Casio CZ-1000 (1984)

A programmable 8-voice digital synthesizer using Phase Distortion synthesis, released as part of Casio's entry into accessible synthesis.

Overview

The Casio CZ-1000 is a 49-key synthesizer released in 1984 as part of Casio's CZ series, designed for musicians who wanted to create and modify their own sounds. It features full-size synth-action keys and delivers 8-voice polyphony with 32 preset/user tones. Built around Phase Distortion (PD) synthesis, the CZ-1000 allows sound editing via front-panel controls and was marketed for home and entry-level studio use. It lacks built-in speakers, accompaniments, and sequencer functions but includes MIDI connectivity and line-level audio outputs.

Specifications

Number of Keys	49
Key Weight	Synth action
Key Size	Full-size
Touch Sensitive	No
Aftertouch	No
Number of Voices	32 (preset/user tones)
Polyphony	8 voices
Sound Generation	Phase Distortion (PD) synthesis
Preset/User Tones	32 tones
Sounds Editable	Yes
Accompaniments	No
Recorder/Sequencer	No
Tutorials	No
MIDI	Yes
USB	No
Tablet Connectivity	No
AC Power	Yes
Batteries	Yes (type/count not specified)
Speakers	No
Audio Out	Yes, line-level outputs
Audio In	No
Sustain Pedal	No
Soft Pedal	No
Expression Pedal	No
Year	1984 (release year)
RRP	$649

Design

The CZ-1000 uses Phase Distortion Synthesis, which creates timbres by distorting a sine wave's phase through variable increment rates in a phase accumulator. Sound generation relies on Digital Controlled Oscillators (DCO), Digital Controlled Wave (DCW), and a Digital Controlled Amplifier (DCA). Modulation is handled by Envelope Generators (EG), a Low-Frequency Oscillator (LFO), and additional modulators. Programming is done via front-panel controls or optional software, with a layout designed to be more intuitive than FM synthesis.

Context

The CZ-1000 was developed in response to competitive pressures following the 1983 launch of the Yamaha DX7. It is a full-size variant of the CZ-101 and sits between that model and the flagship CZ-5000 in the CZ series lineup. The series was inspired in part by collaborations such as the "Cosmo Synthesizer" project with composer Isao Tomita. Aimed at home and entry-level studio users, the CZ series brought programmable synthesis to a broader market and sold in large numbers, with the CZ-101 and CZ-1000 together moving around 115,000 units.

Market

CZ synthesizers remain remarkably affordable on the used market despite their legacy and use by notable artists like Vince Clarke of Depeche Mode and Erasure. The CZ-1000’s ability to produce metallic, percussive, and organic sounds contributed to its cult status, with its iconic organ preset appearing in early 1990s rave productions.