alm-busy-circuits/cizzle

CIZZLE

ALM Busy Circuits

A dual digital phase-distortion VCO inspired by the Casio CZ synthesizers, 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 output with widening.1175

Capabilities 4

Chord Generationchord-generation
Both oscillators can produce 4-voice chords; chord type and inversion are CV-selectable, yielding up to 8 voices total when layered.1175
Ring Modulation / Balanced Modulationring-modulation
OSC B in Ring Mod mode combines with OSC A for complex bell or vowel-like tones.1175
Voltage-Controlled Amplifiervca
Each oscillator has a dedicated built-in digital VCA with level control and CV input.1175
Voltage-Controlled Oscillatorvco
Dual phase-distortion VCO with 9 morphing PD algorithms, resonance wave, ring mod and noise modes, and up to 8-voice chord generation.1175

Jacks 12 (10 in / 2 out)

NameSignalVoltageDescription
Inputs (10)
Chord CVcvCV input for chord type selection; voltage boundaries determine which chord type is active.1175
Assignable destinations mirrors Chord
Mono1175
Chord Inv CVcvCV input for chord inversion amount; increasing voltage increases the degree of inversion.1175
OSC A Level CVcvCV input for OSC A VCA level; when patched, the level knob acts as an attenuator for the incoming CV.1175
OSC A PD/A CVcvCV input that selects the PD algorithm for OSC A.1175
OSC A Shape CVcvCV input for OSC A phase distortion shape amount; has an associated attenuverter to scale and invert the signal.1175
OSC A V/OctcvPitch CV input for OSC A; follows the V/Oct standard and is summed with the base frequency set by the encoder.1175
OSC B Level CVcvCV input for OSC B VCA level; when patched, the level knob acts as an attenuator for the incoming CV.1175
OSC B Mode TriggertriggerRising edge trigger input that cycles through the OSC B modes (REZ, Ring Mod, Noise).1175
OSC B Shape CVcvCV input for OSC B resonance wave shape (sweep frequency), controlling the pseudo-resonant filter sweep character.1175
OSC B V/OctcvPitch CV input for OSC B; in standalone mode follows V/Oct standard; in tracking mode 1V corresponds to approximately 7 semitones offset from OSC A.1175
Outputs (2)
Output AaudioDefault output for OSC A; in Mix mode carries a stereo-widened blend of both oscillators.1175
Output BaudioDefault output for OSC B; in Mix mode carries a stereo-widened blend of both oscillators.1175

Parameters 12

NameTypeRangeBehavior
ChordknobSelects the chord type applied to both oscillators; works in tandem with the Chord CV input. Voltage thresholds determine which of 18 chord types (including mono) is active.1175
Assignable destinations
Mono1175 Octave1175 Fifths1175 Major1175 Dom.71175 Major71175 Major91175 Minor91175 Minor71175 Minor61175 Minor41175 Minor1175 Dim1175 Sus41175 DetuneA1175 DetuneB1175 DetuneC1175 Castle1175
Mix SwitchswitchWhen disengaged, OSC A and OSC B are routed independently to outputs A and B. When engaged, both outputs carry a stereo-widened mix of the two oscillators.1175
OSC A Frequency Encoderknob32Hz – 8300HzAn endless clickable encoder setting OSC A's base frequency; clicking cycles increment resolution between octaves, semitones, and cents; double-click resets frequency to C3 (approx 261.63 Hz) and returns to octave increments.1175
OSC A LevelknobControls OSC A output VCA level; when a CV is patched, the knob acts as an attenuator for the incoming CV.1175
OSC A PD AlgorithmknobSelects from 9 morphing phase-distortion algorithms that determine the timbral character of the Shape sweep.1175
OSC A ShapeknobSets the phase distortion amount for OSC A; fully CCW produces a pure sine wave, increasing toward maximum adds timbral complexity. Combined with PD Algorithm to determine final waveform character.1175
OSC A Shape AttenuverterknobAttenuates and optionally inverts the CV applied to OSC A's Shape input.1175
OSC B Frequency Knobknob32Hz – 387HzIn standalone V/Oct mode sets OSC B base frequency; in tracking mode sets a -/+12 semitone offset from OSC A's pitch (combined with pitch input voltage).1175
OSC B LevelknobControls OSC B output VCA level; when a CV is patched, the knob acts as an attenuator for the incoming CV.1175
OSC B Mode ButtonbuttonCycles through the three OSC B modes (REZ, Ring Mod, Noise) with each press; can also be advanced by a rising-edge trigger at the associated input.1175
OSC B ShapeknobControls the resonance sweep frequency for OSC B; fully CCW produces a pure sine; increasing sweeps the resonance waveform, similar to a low-pass filter cutoff control.1175
OSC B Track SwitchswitchWhen engaged, OSC B tracks OSC A's pitch with an optional semitone offset set by the frequency knob and pitch input voltage; when disengaged, OSC B operates independently in V/Oct mode.1175

Firmware history 1 version

VersionReleasedNotes
1031175

References 2

  1. [1175]
    ALM042 'CIZZLE' Operation Manualmanual
    verified 2026-06-09
  2. [1176]
    ALM Busy Circuits CIZZLE product pageproduct_page
    ⚠ verified 2026-06-09 · manufacturer changed since last verified