I'm new to the group, an introduction is in order.
2005-04-07 by midcomsys
Hi everyone, my name is Keith and I'm new to the CZsynth group. I thought it prudent to introduce myself. I've got a few Casio synths which I use in my small project studio in a small town in the Scottish Borders. The synths in question are 2x CZ1 Cosmosynths and a VZ10m which I aquired a few weeks ago from EBAY. I have around 20 synths from numerous manufacturers and some VST based synths as well. My favourite synths are my Roland Jupiter 6, Korg Polysix / Sigma, and my Moog Source. All analogue I know but these have far and away the most powerful sound and presence. My first CZ synth was the CZ3000 which I bought new in about 1987, At that time it sounded better compared to the glut of analogue digital hybrid synths of the era. I sold it in around 1990 because I bought a ex demo CZ1 from a music shop that had gone into receivership. I think I paid around £70. Would you believe that because I wasn't impressed with the factory presets most of which identical to the CZ3000 it just gathered dust until 1998. Also, it was a bit complicated at first but once I got the hang of it I realised it was a very underated machine. I've reviewed this machine in other websites and stated that Casio should have tried to impress potential buyers with radical new sounds rather than dump the same presets that were on the lower spec machine. I know that all CZ synths have a common sound engine but the CZ1 had a lot more enhanced memory and performance features. Which brings me back to why I like it so much. I have come to realise as many of you probably have, this synth is second to none when emulating analogue machines. Don't get me wrong there's no way that it could touch some of the afore mentioned monsters but for general pseudo analogue it's the biz. In my opinion VST instuments like REfx CZ software simply can't synthesise the PD sound It has a personality of its own because of Casio's unique 'PHASE DISTORTION' engine. I always think of it as a Jack of all trades. I'm also equally impressed with the VZ10m although again the presets could have been more awe inspired. Definitely the next step in PD synthesis but sounds more FM (DX7)than CZ. Shame really as you do loose some of that magical analogue sound. That said, its another potential monster as its quite a complex beast with a lot of new sounds waiting to be discovered. My other CZ was again bought from EBAY because my original CZ1 had its VOL/CHORUS sliders nicked. It has a different sound too, brighter but less bass end. Anyhow, I'm sure your bored with this drivel. Here's a list of my present gear (not including the outboard etc). Casio CZ1 (x2), VZ10m, VLtone1 / Roland Juno106, Jupiter6 / Korg Poly800 mk1, Polysix, Delta, Lambda, Sigma, X5D / Akai MX73, S950, S2000 / Kawai K1r / Yamaha QY10, QY22, DX27, TX81z / Moog Source and various VST (Absynth, FM7, Modular V etc). Keith...