Casio VZ-8M (1988)

The VZ-8M is the rack-mount module version of Casio's VZ-1 keyboard. It came out in 1988 as part of the VZ series, the successor to the CZ line. It uses the same interactive phase distortion (iPD) engine as the VZ-1, with four oscillators and an eight-stage amplitude/phase envelope per voice. The VZ-1 gave you a keyboard. The VZ-8M gives you a 2U rack unit with a 2x16 LCD, MIDI In/Out/Thru, and patch memory for 64 patches and 32 performances.

The phase distortion engine is Casio's answer to FM synthesis. It makes digital FM-style tones, but warmer. Contemporary reception calls it a hidden gem, and bass and pad sounds got particular praise. The programming interface is the trade-off, and it's widely described as difficult. "Menu-diving hell" and "a pain to program" come up repeatedly. Sound on Sound (April 1996, p.111) listed the VZ-8M among used gear offered by a Bristol dealer, so it was still on the market nearly a decade after release.

It's a compact unit at 480 x 88 x 245 mm and 4.1 kg. The original list price was $899, which made it a low-cost alternative to the Yamaha DX7 II.

If you're shopping for one, know two things. It's relatively rare compared to the VZ-1, and units frequently suffer from leaking capacitors and dead internal batteries. Check both before buying. When they work, they're sturdy, distinctive-sounding modules that remain underrated.

- 8-voice polyphonic, 2-part multitimbral

- Interactive Phase Distortion synthesis, 4 oscillators per voice

- 64 patches, 32 performances

- MIDI In/Out/Thru

- 2x16 LCD

- 480 x 88 x 245 mm, 4.1 kg

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Casio VZ-8M (1988)

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