CASIO CZ-1000

The CASIO CZ-1000 and it's smaller playmate the CZ-101,which is a mini-keys version - both use PHASE Distortion synthesis - this is often traded as "rather like Yamaha DX",but it is a totally different synthesis method - the similarity is in the fact that it uses a modulation method to produce the tones.

The CZ-1000 is the large keys version (4-octave) and has complex programmable ADSR shapes to modify the sound - this works on both the volume,pitch and the timbre of the tone - independently and so unlike basic ADSR envelopes - the CZ series can make either piano-type envelopes,or complex sustained envelopes or even simple echoes.

The unit is MIDI equipped and can recieve on any of the 16 available channels. Both models feature a pitch bender (adjustable range) and tone storage locations 16 ROM-based and 16 user ram - if you add a cartridge (RA series) then you double your user storage. Tones can be layered but you lose polyphony. A tone is made up of two DCO layers which can be detuned and ring modulated for bell-tones.Noise can be added but this is hardly your flute-blow effect and I have found it mostly useless unless you wish to simulate Wind-effects.

There are 8 waveshapes from which to carry out phase distortion and these vary from Triangle and Square to rather more esoteric shapes with in-built resonance for HI-Q filter effects.
Portamento is provided and is adjustable.

Master tuning is done from the membrane facia - but I have noted that the master tune responds to the data entry MIDI code- which is annoying when using another controller - most modern MIDI keyboards use this as the master volume control and so you can end up accidentally detuning a CZ using data entry.

Vibrato can be delayed and have its waveshape altered from 4 waveshapes.

The INITIALIZE parameter allows the rather complex ADSR to be set up - in somewhat similar fashion to how DX parameters can be "defaulted" - this is useful if you find you cannot get a noise out of any tone - just initialise it. Press the initialise button along with the parameter to set it to its default.

The actual 8-stage ADSR is rather like a mini programming language - and setting how many stages and where the SUSTAIN point is can be done by choosing where the END point and SUS point are in the envelope - this takes a little getting used to as it is rather unorthodox -but once you understand it, perhaps it lends more flexibility than a standard ADSR.

There is no touch sensitivity but the keyboard responds well and for myself I prefer the mini keys for solo playing and the CZ-1000 with it's big keys is better placed for Piano type performance.

All in all for a vintage synth the CZ-s are quite an addition to DX types,but I still would rather have a DX than a CZ. For investigating another synthesis method then all well and good - but the outcome rather lets down the side. Brass effects are somewhat a forte and the 8-stage ADSR is something maybe Yamaha ought to have put on DX's  - storage of user info is limited and there is no SYSx dumping facility.
You can however,induce the CZ to dump the tones via SYSx if you know the correct codes.Extra storage can be gained by using the RA(3)-series cartridges.

Good points: The whole machine is approaching "built like a tank" physically,the pitch bender works well and the keys are solid.The output sound is the peculiar sound of the PD method and perhaps would be aided by post-processing.SYSx is on board,so in theory you can program sounds from a PC with a suitable editor.
The actual keyboard seems to be better sprung on the CZ1000,which has a good solid feel.

Niggles: The membrane control panel is a bit ZX81- but mine is still working. There is a reset button underneath the keyboard - not a good place to be if the unit is on stage and you need to find a pencil in a hurry and go diving underneath.Hard to program ADSR means although the sound engine is incredibly flexible,getting useable sounds is not easy. The 101 has dispensed with the membrane in favour of buttons which is far better.

Expect to pay: Oddly the CZ1000 sells for cheaper than the CZ101 on Ebay - the 1000 is about £40+ but the CZ101 can go for over £100 indicating its much sought after status,probably because it can be played clavitar-style,or because it has proper switches.

[see templarseries.atspace.com/cz.html]