Kurzweil Music Systems has announced the release of the SP8, a new stage keyboard designed for live performance and studio integration. Built upon Kurzweil’s V.A.S.T. engine and utilizing FlashPlay technology, the instrument features an 88-key fully weighted hammer-action keybed and offers 256 voices of polyphony.
The SP8 ships with 2 GB of factory sounds, organized into 10 categories. The sound library includes the German D and Triple Strike Pianos, featuring Kurzweil String Resonance (KSR) for acoustic damping simulation. Beyond acoustic pianos, the engine incorporates KB3 ToneReal organ modeling (where front-panel knobs function as drawbars) and classic 6-operator FM synthesis. The library also draws updated sounds from the K2700, PC4, and other previous Kurzweil models.
For control and modulation, the SP8 provides a 5-zone MIDI controller interface. Physical controls include five assignable knobs and five assignable buttons, which utilize a 3-position shift system to offer 15 virtual assignments for each control type. The unit also features dedicated transpose buttons, a programmable variation button, and standard pitch/modulation wheels.
Key Features:
- 88-key fully weighted hammer-action keyboard.
- Sound Engine: V.A.S.T. architecture with 256 Voice Polyphony and FlashPlay technology.
- Factory Content: 2 GB of sounds, 1000+ factory programs, and 200+ Multis.
- Synthesis Types: German D/Triple Strike Pianos, KB3 ToneReal Organ, 6-Operator FM, and Vector Synthesis waveforms.
- User Memory: 4000+ user locations for Programs and Multis.
- Controllers: 5 assignable knobs and buttons (15 virtual each), Pitch/Mod wheels, and Tap Tempo.
- Arpeggiator: Up to 5 simultaneous arpeggiators or CC sequences in Multi Mode.
- Audio I/O: Audio input with dedicated FX for line, instrument, or microphone sources.
- Pedal Inputs: Two assignable switch pedal jacks (supports up to 4 pedals) and one continuous control (CC) pedal jack.
Pricing & Availability
Pricing and specific release dates have not yet been detailed by the manufacturer, however pricing is speculated to be $1,895.
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