The instrument
The Casio VL-1, released in 1981, is a small monophonic synthesizer and one of the first to combine synthesis and a calculator in a single device. It is part of Casio's VL-Tone series and became popular due to its affordability and portability. The VL-1 is known for its distinctive sound and was used by artists such as Trio in their hit song "Da Da Da." Its simple design and unique features made it a favorite for both amateur and professional musicians.
Details
The Casio VL-1 features a single oscillator capable of generating sawtooth and square waveforms. It includes a basic ADSR envelope generator and a simple filter. Five preset can be stored.
The VL-1 also has a built-in rhythm machine with preset rhythms and a small, non-velocity-sensitive keyboard. It also features a 100-note sequencer.
One of its unique features is the calculator mode, allowing users to perform basic arithmetic functions thanks to it’s 29 little calculator button keys.
Despite its simplicity, the VL-1's sound is iconic and recognizable. The instrument's compact size, internal speakers and battery operation make it highly portable and convenient for on-the-go music making.