Kurzweil Releases Version 2 of the K2600 Operating System

Jun 01, 2000

Version 2 consists of two main new features - Triple Modular Processing and Disk Partitioning Support - along with various bug fixes and enhancements (it fixes the K2600 floppy problem that has pestered a number of users).

For all of you K2500 owners out there wondering about this new stuff - the Disk Partitioning feature WILL be ported back to the K2500 in a future version of the 2500 OS, but I do not have any details on when this will be released. As to Triple Modular Processing - sorry, but this feature can't be ported back the K2500.

Disk Partitioning will now allow you to format drives with up to 4 partitions of 2 gig per partition, which means you can use drives up to 8 Gig. (Larger drives can be used but will only format with the 4 partitions at 2 gig per partition). This means much greater compatibility with the PC and Mac, as well as more storage space.

Another nice enhancement is that Macros now support switching removable media disks during the loading of a Macro.

Triple Modular Processing

Triple Modular Processing is an enhancement to Kurzweil's V.A.S.T. synthesis model (Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology). The V.A.S.T. model incorporates multi-layer programs; each layer in a V.A.S.T. program uses an algorithm that includes pitch control, the renowned Kurzweil V.A.S.T. DSP (digital signal-processing) functions, and amplitude control. This provides for a huge number of combinations.

Triple-modular processing makes the V.A.S.T. model even more flexible, enabling you to create triple layers (or just triples), specialized groups of three layers with one continuous signal path. The audio signal from the first layer of a triple gets routed to the second layer, where it's mixed with whatever audio signal the second layer may be generating (or the second layer can be used simply for more processing without adding any additional sound). Similarly, the output of the second layer is routed to the third layer. The third layer's output goes to the input buses of KDFX, then to the physical audio outputs.

This enables you to create sophisticated signal paths and chains of DSP functions. For example, you can mix the audio signal generated by one layer with the audio signal generated by the following layer, or you can apply three layers of DSP to the audio signal generated by Layer 1. There's an almost limitless number of possible combinations (something like 30 billion, depending on how you count).

Algorithms for Triple Modular Processing

Layer-1 Algorithms

There are 30 algorithms available for Layer 1 of any triple. The output of each of these algorithms is permanently configured to go to one or more inputs in a Layer-2 algorithm. All of these algorithms begin with pitch blocks, like the normal V.A.S.T. algorithms. This ensures that every triple has an audio signal.

Layer-2 Algorithms

There are 38 algorithms available for Layer 2 of any triple. The output of each of these algorithms is permanently configured to go to one or more inputs in a Layer-3 algorithm. Some of the Layer-2 algorithms begin with pitch blocks, and some do not. Layers that begin with pitch blocks allow you to combine a sample/waveform from layer 1 and its associated DSP processing, with a sample/waveform in layer 2 and run the combined signal through new DSP processes. Or if you pick an algorithm without a pitch block, then you are simply running the signal from layer one through a second set of DSPs.

Layer-3 Algorithms

There are 26 algorithms available for Layer 3 of any triple. The output of each of these algorithms is permanently configured to go to the input of KDFX. None of these algorithms has a pitch block, but these algorithms can added DSP based waveforms to the signal coming out of layer 2.

A new Objects file adds 10 preset Triple programs (730-739) and a Program farm of 100 more Triple programs can also be downloaded. You can download v2 of the OS (along with its documentation) and the Triple Objects file from the Downloads page of our web site: www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com/html/downloads.html.

For those of you K2500 owners interested in how the Triple Modular Processing has been implemented, you can download the V2 Supplement manual by itself from: www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com/html/manuals.html

For more information, visit their web site at www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com.