A line of synths built in the 80s, produced for only for a few years, with the most unique, characterful sound and some advanced features still not available on modern analog synths today. From Virtual Analog & Classic Digital, to Sample-like sounds & even the Ultimate Lofi synth, the CZ can do it all, but nothing can truly sound like a CZ because Phase Distortion Synthesis was never used again. • With 2 "Lines" featuring 8 Stage Envelopes on it's equivalent of Pitch, Filter & Amplitude and the ability to blend 2 waveforms per line, you can create extremely complicated sounds. When used subtly, this is very powerful. The Lines can be used individually, blended and feature Ring & Noise Modulation. Sound cool yet? Even the simplest Analog Style patches like a Saw Wave into a Filter will sound great thanks to the 12Bit DAC and the Expander Circuit that clips and rebuilds the waveforms to increase the dynamic range. The expander circuit doesn't always track perfectly which gives a very subtle & warm low aliasing sound that can be tuned out or exaggerated by adjusting the DAC; Lofi Lords Rejoice! • There were quite a few CZ models varying from an 8 voice mini key model (CZ-101) to the Flagship model with 16 voices and a 61 key velocity and aftertouch sensitive key bed (CZ-1). Each had some variations to the chassis and workflow, and the pro models (CZ-3000 and up) came with an Analog BBD Stereo Chorus. • The cherry on top is that they're incredibly easy to understand and program, especially with desktop editors like Edyson which also unlocks secret features thanks to discoveries by Michael Rickard. • Needless to say, the CZ is my favourite synth, a brilliant, timeless design of the 80's that didn't see it's mainstream potential. In my mind, if you love synths, a CZ is a must-have. Under appreciated and misunderstood, it should be criminal how affordable these Legendary Units still are today. Get one, and make something cool with it, like what you see below!
Reddit u/iamveryconfusedabout - A cool preset with a blend of Analog and Digital vibes. Almost reminds me of the Prophet and “Everything In It’s Right Place” with a CZ twist.
When asked about my favourite synths, I always say the CZ-1. I’m lucky enough to own some incredible analog legends but these simple tricks make the Casio CZ a tool of it’s own, Here is a really cool patch I made, It’s just a 1 oscillator Filtered Pulse Wave and a Pitch Envelope. As simple as it is, it’s something that I couldn’t get from any other synth. The polyphonic pitch envelope really brings it to another place. It doesn’t have to be a severe +7 semitone jump like this patch either, it can be as simple as slightly detuning each note or sliding through octaves on attack/release and everything else in between. Honestly, I’ve played more lush sounding synths, the Prophet is one of them, but the CZ’s just have such a unique sound with features that you can’t get from anything else, and they can live really close to the analog world.
Reddit u/_rustmonster showing some classic Casio CZ patch books. A fun way to spend a Sunday, flipping through the pages, pressing buttons and tweaking your sound.
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