Home
... Musical Instruments
DJ Gear
Audio Samplers
Casio
Casio RZ-1 12-Bit Sampler

Casio RZ-1 12-Bit Sampler

^# 98

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

5.0 (3)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

Find out who is using Casio RZ-1

0 wishlisted

7 saved

Page last updated Jan 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

Step into the world of vintage sampling with the Casio RZ-1 12-Bit Sampler, a classic choice for DJs and producers who appreciate the distinct sound of the late '80s. Known for its 8-voice polyphony and warm, gritty tones, the RZ-1 offers an authentic retro experience that’s hard to replicate in today’s digital landscape. This sampler was one of the pioneers in integrating sampling capabilities with drum machine functionality, making it a versatile tool for creating unique beats and sounds.

The Casio RZ-1 comes equipped with four sample pads that allow you to record and manipulate up to 0.8 seconds of audio each, providing ample room for creativity. Its sequencer supports up to 100 patterns and 20 songs, letting you craft complex arrangements effortlessly. With its straightforward interface and intuitive controls, the RZ-1 is perfect for both beginners dipping their toes into sampling and seasoned professionals looking to add a touch of nostalgia to their setup.

Key Features:

12-bit sampling technology for rich, classic sound
8-voice polyphony for complex texture layering
Four sample pads with up to 0.8 seconds of sampling time each
Integrated 12 drum sounds for versatile beat creation
Sequencer with capacity for 100 patterns and 20 songs
MIDI connectivity for seamless integration with other gear
Intuitive interface and controls for easy operation

Videos

Add video

Espen Kraft

Casio RZ-1 The sweetest 8 bit sampler and drum machine

Espen Kraft

Bad Gear - Casio RZ1

AudioPilz

Under The Radar /w Sam Willis (R&S): Pt. 3 - Casio RZ-1

pointblank Music School

🎛🎚 CASIO RZ 1 DRUM MACHINE SAMPLER 1986 - RETRO EDITION - BAMS PRODUCT PICK - PBAM VLOGS

P BAM VLOGS (P BAM VLOGS)

Casio RZ1 - Random/blind needle drop sampling

punkdISCO

Jamuary 2021 #8: Jam On! (Casio RZ-1)

Mo tone

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Casio RZ-1 12-Bit Sampler.

Features and functionality

0 0

The Casio RZ-1 has a short pause when triggering samples, which can affect its usability for live performance.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

An OS2 mod eliminates the sample trigger pause and allows for sample reversing; includes 16 sets of vintage drum machine samples.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Boss SP-202/303 samplers, known for their gritty effects and ability to resample, provide an alternative to the RZ-1 for similar pricing.
Source

User experience

0 0

While the RZ-1 is often seen as limited, circuit bending can significantly enhance its sound, making it more interesting.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The RZ-1's hihats are particularly praised for their distinctive 'ghetto' sound, appealing to certain musical styles.
Source

Critic Reviews

Casio RZ1 (IT Jul 86)

muzines.co.uk

The Casio RZ-1 delivers a punchy sound with a user-friendly interface that makes sampling straightforward and enjoyable. Its ability to handle various percussion sounds quickly won over the reviewer, with standout snare and bass drum sounds. However, the limitations in syncing and the potential for clipped samples may deter some users. While the overall sound quality is impressive for its time, the pairing of certain sounds could lead to frustration during performance. Ultimately, the RZ-1 is a flexible and accessible tool for musicians, though it has its quirks that might require some patience.

positive

Full Review

Casio RZ-1 12-Bit Sampler review on reverb.com

reverb.com

The Casio RZ-1 is a nostalgic gem that offers a unique glimpse into the evolution of sampling technology. Its affordability and charm have made it a favorite among early hip-hop producers, despite its limitations, such as a mere 0.8 seconds of sampling time and lo-fi sound quality. While the RZ-1 has found a niche in the circuit-bending community, its outdated specs may deter modern musicians seeking more robust options. This entry-level sampler is celebrated for its historical significance and usability but may leave contemporary users wanting more. Ultimately, the RZ-1 is an intriguing tool for those willing to embrace its quirks, but not without some trade-offs.

neutral

Full Review

Add review

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 3 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

bklyn

436

over 6 years ago

One of the most underrated samplers ever!

When it comes to sampling kicks, snares, hats, etc, the Casio RZ-1 is one of my secret weapons to get that authentic lo-fi drum sound. I bought this when it first came out in 1985 along with my Casio SK-1, I was 15 years old then and I produced my first record Choce M.C. "Let's Make Some Noise" on idlers/Warlock Records with it.

Lots of people don't know that I still use it to this day and it hasn't let me down, especially since I found a certain sweet spot on the RZ-1 that gives my drums it's own distinct flavor that's unique to my sound.

Roles:

Drummer Music Producer DJ

Genres:

Hip Hop Funk / Soul Jazz