Happy Friday!

I just released a new Ableton Live Pack made with the Casio CZ-1! (There's also a version for Logic Pro!)

Casio CZ-1 Ableton Live and Logic Pro X Pack

At a local garage sale, my friend Dave came across a Casio CZ-1 in mint condition! He picked it up for me knowing I'd probably want to sample it. Thanks, Dave!

Phase Distortion Synthesis

The Casio CZ series uses phase distortion, a type of synthesis somewhat related to Frequency Modulation in which one oscillator modulates another. The sound is classic 80's, warm and nostalgic.

All Factory Presets Included

I made 27 recordings of different notes at different velocities of all 64 presets on the CZ-1. This ensures that the character and depth of the original hardware is represented.

Powered Up with Ableton Live

Next, I built an in-depth Ableton Live Rack that allows you to select the different presets and further sculpt each sound. There are 16 Macro Controls to take the CZ-1 to all new territories.

Additionally, there are 8 Macro Variations that can be applied to each preset, resulting in a total of 512 sounds in this Pack!

Additionally, there's a custom CZ Audio FX Rack included with the Pack.

It's More Fun in Ableton Live!

The Casio CZ-1 sounds amazing. But it isn't much fun to program. There's a lot of button pressing and menu diving that makes real-time control impossible.

However, with the Ableton Live Devices, it's a lot of fun. Manipulating the sounds is a breeze and in a few quick knob turns, you can add life to a sound or change it into something completely new. Check out the video above for my demonstration.

The Casio CZ-1 Ableton Live and Logic Pro Pack is available for purchase now or as part of a Music Production Club membership!

Learn More About the Casio CZ-1 Pack

Thanks for reading and enjoy the weekend!

Brian Funk

Making Boring Loops? Try This!

The Making of Orchid with Telepathic Instruments Co-Founder Tom Cosm

Free Halloween Theremin and Sale!

Halloween Sale - $5 Ghosts Ableton Live Pack

Plug-in Development and Live Performance with Tom Carpenter

See all posts from Brian Funk