Casio CZ-101 CZ-1000
Overview
The Casio CZ-1000 is a digital synthesizer introduced in 1985 and based around Casio's distinctive Phase Distortion (PD) synthesis system. Closely related to the CZ-101 but featuring a full-size 49-note keyboard, the CZ-1000 offers up to eight voices of polyphony, dual synthesis lines, extensive eight-stage envelopes, ring and noise modulation, and a character that ranges from warm analogue-style sounds to distinctly digital and metallic textures. Its flexible synthesis engine and unique sound have made the CZ series a popular choice for musicians and sound designers looking for something a little different from traditional subtractive synthesis.
Functionality
Supported functionality is a reflection of the device's capabilities.
- Patch Editing
- Librarian
- Bank Management
- SysEx Import/Export
- Live Editing (See limitations)
Limitations/Quirks
The CZ-1000 has a relatively simple MIDI implementation compared with more modern synthesizers. Individual synthesis parameters cannot be changed using dedicated MIDI parameter messages. Instead, the CZ-1000 transfers an entire tone using System Exclusive data. As a result, when editing a sound from Midisuite, the complete patch must be sent to the synthesizer whenever a parameter is changed.
The CZ-1000 contains 16 writable internal patch locations, with a further 16 locations available when using an optional RAM cartridge. The 16 factory preset sounds are fixed and cannot be overwritten.
When transferring patches to the CZ-1000, the memory protect switch on the rear of the synthesizer must be set to OFF. Because the instrument dates from the mid-1980s, reliable SysEx communication also depends on using a MIDI interface that handles System Exclusive data correctly.
If you feel like something is missing, or that you may have found a bug, please report it on the Midisuite discord server: discord support