VZ-10M
Professional digital synthesizer module

Different-sounding.  This is what I think when I play and listen to this synthesizer.

A very powerful synthesizer module, classy and thoroughly professional.  This is the rack version of the VZ-1 iPD synthesizer.  Casio perfected the PD synthesis found in the CZ series, and the result offers impressive sounds.  The character is very aggressive, digital, industrial, and powerful - similar to Yamaha's FM synthesis, but with a different, more aggressive character.  Starting from a simple, pure sine wave (or different waveform), you can build very complex sounds.  The on-board waveforms are among the purest I've ever heard on a synth.

I don't think this line of synthesizers was ever very popular (and in fact after that Casio pulled back from the professional market, going back to the home market).  Which is a pity, because certainly the professional qualities of an instrument like this shouldn't be forgotten.  Bottom line:  because of the powerful editing tools, this is a synth for "tweakers" and programmers.

INTERNAL FACTORY PRESETS:

VZ ROM CARD (1):

VZ ROM CARD (2):

• Powerful, extra-digital sound;
• Deep architecture, 8 modules (oscillators), incredible editing power;
• the pinnacle of Phase Distortion technology;
• like a DX7 on steroids.

Bottom line:  Great for soundtracks, ambient, electronica.

 Resources:

• Review in "Keyboard magazine" janfebmarch, 198____

1    Amazing Synthesis Versatility Thanks to Casio's All-new iPD Sound Source
Casio's all-new "Interactive Phase Distortion" (iPD) sound source system actually consists of 8 independent "modules" (M1 to M8).  Each of these modules contains a DCO and a DCA, and is capable of generating independent waveforms.  In the iPD system, the wave generated by any module can be used in either of two ways; to produce audible sounds or to modify waves generated by other modules.
The 8 iPD sound source modules work in associated pairs that are called "Internal Lines,", or simply "lines".  There are 4 internal lines - A, B, C and D
The waveforms generated by both modules in any line can be used together in three different ways.  They can be mixed, or one of the waveforms can be used to modulate the other for RING modulation or as the PHASE of a succeeding line.

2    Instant Recall of up to 256 Sounds and 256 Operation Memories
64 presets give you a wide range of vocal versatility.  And with the use of a standard ROM card, the VZ-10M gives you incredible tonal expansion potential - up to 128 patches and 128 keyboard setups are literally at your fingertips.  What's more, you can store up to 64 sounds and 64 operation memories on an optional RAM card, for even greater freedom of timbral expression.

3    "Player-friendly" Menus and Functions
Virtually all of the VZ-10M's editing and programming operations are organized into three basic sub-modes - Menu 1, Menu 2 and Menu 3 that feature a variety of "functions."  Each of these functions is further broken down into "parameters," which are constants that have changeable values or settings.  To alter VZ-10M sounds or programming, you simply alter the value of these parameters using a value slider or value keys.

4    Wide Backlit LCD Graphic Display
The VZ-10M's wide graphic LCD features a hierarchical, "player friendly" menu structure, which allows speedy and accurate operations.  Sound source configuration, patch editing, multi-patch setup creation, output channel and MIDI specifications - in fact, virtually all VZ-10M operations are controlled by interacting with various functions that are found in the three VZ-10M menus.  And a number of VZ-10M functions feature "graphic editing" capabilities.

5    Combination Mode Provides Layered and Split Voicing
The VZ-10M's "Combination" mode lets you mix together up to 4 different patches in any of 8 different patch mix or patch split configurations.  You can set effect and amp levels independently for each patch, and output them together through the MIX OUT channel.  Or output the 4 patches through the VZ-10M's L/R LINE OUT channels.

6    Multi-Channel MIDI Performance
The VZ-10M features Casio's exclusive multi-channel mode which can accept up to 8 timbres from separate MIDI sound sources.  These can then be divided into constituent polyphonics and ensembled in any format you desire.  Multi-timbral MIDI expansion, monophonic MIDI performance, or total 16-note MIDI polyphony can be selected.

7    Velocity Split & Positional Cross Fade
The VZ-10M puts powerful multi-voice performance in your hands, with advanced features such as velocity split and positional cross fade.  Set up multi-layered voices with up to 3 split points, and "fade" the voices into one another so there's no audible "split point" with the cross fade function, or control multiple voices through keyboard velocity using velocity split.

8    Optional RAM Card (RA-500)
Choose an optional RA-500 RAM card for expanded sound storage and recall capabilities.  Each RAM card holds up to 64 VZ-10M patches and 64 VZ-10M operation memories.

SYSTEM ALL INITIALIZE
To initialize all VZ-10M internal operation memory, voice and effect data to factory preset values, hold down the WRITE key and turn VZ-10M power ON.  Respond to the YES? prompt by pressing the YES key.  All internal data is reset to its original state as listed on page 99.