Anybody hear any feedback on the K2661

[CrimsonSunset54]

Did anybody hear anything about the new Kurzweil K2661? I'm looking into one because it seems to have encompassed everything that prog keyboard players could ever dream of! Please let me know... Good or Bad. Thanks alot!

[Over The Edge]

Yeah, I have one. It's basically a K2600 but in a compact
61 key package. There are all new setups, fidelity is slightly better,
it now has an ADAT optical output, a smart media card slot instead of
a floppy drive and it does not come with a ribbon controller.

The Rom blocks which come standard are the Contemporary and
Orchestral blocks. It also comes with the expanded P-Ram which
allows the ability to load more sounds onboard at one time as
well as expanding note sequencing capability.

It's awesome. I can basically do on the K2661 whatever I've been able
to do on the 2600XS, only without an achy back.


FL
www.franklucas.net

[CrimsonSunset54]

it doesn't come with a ribbon? That's mostly the reason i was looking at it because with the full length ribbon controller i can do crazy pitch bends live like rudess? Along with that, don't they make it in an 88 key weighted version as well? Hmm... maybe i'm looking at the wrong thing? It sounds like i'd be better off with the 2600...

[LithoJazzoSphere]

You could just get the 2661 and hunt down an ExpressionMate, or something comparable.

[stradivarius]

You know, there is a connector on the back of the K2661 that allows you to buy just the ribbon from Kurzweil and connect it to your K2661. However, I have not been able to get my hands on one of those ribbons yet.

[CrimsonSunset54]

hmm... very true! How much will one of those set you back? At least a decent one...

[Rosie]

Would I be able to use a Ribbon controller through the EXT port of my U20?

[Grey Loki]

I think ribbon controllers (external ones, that is) can go into the expression pedal port on the back of your keyboard, if you have one. Do say if i'm wrong, though.

[Kirby]

I think ribbon controllers (external ones, that is) can go into the expression pedal port on the back of your keyboard, if you have one. Do say if i'm wrong, though.

Nope, the Kurzweil Ribbons use some kind of cable in Ethernet style and the Doepfer Ribbons use an USB2 Cable (never plug it into in USB2 Port!).

[stradivarius]

I found a picture on this site: http://www.ppe-shop.de/product_info.php/products_id/16/cPath/1_6_8/k2661/ribbon-controller-k26-rib.html

It's not big, but atleast it gives you some clues.

[CrimsonSunset54]

I checked out the pic that was posted... it's definitely some kind of ethernet/dial-up jack. My question is... what keyboard has an ethernet port directly on the back of it? And what would be the purpose... (aside from hooking up the totally rad ribbon controller)

[stradivarius]

I checked out the pic that was posted... it's definitely some kind of ethernet/dial-up jack. My question is... what keyboard has an ethernet port directly on the back of it? And what would be the purpose... (aside from hooking up the totally rad ribbon controller)

The K2661 has this port just for connecting this ribbon.

[CrimsonSunset54]

Is the ribbon controller the only thing that can be put into this jack or are there other controllers that Kurzweil makes that can be used in the same input?

[stradivarius]

The input is labeled "ribbon", so I guess it's only meant for the ribbon option.

[Alchemist]

The input is labeled "ribbon", so I guess it's only meant for the ribbon option.
Apart from that, Kurzweil has not released (at least not yet) any options for K2661 besides the foot, ribbon and breath controllers (which have dedicated inputs).

[CrimsonSunset54]

So now for the bottom line... Is it worth getting the new 2661 or just buying a 2600? The main reason i was looking at the 2600 at all was for the ribbon controller and th versatility of the keyboard. From everything i've read on here and on other pages... it seems like the 2600 is a better buy (in my case). Let me know...

[merijn]

Don't let the ribbon decide your synth-purchase. Trust me, you ain't going to use it as much as you think.