VirtualCZ is a software recreation of the Casio CZ phase distortion synthesizer, offered as an instrument plugin in VST3, VST2, AU and AAX formats.
VirtualCZ at a glance
| Developer | Plugin Boutique |
|---|---|
| Type | Instruments / Synth |
| Formats | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX |
| Operating systems | Windows 7 or later, macOS 10.9 or later |
| Apple Silicon | Native |
| Architecture | 64-bit |
| RAM | 4 GB or more |
| Free trial | Available |
| Price on Plugin Boutique (October 2026) | €18.84 (regular €78.34) |
What VirtualCZ does
The plugin recreates the phase distortion synthesis engine of the CZ family, with two phase distortion oscillators per voice, each offering eight wave shapes. Each voice also carries six loop-able envelope generators that can be switched between simple ADSR control and CZ-style multi-stage operation. An 8-stage MSEG envelope is edited on a graphical display, and the front panel exposes the main synthesis functions directly.
The instrument covers ring modulation and noise modulation, a tempo-syncable LFO with seven shapes for vibrato, and voice modes that include polyphonic, mono and legato across 32 voices. Unison detuning, stereo panning, microtonal tuning support and a vintage stereo chorus with two algorithms complete the signal path. The plugin also works as a SysEx editor and librarian for CZ hardware as well as for its own emulation, and presets can be imported and exported in each supported format.
Key features
- Phase distortion oscillators. Two CZ-style phase distortion oscillators run in each voice, and each oscillator selects from eight wave shapes.
- LFO and modulation. A tempo-syncable LFO offers seven shapes for vibrato, and the synth adds ring modulation and noise modulation.
- Voice modes and unison. The engine provides 32-voice polyphonic, mono and legato modes, with unison detuning and stereo panning effects.
- Chorus and tuning. A vintage stereo chorus/ensemble effect offers two different algorithms, and microtonal tuning is supported.
- Presets and SysEx. Over 200 presets are included, and thousands of CZ patches can be loaded; presets come in fxp, aupreset, vstpreset and tfx formats, with an optional cross-format preset browser.
Use cases
- Recreating CZ patches. The SysEx editor and librarian function lets users load and manage patches from CZ hardware through the software emulation.
- Building new sounds from phase distortion. The envelope and oscillator layout supports programming new timbres from the CZ-style synthesis engine.
Who it is for
The plugin suits producers who want to work with the CZ phase distortion sound, sound designers who import existing CZ patches, and users who need a SysEx librarian for CZ hardware. A trial is available.
Plugins similar to VirtualCZ
| Plugin | Developer | Type | Formats | Systems | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VirtualCZ | Plugin Boutique | Synth | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €18.84 (regular €78.34) |
| Phosphor 3 | Audio Damage | Synth | VST3, VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €53.55 |
| D-50 | Roland | Synth | VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €151.13 |
| Hybrid 3 | AIR Music Technology | Synth | VST3, VST2, AU | Windows, macOS | €98.18 |
| Babylon 2.2 | W. A. Production | Synth | VST2, AU, AAX | Windows, macOS | €5.26 (regular €118.01) |
Price and availability
VirtualCZ was listed on Plugin Boutique in October 2026 at €18.84, reduced from €78.34. A free trial is offered. Prices change often, so the store page shows the current one.
VirtualCZ FAQ
Does VirtualCZ run on Apple Silicon Macs?
Yes. The plugin lists native support for Apple Silicon, with a minimum of macOS 10.9.
Where can I download VirtualCZ crack for free?
The release circulates as a torrent and magnet link, packed as a repack in .rar and .iso, with x64 crack builds and win/mac crack variants reported.
Is there an AU version of VirtualCZ?
Yes. AU is one of the four formats listed alongside VST3, VST2 and AAX.