Version 1.2 Software

Version 1.2 is a major enhancement to the K200's operating system software, featuring new programs and setups, new features, and a new degree of operational convenience and reliability.

The 199 new K2000/K2000R programs and 100 setups in Version 1.2 represent a major step forward in utilizing the sonic power inherent in Kurzweil's proproetary VAST Technology. These programs will now be the standard programs for all future K2000s and K2000Rs. To ease user-upgrading to the new programs, Version 1.0 programs and setups, as well as additional new programs and sequences, are included on a 3.5" disk which comes with the upgrade.

New features in Version 1.2 include support of the newly created SMDI (SCSI Musical Data Interchange) format, which allows rapid transfer of program and sample data over the K2000/K2000R's built-in high speed SCSI (Small Computer Systems Interchange) ports. SCSI is a parrallel data structure and therefore allows data transfers at up to 17 times faster than the older MIDI SDS (Sample Dump Standard) format. This new high speed interchange is currently supported by Passport's Alchemy and Opcode's Max programs, with more to come in the very new future.

Additional nre features include support of Stereo Samples as single objects internally and over SMDI, several new parameters and other features designed to make operation of the K2000/K2000R easier and more intuitive. Diagnostic and Reset functions are now available from the front panel, for use by technicians when programing and servicing the unit.

Version 1.2 comes standard with the K2000R Rack Module and the P/RAM Memory Expansion Option, and is available as an Upgrade Kit for current owners of K2000s through any Authorized Kurzweil Service Centers. The price of the Upgrade is ten dollars ($10) plus installation costs, and includes an Owner's Manual and the 3.5" disk.

P/RAM Program Memory Upgrade

The New P/RAM Program Memory Expansion option is the first hardware upgrade to be made available for the K2000 and K2000R. This option expands the K2000/K2000R's internal battery-backed program memory from 120K to 760K, over six times the original size.

Program Memory is used to store Programs, Setups, Sequences, Quick Access Banks, Songs and other objects, giving access to up to 1000 programs internally. The P/RAM Option is recommended for users with large sample memory and/or hard disks utilization where additional programming storage will be useful.

Suggested price of the P/RAM option installed is $395, and includes Version 1.2 Software at no additional charge.

As with all option upgrades, Version 1.2 Software and the P/RAM Upgrade require installation by an Authorized Kurzweil Service Center. They are not available for purchase by end users uninstalled.