Kurzweil Releases Version 2 of the K2600 Operating
System
June 1, 2000Version 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
There are 94 new V.A.S.T. algorithms (for a total of 126 algorithms),
incorporating familiar Kurzweil DSP functions. The algorithms are
divided into three sets, each of which correspond to a specific layer
within the triple. In other words, certain algorithms are available only
for certain layers.
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. | 
