VirtualCZ is a specialized Phase Distortion (PD) software synthesizer plugin developed by Ollie Audio and published by Plugin Boutique. Modeled directly on the sound engine of Casio's classic 1980s flagship hardware synthesizers (such as the CZ-1, CZ-101, CZ-1000, and CZ-5000), it brings the distinct digitally controlled character of Phase Distortion into modern digital audio workstations. It is widely used across synth-pop, 80s pop, synthwave, techno, house, rave, hip-hop, and Afrobeats for creating glassy digital pads, warm retro brass, iconic metallic resonant basses, metallic bell chimes, and punchy 90s organ leads.

The synthesis structure utilizes 2 Phase Distortion oscillator lines per voice featuring 8 selectable core waveforms (Saw, Square, Pulse, Double Sine, Saw-Pulse, and 3 specialized Resonant waveforms). Because PD synthesis alters the waveform shape directly instead of using traditional subtractive filters, the instrument uses Digitally Controlled Waveshapers (DCW) alongside dedicated 8-stage loopable envelope generators for Pitch, DCW, and Amplitude. Modern enhancements include a fat stereo Unison mode, stereo panning, a vintage chorus effect, phase reset capabilities, and full SysEx editor/librarian support allowing it to send/receive patches directly to and from original Casio CZ hardware. VirtualCZ operates as a standalone application and as a plugin in 64-bit VST2, VST3, AU, and AAX formats for Windows (7+) and macOS (with native Apple Silicon and Intel support).

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