Installing Kurzweil K2600 ROM Options
Thank you for buying a ROM option for your K2600. This document shows you how to install any of the ROM option kits into any K2600 instrument, whether its a keyboard model or a rackmount model.

Whats In This Document

Option Kits and Part Numbers. 1 System Requirements. 2 Contents of the Kits. 3 Tools and Materials Required for Installation. 3 Important! Before You Install. 3 Caution! Protection from Static Electricity. 4 Installing the Daughter Board. 4 Installing ROM Option Cards (Keyboard or Rack-Mount Models). 6 Installing Object Files. 8 Object le lists (Table 1). 13
Option Kits and Part Numbers
RMB-26 RMB1-26 RMB2-26 RMB3-26 RMB4-26 RMB5-26 ROM Option Daughter Board (required for any option card) Orchestral ROM Option Card Contemporary ROM Option Card Stereo Dynamic (SD) Piano ROM Option Card Vintage EPs ROM Option Card General MIDI ROM Option Card

Part No. 910336, Rev. E

Installing Kurzweil K2600 ROM Options System Requirements

System Requirements

Daughter Board
You can install ROM options (also called sound options or soundblocks) in any K2600. The only requirement is that your K2600 has a ROM option daughter board (RMB-26) already installed. If youre installing your rst ROM option, you probably dont have the daughter board. You must install a daughter board before you can install any ROM option. Daughter board kits are available from your Kurzweil dealer. Instructions for installing the daughter board begin on page 4. Once the daughter board is in place, you can install one or more of the ROM option cards. Each of the ROM option cards has a pair of female connectors that t into corresponding male connectors on the daughter board. The daughter board is clearly labeled to identify which option goes into which pair of connectors. Instructions for installing option cards begin on page 6.
If you are installing ROM 5 (GM)
The ROM 5 option gives your K2600 a great-sounding General MIDI (GM) sound set. To achieve its high level of sonic realism, ROM 5 works in conjunction with the Orchestral ROM. Therefore, you must have both options installed in order to use ROM 5 for GM. Also, note that ROM 5 ts in the same daughter board location used by ROM 4. You can have either ROM 5 or ROM 4 installed at this location, but not both at the same time.
Operating System Requirements
Your option kit comes with a set of oppy disks that includes disks for current OS software. If youre installing: SD Piano, you must have v3.01 or later of the operating system (OS) software. Vintage EPs option requires v3.10 or later. The General MIDI (GM) ROM option requires v4.0 or later. The Orchestral (ROM 1) or Contemporary (ROM 2) options dont require OS updates. The current version is available at no cost, however, at www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com.
Install ALL of your Object Files
After you install your option, youll need to reinstall the base objects (program les and such) that correspond to your current OS, as well as the objects for all installed ROM options. The base objects le is on a oppy disk that came with your K2600 (or with the most recent OS that youve installed). If you dont have this oppy, you can get the appropriate object les from our website. The Best of VAST sound set requires that you have both Orchestral and Contemporary ROMs installed. The objects included with Best of VAST also include the objects for these ROM options, so you do not need to install the Orchestral and Contemporary objects separately. The Best of VAST sound set also requires v4.0 or later of the K2600 operating system.
Installing Kurzweil K2600 ROM Options Contents of the Kits

Contents of the Kits

Daughter Board Kit (RMB-26)
ROM Option Daughter Board Foam retention block to keep the daughter board in place
Sound Option Card Kits (RMB1-26 through RMB5-26)
Sound Option Card One or more oppy disks containing ROM program objects, and in some cases, operating system software, demo songs, and/or custom programs for loading into RAM
Tools and Materials Required for Installation

#2 Phillips screwdriver Two thick foam pads (keyboard models only) The oppy disks that came with your new ROM option kit(s) If you already have one or more ROM options installed, you may also need one or more of the oppy disks that came with those option kits (the disks contain objects that youll need to reinstall in your K2600). If you dont have the disks, you can download the object les you need from the downloads area of our website: http://www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com/html/downloads.html If your K2600 has the sampling feature, youll need the oppy disk containing the Live-mode objects. Again, you can download the object les from our website.
If youre not sure which oppy disks or les you need, dont worry. There is a table at the end of this document that list the les you need for any installation. For tips about keeping track of the les you need, see Organizing the Object Files on page 9.
Important! Before You Install
you must back up any user-dened objects that you want to keep: programs, setups, samples, studios, FX presets, songs, intonation tables, velocity mapsin other words, anything stored in RAM. All of these user-dened objects will be deleted from your K2600 when you do the hard reset at the end of the installation procedure. The easiest way to do this is to make an Everything backup; this stores the entire contents of the K2600s RAM to a single le. You can then reinstall everything in one operation, without having to keep track of individual objects. Once you begin the installation, you cant go back and do the backup. So if you want to save your RAM objects, do it before you begin the option installation.
Installing Kurzweil K2600 ROM Options Caution! Protection from Static Electricity
Making an Everything Backup
1. Press Disk to enter Disk mode. 2. Use the Alpha Wheel to select a destination for the backup: either Floppy or the SCSI ID of a hard disk. 3. Press Save. The Save dialog appears, prompting you to select which range of object IDs to save. 4. Use the Alpha Wheel or Down cursor button to select Everything. 5. Press the OK soft button. 6. Name the le, using the Left/Right cursor buttons along with the Alpha Wheel or alphanumeric buttonpad. 7. Press OK.
Caution! Protection from Static Electricity
The K2600 and ROM options are sensitive to static electricity. You can seriously damage them if theres a spark between you and any of the circuit boards or option cards. Its important that you discharge all residual static electricity from your body before beginning the installation. You should also work on surfaces that wont generate static electricityfor example, dont stand (or put the K2600) on a rug or carpet. 1. Before handling any of the components youre going to install, touch the outer casing of the K2600 (or any conductive object). The casing of the 2600 is isolated from the circuitry, so a spark between you and the casing will not damage anything. 2. Remove the option from its static-protective bag. Hold the option in one hand and then rmly grasp the K2600 casing again with your other hand. Repeat this step for each option that you install.

Installing the Daughter Board
If youve previously installed a ROM option in your K2600, the daughter board is already in place. In this case, proceed to the next section, Installing ROM Option Cards (Keyboard or RackMount Models). If this is your rst ROM option installation, follow the directions below for installing the daughter board. Theres one subsection for installing in keyboard models, and another for installing in rack-mount K2600s.
Daughter Board Installation for Keyboard Models
Warning: The K2600 and ROM options are sensitive to static electricity. Before handling the daughter board, please follow the instructions above for protection from static electricity.
Installing Kurzweil K2600 ROM Options Installing the Daughter Board
1. Unplug all external wires, cables, and connectors from the K2600 and turn it so the keyboard faces you. 2. Turn the K2600 upside down by lifting the front edge and rotating it away from you. Rest the front panel on two three-inch thick foam pads (or similar soft items like pillows). These pads will prevent damage to the K2600s sliders and Alpha Wheel. 3. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the eight screws attaching the access panel. Set the access panel and screws aside for reassembly. 4. Remove the adhesive strip backing from the thick piece of foam supplied in the RMB-26 kit (the thin piece is for installation in rack-mount models, and you wont need it). Attach the foam over the cross-hatched area on the access panel. 5. Locate Connector J809 (labeled ROM EXP) and the three standoffs (white plastic pins that stick straight up) on the CPU board. See Figure 1. 6. Align the ROM option daughter board so that Connector J1201 on the daughter board lines up with Connector J809 on the CPU board. The three holes in the daughter board should line up with the standoffs on the CPU board. 7. Press down on the ROM Option Daughter Board to attach it to the connector and standoffs on the CPU board. The board will snap into place on the three standoffs. 8. Turn to page 6, and proceed with the instructions for installing ROM option cards.

Rear Panel

SCSI J816 SCSI INT JJ803 PRAM3
K2600 CPU BOARD ASSY 121206 FAB 331206

SCSI Thru J817

MIDI Jacks
1 SAMPLE RAM 1 Standoffs for Mounting ROM Expansion PCB ROM EXP SAMPLE RAM J819 J811

ROM Expansion Socket

Figure 1 K2600 CPU Board
Installing Kurzweil K2600 ROM Options Installing ROM Option Cards (Keyboard or Rack-Mount Models)
Daughter Board Installation for Rack-Mount Models
Warning: The K2600 and ROM options are sensitive to static electricity. Before handling the daughter board, please follow the instructions on page 4 for protection from static electricity. 1. Unplug all external wires, cables, and connectors from the K2600R and turn it upside down. 2. Locate the access panel on the bottom side of the unit. Using a #2 Phillips screwdriver, remove the six screws attaching the access panel. Set the access panel and screws aside for reassembly. 3. Remove the adhesive strip backing from the thin piece of foam supplied in the RMB-26 kit (the thick piece is for installation in keyboard models, and you wont need it). Attach the foam over the cross-hatched area on the access panel. 4. Locate Connector J809 (labeled ROM EXP) and the three standoffs (white plastic pins that stick straight up) on the CPU board. See Figure 1. 5. Align the ROM option daughter board so that Connector J1201 on the daughter board lines up with Connector J809 on the CPU board. The three holes in the daughter board should line up with the standoffs on the CPU board. 6. Press down on the ROM Option Daughter Board to attach it to the connector and standoffs on the CPU board. The board will snap into place on the three standoffs. 7. Proceed with the following instructions for installing ROM option cards.

Installing ROM Option Cards (Keyboard or Rack-Mount Models)
If you havent already installed the ROM option daughter board (RMB-26), turn to the section called Installing the Daughter Board (page 4), and follow those instructions. Then return here to proceed with the installation of your ROM option(s). Warning: The K2600 and ROM options are sensitive to static electricity. Before handling any option card, please follow the instructions on page 4 for protection from static electricity. 1. On the daughter board, locate the connector for the ROM option card you are installing. You can install either ROM 4 (Vintage EPs) or ROM 5 (General MIDI) in the ROM 4 slot. As shown in Figure 2, the connectors are labeled as follows: ORCHESTRAL ROM BLOCK A CONTEMPORARY ROM BLOCK B ROM 3 ROM 4
Notice that the connectors for the Orchestral ROM option and the Contemporary ROM option are spaced farther apart than those for ROM 3 and ROM 4. Thats because the cards for the Orchestral ROM option and the Contemporary ROM option are rectangular, while the cards for ROM 3, ROM 4, and ROM 5 are smaller, and square in shape. Caution: The option cards are keyed so that you cant insert an option card into the wrong pair of connectorsyou couldnt accidentally put the Orchestral ROM option into the connectors for the Contemporary ROM option, for example. It is possible, however, to insert an option card with the wrong orientation, which could damage the card. To prevent this, both the daughter board and the option cards are marked with arrows. Make sure that the arrow on each option card points in the same direction as the corresponding arrow on the daughter board.
Figure 2 shows how you would insert the SD Piano ROM option card into the ROM 3 connectors (the procedure is similar for all the option cards). In the gure, youre looking at the top of the option card; the connectors are on the underside. After making sure the arrows point in the same direction, align the connectors on the option card with those on the daughter board. Keeping the card as level as possible, press the card into the connectors on the daughter board. It should be relatively easy to press the card into place (about the same amount of pressure it takes to eject a disk from the K2600s oppy drive). If the card doesnt pop into place easily, check the connectors on the daughter board to make sure there arent any bent pins.

CONTEMPORARY ROM BLOCK B

ORCHESTRAL ROM BLOCK A

Connector to ROM EXP connector on CPU board

Figure 2

Daughter board, showing connectors for options
2. Replace the access panel and loosely install the screws, starting with those closest to the hinge (back) of the access panel. When the screws are loosely in place, tighten them all, then turn the K2600 right side up. This completes the hardware portion of the installation. 3. Reconnect the power cable. The next part of the installation is to install the object les, as described in the following section.
ARROW MUST POINT IN SAME DIRECTION AS THE ARROW ON EXPANSION PCB WHEN INSTALLED

SD Piano ROM Option card

Installing Kurzweil K2600 ROM Options Installing Object Files

Installing Object Files

Object les organize raw samples and other data into the programs that you use during normal operations. Theres a le containing base objects: all the standard factory program information. Theres also a separate object le for each option that youve installed. Youll need to reinstall the base objects rst, then install the object le for each of the options installed in your K2600. Some of the ROM options may also require an operating system update, as shown below. For these, we recommend that you install the operating system les rst.

ROM Option

SD Piano (ROM 3) Vintage EPs (ROM 4) General MIDI (ROM 5)

Minimum K2600 OS Level

3.01 3.10 4.0
For all the factory programs (both the standard factory programs numbered from 1 to 199 and the factory programs for the options) to be available, you must reinstall the base objects, followed by the objects for all of your options. For example, if you installed the Contemporary ROM option last year, and youve just installed the Orchestral ROM option, you must install the base objects le, then install the object les for the Contemporary option and the Orchestral optionyou cant simply install the object les for the Orchestral option alone.
How to Interpret the Filenames
If you look at the table at the end of this document, youll see lists of lenames that look something like this: OBJKB300.K26 The name of each object le has four parts: Prex: three or four characters that identify the type of the le. In our example above, OBJK identies the le as an object le for the K2600. Operating system les have the prex K26. Category: identies what kind of object le it is. The example at the top of this section indicates a base objects le. Version: three digits that indicate the version of the object le. The version of the example is 3.00. Operating system les have a one-character sufx to the version, identifying the two parts of the entire set of operating system data. Extension: three characters following a dot, and identifying the le type to the K2600. Object les (including those containing programs, songsall the objects you can save with the K2600) have the extension K26. Operating system les have the extension KOS.

Throughout this document, we use placeholders to represent the version numbers in lenames. Instead of using specic version numbers, we use nnn to represent any version of a leas expressed in the description of lename prexes, above.
Organizing the Object Files
We strongly recommend that you get the object les for your options in order before you begin installing them. Otherwise its easy to lose track of what youve installed and what you havent. If you install an object le more than once, things will still work, but you might not have enough ROM space for all the object les, in which case youll have to start over and install all the object les again. If you forget to install an object le, youll denitely have to start over and install all the object les again. The table beginning on page 13 lists all the possible combinations of options, and the corresponding object les to install for each combination of options. To determine which les you need to install, go to the table and look in the "Option name" (rst) column. Find the entry that matches the options that you now have in your instrument (that is, after installing any new options). Then look in the second column to nd the object les that youll need to install. For example, if you have the sampling feature, the Orchestral ROM option, and have just installed the Contemporary ROM option, youll need to install the base-objects le (remember to install it before the other object les). After that, youll need to install the Orchestral, Contemporary, and Live-mode object les (the Live-mode object le is for the sampling feature). The third column of the table gives the names of the object les as they appear in the K2600 display. If you have a hard disk connected to your K2600, we recommend putting all the required object les into a single directory that contains no other les. This will make it easier to keep track of things as you progress. If you dont have a hard disk, organize your oppy disks in the order in which you want to install the objects. Note: If you have a partitioned disk drive, all of these les need to be in the rst partition (thats the only partition visible to the boot loader). In either case, its a good idea to refer to Table 1 while installing object les, checking off each le as you install it. Dont forget to load the les in the order you see listed under the "Files to install" column.

Using the Boot Loader to Install the Files
The boot loader is the special utility that enables you to install ROM option objects into the K2600s ash ROM (unlike Disk mode, which loads objects into RAM). 1. Turn your K2600 off, if it isnt off already. 2. Turn it on again, and watch the display carefully. When you see Please|wait, press and release the Exit button. This runs the boot loader. Youll see the main Boot Loader page: By default, the option called Install|System is selected.
------|K2600|Boot|Loader|vn.nn||||-----|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||Install|System|||||Hard|Reset|||||||| |||Install|Objects||||Run|Diags||||||||| |||Run|System|||||||||Fixed|Diags||||||| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||OK||
3. If youre installing new operating system software (which is required for some options), press OK to begin the procedure. If youre not installing new operating system software, skip to Step 11. Bear in mind that you may have to install new operating software. For example, if your operating system software is earlier than version 3.01, and youre installing the Stereo Dynamic Piano ROM option, you must install operating system version 3.01 or later (if you dont, the SD Piano option wont work). Whichever option youre installing, we recommend that you install the most recent operating system software, but thats up to you, as long as you have the right base objects le. If youre on line, be sure to check our website for the most recent versions of both operating system software and object les. The address is on page 3. When you press OK, the Drive Selection page appears:
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||Device|to|install|from:||floppy|||| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||SCSI|ID|of|this|unit:||N/A||||||| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||Cancel||OK|||
4. By default, the K2600s oppy drive is selected. If youre going to install from oppy disks, insert the disk containing Part A of the operating system (K26VnnnA.KOS) into the oppy drive, then press OK. If youre going to install from a hard disk, use the Alpha Wheel to select the SCSI ID of the disk from which youre going to install, then press OK. In either case, the File Selection page appears:

|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| ||File|to|install:|||K26VnnnA.KOS|1408K| |||||||||||||||||||||RESOURCE.FRK|<DIR>| |||||||||||||||||||||THEVOL|1|||||<DIR>| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||| |||||||NewDrv||Root||Parent|Cancel||OK||
Note: In most cases, you can use the Plus/Minus buttons or the Up/Down cursor buttons instead of the Alpha Wheel. 5. If necessary, use the Alpha Wheel to select the operating system le (K26VnnnA.KOS). If youre installing from a hard disk, you may need to use the Parent or Root soft button to navigate to the directory where the le is stored. If you need to select a different drive, press the NewDrv soft button, which returns you to the Drive Selection page. When youve selected the operating system le, press OK. This displays a conrmation page, which states that the K2600 is ready to install the selected le (including pathname) from the selected drive.
6. Check to make sure youve selected the right le, then press OK. This begins the actual installation of the le. The display indicates that the K2600 is checking the le; again, it shows the selected le and selected drive. A thermometer bar appears on the top line of the display, indicating the progress of the installation. After a short while, the display indicates that the K2600 is installing the selected le. The installation takes a few minutes. 7. When the installation of Part A is nished, the display returns to the main Boot Loader page, with the Run|System option selected. Use the Alpha Wheel to select Install|System again (for Part B), and press OK. 8. If youre installing from oppy disks, eject the Part A diskette from the oppy drive, and insert the diskette containing Part B of the operating system (K26VnnnB.KOS), then press OK. If youre installing from a hard disk, just press OK. 9. Select the Part B le (K26VnnnB.KOS), and press OK. The conrmation page appears. 10. Check that youve selected the right le, press OK, and wait for the main Boot Loader page to reappear (this takes a bit less time than the installation of Part A). When the main Boot Loader page reappears, youre ready to begin installing the object les. 11. Select the Install|Objects option, and press OK. The Drive Selection page appears (as shown in Step 3 on page 9). 12. If youre going to install objects from oppy disks, insert the disk containing the K2600s base objects into the oppy drive. If necessary, use the Alpha Wheel to select oppy, then press OK. If youre going to install from a hard disk, select the SCSI ID of the disk from which youre going to install, then press OK. In either case, the File Selection page appears. Its similar to the File Selection page shown in Step 4 on page 10, with one difference: when youre installing objects, the second line of this page shows the amount of ROM available for the installation of additional objects. Remember, you must install the base-objects le before you install any of the object les for the ROM options (and the object le for Live mode, if you have the sampling feature). 13. Select the base-objects le (OBJKBnnn.K26). If youre installing from a hard disk, you may need to use the Parent or Root soft button to navigate to the directory where the le is stored. If you need to select a different drive, press the NewDrv soft button, which returns you to the Drive Selection page. When youve selected the base-objects le, press OK. This displays a conrmation page, which states that the K2600 is ready to install the selected le (including pathname) from the selected drive. 14. Check to make sure youve selected the right le, then press OK. This begins the actual installation of the le. The display indicates that the K2600 is checking the le; again, it shows the selected le and selected drive. A thermometer bar appears on the top line of the display, indicating the progress of the installation. After a short while, the display indicates that the K2600 is installing the selected le. The installation takes a few minutes. When its nished, the Drive Selection page reappears. 15. If youre installing from oppy disks, insert the next disk, then press OK. If youre installing from a hard disk, select the SCSI ID of the hard disk, then press OK. In either case, the File Selection page appears. 16. Select the next object le to install, then press OK. Again, we recommend that you use the le list in Table 1 to keep track of the les youve installed.

Installing Kurzweil K2600 ROM Options Sound Check
17. Check the conrmation page to make sure youve selected the right le, then press OK. When the installation is nished, the Drive Selection page reappears. 18. Repeat Steps 1517 for each of the remaining les in your list (inserting disks as necessary if youre installing from oppy disks). 19. When all the les are installed, press Done. The K2600 displays the message Finishing|installation|of|ROM|objects. When the installation is complete, the main Boot Loader page reappears. 20. Select the Hard|Reset option, then press OK (a hard reset is necessary to reinitialize all objects). Youll see a warning reminding you that a hard reset will delete all user RAM (all of the objects that youve created). Press the Up and Down cursor buttons at the same time to execute the hard reset. Youll see a message informing you that user RAM has been erased. Press any button, and youll return to the main Boot Loader page. Select the Run|System option, then press OK. After a few system checks, the K2600 will return to Program mode. Caution: Be sure to do the hard reset! It ensures that all the ROM objects are available and ready to play. Congratulations! Your option installation is complete.

Sound Check

Reconnect your K2600 to your audio system, or plug in a set of headphones. Check your audio levels. Scroll through the program banks to nd the new programs. Play a few of the programs to make sure that everything is working properly. The programs are in the following locations: Base ROM Sounds Orchestral option Contemporary option SD Piano option Live mode Vintage EPs General MIDI 500635 (1128 in GM Mode)

Option name

Orchestral (RMB1-26)

Files to install

Base objects Orchestral objects Live-mode objects Base objects

Filenames

OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKOnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKCnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJBnnn.K26 OBJEPnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKOnnn.K26 OBJGMnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKOnnn.K26 OBJKCnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJB400A.K26

Comments

Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version
Only needed if sampling option is installed. Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version

Contemporary (RMB2-26)

Contemporary objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Only needed if sampling option is installed. v3.01 or later required v3.01 or later required Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version

SD Piano (RMB3-26)

Base objects SD Piano objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Only needed if sampling option is installed. v3.10 or later required v3.10 or later required Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version

Vintage EPs (RMB4-26)

Base objects Vintage EPs objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Only needed if sampling option is installed. v4 or later required v4 or later required Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version
Orchestral and General MIDI
Base objects Orchestral objects General MIDI objects Live-mode objects Base objects
Orchestral and Contemporary
Orchestral objects Contemporary objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A
Only needed if sampling option is installed. v4 or later required v4 or later required Best of VAST objects include Orchestral & Contemporary objects.
Orchestral and Contemporary w/ Best of VAST
Operating System, Part B Base objects, Part A Base objects, Part B Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
OBJB400B.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKOnnn.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKOnnn.K26 OBJEPnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 Only needed if sampling option is installed. Only needed if sampling option is installed. v3.10 or later required v3.10 or later required Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version Only needed if sampling option is installed. v3.01 or later required v3.01 or later required Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version

Orchestral and SD-Piano

Base objects Orchestral objects SD Piano objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Orchestral and Vintage EPs
Base objects Orchestral objects Vintage EPs objects Live-mode objects

Table 1

Operating System and Object Files for all ROM Option Congurations
Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKCnnn.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKCnnn.K26 OBJEPnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJEPnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJB400A.K26 v3.01 or later required v3.01 or later required
Contemporary and SD Piano
Base objects Contemporary objects SD Piano objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Contemporary and Vintage EPs
Base objects Contemporary objects Vintage EPs objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B

SD Piano and Vintage EPs

Base objects SD Piano objects Vintage EPs objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B

Orchestral, Contemporary, and General MIDI w/ Best of VAST
Base objects, Part A Base objects, Part B General MIDI objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
OBJB400B.K26 OBJGMnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKOnnn.K26 OBJKCnnn.K26 OBJGMnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKOnnn.K26 OBJKCnnn.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJB400A.K26 Best of VAST objects include Orchestral & Contemporary objects. OBJB400B.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 Only needed if sampling option is installed. Only needed if sampling option is installed. v4 or later required v4 or later required Only needed if sampling option is installed. v3.01 or later required v3.01 or later required Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version Only needed if sampling option is installed. v4 or later required v4 or later required Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version
Orchestral, Contemporary, and General MIDI
Base objects Orchestral objects Contemporary objects General MIDI objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Orchestral, Contemporary, and SD Piano
Base objects Orchestral objects Contemporary objects SD Piano objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Orchestral, Contemporary, and SD Piano w/ Best of VAST
Base objects, Part A Base objects, Part B SD Piano objects Live-mode objects
K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJB400A.K26 v4 or later required v4 or later required
Orchestral, Contemporary, and Vintage EPs w/ Best of VAST
Base objects, Part A Base objects, Part B Vintage EPs objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Best of VAST objects include Orchestral & Contemporary objects. OBJB400B.K26 OBJEPnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKOnnn.K26 OBJKCnnn.K26 OBJEPnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKOnnn.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJEPnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKOnnn.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJGMnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKCnnn.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJEPnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJB400A.K26 Best of VAST objects include Orchestral & Contemporary objects. Base objects, Part B SD Piano objects Vintage EPs objects Live-mode objects OBJB400B.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJEPnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 Only needed if sampling option is installed. Only needed if sampling option is installed. v4 or later required v4 or later required Only needed if sampling option is installed. v3.10 or later required v3.10 or later required Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version Only needed if sampling option is installed. v4 or later required v4 or later required Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version Only needed if sampling option is installed. v3.10 or later required v3.10 or later required Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version Only needed if sampling option is installed. v3.10 or later required v3.10 or later required Use the version that corresponds to your operating system version

Orchestral, Contemporary, and Vintage EPs
Base objects Orchestral objects Contemporary objects Vintage EPs objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Orchestral, SD Piano, and Vintage EPs
Base objects Orchestral objects SD Piano objects Vintage EPs objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Orchestral, SD Piano, and General MIDI
Base objects Orchestral objects SD Piano objects General MIDI objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Contemporary, SD Piano, and Vintage EPs
Base objects Contemporary objects SD Piano objects Vintage EPs objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Orchestral, Contemporary, SD Piano, and Vintage EPs w/ Best of VAST

Base objects, Part A

Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B Base objects
K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKOnnn.K26 OBJKCnnn.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJEPnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJKBnnn.K26 OBJKOnnn.K26 OBJKCnnn.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJGMnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 K26VnnnA.KOS K26VnnnB.KOS OBJB400A.K26 v3.10 or later required v3.10 or later required
Orchestral, Contemporary, SD Piano, and Vintage EPs
Orchestral objects Contemporary objects SD Piano objects Vintage EPs objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B Base objects
Orchestral, Contemporary, SD Piano, and General MIDI
Orchestral objects Contemporary objects SD Piano objects General MIDI objects Live-mode objects Operating System, Part A Operating System, Part B
Orchestral, Contemporary, SD Piano, and General MIDI w/ Best of VAST
Base objects, Part A Base objects, Part B SD Piano objects General MIDI objects Live-mode objects
OBJB400B.K26 OBJSDnnn.K26 OBJGMnnn.K26 OBJKLnnn.K26 Only needed if sampling option is installed.

Introduction Welcome!

Chapter 1 Introduction

Welcome!

Congratulations, and thanks for purchasing a Kurzweil/Young Chang K2600 Series instrument. There are seven K2600 Series models, for a wide range of applications: K2600 K2600S K2600X K2600Xs K2600R K2600Rs K2600 AES 76 keys K2600 with built-in sampler 88 keys K2600X with built-in sampler Rack-mount model K2600R with built-in sampler Top-end model, with built-in sampler, digital I/O, DMTi, and sample libraries
Whichever model you have, youre looking at one of the most powerful music workstations available. The K2600 Series instruments are packed with great acoustic, electric, and synth soundscombined with some of the most advanced synthesis features available, which you can use to create almost any sound imaginable. The K2600 incorporates most of the features of the award-winning K2000 and the K2500, and provides several new features as well. This manual and the accompanying Musicians Reference, as well as the video tutorial, will get you started with your new instrument. Youll denitely want to keep the manuals handy as you become an advanced user, too.
Introduction Overview of the K2600

For K2600R Owners

Throughout the Musicians Guide and Musicians Reference weve simplied things by saying just K2600 any time were referring to features that are common to all instruments in the K2600 Series. Obviously, though, there are some differences between the rack and keyboard models; well point them out where they occur and mark them with a handy K2600R margin symbol like the one to the left of this paragraph. If you own a keyboard model of the K2600, you may want to read the K2600R-specic information anyway, since much of it also applies when your K2600 is a MIDI slave (when using a computer-based sequencer, for example).

Overview of the K2600

The K2600 has been designed to be a versatile instrument both for performance, and for multitimbral sequencing and recording. Its Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology lets you build sounds from realistic instrumental samples and sampled synth waveformsthen modify the nature of those sounds through a wide variety of digital signal-processing (DSP) functions. The K2600 also generates its own synth waveforms, which can be combined with the samples or used on their own. The K2600 packs 12 Megabytes of onboard sound ROM. You can add up to four optional ROM sound blocks (there are two currently available), and you can load samples from disk into optional sample RAM. Before we get into explaining Variable Architecture Synthesis, here are a few of the features that by themselves make the K2600 an impressive stage and studio machine. Its fully multitimbraldifferent programs can be played on each MIDI channel. Its 48-note polyphonic, for a full sound no matter how many chords you play. Theres an on-board digital effects processor, providing up to ve simultaneous effects, including real-time effects control, internally or via MIDI. In addition to the standard stereo audio output pair, there are eight separate outputs that can be congured as stereo pairs, or as individual mono outputs. These are balanced outputs, which you can connect to either balanced or unbalanced inputs. The K2600 offers two SIMM sockets (single, in-line memory modules) so you can add optional Sample RAM, where you can store samples that youve loaded from disk. You can add up to 128 megabytes of Sample RAM. (Sample RAM is not battery-backed, so RAM samples are erased from memory when you power down.) For ofine storage, theres also a oppy drive and two SCSI ports, so you can store les on oppies or on an external hard disk or load them from a CD-ROM drive. The two SCSI ports make it easy to chain multiple SCSI devices together. Theres also provision for an internal SCSI hard disk. Youll nd all this storage potential extremely useful for saving and loading samples, which can be transferred to and from the K2600 using the standard MIDI sample transfer format, or the faster, parallel SMDI sample transfer format (SCSI Musical Data Interchange). See the Musicians Reference for information about MIDI and SMDI sample transfers. The K2600s battery-backed program RAM can store about 800 of your own programs, or about 60,000 notes recorded in the sequencer. This sequencer (Song mode) lets you play back MIDI type 0 or 1 sequences, record and play back your own songs, and record multi-timbral sequences received via MIDI. For more onboard storage you can add the P/RAM option, which will increase your battery-backed RAM to about 1500K (1.5M), enough to store hundreds of additional programs, setups, songs, and other objects. (Without the P/RAM option, the K2600 has about 500K of program RAM.) The Local Keyboard Channel feature enables you to use the K2600s multi-zone setups even if youre using a MIDI controller that can transmit on only one channel. The K2600 will also rechannelize incoming MIDI information and send it to its MIDI Out port, enabling you to control additional synths on eight different channels.

Introduction VAST Synthesis
An optional sampling feature is available, allowing you to make your own mono or stereo samples using analog or digital inputs. With the sampling option, you can also use Live mode, which enables you to take an input signal (at the analog sampling input), and route it through the K2600s VAST algorithmsso you can apply Kurzweil DSP and effects to any sound The sampling option also gives you digital audio output (stereo optical or unbalanced stereo XLR). Theres also the digital input/output (I/O) option, which provides eight channels for digital audio input and output (as well as a stereo digital output). And, of course, theres the incomparable Kurzweil sound. The K2600 comes to you with over 400 programs (called patches, presets, voices, etc. on other synths)238 in ROM and 200 more in RAM. There are also about 200 multi-zone performance setups. Many of these setups use note triggers to play factory-recorded songs that provide grooves and arpeggiation that make great templates for performance or recording.

VAST Synthesis

Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology gives the K2600 its unprecedented exibility. While many other synthesizers offer a xed set of DSP tools (typically ltering, pitch, and amplitude modulation) the K2600s Variable Architecture lets you arrange a combination of any ve DSP functions from a long list of choices. The functions you choose dene the type of synthesis you use. Each layer of every program has its own DSP architecture, which we call an algorithm. Within each algorithm, you can select from a variety of DSP functions. Each function can be independently controlled by a variety of sources including LFOs, ASRs, envelopes, a set of unique programmable functions (FUNs), as well as any MIDI control message. The many different DSP functions and the wealth of independent control sources give you an extremely exible, truly vast collection of tools for sound creation and modication. When youre ready to jump in and start creating and editing programs, turn to Chapter 6.
Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology

KB3 Tone Wheel Emulation

In addition to VAST synthesis, the K2600 offers many oscillator-based programs that give you the classic sound of tone-wheel organs like the Hammond B 3. KB3 mode, as we call it, is completely independent of VAST, and has its own set of editing procedures. Youll nd details in Chapter 6.
Introduction How the K2600 Works

How the K2600 Works

The K2600 integrates three MIDI-driven components: a MIDI controller (the keyboard, or an external MIDI controller, a sound engine, and a global effects processor (KDFX). The sound engine responds to the MIDI events generated by the MIDI controller, and turns them into sounds that are processed within the variable architecture of the algorithmsor by oscillators for KB3 programs. The resulting sound can then be routed through KDFX and to the MIX and separate audio outputs.

How to Use This Manual

This manual includes the following: How to connect and power up your K2600, getting around the front panel, and a brief description of the operating modes Basic editing, including the normal operations of each operating mode The advanced programming features that make the K2600 so powerfula number of familiar synthesis tools and quite a few new ones
Even if youre a complete techie, you should read Chapter 3, User Interface Basics. Here youll get a tour of the K2600s front panel and learn how to navigate through the major functions. Chapter 4, The Operating Modes describes the concept and operation of the K2600s eight operating modes, with a brief description of each. Chapters 6 through 13 describe each mode in detail, including the editors contained within them. Chapters 14 through 17 discuss the advanced editing features. Chapter 19 shows you how to use the multiple audio outputs to suit your needs. Chapter 20 is a programming tutorial, giving you specic examples of many of the K2600s programming functions. Some are basic, some are advanced. By working through the tutorials, youll become familiar with many synthesis techniques, and youll get a rst-hand look at how to unleash the power of the K2600. When manual text appears in boldface italic (like this), youll nd it described in the Glossary in the Musicians Reference. Only the rst one or two occurrences of these words are highlighted. Youll also see text in bold face (like this). We use bold face to indicate parameter values, K2600 objects (like programs and setups), lenames (like songs and samples), and front-panel buttons (like the Program button and the soft buttons). The best way to read this manual is with your K2600 in front of you. By trying the examples we give to illustrate various functions, you can get a quick understanding of the basics, then move on to the more advanced features. If you like to gure out your equipment for yourself, and normally use manuals only as reference sources, youll probably get the most use out of the Musicians Reference that accompanies this manual, which contains brief descriptions of the K2600s major operating features, and all sorts of useful listsprograms, keymaps, algorithms, effects, control sources, and more. A glossary and complete specications for the K2600 are also included in the Musicians Reference.
Introduction Do I Have Everything?

Do I Have Everything?

Your K2600 shipping carton should include the following in addition to your instrument: Power cable Sustain pedal (keyboard models only) Instructional video Two manuals: the Musicians Guide (this manual) and the Musicians Reference A set of accessory disks
If you dont have all of these components, please call your Kurzweil/Young Chang dealer.

The Accessory Disks

The set of accessory disks that came with your K2600 should include the following:

K2600 Base ROM Objects

This disk contains two les. The rst le is named OBJKBXXX.K26 (where XXX is the version number). The second le is named OBJKLXXX.K26 (where XXX is the version number). These disks provide a backup of the ROM Objects installed in your K2600 at the factory. You will not normally need to use these disks, however you should keep them in a safe place in case you need to reinstall this version of the operating system. For example, if you have installed a newer version of the objects (we make new versions available for download from our web site) and you encounter any problems, you might need to go back and install the version on these disks. OBJKB contains all of the objects in a stock K2600 without sampling. OBJKL contains the Live Mode objects, which are included in a unit with the sampling option installed. When you install a new version of the operating system, youll need to load all the object les for the options you have. This includes the object les for the Orchestral and Contemporary ROM blocks, if you have them. Load the system les rst, then all of the object les, then exit the Boot Loader by pressing the Run System soft button. See Appendix A if you need help with operating the Boot Loader.
K2600 General MIDI Compatibility
This is a two-disk set, intended to make the K2600 compatible with General MIDI (GM) programs. The K2600 is not a General MIDI instrument. GM was intended as a least common denominator and is normally found on low-end instruments, not instruments intended for the high-end professional. Nonetheless, we have created a GM compatibility le that can be loaded into the K2600. It contains samples and therefore must be loaded into the unit each time you power up. There are three different GM les. Which le you use depends on which ROM blocks you have in the K2000. The disk that comes with your unit is for a K2600 without any additional ROM blocks. If you purchase the Orchestral or Contemporary ROM block, you will receive two other lesone for a unit with just the Orchestral ROM added, and one for a unit with the Orchestral and Contemporary ROM added. You can also download these les from the Downloads page of our web site:

Introduction The Accessory Disks
http://www.youngchang.com/kurzweil/html/downloads.html For complete documentation on how to use the GM le, please see QA Banks and General MIDI Files on page 10-15.

K2600 Demos

This disk contains several directories of demo song les, which show off some of the capabilities of your K2600. In addition, the disk contains two other les. KDFXTUTR.K26 contains objects used in the tour of Effects mode that starts on page 9-12. VIDEO.K26 is referred to in the Disk mode section of the video tutorial. Most of the song demos can simply be loaded into the K2600 and played from Song mode. However, two demo les require that your K2600 have the sampling option installed. The demo les LMFBDMO1.K26, and LMFBDMO2.K26 demonstrate internal feedback loops using a chain of VAST->KDFX->sampler->VAST->KDFXknown as Live mode. Because a Master table is included, your SampleMode-page settings will be set automatically when you load the demo le. Caution: Programs that cause internal feedback can get extremely loud, so its important to be careful after loading these objects. Live-mode programs are inherently unstable when youre in Live mode and the sampling source (the Src parameter in the Samplemode page) is set to Int. These programs are capable of producing tremendously loud feedback loops with a relatively small amount of gain. In modes where the provided studio is not the active studio, the compressor that keeps these feedback chains under control isnt operating, and the loop can grow out of control very quickly. If you intend only to listen to the demo, and not to examine the programming, we recommend that you delete the song le (and its dependent objects) from your K2600 when you are done listening. We also recommend that you go to the SampleMode page and set the Src parameter to Ext or the Mode parameter to something other than LiveIn, to help to avoid any unintended feedback. If you want to look at the program settings, lower the volume on your instrument, and read the more detailed description of Live mode beginning on page 14-41.

K2600 Farm & Extras

This disk contains over 1000 extra programs and effects, all cultivated from the farm where we grow our programs and effects. The K2500FRM directory contains over 1000 extra programs, organized in les by type of sound. This set of programs was originally developed for the K2500, hence the name. The KDFXFARM directory contains two subdirectories. LIVEMODE contains a set of les containing extra programs using Live mode (which requires having the sample option in your K2500). MOREKDFX contains some FX Presets and a number of Programs that use KDFX, as well as a couple of blank studios. PIANOFRM contains extra programs that specically use the 4-megabyte stereo piano. VOCODER contains programs and setups that are designed to be used with the Vocoder feature. You can read about the Vocoder in detail on page 11-4.

K2600 Additional Programs and Factory RAM Banks
This disk contains even more programs from our program farm. The MOREPRGS directory contains several les of extra programs. The RAMBANKS directory contains a backup le of the programs that were loaded into the 300s and 400s banks when your unit was shipped from the factory.

K2500 Compatibility

This disk contains a le of all the ROM objects in the K2500. You would use this le if you have songs created originally for a K2500. See Loading Older Setup Versions on page 7-2 for information about using older objects with the K2600.

K2000 Compatibility

These two disks contain a le of all the ROM objects in the K2000. You would use this le if you have songs created originally for a K2000. Again, see Loading Older Setup Versions on page 7-2.