The Casio FZ-20M represents an evolution of Casio's successful FZ-10M sampler, primarily distinguished by the addition of SCSI (Small Computer Serial Interface) connectivity for hard disk integration. This rack-mount digital sampler maintains the core 16-bit sampling architecture that made its predecessor notable for offering professional-quality sampling at an accessible price point.

Design and Build

The FZ-20M features a compact rack-mount form factor with a well-organized front panel layout. The center section houses a large LCD display (approximately 6 x 4cm) with high resolution capable of displaying visual waveform representations during editing operations. Screen menu selector buttons are positioned directly beneath the display for intuitive navigation through the hierarchical menu system.

The left side of the front panel contains cursor navigation keys for moving through screens and pages, while the right side incorporates a numeric keypad, audio input jacks (both microphone and line level), headphone socket, and dual-function Value/Sampling Level sliders. A 3.5-inch high-density (HD) floppy disk drive is integrated into the front panel for sample storage and system software loading.

Audio Architecture and Sampling

The FZ-20M employs true 16-bit sampling technology with three selectable sampling rates: 36kHz (providing approximately 16kHz audio bandwidth), 18kHz (8kHz bandwidth), and 9kHz (4kHz bandwidth). The 2MB of onboard RAM allows for up to 29.12 seconds of sampling time at the maximum 36kHz rate, with proportionally longer recording times at lower sample rates - approximately 58 seconds at 18kHz and nearly two minutes at 9kHz.

The sampler can hold up to 64 individual samples (called "Voices") in memory simultaneously, subject to RAM limitations. Each Voice can be either sampled audio or digitally synthesized waveforms created using the optional Wave Synth software.

Sound Organization and Multitimbral Capabilities

The FZ-20M organizes sounds through a comprehensive Bank/Area system. Eight Banks can be configured, each containing up to 64 Areas. Each Area represents a single Voice with its associated parameters including MIDI channel assignment, key range, velocity range, and audio output routing. This architecture enables sophisticated multitimbral setups across multiple MIDI channels, keyboard splits, velocity switching, or combinations thereof within the 64-Area and 16-MIDI-channel limitations.

The sampler offers 8-voice polyphony, which, while adequate for many applications, represents a limitation for complex arrangements requiring dense harmonic content or layered sounds.

Advanced Sampling and Editing Features

The FZ-20M provides both manual and automatic sample triggering with adjustable input sensitivity. A notable limitation is the absence of real-time audio monitoring during sampling, requiring users to split audio signals externally if monitoring is necessary.

The editing capabilities are comprehensive and include:

• Truncation: Precise removal of unwanted portions from sample start or end points
• Visual Waveform Display: High-resolution graphical representation aids in accurate editing
• Multi-Stage Looping: Unique capability for up to eight loops per Voice with crossfading for seamless playback
• Envelope Control: Independent 8-point envelopes for both amplitude (DCA) and filter (DCF) with sustain plateau options
• Sample Manipulation: Reverse Write, Mix Write, and Xfade Write functions for creative sample combination

SCSI Integration and Storage

The defining feature distinguishing the FZ-20M from its predecessor is the inclusion of two SCSI ports: one labeled "Hard Disk" and another "External." This enables connection to any SCSI-compatible hard drives, including Apple drives and removable storage systems like the PLI Infinity drive. Hard disk integration provides dramatic improvements in access speed and storage capacity - an 80MB drive could store the equivalent of many floppy disks worth of sample data while accessing it in a fraction of the time.

The built-in floppy drive exclusively accepts high-density (HD) disks, which store twice the data of standard double-density disks but at approximately three times the cost. A complete 2MB memory dump can be transferred to hard disk in approximately eight seconds.

Audio Outputs and Signal Routing

The rear panel features eight monophonic audio outputs plus a dedicated mix output available in both balanced XLR and unbalanced jack formats. The mix output includes a low/high level selector switch, while the individual outputs operate at low levels, requiring higher gain settings at the mixing console.

A significant limitation is that the outputs are monophonic rather than polyphonic (as found on Roland samplers), meaning each output carries single notes rather than complete instruments. This arrangement works well for percussion but complicates the processing of polyphonic instruments, as multiple sounds must share outputs, making individual EQ and effects processing challenging.

Optional Software Extensions

The FZ-20M ships with two floppy disks containing essential optional software that extends the basic ROM-based operating system:

• Hard Drive Operator: Essential software for SCSI drive functionality and file management
• Wave Synth: Enables creation of synthetic waveforms using preset waves (square, sawtooth, pulse, double sine, saw-pulse, random), additive synthesis with up to 48 sine waves, or hand-drawn waveforms
• Loop and Fade Optimizers: Advanced crossfade looping techniques that modify original samples
• Copy Disk Utility: Disk management functions
• Studio Piano Sample: High-quality grand piano sound demonstration

MIDI Implementation

The FZ-20M offers comprehensive MIDI functionality including standard In/Out/Thru connections. MIDI controllers such as modulation wheel (CC#1) and channel aftertouch can be routed to various destinations including LFO for vibrato/tremolo effects or DCF for real-time timbre control. The implementation includes provisions for variable resistance foot control, though the physical connection differs from the FZ-1.

Sample data can be transferred via MIDI to computer librarians or other FZ series units through the External port. However, the sample dump format is proprietary rather than the standard MMA format, requiring compatible software such as Steinberg's Avalon or Interval Music Systems' Genwave for cross-platform compatibility.

Operational Characteristics

The user interface, while logical, requires substantial button manipulation due to the hierarchical menu structure. Two-handed operation is essential for efficient workflow. The learning curve is moderate, with experienced users finding the system intuitive once familiar with the navigation paradigm.

Sound quality is described as professional-grade with good definition and low noise levels, though the relatively low output levels can introduce additional noise at the mixing stage. The 36kHz sampling rate provides bright but not sparkling sound quality, with the difference between source and sample being detectable on delicate material.

Market Position and Value Proposition

The FZ-20M continues Casio's tradition of offering professional-level features at competitive prices. The SCSI capability represents a significant workflow improvement over floppy disk-based sample management, though this comes at a premium over the otherwise identical FZ-10M. The combination of generous RAM allocation, comprehensive editing features, and hard disk integration creates a compelling package for studios requiring efficient sample management and professional sound quality.

Technical Specifications

Audio Specifications

• Sample Resolution: 16-bit linear
• Sampling Rates: 36kHz, 18kHz, 9kHz selectable
• Audio Bandwidth: ~16kHz (36kHz), ~8kHz (18kHz), ~4kHz (9kHz)
• Polyphony: 8 voices maximum
• Memory: 2MB RAM standard
• Maximum Sample Time: 29.12 seconds @ 36kHz, ~58 seconds @ 18kHz, ~116 seconds @ 9kHz
• Maximum Voices in Memory: 64 (subject to RAM limitations)

Architecture

• Banks: 8 configurable
• Areas per Bank: 64 maximum
• Voice Parameters: Tuning, looping, filter envelope, amplifier envelope, velocity sensitivity
• Loop Capability: Up to 8 loops per Voice with crossfading
• Envelope Generators: 8-point DCF and DCA envelopes with sustain

Audio Inputs/Outputs

• Audio Inputs:
  • Microphone input (balanced, rear panel)
  • Line input (front panel)
  • Input level selection: High/Low
• Audio Outputs:
  • 8 monophonic outputs (unbalanced, low level)
  • 1 mix output (balanced XLR + unbalanced jack)
  • Mix output level switch: Low/High
  • Headphone output (front panel)

Storage and Connectivity

• Internal Storage: 3.5" High Density (HD) floppy disk drive
• SCSI Ports: 2 x 25-pin (Hard Disk + External)
• SCSI Compatibility: Any SCSI hard drive, CD-ROM, removable drives
• Hard Drive Transfer Rate: 2MB in 8 seconds
• External Port: Direct connection to other FZ series units

MIDI Implementation

• Connections: In/Out/Thru (5-pin DIN)
• MIDI Channels: 16 channels supported
• Multitimbral: Yes, via Area assignments
• Controllers Supported:
  • Modulation Wheel (CC#1)
  • Channel Aftertouch
  • Variable Resistance Foot Control
• Controller Destinations: LFO (vibrato/tremolo), DCF (filter cutoff), DCA (amplitude)
• Data Dump: Proprietary format (non-MMA standard)

Control Interface

• Display: Large LCD with waveform visualization capability (~6x4cm)
• Navigation: Cursor keys, numeric keypad
• Controls: Value slider, Sampling Level slider
• Operating System: ROM-based with RAM-loaded optional software extensions

Physical Specifications

• Form Factor: 19" 3U rack-mount module
• Front Panel Features: LCD display, disk drive, input jacks, headphone socket, control buttons and sliders
• Rear Panel Features: Audio outputs, MIDI ports, SCSI ports, mic input, footswitch jack

Optional Software (Disk-Loaded)

• Hard Drive Operator: SCSI drive management and file operations
• Wave Synth:
  • Preset waveforms (square, sawtooth, pulse, double sine, saw-pulse, random)
  • Additive synthesis (up to 48 sine waves)
  • Hand-drawn waveform creation
• Loop Optimiser: Advanced crossfade looping with sample modification
• Fade Optimiser: Enhanced crossfade editing
• Copy Disk: Disk utility functions
• Studio Piano: Demonstration grand piano sample

Operational Limitations

• Disk Compatibility: High Density (HD) floppies only (higher cost than DD)
• Sample Monitoring: No real-time audio monitoring during sampling
• File Loading: Cannot load individual components from saved files
• Memory Management: Optional software loading erases current memory contents
• Output Configuration: Monophonic outputs limit polyphonic instrument processing