Casio M-10

[ta152c]

Have any other users noticed a fair bit of distortion when pressing more than 3 keys on this? 

 

Taking the volume down does help but just wondering. Also, has anyone tried hacking/circuit bending the vibrato (LFO) to get more control over it?

 

I'm loath to do it but its such a nice wee keyboard that I think it would be a worthwhile modification.

 

In other news, I'm really tempted to get a VZ-1- any thoughts?

 

Pic attached is of some clouds I saw a few weeks back, btw.

[Chas]

Have any other users noticed a fair bit of distortion when pressing more than 3 keys on this? 

 

Taking the volume down does help but just wondering. Also, has anyone tried hacking/circuit bending the vibrato (LFO) to get more control over it?

 

I'm loath to do it but its such a nice wee keyboard that I think it would be a worthwhile modification.

 

In other news, I'm really tempted to get a VZ-1- any thoughts?

 

Pic attached is of some clouds I saw a few weeks back, btw.

 

I have an M10 back home in the UK, though I won't be able to try it out again until I go back next Spring. I don't recall it distorting when pressing more than 3 keys. I have an article somewhere that show's that the M10 can be extensively "hacked" to produce much more sounds than the four presets it comes with. I believe it shared the same circuitry as some more powerful (and more expensive) Casios, so Casio just cut some of the features of the circuit board to make it a lesser/ cheaper model. It's nice enough, though the real reason why I bought one was because it is listed amongst the equipment used by The Human League when recording their album "DARE!" (I'm a big Human League and Casio fan).

 

The VZ-1 meanwhile is a very powerful keyboard, though programming can be tedious due to the menu driven interface (it's still much, much easier than the sonically similar DX7). It is actually a lot more powerful than a DX7, and has more in common with a DX7II, though ironically despite the DX series claiming to be "FM" they are actually "Phase Modulation", whereas the VZ-1 is closer to genuine "FM" with its Interactive Phase Distortion. The VZ-1 can be controlled by MIDI based editors that can make the process of programming a lot easier. It IS capable is some very powerful and complex sounds, and they can be bought for not much money at all. I paid just £75 for mine, in almost perfect condition, and coming with an RC Rom card and stand! There are rack versions too - the VZ-8M and the VZ-10M, though the 8M has less "operators" and thus lacks the polyphony of the 10M. Both are more expensive than the VZ-1 due to their compact size, though the VZ-1 does come with a velocity and aftertouch keyboard with 3 x modulation wheels.

 

If you are prepared to spend the time learning the the VZ's interface, it is well worth getting. You can also download patches from various user groups (Yahoo CZ group for instance) or purchase some from some sites too, which saves having to program it. Either way, for the price they often go for they are well worth picking up if you fancy delving into the interesting and complex synthesis that is Casio's iPD.

 

Here's a good example of sounds you can get from a VZ:

 

[Chas]

Here's another video showing good use of the VZ-1:

 

 

 

[Brad Saucier]

I want VZ-1!  (drool)

[CYBERYOGI =CO=Windler]

If your M-10 distorts and it is not just the speaker, check if electrolytic capacitors in the amp section went bad and so has a short circuit or high resistance. Such a bad capacitor sometimes make crackle noise in the speaker when knocked or gently moved.

How to unleash the power of M-10 was thoroughly researched by Robin Whittle. On his website is a FAQ (large PDF file) about it.