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Description

The Casio CZ-101 is a classic synthesizer that holds a special place in the hearts of vintage synth enthusiasts and modern musicians alike. Released in the mid-1980s, it introduced the world to Phase Distortion Synthesis, a unique method of sound generation that offers a distinctive timbral character compared to traditional analog or FM synthesis. This compact powerhouse features 49 mini-keys, making it both portable and versatile for live performances or studio sessions.

Despite its size, the CZ-101 is packed with functionality. It offers 8-voice polyphony, allowing you to layer complex sounds without dropping notes. The synthesizer includes a range of onboard controls, giving you the ability to tweak parameters on the fly and craft a wide variety of sounds, from lush pads to sharp leads. With its intuitive interface, musicians of all levels can easily navigate and program the synth to fit their musical needs. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a budding enthusiast, the CZ-101 provides a robust platform for creativity.

Key Features:

  • Phase Distortion Synthesis for unique sound creation
  • 49 mini-keys, perfect for portability and performance
  • 8-voice polyphony for rich, layered sounds
  • Onboard controls for real-time parameter adjustments
  • Intuitive interface suitable for all skill levels
  • Classic vintage sound with modern versatility

Product specs

Brand Casio
Model CZ-101 49-Key Synthesizer
Finish Black
Year 1985 - 1988
Categories Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths
Analog / Digital Digital
Key Size Mini
Keyboard Action Synth Action
MIDI I/O MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Keys 49 Keys
Polyphony 8 Voices

FAQs

What type of synthesis does the Casio CZ-101 use?

The Casio CZ-101 uses phase distortion synthesis, which is unique to Casio's CZ series and allows for a wide range of digital sounds with complex harmonic structures.

How many voices of polyphony does the Casio CZ-101 offer?

The Casio CZ-101 offers 8 voices of polyphony, allowing you to play up to 8 notes simultaneously.

Is the Casio CZ-101 compatible with MIDI?

Yes, the Casio CZ-101 features MIDI Input and Output, enabling it to connect with other MIDI-compatible gear for expanded performance and recording possibilities.

What is the key size of the Casio CZ-101, and how does it affect playability?

The Casio CZ-101 has mini keys, which may require some adjustment for players used to full-sized keys but make it more portable and compact for on-the-go use.

Can the Casio CZ-101 be used for live performances?

Yes, the Casio CZ-101 can be used for live performances, especially given its portability and MIDI capabilities, though its mini keys might be a consideration for some performers.

RetroSound

RetroSound

CASIO CZ-101 PD-Synthesizer (1984)

Video thumbnail for CASIO CZ-101 PD-Synthesizer (1984) by RetroSound

CASIO CZ-101 PD-Synthesizer (1984)

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Casio Keyboard CZ-101 (1986) by XippVid

Casio Keyboard CZ-101 (1986)

XippVid

XippVid

Video thumbnail for FIVE MINUTES WITH  CASIO CZ-101 by sonicstate

FIVE MINUTES WITH CASIO CZ-101

sonicstate

sonicstate

Video thumbnail for Casio CZ-101 | How Does it Sound? by JAde Wii

Casio CZ-101 | How Does it Sound?

JAde Wii

JAde Wii

Video thumbnail for Best of CASIO CZ-101 Synthesizer ~ RetroSound Demo by RetroSound

Best of CASIO CZ-101 Synthesizer ~ RetroSound Demo

RetroSound

RetroSound

Video thumbnail for Casio CZ-101 - Polyphonic & Ambient Sounds by LFOstore

Casio CZ-101 - Polyphonic & Ambient Sounds

LFOstore

LFOstore

Video thumbnail for BOO-cast - Synth of the Month: Casio CZ-101 by Battery Operated Orchestra

BOO-cast - Synth of the Month: Casio CZ-101

Battery Operated Orchestra

Battery Operated Orchestra

Video thumbnail for Casio CZ101 - Part 2 - making some sounds and dodgy midi by Bonzo Music

Casio CZ101 - Part 2 - making some sounds and dodgy midi

Bonzo Music

Bonzo Music

Reviews

PROS

  • Produces unique digital synth sounds, unlike any other synth

  • Offers solid synth bass and 80s style synth sounds

  • Capable of professional-level sound production for studios

  • Supports SysEx patch loading for enhanced sound capabilities

  • Fooling even experts with its realistic sound reproductions

  • Phase Distortion Synthesis offers distinct sound from FM synths

  • Straightforward to program with helpful diagrams

  • Polyphonic, compact, and versatile without sound design limitations

  • Runs on batteries, enhancing its portability

CONS

  • Volatile memory loses programs if unplugged or batteries are low

  • Limited MIDI implementation; nearly no parameter control via MIDI CCs

  • Requires 6 D-cell batteries or a mod for preset saving

  • Tone considered soft, may require EQ adjustment for sub frequencies

  • Limited waveforms per digital oscillator, affecting sound shaping

  • Some find it difficult to use and not intuitive

  • Mini keys may be considered low quality by today's standards

Critic Reviews

~ajxs/Casio CZ-101 Review

ajxs.me

The Casio CZ-101 offers a quirky, nostalgic throwback to 80s digital synths with its distinctive phase distortion synthesis, making it a fun choice for enthusiasts seeking unique sounds. However, it falls short when compared to Yamaha's FM synths, lacking versatility and build quality. While it excels at producing metallic and percussive tones, its limited sound palette and cumbersome battery requirements may deter serious musicians. The CZ-101's interface provides an intuitive patch editing experience, but its overall value is questionable given more capable alternatives like the DX7. Ideal for fans of vintage sounds, but not a beginner's go-to.

Casio CZ-101 | Vintage Synth Explorer

vintagesynth.com

The Casio CZ-101 is a compact, budget-friendly synth packed with features that belie its size. It offers Phase Distortion synthesis, allowing for rich, analog-like sounds similar to the Yamaha DX series but at a more affordable price. The 8-stage envelope design and digital waveforms provide versatile sound design capabilities, ideal for creating unique textures. However, its small keys and limited patch storage may not suit all users. Additionally, programming can be challenging without a solid understanding of waveforms. Despite these drawbacks, the CZ-101 remains a favorite for its portability and surprising power, making it a valuable entry-level synthesizer.

positive

Casio CZ-101 (IT Jan 85)

muzines.co.uk

The Casio CZ-101 is a groundbreaking, budget-friendly synthesizer that impresses with its eight-note polyphony and innovative phase distortion synthesis, which is easier to grasp than FM synthesis. Its compact design and MIDI capabilities make it a versatile stage companion. However, the mini keyboard and limited storage for user-programmable sounds may deter some musicians. Despite this, the CZ-101 offers excellent sound quality and programmability for its price, making it a popular choice among musicians.

positive

Casio CZ-101: The Classic Synth That Went Head to Head With the DX7 - gearnews.com

gearnews.com

The Casio CZ-101 may appear toy-like, but it revolutionized affordable polyphony in 1984, rivaling contemporaries like Yamaha's DX7 with its unique phase distortion synthesis. Praised for its programmability and distinctive sound, this compact synth was the entry point for many budding musicians. It remains relevant today, offering a blend of analog warmth and digital precision. However, potential buyers should note the need for modifications like a backlit display and relay changes. Despite these quirks, the CZ-101's legacy in shaping electronic music is undeniable, making it a nostalgic yet valuable choice for synth enthusiasts.

positive
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 6 Reviews and 24 Ratings

5 star
4 star
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1 star
nolace

Unique synth, wish Casio still did entry level stuff like this

The tone is pretty soft even with harsh waves. Most of the Casio stuff seems to have sub frequencies filtered off, even if you have the octave set to those low notes. I used to bump up the eq below 100hz to get sub frequencies with this. This synth uses Phase Distortion Synthesis, which people compare to FM synths however it's different enough from a DX7 imo - you can choose different waveforms as opposed to only have sin waves but still have morphing sounds, turning a saw to a sin as a example.The softness lent well to ambient type sounds.

jimmarchi1

cool early digital synth

this is a really cool entry level phase-distortion synth, the CZ series was Casio's answer to FM digital synths that took over the world in the mid 80s....... like a nastier dx7 that's easier to program.... for some reason I never use it though. For performance the keyboard just doesn't stack up to the DX line, even a chintzy 4 operator DX100 has a better keyboard in my opinion.... and the DX7mk2 just schools it. I don't know if the higher end of the CZ range is any better, but with all tis capable of I wish it were more fun to perform on or that it was just a desktop module.... the size and unplayability relegate it to very casual use these days like my ESQ1 which is equally unique sounding but chintzy.

digitl

Under-rated and far out

Good synth but tiny keyboard is not useful for a player. Programmer is interesting with the 8 stage envelopes- can shape sounds beyond other synths, but only in a limited way since just a few waveforms per digital oscillator are available. Still best bang for the buck out there.

Experimental CZ-101 track.

https://youtu.be/zgHFOBwzc3g

Roles:
Genres:
youngsuzuki

Its really good

very difficult to use but if ya get used to it its very beast.

grit_neverlab

To FM or not to FM

I never heard this type of FM which Casio called Phase Distortion but it's niceeeee. Incredible versatile envelopes, resonant basses; 'THIS IS NOT A TOY!'

summedanddot

Good piece to have ...

evreybody should have a cz101 in there collection

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mac DeMarco uses Casio CZ-101

Mac DeMarco

Singer, Guitarist

Mac DeMarco

...
Verified via YouTube

At the timestamp 2:56, a CZ-101 can be spotted at the bottom of the screen in Mac’s studio.

See how Joe Satriani uses Casio CZ-101

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via MusicRadar

Used on "Midnight", as stated in this February 1, 2017 Music Radar interview.

"I used a little Casio CZ-101 to record the flute, if you can believe it.

“But Bongo Bob, he's such a creative guy, he totally got my whole imagery of a secret ceremony in the middle of the forest, in the middle of the night. And, so, he started to create all the funny percussion, and John was totally cool with trying to get that little CZ-101 Casio keyboard to sound like some sort of dream orchestra. It sounded very much like an old-school Moog synthesizer. It was the cheapest imitation you could ever get. I miss that keyboard. I played it until it broke."

See how Boards of Canada uses Casio CZ-101

Boards of Canada

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In this photograph capturing a live performance by Boards of Canada, we see a Casio CZ-101 synthesizer positioned on the drum stands in front of Michael Sandison. The CZ-101 is visibly linked to other equipment solely through a MIDI cable, indicating its probable role as a MIDI keyboard within this live setup. Strikingly, the synth's audio output remains unutilized during the performance.

Identification of the synthesizer is possible thanks to its distinctive side profile, featuring two audio jacks, a DC jack, and a guitar strap peg. The Casio logo is concealed beneath tape.

See how Moby uses Casio CZ-101

Moby

Music Producer

Vatican Commandos

...
Verified via Soundonsound

As I browsed through the sleeve notes on Moby's albums I noticed that the gear lists documented in the 1995 release Everything Is Wrong are almost identical to his current setup. Could it really be possible that this successful musician had no spare cash to spend on new studio gear during the last four years? "From Everything Is Wrong until now I've bought a vocoder and a new sampler and that's about it. On the one hand I'd love to get a bunch of new equipment, but on the other hand there's something to be said for working with equipment with which I'm comfortable. I'm thinking that at some point I will actually switch over and get a full Pro Tools setup and start doing things more in the computer, but for this record I didn't feel compelled to do that."

SYNTHS/KEYBOARDS Casio CZ101.

See how Vince Clarke uses Casio CZ-101

Vince Clarke

Keyboardist, Composer

Depeche Mode

...
Verified via Photo

A Casio CZ-101 can be seen in Vince's studio (in front of the Roland Juno 60).

See how Richard Devine uses Casio CZ-101

Richard Devine

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

(@6:15) "I have my TR-707 and a CZ-101 that's bent already for this modification"

See how Varg Vikernes uses Casio CZ-101

Varg Vikernes

Guitarist, Bassist

Mayhem

...
Verified via YouTube

one of the presets on the CZ-101 is called "fairy tale" (heard at 9:20) it is the exact sound used on "Rundgang Um Die Transzendentale" from Filosofem. i've noticed other patches on the synth are in Burzum songs, but i don't remember which ones. its possible some other synth from the CZ series was used, as they all share the same sound engine.

See how Dean Ween uses Casio CZ-101

Dean Ween

Guitarist

Ween

...
Verified via Photo

In this image taken directly from the pod we can clearly see a Casio CZ101

See how The Crystal Method uses Casio CZ-101

The Crystal Method

Music Producer

The Crystal Method & Bubba Sparxxx

...
Verified via YouTube

can be seen at 0:26 in the video

See how Charly García uses Casio CZ-101

Charly García

Singer, Guitarist

Serú Girán

...
Verified via Charlygarcia

Charly used his Casio CZ in New York, when he and Pedro Aznar were composing "Tango"

See how Mark King Level 42 uses Casio CZ-101

Mark King Level 42

Singer, Bassist

Level 42

...
Verified via Muzines

Studio buffs tend to forget that modern recording studios are imposing and disorientating places for the average lay person. The technology seems to be surpassed in complexity only by military and space hardware, and Mark King's 'home' studio is certainly state of the art, as the above listing indicates. There's also a Macintosh SE30 with Performer software, an SRC SMPTE-to-MIDI convertor, Adams Smith Zeta 3, NS 10 and Tannoy DTM8 monitors, and two Otari MTR90 24-track recorders with 48 tracks of Dolby SR. Sound sources include a DX7, Roland D110 and 550, Yamaha TX816, Juno 60, Emu III and Emax, Casio CZ101, plus an Akai-Linn MPC60 workstation and a DDrum 2 drum sampler.

See how Jorge González uses Casio CZ-101

Jorge González

Singer, Guitarist

Los Prisioneros

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Jorge González is seen using a Casio CZ-101 synthesizer, which he employs in songs such as "Muevan Las Industrias," "Por Favor," and "Exijo Ser Un Héroe."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Casio CZ-101, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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