Behringer has unveiled the CZ-1 Mini, offering up its take on the classic Casio CZ-1 Phase Distortion synthesiser.

The unit was first alluded to two years ago, and true to Behringer form, serves up an affordable alternative to the Casio CZ-1, which first hit the market in 1986.

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Following the same smaller form factor as Behringer’s Pro-VS Mini, Phara-O Mini and JT Mini, the CZ-1 Mini takes heavy inspiration from the CZ-1, but with a slightly different feature set..

Where the original CZ-1 polyphonic synth boasted eight voices, Behringer’s CZ-1 Mini comes loaded with three voices instead. It’s not all subtraction in terms of features, though, as the CZ-1 Mini brings an analogue 24dB low-pass filter.

Elsewhere, the CZ-1 Mini features two DCOs (digitally controlled oscillators), which serve up the same eight waveforms found in Casio’s CZ series: sawtooth, square, pulse, double sine, saw pulse, and three resonant waveforms, which are flavoured with simulated filter resonance.

The CZ-1 Mini also features 27 touch-sensitive keys – facilitating “expressive play” – in addition to a 16-step sequencer and three-pattern arpeggiator, and even a “studio-grade” chorus.

The unit also has comprehensive I/O, with a USB-C input, five-pin MIDI in, sync input and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

“With real-time controls and deep compatibility, it’s everything you love about hands-on synthesis – no compromises!” says Behringer.

The CZ-1 Mini is available now, priced at $89. For more information, head to Behringer.

The post The CZ-1 Mini is Behringer’s take on Casio’s classic phase distortion synth, the CZ-1 appeared first on MusicTech.