VirtualCZ by Plugin Boutique synth plugin interface

VirtualCZ: Phase Distortion Synth Plugin by Plugin Boutique Free Download

Rated 4.6/5 on Plugin Boutique (3,530 ratings)

VirtualCZ is a software synthesizer plugin from Plugin Boutique that recreates the phase distortion synthesis engine of the CZ synths, a line of digital synthesizers from the 1980s, for Windows and macOS.

VST3VST2AUAAXWindowsmacOS64-bit

AVAILABLE ATPlugin Boutique

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Free trial available from the developer

01Overview

VirtualCZ is aimed at producers who want the character of the CZ series inside a modern plugin. The developer describes the CZ synths as retro classics that were used on many techno, house, rave and synth-pop records in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The plugin models the flagship CZ-1 and is also compatible with the CZ-101, CZ-1000, CZ-3000 and CZ-5000 through SysEx editing. It includes over 200 presets and adds features such as unison, stereo panning and a vintage chorus.

Best for

Rave organ sounds
Retro synth pads
Detuned unison stabs
Metallic percussion
Techno and house basses
Synth-pop leads

Developer: Plugin Boutique
Category: Synths
Store: Plugin Boutique

02Key features

What you get

Recreates the synthesis engine of the CZ series using phase distortion
Two phase distortion oscillators per voice with eight wave shapes each
Six loop-able envelopes per voice with ADSR or 8-stage MSEG modes
Tempo-syncable LFO with seven shapes for vibrato
Ring modulation and noise modulation
32-voice polyphonic, mono and legato modes
Unison and detuning with stereo panning
Two vintage stereo chorus algorithms
Editor and librarian for CZ hardware via SysEx
Over 200 included presets in multiple formats

03In depth

Sound Engine and Synthesis Controls

VirtualCZ uses two CZ-style phase distortion oscillators per voice, each with eight wave shapes that can differ between alternate cycles. Each voice has six loop-able envelope generators, which can be switched between simple ADSR envelopes and an 8-stage MSEG mode with graphical displays. A tempo-syncable LFO with seven shapes handles vibrato, and ring modulation and noise modulation are included.

All key synthesis functions sit on the front panel, so you do not need to dig through menus. Voice handling offers 32-voice polyphonic, mono and legato modes, and unison with detuning reaches up to 8 voices for thick detuned pads and stabs. Microtonal tuning support is also included.

Editor, Librarian and Preset Compatibility

Beyond the emulation, VirtualCZ works as a SysEx editor and librarian for CZ hardware. It can load and transmit CZ patches, and the developer notes that thousands of CZ patches can be loaded online.

Presets are available in fxp, aupreset, vstpreset and tfx formats. Presets can be imported and exported across all plugin formats, and an optional cross-format preset browser is available. Preset designers credited on the product include Oli Larkin, Don Solaris and Scott AbstractCats. Expansion packs are also offered for the plugin.

04Specs

Will it run?

Formats, systems and requirements as listed by Plugin Boutique. Missing details are left out, not guessed.

Developer	Plugin Boutique
Type	Plugin
Category	Synth
Formats	VST3, VST2, AU, AAX
Operating systems	Windows, macOS
Architecture	64-bit
Free trial	Yes

05FAQ

Questions, answered

What is VirtualCZ?

VirtualCZ is a software synth plugin by Plugin Boutique that emulates the phase distortion synthesis of the CZ series of digital synthesizers from the 1980s.

Which formats and operating systems does VirtualCZ support?

VirtualCZ is available in VST2, VST3, AU and AAX formats plus a standalone app. It runs on Windows and macOS, with Apple Silicon M1 supported for the AU and VST versions. The AAX version is not Silicon compatible.

What do I need to use VirtualCZ?

On macOS, you need macOS 10.9 (Mavericks) or higher and a 64-bit host application. On Windows, you need Windows 7 or newer in 32 or 64-bit. Both platforms recommend an Intel i5 or better CPU and 4GB of RAM.

Does VirtualCZ work with original CZ hardware?

VirtualCZ functions as a SysEx editor and librarian for CZ hardware, and it models the CZ-1 while also being compatible with the CZ-101, CZ-1000, CZ-3000 and CZ-5000.