The Casio FZ-1 is an impressive sampler/synthesizer keyboard from 1987. Its offerings at the time were very professional features. In an 8-voice polyphonic full 61-note keyboard synthesizer you get a 16-bit digital sampler with variable 9kHz to 36kHz sampling rates. 1MB of memory expandable to 2MB could provide a maximum time of almost 2 minutes sample time at 9kHz. Up to 64 samples can be held in memory and placed across the keyboard. Graphic editing on the big LCD screen provides intuitive and easier editing of your samples with tuning, truncating, looping and much more. It also has eight outputs and analog-like 8-stage filters (DCF) and envelopes (DCA).

FZ-10M

Surprisingly the FZ-1 also has a built-in synthesizer section. It uses digital synthesis employing both harmonic additive synthesis and waveform drawing. Basic waveforms available include sawtooth, square, pulse, double sine, saw/pulse, random waves and 48 harmonics. The FZ-10M (pictured above) is the rack-module version of the FZ-1 with 2MB internal memory and XLR inputs and outputs. Dated by today's standards, the FZ-1 is a neat piece of Casio history to own but could never replace your current sampler. With the look and features you'd expect from a vintage pro-sampler, this Casio has been used by Underworld, Kronos Quartet, Dee Lite, 2 Live Crew, and Kitaro.

The Hohner HS-1 is a German version of the Casio FZ-1. Only its case is light in color. This version has been used by Coldcut.

David

June 7, 2012 @ 3:18 am

I just got one, it has the added gx in its name (Casio FZ-1 gx)
Anyone know what that means?
I know it was made for the japanese market (because of the power supply) , but I suppose it cant be only that?
Ive only seen references to gx in some japanese guys studio online (so far), so any info is appreciated (and worth adding perhaps?)

DJ Professor K

May 28, 2012 @ 9:05 pm

This is an excellent synth. Don't pay more than $100-150 for one today and test it out thoroughly before to make sure it works. But its a joy to use. !!!! Please , does anyone know where I could download a sound library for it so I can put it on floppy disks??? Email professorkmusic @ gmail . com

tsun

April 12, 2012 @ 11:59 am

it should be pointed out that the going price on these is less than $150, and that there is occasionally a fault with the disk drive which is extremely difficult to source a replacement for. it can be done, but will probably set you back between $50 and $85, and without a drive it's basically just a neat toy. pay no more than $100 for one with unknown drive status, or $50 for one with a broken drive.

also has anyone pointed out that there are 8 outs but only one voice can be assigned to each? i think there was a lucky miscommunication between departments there.

tsun

April 12, 2012 @ 11:53 am

one of the greatest samplers of the first generation, and possibly one of the best products of the mid-late 80s. filters are excellent, and as mark pointed out they are essentially analog with digital control, and sound a good deal different from the roland s-series digital filters (which are quite nice in their own right). the real kicker here is how tremendously flexible this sampler is, especially compared to ensoniq or akai's offerings (mirage doesn't even have filter lfo!). Basically just a nice sampler engine routed through the guts of a nice dco-esque polysynth.

Michael

November 7, 2011 @ 11:31 pm

The FZ-10 was also used by KMD for both Mr. Hood & Black Bastards.

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