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MZ-2000 Thread


Brad Saucier

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  • 1 month later...

I'm certainly up for that Brad. The MZ2000 has so little support online, a shame as it appears to have immense potential. A knowledge base would be good as I'm often struggling to get my head round some of its features and capabilities. Plus the synth section has already given some amazing sounds. I somehow paired two oscillators together with Moog style sounds and ended up with a fat monster patch, with the filter velocity sensitive and with after touch! I'd love to be able to share knowledge with other owners and unlock the potential of this hugely underrated board.  

 

 

 I've managed to learn most of what the MZ can do but it still surprises me from time to time.  I've had mine since new back in 2000 and it was my main board for years so I've had lots of time to learn it and have years of random files for it.

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Brad, this is great to have an MZ2000 thread. I'd heard a lot of good things about this rare, flagship Casio though I'd never seen one for real. Whilst browsing Casio keyboards on Ebay recently one came up, it was collection only and about 80 miles from London (a good thing as it's rare to get a 'pick up only' bargain in London). In short, I got it for £106, which is an absolute steal considering they were over £1000 new. I've only had it a couple of months so have yet to fully get to grips with it (plus I have my XW's to play with also). However, pairing oscillators together and mixing sounds, and using the synth section it has come up with some surprisingly powerful patches. Even the filter seems a little sweeter than that on the XW to my ears. 

 

Need to get my head round storing 'registrations' and fully understanding how to save sounds will all parameters intact, plus whether there is any way of transferring information via a computer rather than floppies. It seems to be a massively underrated board that has huge potential. Hopefully a few more MZ owners will join in here!

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To answer the question about the floppy disk.  There's no direct way to transfer files from the MZ like there is with the new boards.  We have to use the floppies. Having said that, there is a floppy drive emulator that has been said to work with the MZ-2000.  It directly replaces the built-in floppy drive and uses SD cards in it's place.  I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble though.

 

 

Uniflash_in_Casio.jpg

 

 

To save registrations, select the bank first by pressing the bank button until you see the one you want then press and hold the store button while pressing the registration button you want to store it in.   

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hi, i have casio mz 2000, how to write OTS on user Style?. i wanna sett 4 tones to my user style. thanks for your tutorial

Do you mean OTP for One Touch Preset?   From the  pattern sequencer edit menu press USER ONE TOUCH.  Use the buttons and sliders to enter custom settings (don't forget page 2) and then save the user pattern..  

 

We have a download section for user to download/share files for Casio keyboards.  Right now there is no MZ-2000 files.  That may change.

 
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I know of one other MZ owner on the XW facebook group.  I'm not sure if he is part of this forum.  All together we make 3.  

 

To answer the question about the floppy disk.  There's no direct way to transfer files from the MZ like there is with the new boards.  We have to use the floppies. Having said that, there is a floppy drive emulator that has been said to work with the MZ-2000.  It directly replaces the built-in floppy drive and uses SD cards in it's place.  I'm not sure if it's worth the trouble though.

 

To save registrations, select the bank first by pressing the bank button until you see the one you want then press and hold the store button while pressing the registration button you want to store it in.   

 

Thanks so much for the info. Brad. I was hoping that maybe the MZ would be able to transfer data/ SYSEX if connected to a computer, as I do like to have my computer as an archive with all files and data easily accessible/ transferable. Hard to believe that back when the MZ2000 was released, the only way to store data was via a 3.5 inch floppy disc. How things have changed with USB and SD card memory sticks becoming the norm, and making it so easy to transfer and store data.

 

With regards to the drives that replace the 3.5" disc drive with a USB/ SD card, I've heard a lot of good things about them. One memory stick can hold the equivalent of literally hundreds of floppies, so the benefits are very obvious. Plus in the case of some synths like the FZ1/ 10M/ 20M that were notorious for failing disc drives that are hard to find due to their non standard architecture, an SD card floppy emulator eradicates any potential reliability problems with the benefit or greater storage capacity. I'm certainly considering getting one for my FZ20M.

 

Concerning the registrations (and saving them), I had sussed out how to save a registration, though what wasn't clear (to my simple head) was what exactly a registration actually was. Also, the saved registration appeared to do stuff to a patch differently when the drum pattern was running. For instance, I made this nice fat Moog'ish bass sound by pairing two oscillators and using the synth function, and then saved it to a user tone pre-set. If I then played this user preset, I had the sound but it would stop the moment I released a key. Now, if I then started the drums within the registration that had this user preset, the same sound now had sustain upon releasing a key. Weird? And one of the registrations has a nice electro sounding drum kit, yet I can't find this same kit within the rhythm sections. Hence I'm not sure why 'registrations' seem to do different things to the user tones and have different drum kits not available elsewhere on the synth. Or maybe I'm just not understanding exactly what a 'registration' actually does!

 

Lastly, it's great to see the number of MZ members in this section have tripled in almost as many days!   :lol:

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 Or maybe I'm just not understanding exactly what a 'registration' actually does!

 

Do you have the MZ-2000 owners manual?   If not, here it is in a poorly scanned version.  https://www.servicecasio.com/web/download/manual/MZ-2000.pdf

 

Registration stores a snapshot of nearly everything you tweaked on the front panel.  All of the effects and their parameters you may have tweaked, mixer settings, even EASY SYNTH settings are stored. This could explain why your tone sounds different when you select it from registration. 

 

Now about the electro drum kit.  I'm not sure I understand. Can you upload files from your MZ?   You can do an ALL DATA file to save a snapshot of your MZ and then I could look at it and help.  Press SAVE and then ALL EXECUTE. 

 

BTW...I think there's a way to command the MZ to bulk send it's data over midi but I have no idea how to do that.  I wish I did.  I do know the command would need to be send via midi.  There's nothing in the MZ's OS to do that.

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Hello "workstationers" :)

 

Having read Your questions I may say I had the same. I do not want to write here manual but just give You what's in my experience. This Casio  wonder is in my opinion desiganted not for simple fast use - for such job Casio  implemented One Touch Preset - it's not for me . Casio MZ 2000 is for job worked out by demanding owner.  Although menus are very clear and access to everything is terrifing  user must remember where some blocades are and what is not a simple stamp in registration -

1) I must admit there is one  problem. Registration shall nicely  memorize  all DSP settings  except customer reverb level and chorus level for programs included by user in "Effect" chart. Any time registering is recalled and  DSP is changed it changes  this settings back to  predefined. My way is then to keep Tone DSP  unchanged within full performance - Tone DSP Hold "on"  is usefull.

2) Take care - this is important field - if You have it "on" then original MZ programs which need their designated DSP's will not get their DSP presets and their  sound will be altered in unnatural ways. If we need natural factory sound please first take this Hold to off. 

3) Depending on mixer page 2 DSP setting Reverbs and Chorus has separate settings for DSP mode  - first is in effect menu -second  with DSP "off" it is  in mixer menu.

4) Watch SETTING/accomp/chord menu - this usefull blocades make surprises when forgotten  -thats why sometime we can't get the same as usuall -  example  tone is not vanishing .

5) Synth option has two sections - one is for continuous access - other "detail" for memorizing and deep settings. . But setting of both are included in "save" operation in second section . Without if you make change in first section it will be reseted back to zeros with change to new instrument. Making own sound covers both sections - after You memorize deep settings you may alter first section, and to keep it permanent it you must go back to deep section to make "save" again.

6) Synth section requires imagination of programm shape - if parameter is  short or small it will be no result when adjusting other  parameters for longer or bigger values. But is must be this way.

 

That is few for beginning. Good experience is also that the longer this instrument is in use and programmed the less job is to do for new  arrangement - Musician style  (if has any -....uuups..) is better and better memorized.

 

If You wish to see what I am doing the best is to write to google :mikexception and then go to my  channell in Youtube

 

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Welcome to the forums Mikexception and Her Oe!

 

I will add a little more about the synth mode on the MZ-2000.  As Mike mentioned, pressing the synth button on the front panel enters the MZ into what Casio called "Easy Synth" mode where you can edit in real time from the sliders.

 

03_l.gif

 

Now, one cool thing about the EASY SYNTH mode (before pressing DETAIL) is that changes made to it can be saved 2 ways.  You can go ahead and press the DETAIL button and then SAVE as a new User Tone.    Or, Save a new registration.   Any changes in EASY SYNTH will be stored in the Registration Memory.  Very cool. 

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Hello! Very glad I found your sayt.U I have a Casio MZ 2000, but the deadline batteries ended four years ago. Really want to spice up the workstation, but can not because CASIO services in Russia are no longer suitable batteries. Can you advise me where you can buy the original battery? Sorry for the mistakes, I use a translator.

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Hello! Very glad I found your sayt.U I have a Casio MZ 2000, but the deadline batteries ended four years ago. Really want to spice up the workstation, but can not because CASIO services in Russia are no longer suitable batteries. Can you advise me where you can buy the original battery? Sorry for the mistakes, I use a translator.

I did the replacement in advance when instrument was 10 years old. Also in Poland Casio service is  simply psyhological :wacko: . I decided to buy the same 3 V   bigger even battery (thicker a bit) and made Do It Yourself round  plastic adaptor box closed with  thread  and wires leads out and carryed attention to the same polarity. .  It made soldering possibile without overheating  the battery. Originall one has leads welded.  I don't know  about all data in case of too low battery - I did it parallel way  to avoid unenergising.  Rgds.

PS - I am used to make all electronic repairs myself ;), You may ask qualified someone.

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Hi yorr!

 

Are you referring to the internal battery for memory backup?  Does your memory contents get lost when you unplug the keyboard?   My MZ-2000 is one of the oldest ones made (first year) and it's still running on the original battery. 

 

David,  what kind of popcorn do you have there?   Are you enjoying the show?   :P

Hi Brad ! Yes, I mean the internal battery for memory backup. She worked for nine years, then the display started working intermittently, then stopped completely incorporated. I had the address of the website where you can order the original battery, it seems in England, but I lost it.

  Casio MZ 2000 I felt very comfortable even used as midi. Mechanic keys very comfortable.

 

 

I did the replacement in advance when instrument was 10 years old. Also in Poland Casio service is  simply psyhological :wacko: . I decided to buy the same 3 V   bigger even battery (thicker a bit) and made Do It Yourself round  plastic adaptor box closed with  thread  and wires leads out and carryed attention to the same polarity. .  It made soldering possibile without overheating  the battery. Originall one has leads welded.  I don't know  about all data in case of too low battery - I did it parallel way  to avoid unenergising.  Rgds.

PS - I am used to make all electronic repairs myself ;), You may ask qualified someone.

Hi Mike ! I also tried to replace the battery yourself. But I'm not such a good specialist in repairing electronics :-)

You are right it is necessary to find a good specialist. But unfortunately I lost the original battery and now I do not remember its characteristics.

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 then the display started working intermittently, then stopped completely incorporated.

Yorr, it sounds like there is more than just the battery that needs repair.  The only problem you should have with the dead battery is lost user data (tones, patterns, songs, registration) when you unplug the keyboard.  Everything else should work fine including the display.

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Mike,  I have watched your videos on youtube.  Very good.  I think you are the most active MZ-2000 user on youtube.  One question.  What is the different colors on your buttons for?

Hi, it's just aid to help to klick right button. I am not sure if averybody realises that with MZ-2000 I counted something about 130 switches on dashboard - it's great  advantage in access time comparing do access through menus but then for some panels makes a bit confuse to be sure to choose without reading. With more colors it's easier. I  cut by whole cutter round transparent filters sticked  with double sided tape and it helps a littele to avoid wrong step. It may be removed without trace. Special attention I had to put to One Touch button - this one removes all done last time settins and replaces with OTP - too bad if it was not in registration.

 

You are right - I didn't want to be no 1 but competition sleeps :ph34r: . I am not dedicated MZ-2000 user - this is simply my last choice. Very begining was back in 1986 with small Casio MT which was already outdated purchased in second hand shop in US near N.Orleans. then were two more small MT's, after Yamaha PSR400 then Technics Digital Ensamble  PR170 and great return to Casio - WK1800, CTK900. What else could I buy next ??? :rolleyes:

Adiitionally I have  controller CME UF8 to drive Casios by MIDI and in my opinion hammer keys with Casio Piano Grand make nice change and allow more keys and controlled  with knobs on CME   sounds. I do not advice it too much because of lost areal at home but just say. :wacko:

Rgds.

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Hi Brad ! Yes, I mean the internal battery for memory backup. She worked for nine years, then the display started working intermittently, then stopped completely incorporated. I had the address of the website where you can order the original battery, it seems in England, but I lost it.

  Casio MZ 2000 I felt very comfortable even used as midi. Mechanic keys very comfortable.

 

 

Hi Mike ! I also tried to replace the battery yourself. But I'm not such a good specialist in repairing electronics :-)

You are right it is necessary to find a good specialist. But unfortunately I lost the original battery and now I do not remember its characteristics.

 

HI, I looked and found a battery which was my choice one of two  - both had the same diameter -this one is CR2450 and  for me as I remember was looking promising also. The only problem  is that original has attached leads and is pemanently soldered to main board. If that is solved then any 3V lithium battery will do.

Rgds.

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Good idea for the buttons.  I do like having lot's of buttons.   Makes things quick to choose.   I've had my MZ-2000 for 13 years.   Now I have the PX-5s as well.  It's better than the MZ in many ways but not others.  I still need both of them.  

 

FYI, We can share files for the MZ on this forum in the download section.  We'll need to use the "other Casio products" section for now.  If we get enough files we may be able to make our own category.

13 years is great experience. Great option  to to ask difficult questions. I purchased my MZ 3 years ago as second hand and it is already a factor - 1) I wonder about my one is booting at start - there is a jingle by the way. My MZ jingles only sometimes and never in full - it's not from the begining only the reverb of it. Had You such experience with Your? 2) Microphone jack is very often not activated at first booting - if is deaf  I need to switch off and restart - second is always positive.    3) Still I have doubts about "interactive accomp" - works for some programs good but it is no more then 50%. Could it be normal?

Rgds.

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1)  I would love for you to post a video of it's jingle during boot-up.  I had no idea later models did that.   :)

 

2)  Yes, it does that.  I think it's a feature.  If no sound is detected from the inputs during boot-up then the system deactivates them.  That's my theory.

 

3)  Interactive accomp has more effect in some patterns than others.   It's normal.

 

 

Now for my question.  In the Master DSP effects,  EQ FLAT,  does it sound like that setting does anything? 

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1)  My MZ is the first model year (2000).  It never did any jingle during boot up and I owned 2 different MZ's that year.   The first one, I had to exchange for a new one because something on the main board burned out within the first week.   The jingle may have been added in 2001 or 2002.  I would love for you to post a video of it's jingle during boot-up.  I had no idea later models did that.   :)

 

2)  Yes, it does that.  I think it's a feature.  If no sound is detected from the inputs during boot-up then the system deactivates them.  That's my theory.

 

3)  Interactive accomp has more effect in some patterns than others.   It's normal.

 

 

Now for my question.  In the Master DSP effects,  EQ FLAT,  does it sound like that setting does anything? 

Thank You.

No - EQ Flat in my one doesn' change - only level works(what for?) . Other it's controllers have no designation even values on screen  may be adjusted. I suspect  that Casio would develop this modell if continued. I respect for what they already did, and even  small bugs may be forgiven in such completly new design, and with short time for feedback. I also bless them for rubbers an contacts. No any problem in my piece after about 10 years. I have also CTK-900 and this one almost all dach push buttons contacts made with rubber failed after 4 years - I sticked new rubber covers to them - tricky job. Service gave me lot support telling that it is unusuall so obviously they have no remedy :lol: ..

PS This partly  jingle comes only sometime and it's only one  "reach" sounding tone like evaluated  Orchestra Hit.

Rgds.

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