alm-busy-circuits/cizzle

CIZZLE

ALM Busy Circuits

A dual digital phase-distortion VCO inspired by the Casio CZ series, featuring two oscillators with morphable PD algorithms, resonance wave generation, ring modulation and noise modes, built-in VCAs, CV-able chord mode with up to 8 voices, and stereo-widening mixed output.1128

Capabilities 3

Chord Generationchord-generation
Both OSC A and B produce 4-voice chords simultaneously; chord type and inversion are CV-controlled, and both oscillators together yield up to 8 voices total.1128
Voltage-Controlled Amplifiervca
Each oscillator has a dedicated digital VCA with a level knob and CV input; when CV is inserted the level knob acts as an attenuator.1128
Voltage-Controlled Oscillatorvco
Two phase-distortion oscillators; OSC A uses morphable PD algorithms, OSC B produces CZ-style resonance waveforms with Rez, Ring Mod, and Noise modes.1128

Jacks 12 (10 in / 2 out)

NameSignalVoltageDescription
Inputs (10)
Chord CVcv1128
Assignable destinations
Mono1128 Octave1128 Fifths1128 Major1128 Dom.71128 Major71128 Major91128 Minor91128 Minor71128 Minor61128 Minor41128 Minor1128 Dim1128 Sus41128 DetuneA1128 DetuneB1128 DetuneC1128 Castle1128
Chord Inv CVcv1128
Assignable destinations
None1128 1st1128 2nd1128 3rd1128
OSC A Level CVcv1128
OSC A PD/A CVcv1128
OSC A Shape CVcv1128
OSC A V/Octcv1128
OSC B Level CVcv1128
OSC B Mode Triggertrigger1128
OSC B Shape CVcv1128
OSC B V/Octcv1128
Outputs (2)
OSC A Outputaudio1128
OSC B Outputaudio1128

Parameters 12

NameTypeRangeBehavior
ChordknobSelects the chord type played by OSC A and B. Spans Mono, Octave, Fifths, Major, Dom.7, Major7, Major9, Minor9, Minor7, Minor6, Minor4, Minor, Dim, Sus4, DetuneA/B/C, and Castle types via voltage thresholds from 0V to ~4.723V.1128
Mix SwitchswitchWhen disengaged, OSC A and OSC B are routed to their individual outputs independently. When engaged, both outputs carry a mix of OSC A and B with a subtle stereo widening effect applied.1128
OSC A Frequency Encoderknob32Hz – 8300HzAn endless clickable encoder that sets OSC A's base frequency. Clicking cycles the increment step between octaves, semitones, and cents. Double-clicking resets the base frequency to approximately C3 (261.63 Hz) and returns to octave increments.1128
OSC A LevelknobSets the output level of OSC A's built-in VCA. When a CV is patched to the Level CV input, the knob acts as an attenuator for the incoming CV.1128
OSC A PD Algorithmknob1 – 9Selects among 9 morphing phase-distortion algorithms that determine the character of the Shape control's timbral sweep. Can be set by a knob offset and modulated via the PD/A CV input.1128
OSC A ShapeknobSets the amount of phase distortion applied to OSC A's waveform. Fully CCW produces a pure sine wave; increasing toward maximum adds timbral complexity via lookup-table distortion. A CV input with attenuverter allows modulation.1128
OSC A Shape AttenuverterknobAttenuates and inverts the CV applied to the OSC A Shape input, allowing bipolar control of the shape modulation depth.1128
OSC B Frequency Knobknob32Hz – 387HzIn standalone V/Oct mode sets OSC B base frequency; in tracking mode provides a -/+12 semitone offset relative to OSC A's pitch. Knob range in standalone mode is approximately 3 octaves (32–387 Hz); total range with pitch CV is approximately 6 octaves.1128
OSC B LevelknobSets the output level of OSC B's built-in VCA. When a CV is patched to the Level CV input, the knob acts as an attenuator for the incoming CV.1128
OSC B ModebuttonCycles OSC B through three modes (REZ, Ring Mod, Noise) by button press or trigger input. LEDs indicate the selected mode.1128
OSC B ShapeknobControls OSC B's resonance waveform sweep by setting the internal resonance frequency. Fully CCW produces a pure sine; increasing sweeps toward a resonant character similar to a lowpass filter cutoff sweep.1128
OSC B Track SwitchbuttonEnables OSC B pitch tracking of OSC A. When active, OSC B follows OSC A's pitch with an optional ±12 semitone offset controlled by the Frequency Knob and pitch CV input (1V ≈ 7 semitones in tracking mode).1128

Firmware history 1 version

VersionReleasedNotes
1032025-02-251128

References 2

  1. [1128]
    ALM042 'CIZZLE' Operation Manualmanual
    verified 2026-06-04
  2. [1129]
    ALM Busy Circuits CIZZLE product pageproduct_page
    verified 2026-06-04