CZ-101
CZ-101 tech specs
The CZ-101 was the first phase distortion synthesiser, released by Casio in 1985.
As a more affordable rival to Yamaha's DX7 range, Casio's CZ range seemingly provoked Yamaha into releasing the pared-back DX21 range. Casio started at the lower end of the market and climbed up, while Yamaha started at the higher end and climbed down, until they had a whole series competing with each other.
Specifically, with its miniature keys, pitch bend wheel at the back, guitar strap hooks, and ability to run on batteries, the DX100 in particular seems specifically designed to compete with the CZ-101.
CZ-1000
CZ-1000 tech specs
Casio released the CZ-1000 next, again seemingly causing Yamaha to directly compete with it by releasing the DX27. Both offered full sized keys for a more professional look and feel.
CZ-5000
CZ-5000 tech specs
The CZ-5000 overshot the rival DX21, including full sized keys, a chorus effect, and even a rudimentary internal MIDI sequencer that offered 8 tracks, albeit with only 8 notes of polyphony across all tracks combined.
CZ-3000
CZ-3000 tech specs
Finally, the CZ-3000 ditched the CZ-5000's sequencer while retaining the rest of its improvements, making a true rival for the DX21.
Notable users
CZ-101
CZ-5000
- Kevin Saunderson[12] (the Reese bass)
CZ-3000
- Fluke[13]
References
- "Soho Soundhouse" Soho Soundhouse (Vendor), Electronics & Music Maker, Jan 1985, p. 95
- "CZ-101 manual" Casio, p. 41
- "Soho Soundhouse" Soho Soundhouse (Vendor), Electronics & Music Maker, May 1985, p. 59
- "CZ-1000 manual" Casio, p. 42
- "CZ-5000 manual" Casio, p. 56
- "CZ-3000 manual" Casio, p. 36
- Everything Is Wrong Moby, 1995
- "Recording Moby's 'Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad?'" Tom Flint, Sound On Sound, Feb 2000
- "The Sound Art Of Programming" Bob O'Donnell, Music Technology, Sep 1987, pp. 70—72
- "Jyoti Mishra: Today Derby, Tomorrow the World!" Paul Tingen, Sound On Sound, Apr 1997
- "FAQ!" Jyoti Mishra
- "Kevin Saunderson" Greg Scarth, Attack, Aug 2014, p. 4
- "Age of Chance" Simon Trask, Music Technology, Jun 1990, pp. 34—37
External links
Reviews
CZ-101
- "Casio CZ101" Paul Wiffen, Electronics & Music Maker, Jan 1985, pp. 10—12
- "Digital Dynamite" Chris Jenkins, Electronic Soundmaker & Computer Music, Jan 1985, pp. 30—31
- "Casio CZ-101" Julian Colbeck, In Tune, Jan 1985, p. 39
- "Casio CZ101" Paul Colbert, One Two Testing, Jan 1985, pp. 22—91
- "Casio CZ101" Curtis Schwartz, International Musician & Recording World, Feb 1985, pp. 90—91
CZ-5000
- "Casio CZ5000" Simon Trask, Electronics & Music Maker, Jun 1985, pp. 30—32
- "CZ Top" Jim Betteridge, Electronic Soundmaker & Computer Music, Jul 1985, pp. 20—21
- "Casio CZ 5000" Mark Jenkins, One Two Testing, Jul 1985, pp. 42—43
- "Casio CZ-5000" Mark Jenkins writing as Tony Mills, International Musician & Recording World, Aug 1985, pp. 80—81
CZ-3000
- "Casio CZ3000 Polysynth" Trish McGrath, Electronics & Music Maker, Feb 1986, p. 32
- "Casio CZ3000 - The Obvious Solution?" Mark Jenkins, Sound On Sound, Apr 1986, pp. 40—42
Downloads
Documentation
- "CZ-101 manual" Casio
- "CZ-1000 manual" Casio
- "CZ-5000 manual" Casio
- "CZ-3000 manual" Casio
Casio: CZ-101 | Casio watches | DA-1 | FZ-1
Hardware MIDI sequencers: ASQ10 | CZ-101 | Studio 440 | TR-909 | W-30
Hardwired synthesisers: CZ-101 | Juno-6 | Juno-106 | MS-1 | Polivoks | SH-101 | TB-303 | VC340 | VP-330
PD synthesisers: CZ-101