New for Voltage Modular from DMT Audio: COSMOS!

DMT Audio has released the COSMOS Phase Distortion Bundle for Voltage Modular, an extraordinary collection of modules inspired by Casio's line of CZ synthesizers of the 1980s. COSMOS is now available for the introductory price of $29, reduced from $72.

Travel to an alternate reality where the synthesizers of the 1980s meet modular synthesis - introducing the COSMOS Phase Distortion Synthesizer Modules!

Inspired by the Casio CZ-line of Phase Distortion synths introduced in 1984, this collection breaks apart the different sections of those classic synthesizers into 5 modules - the Digital Controlled Oscillator (DCO), the Multi-Segment Envelope Generator (MSEG), the Digitally Controlled Amplifier (AMP), Line Mixer (Mix) and a Pitch Utility Module.

Each module is available in both Polyphonic and Monophonic editions, whichever you prefer!

Casio's Phase Distortion (PD) is a digital synthesis method, introduced in the CZ series, that creates complex sounds by altering a basic sine wave's phase angle, reshaping it into other waveforms like sawtooths, triangles, or squares, rather than using traditional filters. It acts like a digital filter but is integrated into the waveform itself, allowing for dynamic timbre changes via envelopes, producing sounds both digital and analog-like, and an alternative to Yamaha's popular FM synthesis at the time.

The Oscillator features eight unique waveforms which can be CV-modulated from a basic sine wave, through to saw, square, pulse, double-sine, saw-pulse, and 3 resonant waves which mimic a juicy analog filter with the resonance turned up! The MSEG is an 8-Stage Envelope Generator which goes above and beyond your standard ADSR. The Mixer adds the ability to mix two 'Lines' together, and utilise the classic Ring Modulation to get some fantastic bell sounds. The Pitch Utility Module combines Vibrato, Portamento and the CZ-1000's Glide Mode.

This bundle has taken a long time to put together, many months have been spent painstakingly going backwards and forwards, comparing the code to the original hardware synthesizers (especially the oscillators) to get them as accurate as possible. Close enough that I've been able to recreate the CZ-101's factory presets, included in the bundle!

Casio's CZ series, known as the Cosmo Synthesizer, was launched in 1984 with the iconic CZ-101. It introduced affordable digital synthesis, priced under $500, making complex sounds accessible to both hobbyists and professionals.

Casio subsequently released several variants, including the CZ-1000 (which featured full-sized keys), CZ-230S, CZ-3000, CZ-5000, and the flagship CZ-1. The CZ-1 offered velocity sensitivity and aftertouch, elevating it to a more professional-grade instrument. The CZ series is celebrated for its distinctive sound, described as "digital yet analog-ish," and it gained popularity among artists such as Vince Clarke, Tomita, and Moby. The series was particularly immortalized by its use in the hit song "Push It" by Salt-N-Pepa.