Equipment Information
As being one of the synthesizers in my collection, here follows some music production equipment information about the Casio CZ-1000 phase distortion synthesizer’s capabilities.
Overview
The Casio CZ-1000 is a 49-key digital synthesizer from 1984 using Phase Distortion (PD) synthesis, offering 8-voice polyphony (or 4 with dual oscillators), 16 preset and 16 internal/cartridge sound memories, velocity sensitivity, 8-stage envelopes (DCO, DCW, DCA), and MIDI In/Out, serving as a full-size key version of the CZ-101 with versatile, warm digital tones for its era.
Specifications
- Synthesis: Digital Phase Distortion (PD)
- Keyboard: 49 full-size, velocity-sensitive keys
- Polyphony: 8 voices (single DCO) or 4 voices (dual DCO)
- Oscillators: 2 Digital Controlled Oscillators (DCOs) per voice, with 8 waveforms
- Envelopes: 8-stage for Pitch (DCO), DCW (Timbre), and DCA (Volume)
- Tone Memory: 16 Preset, 16 Internal (User), 16 Cartridge (optional)
- Multitimbral: Yes, 4-part (MIDI)
- Effects: Vibrato, Ring Mod, Noise Mod
- MIDI: In, Out
- Controls: Pitch bend wheel, LCD display, dedicated buttons
- Year: 1984/1985
Key Features
- Full-size keys: A popular alternative to the mini-keys of the CZ-101.
- Phase Distortion Synthesis: Creates rich, digital tones that can sound analog-like.
- Compact & Affordable: A budget-friendly entry into digital synthesis in the 80s.
Availability
The Casio CZ-1000 Phase Distortion synthesizer is no longer in production, but you may find it in the used marketplaces.