Note: Utilities and ROMs can be found for download at the bottom of this article. Although the RZ-1’s claim to fame is that it’s a PCM-based drum machine with additional sampling capabilities, it is still quite limited by sample time and the (arguably) low quality of its stock drum sounds. … Continue reading
Note: Developments have occurred since this article was first published. Please refer to the addendum at the bottom of the post for more current information. The Casio RZ-1 drum machine contains an NEC D7811G (120) 12mHz 8-bit microcomputer (part number uPD7811G-120). The NEC 781x series was released in 1982. The … Continue reading
Question: How many Casio RZ-1 drum machines are out there without a backlight for the display? Answer: So many that most people are under the impression they were manufactured without one. The traditional method for getting a functional backlight on an RZ-1 is to replace the EL (electroluminescent) foil with … Continue reading
There are three ways to load samples into the Casio RZ-1: “cassette” dump via the MT (magnetic tape) terminal, MIDI SysEx, or in through the sample jack. The usual operating procedure is to sample through the mic/line-in jack for the initial sample creation and then export/import through the MT connection … Continue reading
Numerous CDs for Roland Sxx series music samplers: EastWest – Smoov Grooves Sxx EastWest – Scoring Tools Sxx Edirol – Brass Section, Vol. 1 – Solos Edirol – Brass Section, Vol. 2 – Pop and FX Edirol – Club50 Foundation Ilio – Trace Fusion Optical Media – Sonic Images Library … Continue reading
