Casio CZ-101 Phase Distortion 1980's Synthesizer

Description

Classic synth with brand new OLED display.

The Casio CZ-101 is a digital synthesizer released in November 1984, notable for being one of the first fully programmable polyphonic synthesizers available at a budget price.
It features a 49-key mini keyboard with a four-octave range from C to C, designed for portability and affordability.
The instrument uses Casio's proprietary Phase Distortion (PD) synthesis, a form of digital synthesis that allows for the creation of a wide range of sounds, including analog-like tones and percussive effects.
It is capable of eight-note polyphony in single DCO mode and four-note polyphony when using dual DCOs, though this requires layering oscillators to achieve richer sounds.

The CZ-101 includes three sets of eight-stage envelope generators: one for the digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) to shape pitch, one for the digitally controlled wave (DCW) to modify the waveform (similar to filtering), and one for the digitally controlled amplifier (DCA) to control volume.
It offers 32 voice memories—16 preset and 16 user-programmable—and 33 waveforms, including sawtooth, square, pulse, double sine, saw-pulse, and three resonance types.
Additional features include programmable portamento, a pitch bend wheel, vibrato with four waveform options, ring modulation, noise generation, and MIDI connectivity.

Despite its compact size and mini-keys, the CZ-101 was designed for stage and studio use, featuring strap buttons for wearing like a guitar and a battery compartment for six D-size batteries, though it lacks an internal speaker.
It was marketed as a professional instrument for its price point, with a recommended retail price of £395.
The CZ-101 was the first in the CZ series and became highly influential, inspiring later models like the CZ-1000, CZ-3000, and CZ-5000.
It has been used by artists such as Moby, Vince Clarke, and They Might Be Giants.

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