Kurzweil199016-bit / 44.1kHz (sampling option)Rack / Module Sampler$$Mid-Range($250–800)
Kurzweil K2000
Producers wanting to process and layer samples through a genuinely deep synthesis engine, not just play them back.
Find on ReverbUsed-gear listings, graded conditionCheck prices on eBayBroader inventory, live auctions
Strengths
- Uniquely combines true sampling with a genuinely deep synthesis engine (VAST), letting you layer and process samples like synth oscillators
- Widely respected among keyboardists for its piano and orchestral sounds despite being fundamentally a sampler-synthesizer hybrid
- Expansion options (sampling, additional ROM) let a base unit grow substantially over time
Trade-offs
- The base K2000 requires an add-on option board just to sample at all, adding real cost and complexity to what looks like a simple purchase
- Deep VAST synthesis programming has a genuinely steep learning curve compared to a straightforward sampler
Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Kurzweil |
| Model | K2000 |
| Era | 1990 |
| Typical Price Tier | Mid-Range ($250–800) |
| Sample Rate / Bit Depth | 16-bit / 44.1kHz (sampling option) |
| Max Sample Time | ~60s |
| Sequencer Tracks | None |
| Pads | None |
| Storage | Floppy disk (SCSI optional) |
| MIDI Equipped | Yes |
| Onboard Filter/Effects | Yes |
| Polyphony | 24 voices |
A relative used-market guide, not a live quote — real prices vary by condition, region, and timing. Check the Reverb/eBay links on any item for current listings.
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Match Score Explorer
Weight what matters to your workflow. Every deck is re-scored live against your priorities, benchmarked against the Kurzweil K2000.
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This deckKurzweil K2000
Match59
Audio Fidelity76
Flexibility78
Ease of Use28
Tonal Neutrality55
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