Kurzweil K2061 & K2088 Synthesizers Bring Back V.A.S.T. Synthesis Using Today’s Technology

Kurzweil has announced two new synths workstations, the K2061, with a 61-note keyboard, and the K2088, with an 88-note keyboard.

Both synths feature an updated version of the company’s Dynamic Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology (V.A.S.T.).

They say, “We asked ourselves, what if we could rebuild the legendary K2000 V.A.S.T. synthesizer, but using today’s technology?”

Features:

  • 61- note synth action or 88-key fully-weighted hammer action w/ aftertouch
  • New industrial design with an aluminum+steel enclosure
  • Resculpted K2000 synth library
  • Compatible with K2 era libraries
  • 32 layers per program
  • Customizable algorithms
  • Flash sample playback, VA, FM and KB3 engines
  • 2 GB of factory sounds
  • 2 GB user sample memory
  • Versatile FX chains and master FX section
  • 256 voice polyphony
  • 480×272 color screen
  • 16-zone MIDI controller
  • Over 30 physical controllers per zone including an integrated ribbon
  • 16 Arpeggiators
  • 16 MIDI CC sequencers
  • 16 RIFF generators

Details on pricing and availability are still to come at the Kurzweil website.

 

Noise Engineering introduces Sinc Legio, New Oscillator for Legio Platform


Noise Engineering has announced Sinc Legio, a new oscillator for their Legio platform.

The Noise Engineering Legio platform is a Eurorack hardware platform that can load a wide variety of firmware, making it the foundation of developing a wide variety of module types. In a nutshell, the platform uses a standard DSP hardware platform, and only the panels and firmware differ from module to module.

An advantage of this approach is that anyone with a Legio module can download and try any other firmware for it, for free.

Noise Engineering says that Sinc Legio is inspired by Sinc Iter, an oscillator they had to discontinue, but is ’embellished a bit’. Sinc Legio is stereo, and has stereo phase-modulation inputs, multiple sound-generation algorithms, and a vintage-inspired chorus.

They recommend Sinc Legio for bright sounds, FM plucks, and waveshaped and folded sounds.

Since it is based on the Legio platform, current Legio owners can try it on release day, simply by visiting the Noise Engineering Customer Portal.

Sinc Legio is available now in black and silver for $310.

macProVideo Celebrates 20 Years, Discounts Synthesis Tutorials and More.


macProVideo.com, a pioneering Internet classroom that focuses on creative arts tutorials, let us know that they’re celebrating their 20th anniversary.

Founded in Vancouver, British Columbia by Martin Sitter, MPV has grown to become the largest independent online community dedicated to creative arts education, offering a library of over 2,000 courses.  He was joined by composer and synthesist Steve Horelick, as a publisher, shortly after the company’s launch.

Their website now offers a remarkably deep selection of tutorials focusing on synthesis and digital audio. Their video tutorials cover individual synths, DAWs, synthesis, audio recording, mastering and post production, music theory, styles, sound design and more.

In addition to the audio and music tutorials, the website also covers video, graphics, web development and more.

In celebration of their 20th anniversary, the website is discounting all the courses in their collection, so you can download courses at less than half their normal price. See the website for details.