Demo
samples (192kbps MP3)
Casio
CZ-101
The
Casio CZ-101 is a digital synthesizer using phase distortion synthesis
which sounds similar to the Yamaha DX series. The CZ-101 is very small
and equipped with a mini-keyboard making it look like a toy. That is probably
a great part of the reason why this machine is so under estimated. Another
reason might be the very plastic sounding presets; you can hardly fail
to make better sounds yourself! It is an 8 voices machine if you only
use one of the two oscillators. In reality however it needs two oscillators
to sound descent, why this synth should be considered as a 4 voices machine.
There are some really strong points to the 101, in particular the six
8-stage envelope sections (three for each oscillator)! Those could achieve
some extensive modulation. The 8-stage envelope opens up for pseudo-delay
or some really wicked effects. Other strong points are 4 monophonic multitimbral
parts (rare at the mid 80's) and ring modulation. There is also 4 types
of vibratos in the LFO section (triangle, square, ramp up and down), built-in
noise unit, portamento and MIDI. The 101 comes with a pitch bend wheel
but lacks a modulation wheel as well as velocity and after touch. It does
bell sounds very crisp and clear, percussive and even base sounds are
not bad at all.
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more here: Vintagesynth