Casio CZ/ VZ/ FZ - Pro Series

Hi,
       My, this subject is getting deep and profound! So here's my pennies 
worth..

I've got a CZ1 (x2), VZ10m, TX81z, DX27 and FM7 (DX7 emulator). None of these 
synths sound like each other and none use the same sound generation. The CZ-1 
uses PD's first generation sound engine which has some major limitations but 
limitations have their good points. It's certainly the most analogue sounding 
of the afore mentioned. The VZ is second generation (IPD) and addresses a lot 
of the CZ's failings. That said, it sounds a lot more like FM than the CZ. 

PD and FM actually have a lot in common but use different approaches and 
mechanics. Where original FM synths used pure sine waves PD used a common set of 
fixed waveforms. This is where FM became to complex for most users as a bit of 
mathematics had to be applied if you wanted any sort of programming fruition. 
PD on the other hand bypasses this step by offering 8 preset waveforms which 
could be coupled together to give different tonal characteristics. The 
waveforms offered are actually quite a good selection, and remember technology of that 
era was more limited than now. PD has a warmer sound but not so good as FM 
for acoustic synthesis. Both are great for sub basses and solo leads where they 
can sound very similar hence the similarity in sound generation.

The TX81z is actually an FM 4op synth with fixed waveforms or algorithms and 
more advanced than the DX9, DX21, 27, 100, FB01 is vastly superior sonically 
and multi timbral.  The lesser FM synths are so limited with thin tonal quality 
that its beggars belief how Yamaha sold so many. Cheap probably and vastly 
less usable than a CZ machine. IPD on the other hand is quite clearly getting 
closer to the realm of the DX7. It's far more complex than the CZ range but has 
the drawbacks of FM programming. Menu driven tedium which kills a lot of 
inspired programming. That's why companies resorted back to knobs and sliders, 
real-time interaction!

The CZ-1 is still my favourite even though its perhaps the simplest sound 
engine. Limitations can be effective but most importantly it's easy and fun to 
use. Lots of single operation buttons with simple menus. Programming the others 
is like drawing poison from a wound. The VZ is a great sounding synth but to 
many menus to grapple with just as FM has. I've had limited success with 
programming my own sounds but time is of the essence and I generally resort to my 
analogues or the CZ with its pseudo analogue architecture for inspiration. So 
what it doesn't have PWM or real filters that feedback loop. Remember that 
manufacturers at this time were trying to get away from analogue architectures and 
embrace the holy grail of acoustic emulation. The digital age was beckoning.

The question of price, well lets face it, us mere mortals couldn't afford the 
mighty DX7 in the mid eighties. Casio got the CZ101 out at the right time 
although I wouldn't agree that it was targeted at the pro market. It's more 
likely that all the other CZ machines were a spin off where Casio seen a potential 
market. This is apparent when you consider the use of the same uninspired 
patches for all machines. The CZ3000 and CZ5000 are good synths and I've used both 
but offer nothing much new on the CZ101. On the other hand the CZ-1 is the 
most pro of all the range and has a lot of extra usable features including 
velocity sensitivity. The most inspired to my mind is the 'OPERATION MEMORIES' 
which give the machine a lot more clout when used live. 

To compare a FM synth to a PD synth has always been subjective andhas been 
exhausted many years ago whichever angle you looked at it. I like to think that 
great minds think alike and is true when considering their sound philosophies. 
Let's face it the futures virtual anyway so enjoy them while they last. 

Midcomsys.


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