Behringer shared this official demo video for the CZ-1 Mini, a new mini-synth with a synth voice that’s based in part on the ’80s Casio CZ line of phase distortion synthesizers.
The Behringer CZ-1 Mini is a hybrid phase distortion synthesizer featuring a 24 dB analog low-pass filter, 16-step sequencer and built-in arpeggiator. Like other synths in Behringer’s Mini lineup, the CZ-1 Mini is a monophonic/paraphonic design, with three digital voices feeding into a single analog filter.
The video demo does not really demonstrate that the CZ-1 Mini sounds anything like the original Casio CZ synths – which probably reflects the fact that the patches run through an analog filter, which wasn’t part of the original’s design, and the Mini offers a ‘studio grade chorus’, where the original CZ-1 chorus is of its day.
Instead, the video demo spends more time highlighting the CZ-1 Mini’s hybrid synth engine, prominently featuring the synth’s analog filter. And the sound design potential of the synth’s hybrid engine extends into areas where the old-school CZ synths could never go.
Check out the video, and share your thoughts on the Behringer CZ-1 Mini in the comments!
Features:
- Phase distortion engine featuring 8 classical waveforms
- Authentic reproduction of CZ-1 sound engine
- Supports original Casio CZ series SysEx for enhanced compatibility
- 27 touch-sensitive keys for great playability
- Analog 24 dB low-pass filter
- 16-step sequencer with easy programmability
- Arpeggiator with 3 patterns
- Studio-grade Chorus effect
- Dedicated Filter envelope and LFO for creative sound shaping
- High-resolution OLED display for easy parameter editing
- USB Type C allows powering via smartphone, power bank or computer
- Sync Input to synchronize with your other synthesizers or drum machines
- Comprehensive MIDI implementation (including NRPN/CC control of all parameters and bulk load/save)
Pricing and Availability:
The Behringer CZ-1 Mini is priced at $89 USD, and is starting to show up for preorder at retailers.
Maybe the thumbnail on the main page is a different model?
I was looking forward to getting this one, but the 3-voice limit just blew it for me. I can understand the limitations of the other analog models, since they need discrete circuits for each oscillator, but in the CZ’s case it’s all software generated and if they managed to get 5 voices (20 DCOs) out of the VS Mini, there’s no reason they couldn’t have made it a 4-voice poly (8 DCOs) like the original 101.
And where is the Hirotribe?
I am curious if they can do it via FW later since they added the 5th voice on the via FW update (it originlly shipped with 4)
i would rather they skimped on the polyphony than the sound engine …those classic CZ sounds and the CZ palette is now within reach.
i am glad they skimped on the polyphony, and not the sound engine … the CZ palette is now within reach.
Apparently no ring modulation, and that and the fake resonant waves were 2 of the standout features I love on the original CZ. Oh well. At least it included the fake resonant waves.
Completely wrong form factor!
Casio never made a 19″ CZ module. This would have been an opportunity for Behringer to fill a niche that didn’t exist for 40 years.
The Casio VZ-8m and VZ-10m get close to the CZ sound in a 19″ module
24 dB analog low-pass filter?
that’s nice but not really CZ is it?
24 dB analog low-pass filter? that’s nice but not really CZ is it?
also need the ring modulator.
8-step CZ-style envelopes need to make a comeback though.
Needs the ring modulator (no mention of noise either.) 12-bit DAC was likely important to the original CZ sound.
8-step CZ-style envelopes need to make a comeback though.
I agree that the paraphonic analog filter makes it a very different instrument which may be interesting on its own. So not really a “knockoff”. The green display recalls green VFDs on other synths (though not CZ afaik.)