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Casio CZ-1

CZ-1Picture provided by http://www.vintagesynth.com

Casio CZ-1 Synopsis

CZ-3000 with 2x memory and polyphony

Voice architecture consists of one or two oscillators. Any two non-"resonant" waveforms can be combined (e.g. alternate saw/square). Each oscillator's pitch, phase angle, and amplitude can be modified by dedicated 8 stage envelope generators. The two oscillators can then be detuned and ring or noise modulated. "Tone mix" layers two patches.

eBay Description

The CZ-1 is 16 voice, single or dual oscillator, duotimbral (via "Tone Mix") digital synthesizer, with 5 octave keyboard and MIDI. It sounds similar to Yamaha FM based synths, but offers 8 waveforms and 8 stage envelopes per oscillator. Patch memory contains 64 presets, 64 user locations and RA-6 cartridge slot. Performance features include portamento/glide, stereo chorus, vibrato, sustain and volume pedal inputs, mod wheel and pitch bend. Additionally, the CZ-1 is the only CZ synthesizer to support velocity and aftertouch.

Key Features

  1. Aftertouch: Routed to Volume?
  2. Architecture Class: phase
  3. Audio IO: Headphones 2 outputs
  4. Audio Source: DCO waveforms are pulse, saw, square, double sine, saw/pulse, 3 resonant
  5. Communication Interface: MIDI MIDI In, Out, Thru
  6. Effects: chorus
  7. EG: Dedicated, 8 stage EG's modify each oscillator's pitch, phase, and amplitude
  8. Expansion: Patch cartridge
  9. Filter: None
  10. Form Factor: 61 keys
  11. Key Scaling: None
  12. LFO: Vibrato waveforms include up saw, down saw, square and triangle
  13. Memory:
    • Multi Memory: None
    • Patch Memory: 64/64/64
    • PCM Memory: N/A
    • Sample Memory: N/A
    • Sequencer Memory: N/A
  14. Multitimbral: 2 (via "Tone Mix")
  15. Pedal Inputs: Sustain and Volume pedals
  16. Performance Control: portamento Pitch/Mod wheels, glide
  17. Polyphony: 16/8/4/1
  18. Power: AC (IEC C13 NEMA 5-15P)
  19. Released: 1986
  20. Sequencer: None
  21. Signal Class: digital
  22. Velocity: Routed to volume?

Further Information