Kurzweil Event Station MIDI Percussion Controller / Trigger Processor RARE!!

The KES Kurzweil Event Station is a powerful and extremely flexible MIDI percussion controller and event processor designed for electronic drummers, experimental musicians, and MIDI programmers. While it works perfectly as a standard drum trigger-to-MIDI interface, it goes far beyond typical trigger modules by allowing deep control over how incoming trigger signals are interpreted and converted into MIDI data.

Originally designed by Starr Labs for Kurzweil as a high-performance trigger controller, the Event Station coupled with their K2600 high-end (at the time) synth and the full library of all of their sounds. The KES can transform almost any type of trigger, pad, pedal, potentiometer, or switch into complex MIDI events and sequences. There were only 60 of these built.

Unlike typical drum trigger interfaces, the Event Station combines a trigger interface, MIDI processor, and programmable performance controller in one unit. Few hardware devices offer this level of MIDI event processing and velocity-based control without requiring a computer.

Key Features

(16) TRS trigger inputs (32 total programmable pad zones)
•   The 16 rear panel 1/4" inputs support both mono or stereo ( separate center and rim) drum trigger pads, and CC controllers as well!

==>>  16 companion front panel keys allow for quick programming and testing of the rear panel jacks.

• Supports dual-zone drum pads, piezo triggers, pressure pads, pedals, and footswitches
• Each input can be independently configured for different hardware types

Two MIDI outputs (32 channels total)
• Dual MIDI ports allow routing to multiple sound modules or synths
• Send events to port A, B, or both simultaneously

Velocity-based sound layering and switching
• Each pad can trigger up to 8 separate MIDI events
• Velocity ranges can trigger different sounds depending on how hard you strike the pad
• Allows sophisticated multi-sample or layered instrument setups

Deep MIDI event control
Each pad can send multiple types of MIDI data including:
• Note messages
• Continuous controller messages
• Program changes
• Pitch bend
• System and transport commands

Advanced Capabilities (What Makes This Unit Unique)

Velocity switching and blending

• Play up to eight different sounds from one pad depending on playing dynamics
• Blend multiple sounds together or build chords based on velocity

Event stacking and chords

• A single trigger can output multiple notes simultaneously
• Useful for layered percussion, orchestral hits, or chord triggering

Sequencing and looping

• Built-in sequencer capable of storing 255 sequences and thousands of MIDI events
• Trigger loops or sequences directly from a pad or pedal

Step-through trigger modes

• Pads can cycle through different sounds each time they are hit
• Random or alternating trigger behavior available

Pad linking and control logic

• Pads can trigger, mute, or control other pads
• Allows complex performance setups with minimal hardware

Real-time MIDI processing

• External MIDI keyboards or sequencers can trigger Event Station pads
• Incoming MIDI can be transformed or remapped before output

Expression pedal and controller support

• Works with expression pedals, hi-hat pedals, and footswitches
• Pedals can send continuous controller data or switch between sounds

Tap tempo and MIDI clock

• Built-in metronome and clock system
• Pads can be used for tap-tempo synchronization with external gear

Performance Controls

• 16 velocity and pressure-sensitive front panel trigger keys
• LCD display with soft-key programming interface
• MIDI activity indicators
• Panic button to clear stuck MIDI notes

Great For

• Electronic drum trigger systems
• Hybrid acoustic/electronic drum setups
• Controlling samplers or drum modules
• Experimental MIDI performance rigs
• Modular MIDI control setups
• Live performance triggering

Condition

This unit was kept in-house at Starr Labs headquarters and wasn't released into the field. There are light marks on the unit from normal, careful handling, but it was never sold to the public. 

Power

9V DC adapter included

If you’re looking for a highly programmable trigger-to-MIDI controller, the Kurzweil Event Station is far more powerful than most standard drum trigger interfaces. Its flexible event processing and velocity-based control make it a unique tool for creative MIDI setups.

The EventStation is backed by Starr Labs 90 day guarantee against manufacturing defects. In reality, if you ever have questions or issues with the instrument, feel free to contact us. We happily support our products.

See our other listings for compatible drum pads and footswitches (as seen in the video).

✅ Ships carefully packed
✅ Feel free to message with questions