Casio CZ/ VZ/ FZ - Pro Series

Hi Marco,

Consider how many voices you need at once.

For example, the CZ-1 has 8 notes which can be split across 8 different voices (e.g. simultaneously, you could do 1 voice as a mono bass, 3 notes on percussion sound, and then 4 notes on a string sound).

If you're wanting to do different voices at once (i.e. playing back MIDI tracks, each on their own MIDI channel from your DAW), this may be a factor.

In the CZ range, the CZ-1 is the only model (I believe) which is velocity sensitive, and this will have an impact on the DCA and DCF in particular if you program a high level of velocity sensitivity for the patch. Don't underestimate the importance of velocity.

I never used the CZ-1 aftertouch much, as mine was very "hard", even when sensitivity was set to max. (see previous discussions on this in the forum).

My CZ-101 sounded very similar to my CZ-1, however the CZ-1 also has the analog chorus. There are subtle differences, and the CZ-101 was able to produce more random envelop effects when hit with very short MIDI notes (perhaps because of lower CPU power). From recollection, I think the particular patch I developed had a bass type sound for the initial part of the envelop, and then a noise tail after the sustain point (perhaps I was opening up the DCF). Anyway, the effect was pulsing bass notes, with intermittent snare-ish hits. A nice random rhythmic loop, which was kinda cool for a single patch back in the 80s ;)

Just remember, compared to modern synths, the PD synthesis in the CZ series is very slow in its attack, so for any fast percussion-type sounds, consider layering with something else better suited (but you can always program a very fast 0 to 99 to 0 in the DCO envelop to give you more "click"). Overall, I found that the CZ excelled at bass, string and lead synth type sounds.

Good luck, once you get into PD, you'll find that it takes quite a long time before you exhaust your possibilities (don't forget to try out the hidden waveforms via SYS EX). If you're going down the hardware-only path, then make sure you also consider a cheap multi-fx unit. This will add many new dimensions to your sound design.

Btw, you don't need to program any of the CZs via a computer, the "button for every parameter" UI is very fast.

Regards,
JPS

--- In CZsynth@yahoogroups.com, "mm47" <marcoballins@...> wrote:
>
> Hi all,
> 
> I'm new to this group!
> 
> I intend to buy a CZ soon (probably on ebay) as I started to love their sound (heard on some youtube videos).
> I might also consider the VZ series, but only if it can exactly also reproduce the CZ-1000 sounds.
> 
> - Are there differences in terms of sound between the CZ models?
> - How do they compare in terms of programming interface?
> - How do they compare in terms of MIDI, and which has the most complete implementation?
> 
> MIDI implementation might be on key point in my choice as I heard they can cumbersome to program, and anyway was thinking that I could build a panel for CTRLR.org.
> So, I'd choose the one which can be completely programmed via MIDI, or the one which has most of the parameters programmable.
> 
> I'm leaning towards the CZ-101 or the CZ-1000.
> Of the CZ-101 I like the portability and the fact that it could fit on my desk :)
> Of the CZ-1000 I like the 49 keyboard format, but not much (the feeling of) the membrane buttons (also, are they prone to break/malfunction?)
> 
> However my choice will be also depending on the MIDI implementation, and if I can program them from the computer....
> so any information or advice is much appreciated.
> 
> Thanks.
> Best,
> Marco
>