Casio CZ/ VZ/ FZ - Pro Series

Hi Shayne, 

Yip this has happened to me even when loading sounds from one CZ1 to the 
other. My friend also let me download data from my CZ1 to his CZ1000 by sysex and 
the same happened. The conclusion that I have come to as stated earlier, it's 
the tiny variations from the internal components and IC's.

One has to remember when components are manufactured they're done in batches 
or production runs. If a component is required later they would 'tool up' as 
known in the trade for another batch. A classic example of this is say the PC 
processor. They're not manufactured as 1000Mhz or 1400Mhz batches but to how 
much speed they can get out of a single batch produced. The better the batch the 
faster they'll go, to a point. After that some redesigning or higher grade 
manufacturing is in order where additional features like SSE2 or 3Dnow! may be 
added. Casio may also source compatible components from cheaper suppliers which 
again causes differences between machines manufactured with these components. 
That's where serial numbers come into play as Casio would keep records where 
changes in component configurations, if reliability issues would arise. 
Voltages are also a common cause of variation because one transformer is different 
form another. Fluctuations in voltage stengths, currents drawn and heat 
dissipation are all variables to consider. The 101 has an external unit while the 
5000 is internal. If you were to lift the lid on both machines (not recommended) 
the generic component count and the identification marks would be completely 
different.

The CZ range was manufactured in vast numbers for years so it's only logical 
that all the IC's weren't made at the same time. Casio isn't interested in 
these small but significant variations but how much extra profit they'd rake in 
from the consumer. But that's business!

This would be the case between say a CZ101 and models up to and including the 
CZ1. The CZ1 may have the same parameters as the 101 but it also has a lot 
more memories and performance features thus different components are used. More 
memory, chorus effect, IC's with the addition functions installed etc, and 
that's where you start to get fluctuations in the sounds once translated to 
memory. The only solution sadly is to manually tweak these sounds with changes to 
parameters on the receiving machine.  Even then its doubtful you can get it to 
sound exactly the same, and this would be true of sounds that are dumped to 
your machine. The 5000 has also got more memory and the sequencer (SZ1) 
circuitry which the machines internal CPU has to drive, an extra function not included 
on the 101, and perhaps a different more powerful CPU.  

Anyhow, I know this explanation is a bit long winded but I hope it clears up 
some of your suspicions. Don't worry, both machine are probably in tip top 
working condition. Any further questions, then don't hesistate to ask. 

Keith.


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