Digital V.A.S.T

[shadyjake]

Can someone tell me EXACTLY what "Digital V.A.S.T" is? i almost got a Kurzweil • K2000 on ebay but got outbidded....someone just went above my limit, but it went for 265...it was slightly beat up tho...anyway, what are other synths i can get that have Digital V.A.S.T ?

[masyst]

Well, VAST stands for Variable Architecture Synthesis Technology and is a technology made by Kurzweil, wich means that only Kurzweil synths will have VAST.
VAST allows you to take any multi-sample, noise or waveform and process it using just about any synthesis technique.
You can find VAST in Kurzweil K2000, K2500 and K2600 as well as in Kurzweil's newer synths.

[Christopher Winkels]

Worth mentioning too is that since VAST was an exclusively Kurzweil implementation, and since all Kurzweil synths have been digital, calling it "digital VAST" is a bit of a tautology.

(Removes AG hat)

[seamonkey]

why were you bidding on something you didn't know what it was?
what made you choose the Kurzweil?
It's always good to do as much research as possible before deciding to purchase used or new equipment, a simple search on VAST would have given you a plethora of information.

Don't mean to sound hard on you but I don't understand what you were thinking, you are asking what other synths have VAST when you don't even know what VAST is.

[shadyjake]

i have an idea of what it is... i know that it allows you to take any multi-sample, noise or waveform and process it using just about any synthesis technique. . . . but i wanted to know what kind of sound it can create, and i wasnt gonna bid over 100$, which would be a h**l of a bargain if i do get it

[meatballfulton]

Sign me up for a $100 K2000

[Virgule]

[matia]

i have a K2000 with sampling, a brand new screen, maxed ram, latest OS and a scsi zip that i'll sell for $250. I have photo's as well. There is only a cosmetic flaw which is a crack in the casing on the far right side but it really isn't a big deal. I did all the upgrades myself and it works flawlessly.

-matia

[JB]

For an overview of VAST download the Reference guide and Performance guides from here:

http://www.kurzweilmusicsystems.com/Pro ... =downloads

Performance guide chapter 7 explains the Program mode where VAST is implemented.

Reference guide chapter 7 shows the algorythms used to give you an idea of how flexible the VAST architecture is (and it's restrictions).

[goldphinga]

VAST is so vast, its a nightmare to program and one of the most hands off interfaces every. Recently tried a kurz pc361 and it made amazing sounds but getting there was a battle.

[JB]

Haven't tried a PC3 yet but programming on a K2000/2500 is fairly quick, of course familiarity leads to speed so trying it for the first time can be confusing....

I remember testing a K2500 when it was first released in '96 and embarassingly needing to ask the store assistant for the manuals before being able to figure out how to change the filter cut-off freq (as the program that I was editing didn't have a filter in the algorythm by default).

As soon as you figure out the fundamentals:

Normal subtractive synth:
Osc/ROM/RAM > Filter(s) > Amp

VAST:
Osc/ROM/RAM > Algorythm > Amp

...where the algorythm is made up of three changable DSP "blocks" with varying interconnections it all makes sense.

You then select the appropriate algorythm that has the specific functions/routing options for the kind of sound that you want to program e.g. if you want your sampled snare drum to pass through a twin peak band-pass filter then you need to select algorythm 1 as this is the only algorythm that offers this function, alternatively if you want to pass a ROM sawtooth wave through a 2 pole low-pass filter with resonance and through distortion but in *parallel* then select algorythm 7, if you then decide that you actually wanted the Filter and Distortion blocks to be in a series configuration change from algorythm 7 to algorythm 4. (this will make sense if looking at chapter 7 in the reference manual).

Now then, triple mode in the K2600 v2, that can get confusing!

[balma]

Well, that's a pretty good explanation


if you have an idea of what Variphrase for Roland is.....

VAST is just the name for Kurzweil's software to manipulate samples or their synthesis .... well that's my idea, I had kurzweil in the past and I simple will love to have another one, but I want a K2600 and they are expensive

what is most important here is:

Kurzweil are high quality instruments. If you can get one for a reasonable price do not hesitate. This synths are great for acoustic instruments, they take a lot care on sound quality of strings, pianos. Special for keyboard
performance and being expressive.
You can see on VH1 lots of virtuous keyboard players using kurzweil

Deep programation on control after touch, nice controllers, great keyboard...

[Mooger5]

I remember testing a K2500 when it was first released in '96 and embarassingly needing to ask the store assistant for the manuals before being able to figure out how to change the filter cut-off freq (as the program that I was editing didn't have a filter in the algorythm by default).

My embarassing moment with the K2000 was in the studio where I worked, in the middle of a session. The manual was as thick as a phonebook and after spending a week digesting it I had completely forgotten about the parameter lock function that prevents from editing the sounds inadvertently during playback. Ten minutes after I told the customers there might be a bug in the operating system, the senior tech arrives, presses one of the multi-function buttons and unlocks the damned thing

...where the algorythm is made up of three changable DSP "blocks" with varying interconnections it all makes sense.

Totally. It´s basically a software modular synth.

[Mooger5]

what is most important here is:

Kurzweil are high quality instruments. If you can get one for a reasonable price do not hesitate. This synths are great for acoustic instruments, they take a lot care on sound quality of strings, pianos. Special for keyboard
performance and being expressive.
You can see on VH1 lots of virtuous keyboard players using kurzweil

Deep programation on control after touch, nice controllers, great keyboard...

Definitely. The K series are the standard for Romplers, not only because of the features, but also because the sound-quality has to be one of the best ever. There´s a preset in the K2K I´ll never forget. It´s the Mondo Bass. Check it on Synthmania, although the soundfile doesn´t make it much justice, as playing live it sounds gigantic. Some sounds from the K are so powerful and thick it can be a problem fitting them in the mix ´cause they shout above the others. One time I stopped by an outdoor concert and the keyboard player had a K2600 and a Korg M1. Both keyboards were on a two-tier stand so I could see which one was being played. I was familiar with both synth engines, but it was something of a shock that the M1 next to the Kurzweil sounded like tin cans!

Be aware though of the ones with hammered key actions. During transportation the keys have a tendency to fall off. Because of that I think it´s the PC88 or something that you´ll find selling for almost nothing.

One known hit song is "Children" by Robert Miles. The piano, spanish guitar and I believe the bass samples are the K2K. And ironically, there´s some M1 sounds in the song too.

[shadyjake]

what are more keyboards that have VAST or something like it? something where i can manipulate samples. cuz thats all im doin now. but if i can find something that does more than a KP...and my pedals then im def gonna want to buy it