Casio VL-1
The Casio VL -1 (also known as Casio VL- Tone ) was the first Japanese company Casio synthesizer from the VL series. This very reasonably priced instrument ( price in Germany 149 DM ) was produced from 1981 to 1984. One of the four Kashio brothers, who founded Casio in 1946, developed the very low-cost LSI chip, which was used for music production. At the insistence of the management of the company Casio poverty function of the chip was compensated by a built-in calculator.
The unit is now regarded as a cult instrument because it produces qualitatively very shoddy and unrealistic tones. Nevertheless, the instrument is still used today by well-known artists, including Human League, Stevie Wonder, Robbie Williams and in particular Trio.
Sound
The Casio VL -1 had five pre-programmed instruments:
- "Piano" ( Piano)
- "Fantasy"
- " Violin" ( violin )
- " Flute " (flute)
- "Guitar" (guitar)
All sounds are just bad abstractions of real instruments. The sixth setting ADSR allows the programming of their own voices by an eight-digit number is stored in memory in the calculator mode, from which a sound is modulated in keyboard mode.
About a slider allows all sounds to a total of 4 octaves ( a major third ) play. The push-button keyboard itself includes two octaves a major third (29 keys). Since the Casio VL -1 has only a single sound modulator, only single notes no more sounds can be generated ( monophonic ), but as chords ( polyphony ).
Rhythm
The Casio VL -1 has ten pre-programmed rhythms.
- March
- Waltz
- 4-beat
- Swing
- Rock 1 ( Audio sample? / I )
- Rock 2
- Bossa Nova
- Samba
- Rhumba
- Beguine
Sequencer
The memory of the built-in sequencer holds 100 notes that can be entered either in real time or step by step. A subsequent correction can take place both in speed as well as the pitch and the selected sound. A subsequent insertion of notes is possible. The play takes place as autoplay or by pressing one or two large blue tone keys ( One Key Play). For real-time recording also one of the built-in rhythms can be played as a timing aid. The pace is just like the rhythm later in the pace varied.
Pocket calculator
The calculator mode allows simple functions of a standard calculator with a maximum of eight-digit numbers. It is operated via the keyboard.
Use of the Casio VL -1
In particular, the German band Trio graduated in 1982 with the Casio VL -1 popular when the band is " Da da da " as used in the world hit. The rhythm of this song is achieved by "Rock -1" playing on Casio VL -1. Other artists used the instrument, such as Robbie Williams Rudebox in, in The Fall The Man Whose Head Expanded, Human League in Get Carter and Fergie Clumsy in. In addition, the VL -1 seen in Helge Schneider 's first film, Johnny Flash ( 1987). As Johnny 'alias Helge Schneider in the music business is the wide Technics Organ too big and too expensive, he bought the VL -1. At retest, we hear again the Da -Da - Da' rhythm.