampling option.

Overall User Ratings

Overall:
          10 out of 10
Features:
          10 out of 10
Quality:
          10 out of 10
Value:
          10 out of 10
I Want It:
          10 out of 10
Sound:
          9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
          8 out of 10
Support:
          8 out of 10
 
 

"In 2004 this was the most powerful synth in the world, and it's still pretty impressive."

Overall:
          9 out of 10
Features:
          9 out of 10
Quality:
          10 out of 10
Value:
          9 out of 10
I Want It:
          8 out of 10
Sound:
          10 out of 10
Ease of Use:
          7 out of 10
Support:
          9 out of 10
User: a customer from coho.net
Submitted: 8/5/2008
Style of Music: Soundtrack
Musical Experience: Active Musician
Location: Portland, Oregon

 

 
Feature:
Calling this system a Rompler is just flat wrong. It will indeed play back samples, all sorts of them, and it will sample on it's own, but under the hood the VAST system is incredibly diverse and powerful. Once you get your head around it, and get into the programming, even if just altering patches and samples, you'll discover it's power. It's basically a digital modular synthesizer. The KDFX on it also adds to it's punch. If there is one thing that a computer, and most synths can't do, it's great reverbs - especially the early reflections and smooth long tails. Not so on the Kurz, the reverb adds to the perfection of the sounds. Where the Kurz looses some points is that modern synths can do almost as much, but often in much easier ways, and unique ways.

Quality:
At the time these were released, Kurzweil had the reputation of being one of, if not the, premier manufacturers of musical equipment in the world. The highest quality and builds were put into it. I don't gig with it, and it's a bit heavy, but I also don't fear it will break or let me down in any way. I should also note here that they keys on this synth are just superb. It has one of the best feeling sets I've ever played.

Value:
This is hard to say. If you're looking for a powerful workstation that sounds great, better than computer based synths, or comparable workstations (Korg Triton Extreme, Roland Fantom) then the cost is certainly worth it. But you had better know what you're buying before you lay down the cash.

Desirability:
I'm not sure how to answer this. I own a Waldorf Q, and that looks cool with all it's knobs and such. The Kurz looks more sleek, like a Koenigsegg CCX. You'll look at it, and while there's nothing outwardly fancy about it (compared to, say, a Ferrari Enzo?), it looks pretty slick, like it will do a lot.

Sound:
While this is getting to be an older synth, it's sound is still unparalleled. There's something in the purity of the samples, the partials, oscillators, and especially in the very powerful KDFX signal processing that makes this the kind of workstation where every sound coming out if it is superb, all the way across the board.

Ease of Use:
Getting it to sound great isn't a problem. There's thousands of patches and samples out there to get going. And once you start trying to tweak it, you'll get going and make good use out of it. But I knock it a few points because really getting into VAST and programming, especially on a relatively small screen by today's standards, is going to frustrate some people. It still frustrates me, and I've owned it for three years.

Support:
Never once needed any service, so I can't say. I am knocking it a point because Kurzweil has been bought and sold now a few times and are going through a period of trying to structure themselves for the future, so it's hard to say what will happen if you made the call to them.

Overall:
I'm sure this synth will keep me happy and be a centerpiece of my studio, for some years. Mostly because it just sounds so impressive and is such a workhorse. Until it's replaced with something more powerful and easier to use (such as the Korg Oasys - though I don't care for the Korg sound - a very subjective opinion, the Oasys is more powerful, and easier to use).

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"Been around for a while, but still the best."

Overall:
          9 out of 10
Features:
          10 out of 10
Quality:
          9 out of 10
Value:
          9 out of 10
I Want It:
          8 out of 10
Sound:
          9 out of 10
Ease of Use:
          8 out of 10
Support:
          3 out of 10
User: a customer from gmail.com
Submitted: 3/3/2006
Style of Music: Rock, choral
Musical Experience: Part-time performer (Play out every week, pretty much)
Location: Nashville, TN

 

 
Feature:
You name it, this thing can do it. I have all the optional sound modules installed along with a hard drive and have no complaints. The effects are unsurpassed.

Quality:
I've never had a single problem with the unit. I used to gig with it, but haven't in the past year.

Value:
The most bang for the buck out there.

Desirability:
This is not a sexy product, just the best. Given the choice between a classic Porsche and the latest slick little sports car on the market, some would choose the sports car. But a purist wouldn't. The VAST system on the Kurz has never been equaled.

Sound:
I've had my 2600XS for three years and I've yet to hear another product that has more realistic sounds. Specifically for pianos, there are some other boards that rival it, but which one is the best seems to be a matter of taste. I don't give it a 10 only because I've not heard perfection yet.

Ease of Use:
With power comes complexity. Kurz has done a pretty good job here given that they are hindered with a small display by today's standard. Like anything this complex, there is definitely a learning curve. Musicians of normal aptitude that spend some time with it should have few problems in the long run.

Support:
Kurzweil, or what's left of it, definitely has problems.

Overall:
I can't imagine there won't be a better product at some point, but for now, I don't see one out there.

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"NO OTHER KEYBOARD EVEN COMES CLOSE."

Overall:
          10 out of 10
Features:
          10 out of 10
Quality:
          10 out of 10
Value:
          10 out of 10
I Want It:
          10 out of 10
User: a customer from hotmail.com
Submitted: 3/15/2002
Style of Music: p & w
Location: Memphis

 

 
With the line of music I am in, I use several different boards and sound modules but my all time favorite is the KURZWEIL K2600XS. The sequencer is great and options on this board are wonderful. On stage my rig is The Kurzweil k2600xs, Korg Triton proX and Roland jv1010. I also have an old jv-35. As much fun as all that is, I can say that I would be just as happy with the 2600xs alone. By far the best piece of equipment ever made. Kurzweil is the most real sound on the market and they have once again outdone themselves. They seem pretty good at doing that. The only downside is the user guides & vidios. Forget it. The only way to learn this board is to just have fun and play with it. If you are wanting people to take you serious, show up to your gig with this and watch the other keyboard boys around you go bug-eyed with a mamma just spanked me look on there face. No one can touch this board. Korg eat your heart out.
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"WOW"

Overall:
          10 out of 10
Features:
          10 out of 10
Quality:
          10 out of 10
Value:
          8 out of 10
I Want It:
          10 out of 10
User: a customer from teleport.com
Submitted: 5/27/2002
Style of Music: progressive rock / metal
Location: oregon

 

 
I never thought i'd find a keyboard that would be perfect for playing prog rock/ metal..........then i heard a k2600,
this thing does it all, my only complaints are that the ROM blocks are kinda spendy comparitively, and it uses outdated technology as far as the types of drives that can be used with it, SCSI 1 is hard to find anymore, they should have made it SCSI 160 or at least ata 100 compatible, other that that the sounds are awesome, conrollability is awesome, effects are awesome, and it's built like a tank.
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"K2600XS IS AWESOME!"

Overall:
          10 out of 10
Features:
          10 out of 10
Quality:
          10 out of 10
Value:
          10 out of 10
I Want It:
          10 out of 10
User: a customer from hotmail.com
Submitted: 5/1/2001
Style of Music: I write and play Gospel.
Location: I live in Dallas Texas

 

 
This keyboard is so awesome! When I first bought it I stayed awake for 48 hours with NO sleep. This thing is by far the best keyboard I've ever owned, and I've been playing for 28 years. I've been through 7 keyboards in those 28 years, and the K2600XS blows them all away! Do yourself a favor and buy the best to begin with, and you'll never have to worry about another keyboard for the rest of your life. Eddie
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"It's the best thing available"

Overall:
          10 out of 10
Features:
          10 out of 10
Quality:
          10 out of 10
Value:
          10 out of 10
I Want It:
          10 out of 10
User: a customer from cox.net
Submitted: 12/26/2002
Style of Music: Pop and rock
Location: Providence, RI, USA

 

 
I just don't know what this keyboard doesn't do that I would want it to do. Learning everything that this machine can do is like climbing a mountain... it's work, but the more you do, the better the view (and sound) gets. It's just incredible.
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"I own the 2500xs but its upgraded........The best Ever"

Overall:
          10 out of 10
Features:
          10 out of 10
Quality:
          10 out of 10
Value:
          10 out of 10
I Want It:
          10 out of 10
User: a customer from Hotmail.com
Submitted: 4/21/2002
Style of Music: Hip Hop, Trip Hop, RnB
Location: New York City

 

 
This is my first Pro Keyboard, And its the top
of the heap of everything I tested. I create
new sounds for every project I do, no limits.
Triton? Lets not mention toys here!
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"outstanding!"

Overall:
          10 out of 10
Features:
          10 out of 10
Quality:
          10 out of 10
Value:
          10 out of 10
I Want It:
          10 out of 10
User: a customer from hotmail.com
Submitted: 4/4/2001
Style of Music: film score
Location: Jakarta, Indonesia

 

 
great sounds, great features, great effects and sampling capabilities. The first instrument that can convert your midi file directly/internally to WAV or AIFF file with only several clicks of buttons!
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"Amazing orchestral machine"

Overall:
          10 out of 10
Features:
          10 out of 10
Quality:
          10 out of 10
Value:
          10 out of 10
I Want It:
          10 out of 10
User: a customer from attbi.com
Submitted: 6/28/2002
Style of Music: Beautiful, commercial jingles, TV soundtracks
Location: Spokane, WA

 

 
I have aranged and conducted for Easy Listening syndication for many years. Until now, I felt the strings produced by even the finest keyboards were hideous! I have never heard anything like this machine! All of the orchestral sounds are perfect! I honestly can't tell the differece between a score recorded with a 50 piece orchestra and done with this Kurzweil. Even the subtle sound of a pluck or a breath can be integrated! A must have!!
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"The highest quality, best sounding workstation available"

Overall:
          10 out of 10
Features:
          10 out of 10
Quality:
          10 out of 10
Value:
          8 out of 10
I Want It:
          10 out of 10
User: a customer from enter.net
Submitted: 1/18/2001
Style of Music: Soundtracks
Location: Dublin

 

 
Incredibly deep architecture allowing for just about any sound imagineable, the best pianos and orchestral sounds I have ever heard in a synthesizer
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