The Casio VL-1, often referred to as the VL-Tone, is a groundbreaking electronic musical instrument released in 1981. It was the first commercial digital synthesizer and combined a monophonic synthesizer, a sequencer, and a fully functional calculator in a single compact unit. The VL-1 is renowned for its unique, low-fidelity sounds and kitsch appeal, making it a cult favorite among electronic musicians.

Design and Features

The VL-1 features a 29-key calculator-style keyboard, offering a range of 2.5 octaves. It includes five preset sounds—Piano, Fantasy, Violin, Flute, and Guitar—along with an ADSR (Attack, Decay, Sustain, Release) function that allows users to create custom sounds. The ADSR function provides up to 80 million sound combinations, enabling users to experiment with sound waves, vibrato, tremolo, and other parameters.

The instrument also includes a 100-note sequencer, allowing users to record and play back melodies. Its built-in rhythms—such as March, Waltz, Swing, Rock, and Bossa Nova—add a dynamic backdrop to performances. The VL-1’s calculator mode transforms the keyboard into a functional calculator, capable of performing basic arithmetic, square roots, percentages, and memory calculations.

Sound and Performance

The VL-1’s sounds are characterized by filtered square waves with varied pulse widths, resulting in distinctive, often abstract timbres. While its piano, violin, flute, and guitar sounds are far from realistic, they contribute to its iconic, retro-futuristic charm. The "Fantasy" voice and programmable synthesizer further expand its sonic possibilities.

The VL-1’s LCD display shows notes, tempos, and calculator inputs, enhancing its usability. Its tempo and balance controls allow for real-time adjustments, making it versatile for live performances and compositions.

Legacy

The VL-1 gained fame in the 1980s, notably used by bands like Trio in their hit song "Da Da Da" and The Human League in "Get Carter." Its distinctive sounds have also appeared in modern music, such as Fergie’s 2007 single "Clumsy." The VL-1’s influence extends beyond music, becoming a symbol of early digital synthesis and DIY electronic music culture.

Casio VL-1: Technical Specifications

Keyboard

29 keys (monophonic), 2.5 octaves (G to B)

Sound Engine

• Preset Sounds: Piano, Fantasy, Violin, Flute, Guitar
• ADSR Function
• Customizable sound creation with 80 million combinations

Sequencer

100-note capacity

Built-in Rhythms

10 rhythms: March, Waltz, 4-Beat, Swing, Rock 1, Rock 2, Bossa Nova, Samba, Rhumba, Beguine

Display

8-character LCD (notes, tempo, calculator inputs)

Calculator Mode

8-digit calculations: addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, square root, percentage, memory

Power Supply

4 AA batteries or AC adaptor (100/117/220/240V)

Battery Life

~12 hours (music mode), ~4,000 hours (calculator mode)

Output

Line Out jack (0.5V RMS), built-in speaker (6cm diameter, 300mW)

Dimensions

30mm (H) x 300mm (W) x 75mm (D) / 1.18" x 11.81" x 2.95"

Weight

438g (15.4 oz) including batteries

Additional Features

Pitch control (±1/2 tone), octave shift (3 levels), auto-power-off function