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Conference napalm::commusic_v1

Title:* * Computer Music, MIDI, and Related Topics * *
Notice:Conference has been write-locked. Use new version.
Moderator:DYPSS1::SCHAFER
Created:Thu Feb 20 1986
Last Modified:Mon Aug 29 1994
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:2852
Total number of notes:33157

612.0. "Casio CZ101 vs. CZ230s - Differences?" by ECADSR::SHERMAN () Wed Dec 17 1986 12:06

Hey, what exactly are all the differences between the CZ-101 and the CZ-230s?
I know that the 230s has a speaker and presets.  I figure that in MIDI-mode
it looks like a 101.  And, I figure the 101 doesn't have the presets, but
allows me to diddle with the parameters.  Beinz how I like to diddle with the
hardware and am on a budget that's tighter than a frog's derriere, I figure
a 101 is someday in my future.  But, does the 230s have any other advantages
over the 101 besides a speaker, presets and price?  Any other +/-'s?

T.RTitleUserPersonal
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612.1ECADSR::SHERMANWed Dec 17 1986 12:082
    A little oops, here.  I'm aware that the 101 is cheaper than the
    230s.
612.2Boom chicka boom chicka boom boom chickaMAILER::EATONWed Dec 17 1986 14:224
    	The 230s also has a simple drum machine built-in, with a very
    simple sequencer.
    
    	Dan
612.3Preset vs. programPHUBAR::WELLSNothing truly trivial passes me by.Wed Dec 17 1986 15:505
    In another note where a 230s is offered for sale, it mentions 100
    presets, of which 4 are programmable via MIDI.  Does this mean no
    front panel programming (i.e. really a preset-only machine)?
    
    Richard
612.4simple but funCGHUB::IBBETTOIS Performance GroupThu Dec 18 1986 13:389
    Re .-1
    
    Correct. No mussing with the timbres. It *is*, however, a *very*
    good starter keyboard for MIDI - unless you're a *real* keyboard
    player and would therefore be 'offended' by the small keys, etc
    [ :-) ].
    
    If anyone who has influence over a certain guy from the North Pole
    is listening, I could use an FB01...
612.5WASTED::tomgDanger: Slow Thinker at WorkWed Jun 05 1991 16:486

Can someone provide me with the list of features of the CZ101 as
well as any pros/cons of the device?


612.6From MemoryDRUMS::FEHSKENSlen, EMA, LKG2-2/W10, DTN 226-7556Wed Jun 05 1991 18:0546
    1) small, cute, interesting
    
    2) 4 or 8 voice, depending on structure of patch
    
    3) "phase distortion" analog of traditional analog synth:
    
    	a) DCOs (digital oscillators) select 8 basic waveforms, some of
    	   which may be combined
    
    	b) waveforms may be phase distorted to produce analog
    	   filtering-like effect, varying sound from raspy to flutelike
    
    	c) "filtered" waveform may be amplitude shaped
    
    	d) 8 stage envelope generators applicable (separately) to DCO
   	   pitch, waveform and amplitude
    
    	e) two sets of the above (a-d) may be combined by addition or ring
    	   modulation (amplitude multiplication), or one set may be used
    	   for twice as many voices.
    
    4) 48 patches selectable:
    
     	16 "builtin" patches, mostly pretty lame
     	16 "user defined" onboard patches
    	16 "user defined" cartridge resident patches
    
    5) 3 octave miniature keyboard, portamento, bender
    
    6) basic midi implementation, including multitimbral "solo" mode
    
    7) battery powered with external ("wall bug) ac supply
    
    Pros - cheap, capable of some unique sounds; 8 stage envelopes very
    flexible.  Easy to program. Very portable.
    
    Cons - keyboard is only a toy.  Incapable of some important sounds
    (e.g., piano).  Nominally obsolete technology, so cartridges and
    3rd party patches hard to come by.
    
    Net - as these are selling used for around $100, and they are capable
    of some neat sounds (especially when augmented by an outboard chorus),
    they are usually well worth the investment for a low end studio.
    
    len (former satisfied owner of a CZ-101).
      
612.74 not 3RGB::ROSTJimmy Blanton's love childWed Jun 05 1991 18:1317
   > 5) 3 octave miniature keyboard, portamento, bender
    
    Oops, Len it's 4 octaves...
    
   > Nominally obsolete technology, so cartridges and
    3rd party patches hard to come by.
    
    Carts yes, patches no (by mail, anyway).  Still quite a few developers
    selling them, although not creating any new ones.  Lotsa public domain
    (free) patches still floating around (like your awesome organ,
    Len...the organ *patch*, I mean...), as well as editor software for
    almost all computers.
    
    On carts, for DIYers, I have schematics for a four bank (16 X 4) RAM
    cart that can be built for about $20 of parts.
    
    						 Brian
612.8They shoulda Made a Rack Mount Version...DRUMS::FEHSKENSlen, EMA, LKG2-2/W10, DTN 226-7556Wed Jun 05 1991 18:2912
    re .7
    
    Could be 4, it's so tiny it seems like 3.  Must be my old Casio MT-40
    that's only 3 octaves.
    
    Sometimes I wish I hadn't sold my CZ-101, but the upgrade to the D-50
    was too hard to resist...
    
    ;^)
    
    len.
    
612.9this is from memory ...RICKS::SHERMANECADSR::SHERMAN 225-5487, 223-3326Thu Jun 06 1991 12:477
    As I recall, the CZ is sans aftertouch and velocity response.  You do
    get a pitch bend wheel.  And, programming strikes me as simpler and
    easier than with other synths.  Only one audio output.  I've actually
    used it in performance playing a flute part which was tolerable.
    Pretty good bang for the buck.
    
    Steve
612.10use it all the timeNAC::SCHUCHARDAl Bundy for Gov'Thu Jun 06 1991 15:3214
    
    As i understand it, the one i got from Rodney, he got from Len. Biggest
    complaint is the keyboard - my fingers are big enough already.
    
    That said, i have found it to be much fun, and extremely helpful in
    recording.  I consider it a useful, if sometimes futile, task to try
    and meld the brass presets into something tolerable. Usually, I hunt
    thru the patches listed in the conference and mangle them to my
    specification.  All in all, lot's of value for the going rate, which
    i find highly unusual in this corner of the toy world.
    
    uh Brian, how big a ditz can i be and still create the cart?
    
    	bob