Coming from Casio you might assume entry-level and that just about sums up the CZ-1000. Fortunately it's become known for having a surprisingly good 8-stage envelope. It also uses Phase Distortion (PD) synthesis so it is quite capable of some cool digital/analog sounds! PD is Casio's own take on digital synthesis from the mid-eighties and is found in all of their CZ series. You basically modify digital waveforms (sine waves) to create various sounds. It can create wild new sounds, notably percussive sounds. But it's not too easy to program if you don't know much about waveform theory and design.

Three sets of 8-stage envelope sections are used to modulate your sounds extensively. The first is used to modify the DCO pitches over time. Another 8-stage envelope section in the DCW is used to modify the Phase Angle over time (like filtering). Finally the DCA amplifier also has an 8-stage envelope to modify the volume of sounds over time. For further tweaking the CZ-1000 employs some surprisingly analog effects. Four types of Vibrato make up a simple LFO-type section with triangle, square, ramp up or down waveforms as well as rate, depth and delay settings. Portamento adds that classic glide effect from one note to the next. Double up on the oscillators with 4-note polyphony. Built-in noise and ring modulation. It's also MIDI equipped with 4 monophonic multitimbral parts. However, with only 32 patches (16 preset, 16 user) storage is a bit slim.

The CZ-1000 is a CZ-101 with full sized keys. It is succeeded by the CZ-3000 and CZ-5000 which really fatten up the synth and provide more professional features and looks. However the CZ-1000 is without a doubt the best low-cost means of truly useable sounds for pads and lead synth sounds. It was used by Vince Clarke and Eat Static.

play with everything

May 6, 2013 @ 5:17 pm

This review isn't really so hot. Where else can you find a synth that sounds this good for 60-130 us dollars? I'd take this before i'd want a microkorg... over and over again

alberto-p

April 20, 2013 @ 2:12 pm

I also want to kno if the cz1000 can be used as a midi controller. I just bought one today in great condition for 5 bucks at a garage sale. I have the software fruity loops and pro tools but have yet to try it. I have a m audio interface to connect to my computer.

Stuffy

April 16, 2013 @ 2:29 pm

Does anybody know if this synth works well with midi controllers nowadays? I mean Korg Nano, Alesis, Behringer.

aFin

January 29, 2013 @ 2:37 am

I still use my CZ1000,I have it connected to my old Atari ST 1040 stfm.Software i use on the atari= CZ Ambient patch generator and Caged Artists CZ Rider.You can randomize sounds on the Atari and send them to the CZ1000.It creates öut of this world"sounds.Very modular-like.
I use it with a cartridge.

Paul

December 22, 2012 @ 7:43 am

My first poly synth, and boy did I have fun with it. Loved the poly glide to death and used it as if I had invented it - oh dear. Cool design, but the membrane buttons wore through eventually. I got into programming it and made some nice sounds, but secretly I yearned to upgrade to a CZ5000. Happy days!

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