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Description
The first 16-bit sampling synthesizer in Japan. The FZ-1 was the premier Casio synthesizer model at the time, providing 16-bit handling of all sampling—a technique in the spotlight at the time—to enable playback with high sound quality and satisfy the exacting demands of even pro musicians. It also featured a large graphical LCD display, enabling waveform editing and making adjustments possible for superior usability.
https://web.casio.com/emi/40th/history/fz-1.html
Product specs
| Brand | Casio |
| Model | FZ-1 61-Key Synthesizer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 1986 - 1987 |
| Made In | Japan |
| Categories | Digital Synthesizers, Keyboard Synths |
| Analog / Digital | Digital |
| Key Size | Full Size |
| Keyboard Action | Synth Action |
| MIDI I/O | MIDI Input, MIDI Output, MIDI Through |
| Number of Keys | 61 Keys |
| Polyphony | 8 Voices |
FAQs
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What type of sound engine does the Casio FZ-1 Sampler use?
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The Casio FZ-1 uses a digital sound engine with sampling capabilities, allowing you to capture and manipulate audio samples for creative sound design.
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How many voices of polyphony does the Casio FZ-1 offer?
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The Casio FZ-1 provides 8 voices of polyphony, enabling you to play multiple notes simultaneously for more complex musical compositions.
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Does the Casio FZ-1 Sampler have MIDI connectivity?
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Yes, the Casio FZ-1 features MIDI Input, Output, and Through, allowing it to interface with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded control and integration.
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What is the keyboard action type of the Casio FZ-1?
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The Casio FZ-1 has a synth action keyboard, which is designed for a responsive and flexible playing experience suitable for electronic music styles.
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How many keys are on the Casio FZ-1 Sampler?
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The Casio FZ-1 features a 61-key full-size keyboard, providing a broad range for performance and composition.
Videos
mylarmelodies
CASIO FZ-1 Sampler Demo
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Casio FZ-1 Sampler.
Features and functionality
Build quality
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Owners frequently encounter issues with sticky and clacky keys, although the keybed is praised for its nice aftertouch.
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Comparisons
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The FZ-1 is noted for its more hi-fi sound and unique switched-capacitor analog filter, contrasting with the Akai's sample coloring capabilities.
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User experience
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Though the FZ-1 has more menus due to its features, users find it straightforward to use, contrary to its reputation for being complex.
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Use cases and applications
Value and pricing
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Owners have acquired the FZ-1 for as low as $75, highlighting its affordability compared to its capabilities.
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Setup and maintenance
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Cleaning key contacts with rubbing alcohol and a q-tip can remedy dead keys, a common maintenance tip shared by users.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
278
Artist usage
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Autechre's hardware samplers include the likes of the Ensoniq ESR and EPS, Kurzweil K2500, Emu E-Synth, and Casio samplers like the FZ1, FZ10, SK1, SK5 and SK100
PAUL WELLER/THE STYLE COUNCIL: A CASIO FZ-1 DIGITAL SAMPLING SYNTHESIZER, in fitted flight case, lid stencilled Paul Weller 13 Keys SL, with freight label dated September 1994, with provenance documents, keyboard 40½ x 12 x 5 inches?
Don Airey is confirmed to use the Casio FZ-1 Sampler as part of his live instrument line-up, described in the article "Living in the Past" from Music Technology's February 1988 issue, where the instrument is mentioned among his equipment. Airey characterizes his setup as "something old, something new, something borrowed," and the Casio FZ-1 is noted as a current favorite during a pre-show examination of his keyboard riser.
Atari Teenage Riot's 1995 album was produced by Alec Empire and lists the following instruments in the liner notes: "This album was recorded with an ATARI 1040, a CASIO FZ-1 sampler and a TR-909 drummachine... Sorry but we had to use the AKAI S-1000 sometimes for timestretching"
Alec Empire can be seen playing a Casio FZ-1 in the music video for "Speed" from the same album. He also tweeted in 2014: "that is such an old track hehe done on a Casio FZ1 sampler ;)"
In the 33 1/3 publication They Might Be Giants' Flood, on page 74, John Linnell reports that he and Flansburgh each acquired a Casio FZ-1 for the writing and recording sessions for that album.
Mundo Muzique cites the gear used on "Mentasm" in this RedBull Music Academy Interview:
In Joey’s Studio we used an Akai MPC60 drum machine, Casio FZ-1 sampler, Alesis effects, Mackie 32-8 Mixer, and Tascam DAT recorder. We both had more gear than that, but those were the important pieces for the “Mentasm” project.
In the 33 1/3 publication They Might Be Giants' Flood, John Linnell reports that he and Flansburgh each acquired a Casio FZ-1 for the writing and recording sessions for that album.
"We also use quite a lot of old stuff, because I've still got things like a PPG 2.2, and we've used a Prophet 5, Juno 106 and Jupiter 8 because there's a lot of arpeggiated stuff. A big problem with a lot of modern sequencers is that you have to write arpeggiation in yourself- there isn't actually a machine which arpeggiates, which is a shame because it's nice when it's more random. We use S1000s, S900s, and an FZ1. I tend to use the FZ1 as my main sampler just because that happened to be the one that I bought."
Album Usage
The Casio FZ-1 Sampler has been featured on the following albums:
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 FZ-1 Sampler, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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