AudioPilz vs. Behringer CZ-1: Cheese, Lawsuits, and Phase Distortion Mayhem

Diving under the CZ-1’s hood, AudioPilz lays out the good, the bad, and the downright nerdy. You get phase distortion at its core—the awkward cousin of FM synthesis—plus a handful of digital waveforms that can be mangled and stitched together like a DIY haircut after a night out. But don’t expect a faithful Casio resurrection: polyphony’s been chopped down to three voices, and the envelopes are about as tight as a pair of 80s jeans after Christmas.

Menu diving is the name of the game, with some features buried deeper than your dignity after a night at Fabric. There’s an analog filter and chorus thrown in, which is a nice touch, but the UI is a cryptic maze and the envelopes are sloppier than a kebab at 3am. If you’re after the punch and snap of the originals, you’ll need to work for it—or just accept a bit of sonic flab.

AudioPilz lines up the CZ-1 against its Casio ancestors, and the differences are as clear as the divide between a proper pub and a chain bar. While Behringer’s box borrows the spirit of the originals, it’s not a one-to-one clone. The analog filter is a modern twist, letting you sculpt the sound in ways Casio never dreamed of, but it’s also a crutch for the synth’s weaker points—like those lazy envelopes and a timbre that’s shrill up top and muddy down below.

There are workarounds: crank the global DCW parameter, lean on the filter, and you can get something usable, if not exactly authentic. But the overall vibe is more “tribute band at a wedding” than “original headliner.” AudioPilz doesn’t let Behringer off the hook, pointing out the aliasing and the fact that some of the quirks are more hassle than charm. If you want a forensic breakdown, he even recommends checking out Keen on Keys for the full science lesson.

Time for the final reckoning. AudioPilz doesn’t mince words: the CZ-1 isn’t a worthy replacement for the original Casios. The presets are few and corny, the UI is a downgrade, and the polyphony’s been slashed. For Casio diehards, the lack of authenticity is a dealbreaker, and younger producers might run screaming from the cheese overload. The plug-in version is probably a better bet for actual music-making, and the miniaturised hardware isn’t exactly gig-friendly.

Still, at the price, it’s tempting—especially if you’re after a digital-analog hybrid that’s cheap and cheerful. But if you want the real deal, you’ll have to hunt down an original or settle for software. AudioPilz wraps things up with a few pipe dreams for Behringer’s next move, but it’s clear: this CZ-1 is more novelty act than main event. Watch the video for the full roast—some synths are best experienced with your own ears (and a strong stomach).