CZ V

Classic Phase Distortion Cult

The CZ V models the Casio CZ-101 and CZ-1000, two cult synths behind many of the pop hits by 80s. It adds a ton of new features that make it an instrument for the ages

Casio's digital synthesizers in the mid 80s were light on price and big on sound. Just listen and you'll be great with the new and improved CZ V.

Like you, we love synths of all flavors. That's why we had to recreate the true essence of Casio's patented phase distortion synthesis that has made its CZ series so popular. You don't need to understand how phase distortion works - just let your ears tell you how cool and unique it would sound in your music.

As you've come to expect from the entire Arturia V collection, our enhancements turn CZ into an even more formidable sonic force that can transform your music.

A Simpler Kind of Powerful Digital Synthesis

Introduced in 1984, the CZ -101 was Casio's answer to the popular Yamaha DX7. It was significantly cheaper and infinitely easier to program than its rival. Instead of frequency modulation, Casio's Phase Distortion (PD) used multiple user-selected waveforms to modulate the timing of simple carrier waves at the cycle level to create more complex waveforms. This simplified form of digital synthesis has made it relatively easy to perfect a wide variety of tones, ranging from warm pads, natural percussion, buzzy digitals, sci-fi effects and even analog synthesizers. While PD might sound similar to FM, it also had a unique sonic signature.

CZ's sound helped propel artists like Salt-N-Pepa, Was (Not Was) and Vince Clarke to the spotlight. Let's add your name to the list.

Classic Casio Phase Distortion

+ cutting-edge Arturia modeling

= endless sonic possibilities for you

Imagine a virtual instrument that realistically models every nuance of the CZ-101 - and with four times the polyphony and zillions of presets. What if it gave you an intuitive graphical interface that unlocks all the hidden gems in this unique digital synthesizer? What if you now had envelopes, filters, LFOs, effects, and comprehensive beat-to-host sync parameters? Oh, what if you could interconnect it all via a new super flexible modulation matrix? We've faithfully reproduced the instrument that brought '80s pop to new heights.

Yes...we did it!

All the Presets You Need

Access a full library of great sounds from world-class designers as soon as you launch CZ V.

Unlike the hardware version, the CZ V can store an infinite number of sounds - and we've put together a nice collection to inspire you right away. Arturia's universal library system allows you to search and organize patches according to categories and tags. With over 450 presets covering a whole range of bass, lead, key and keyboard sounds, the CZ V will add inimitable touch and edge to your tracks. The CZ V can even import SysEx patch data from Casio CZ series hardware, so you can access your favorite presets from your own library or available from decades of user posts.

Now it's time to take your music to a new altitude cruising with the CZ V's, producing and playing the music of tomorrow.

Key Features

Two synthesis lines and independent noise source

All original parameters CZ-101 / CZ-1000

8 original waveform and shape editor Waveform Custom

Original SysEx CZ Import

CZ, DADSR, and multi-segment (synchronized and loopable) envelopes to control tone, DCW and amplitude

2 Modulation Envelopes

4 Assignable Macros

Advanced Modulation Matrix

One Sample and Hold module, 2 LFOs with 6 waveforms, 3 font combiners and an arpeggiator

4 FX slots that can be routed in series or per sline synthesis

A synthesis line state viewer for real-time feedback

Emulation of the original CZ DAC

32 voices of polyphony

Up to 8 unison voices with unison disunion

Over 400 factory presets