NightBird's RSF Polykobol Videos

"RSF Polykobol II" live & short démonstration (NightBirds Electronic Studio)

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 7, 2011

"Here is a short demo with an RSF Polykobol.
Quickly made...
Tired this morning to do better:)"

NightBirds Teaser 1 (RSF Polykobol II, RSF Kobol & ARP Odyssey)

Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 5, 2011

"Instruments Used :
RSF Kobol (Fx)
RSF Polykobol II (sequence & Fx with the second split part)
ARP Odyssey (Fx & play)
WEM Reverbmaster & Pre-Mixer (mix & spring reverb used)

Video by Monade

P&C NightBirds Electronic Music - 2011

* Just a hypnotic sequence recorded with a RSF Polykobol II.
Live improvisation with ARP Odyssey, RSF Kobol."

NightBirds Teaser 2 (Live arpegiator sequence with the RSF Polykobol II...)

Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 6, 2011

"Instruments Used :
RSF Kobol (Melodie)
RSF Polykobol II (Arpegiator sequence & Fx sounds with the second part split)
KORG Micro-Preset (Improvisation)
ROLAND MC-202 (Ambient Sounds)
WEM Reverbmaster & Pre-Mixer IV (mix with spring reverb)

Live improvisation in the futur studio.

P&C NightBirds Electronic Music - 2011"

RSF Polykobol Demo : multitrack recording, ambient sounds

RSF Polykobol Demo : multitrack recording, ambient sounds (NightBirds Electronic Music) 2012

YouTube Published on Apr 21, 2012 by NightBirds31

'RSF Polykobol : enregistrement multipiste (x3) et sons complexes.

* 2 séquences : une en UPPER et une différente en LOWER.
* Le reste, des sons de nappes ambiantes et accords de notes.
* Plus une autre piste de modulation.

CLICK FOR MORE »

Black Corporation Kimji SN 1278

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this auction

"Folks this is a really cool piece. I took this in recently as part of a large gear swap. There was a lot of buzz last year about this synth called Kimji by Black Corporation of Japan. I believe they may have only made 10 or so of these as part of a very limited initial run. This is serial number 1278. It includes the original box. There is no physical manual but there is one accessible online. The unit is in mint condition and the pictures are of the actual unit you will unbox.
The Black Corporation Kijimi is a faithful recreation of the very rare and highly sought after French wonder-synth the RSF Polykobol. Originally released in 1979 the PolyKobol MK1 was restricted to only 30 units worldwide and is considered to be one of those most significant synths developed in this era.

Kijimi is an 8 voice polyphonic synthesizer with two continuously variable oscillators per voice, an incredible modulation section, MPE compatibility, preset storage and recall and build quality that is enviable to say the very least.

Kijimi’s inspiration, the Polykobol was a synth that was very much ahead of its time, providing a wealth of unique features and tone shaping options that even to this day stand out, such as the continuously variable wave shaping, open and easily assignable modulation section with 5 sources and multiple destinations and a rich, interesting filter tone.

Owning an original RSF Polykobol is, even for the most diehard collector almost impossible. Just like with their Deckards Dream CS-80 inspired powerhouse, Black Corporation have again made one of the most inaccessible synths, accessible for everyone.

Kijimi is another standout synthesizer from Black Corporation, delivering the sound quality, aesthetics and workflow of a Polykobol with all the mod cons you’d expect from a modern machine.

The main features of the Black Corporation Kijimi include

8 voice polyphonic analogue synthesizer
Inspired by the legendary RSF Polykobol
CRN3340 based VCO’s
SSM2040 based vilter
Polyphonic aftertouch
MPE compatible"

CLICK FOR MORE »

NightBirds "Live Improvisation in Studio".

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 8, 2011

"Recorded Live in the Studio.

Instruments used :
RSF Kobol
RSF Polykobol II
KORG PS 3100
KORG MS 20
ROLAND Jupiter-6

ROLAND MC-202 & 707 for Sequences Synchronization.

NightBirds Electronic Music from France.
P&C 2011"

NightBirds Live in Studio part II (9 Nov. 2011)

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 10, 2011

"NightBirds Live with :
RSF Polykobol II Arpeggiator, Korg PS 3100 & Korg MS-20.

Recording in two tracks.
One for control the arpeggiator of Polykobol and move the parameters.
The other one, for playing with the Korg PS 3100 & the MS-20.

* I've playing with only two voices on the Polykobol. The others are in calibrations."

NightBirds Live in Studio part III (11 Nov. 2011)

Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 11, 2011

"NightBirds Live with :
RSF Kobol, RSF Polykobol II, KORG PS 3100, KORG MS-20, TEISCO 60F & ROLAND MC-202.

Recorded live in one track. Some problems with the PS3100. What made it difficult to recorded... But hey, it's a live :)"

NightBirds Live in Studio part II (9 Nov. 2011)

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 10, 2011
All parts here.

"NightBirds Live with :
RSF Polykobol II Arpeggiator, Korg PS 3100 & Korg MS-20.

Recording in two tracks.
One for control the arpeggiator of Polykobol and move the parameters.
The other one, for playing with the Korg PS 3100 & the MS-20.

* I've playing with only two voices on the Polykobol. The others are in calibrations."

NightBirds Live in Studio part III (11 Nov. 2011)

Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 11, 2011

"NightBirds Live with :
RSF Kobol, RSF Polykobol II, KORG PS 3100, KORG MS-20, TEISCO 60F & ROLAND MC-202.

Recorded live in one track. Some problems with the PS3100. What made it difficult to recorded... But hey, it's a live :)"

Polykobol II - Demo 3

video previously posted here

"RSF Polykobol 2 demo.
All tracks are made with the Polykobol, except drums.
Cubase Vst used for the record, and synchronised with Polykobol arpeggiator."

This one in via Soviet Space Child.

RSF Polykobol / Demo with Chord Memory & Arpeggiator

RSF Polykobol / Demo with Chord Memory & Arpeggiator / in live (NightBirds Electronic) 2012

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Mar 21, 2012

"Aujourd'hui, nouvelle calibration des 12 OSC du Polykobol pour un meilleur son.
Démo avec mémorisation d'un accord et utilisation de l'arpégiateur en direct.
J'ai également utilisé un delay pour le fun !
Enregistré en sortie directe de la table de mixage MACKIE LM-3204.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------­------------------------------
Today, new calibration of the 12 oscilators of the Polykobol for better sound.
Demo with chord memory & arpeggiator... in live !
I have used a delay effect for fun !
Recorded directly from the mix table MACKIE LM-3204.


Video by NightBirds.
Publication & Copyright by NightBirds Electronic Music - 2012

http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-electronic
http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-past-records"

NightBirds / Short Live in Studio (RSF Polykobol sequencer, RSF Kobol...)

NightBirds / Short Live in Studio (RSF Polykobol sequencer, RSF Kobol...) 2012

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Mar 26, 2012

"Petit concert dans le studio avec une programmation de séquence dans le séquenceur du RSF Polykobol.
Mais aussi, RSF Kobol, ARP Odyssey et le clavier ROLAND 101... joué en temps réel.
Petit concert uniquement :)
Enregistré en sortie directe de la table de mixage MACKIE LM-3204.
------------------------------------------------------
New Live with RSF Polykobol sequencer (programming sequence in the sequencer), RSF Kobol, ARP Odyssey and ROLAND 101 keyboard... played in real time.
Short live only :)
Recorded directly from the mix table MACKIE LM-3204.

Video by NightBirds.
Publication & Copyright by NightBirds Electronic Music - 2012

http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-electronic
http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-past-records"

RSF Polykobol II - Demo 3

Published on Jun 22, 2014 seb17320·19 videos

"RSF Polykobol 2 demo.
All tracks are made with the Polykobol, except drums.
Cubase Vst used for the record, and synchronised with Polykobol arpeggiator."

Polykobol II RSF Vintage French Synthesizer demo II

SuperfunkOfficial

"Polykobol II RSF Vintage French Synthesizer demo II

Sequence , Arpeggio, Pad, Fx played on the Polykobol II Synthesizer

more here : http://analogsynthmuseum.free.fr/rsf.htm"

Superbooth 2018: Black Corporation Kijimi Demos

Black Corporation Kijimi - Superbooth 2018 Published on May 5, 2018 Sound On Sound magazine

Note: Kijimi is actually based on the RSF Kobol mono synth. via the creator himself, Roman Filippov: "It’s a polyphonic kobol more than polykobol, since it uses ssm2040-like filters, not ssm2044"

"The Kijimi from Black Corporation is a modern recreation of the legendary RSF Polykobol synthesizer. Find out more..."


Superbooth 2018 Kijimi Poly KB Replicant Published on May 5, 2018 sonicstate

"A look at the new Kijimi Poly Kobol poly from Balck Corporation"


Published on May 5, 2018 Future Music Magazine

"The Black Corporation gave us our first proper look at the Kijimi, which is not just your average clone, but a complete re-imagining of the late ‘70s synth, the RSF Polykobol."

NightBirds Live in Studio part V : "Polykobol suite"

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Nov 23, 2011

"Live with :
RSF Kobol, RSF Polykobol II, ARP Odyssey.

I used the mode L/U on the Polykobol. Lower for the ambient sound & Upper for control the sequence in real time and for both.

NightBirds Electronic Music P&C 2011"

RSF Polykobol Last Test by NightBirds - 2013

Published on Feb 22, 2013 NightBirds31·67 videos

"After my last test calibration on the Polykobol ... Not want to do more ...
Also, no shape to play better ! :)
Enjoy it !

NightBirds

Recorded with :
RSF Polykobol

All videos creations by NightBirds.
Publication & Copyright by NightBirds Electronic Music / France / 2013

* All my thoughts to Frederic Gerchambeau. A talented musician !

http://www.youtube.com/user/NightBird..."

RSF Polykobol - Direct Live Action ! (NightBirds) 2012

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Mar 22, 2012

"Nouvelle démonstration du Polykobol... joué en temps réel.
Pas d'inspiration aujourd'hui, mais juste une simple et basique démo.
Joué avec 4 voies pour l'arpégiateur et 4 voies superposées pour les Fx.
J'ai également étalonnée toutes les voies pour le mode de sortie stéréo.
Chaque voies avec un panoramique différent. Huit voies au total dans ce monstre!
Enregistré en sortie directe de la table de mixage MACKIE LM-3204.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------­--------------------------------------

New démonstration of RSF Polykobol soon... played in real time.
No inspiration today, but just a simple and basic demo.
Played with 4 voices for the arpeggiator and 4 others voices for the Fx in stacking mode.
I also calibrated every voices for the stereo output.
Each voices with a different panning.
Recorded directly from the mix table MACKIE LM-3204.

Video by NightBirds.
Publication & Copyright by NightBirds Electronic Music - 2012"

RSF Polykobol 2 : Polysequencer quick test (NightBirds Electronic Studio) 2012

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Mar 13, 2012

"Here is a short demonstration of polycequencer.
The Polycequencer can contain 10,000 notes for a total of 8 sequences.
I'm at the beginning of this terrible sequencer because, very difficult to understand without a manual.
You can do everything: sequence and polyphonic recording with knobs and then replay all.
Repairs are finished on this Polykobol and soon I still have to recheck all ends to make it working 100%!
In my life of musician, I never met a Polykobol with a sequencer based. I have tested 6 ...
I think this is the only one Poly that I started to repair who have all the options!
The demonstration here is not the most beautiful, but I try to do better later :)

Video by NightBirds.
Publication & Copyright by NightBirds Electronic Music - 2012

http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-electronic
http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-past-records"

Chaos (RSF Polykobol, RSF Kobol & ARP Odyssey) NightBirds 2012

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Mar 16, 2012

"Just a dissonant and chaotic live set.
Recorded directly from the mix table MACKIE LM-3204.
Effect used is a couple of Midiverb-Midifex.

Video by NightBirds.
Publication & Copyright by NightBirds Electronic Music - 2012

http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-electronic
http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-past-records"

Live Improvisation 2 (RSF Polykobol, RSF Kobol & ARP Odyssey) NightBirds 2012

Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Mar 16, 2012

Just a little recreation in live with the arpeggiator from the RSF Polykobol, RSF Kobol and ARP Odyssey.
This live is not perfect because... I'm tired :)
For fun !
Recorded directly from the mix table MACKIE LM-3204.

Video by NightBirds.
Publication & Copyright by NightBirds Electronic Music - 2012"

"Into the Night Come... Sleep Goes On"

(OFFICIAL VIDEO) (RSF Polykobol, RSF Kobol & others)

YouTube Uploaded by NightBirds31 on Dec 6, 2011

"NightBirds : "Into the Night Come... Sleep Goes On"

Recorded live with the RSF Polykobol II (arpeggiator in LOWER mode & the sequencer in UPPER mode).
KORG PS 3100 for Fx, RSF Kobol cry & bass, ARP Odyssey at the end & ROLAND System 100 Fx.
All base of the track are the sounds coming of the Polykobol & notes registred in the sequencer.

Video & Music by NightBirds P&C 2011

http://soundcloud.com/nightbirds-electronic"

XILS-lab PolyKB III Gets a New Hi-Res UI & More in Version 3.6.3 Update

video upload by matrixsynth

The press release follows.

XILS-lab lovingly lavishes virtual makeover on acclaimed PolyKB III virtual instrument plug-in, providing new hi-res UI and more with Version 3.6.3

“Since starting XILS-lab, the rarified and revered RSF PolyKobol II analogue polysynth from France has always held a special musical place in our hearts — the true destination of our ongoing journey to create one of the best-sounding virtual analogue synthesizers available today. Tweaking our algorithms for a better sound with less CPU load, we’ve never stopped working on PolyKB III, always adding new features.”

- XILS-lab CEO Xavier Oudin, 2023

GRENOBLE, FRANCE: XILS-lab is proud to take PolyKB III to Version 3.6.3 status — lovingly lavishing the virtual instrument plug-in par excellence with a new hi-res UI (User Interface) and associated faster UI engine alongside full Apple Silicon compatibility and VST3 support, while ensuring that it remains one of the best-sounding virtual analogue synthesizers available, thousands of development man-hours after first being launched in its original PolyKB incarnation as the then-fledgling virtual instrument and effect plug-in-specialising software company’s second product release way back in May 2010 — as of March 14…

Like its predecessors, dating all the way back to a May 2010 release in its original (PolyKB) incarnation, the latest Version 3.6.3 of PolyKB III truly captures the sound and spirit of the rarified and revered RSF PolyKobol II analogue polysynth from France — one that surely should have made more of a musical mark in its own right with advanced analogue waveform-morphing oscillators well ahead of their time, yet sadly saw the demise of its innovative creators, completely out of touch with 1983’s untimely arrival of Yamaha’s digital dominance-triggering DX7 super- seller (shifting upwards of 200,000 units, compared to the miserly 40 units, each costing several times that of a DX7, managed by RSF before it ran into financial difficulties) — to include its most revolutionary feature: analogue waveform-morphing oscillators.

On the face of it, then, those analogue waveform-morphing oscillators — providing instant access to hundreds of different analogue- modelled free-running oscillator waveforms, which is far more than those provided by other virtual instrument plug-ins, including those that switch between oscillator sets — are available for all to see clearly now in Version 3.6.3 of PolyKB III, thanks to its new hi-res UI. Ultimately, they can be dynamically modulated by a number of sources.

When working with the latest Version 3.6.3 of PolyKB III, there are also two gorgeous, creamy-sounding multi-mode filters — VCF 1 and VCF 2 — to play with, each of which is self-resonating in all modes while also making use of XILS-lab’s proprietary 0df (Zero Delay Feedback) technology. There are also three analogue-modelled envelopes — ADSR1, ADSR2, and ADSR3 — with time multiplication and looping facilities, all working together with two LFOs (Low Frequency Oscillators) — LFO1 and LFO2 — to deliver a fat, warm, and instantly inspiring ‘analogue’ sound like no other.

Of course, even when first released to the musical masses in December 2016, PolyKB III would not be worthy of joining XILS-lab’s ever- expanding virtual instrument lineup if it did not include innovative and exclusive features — features like each voice having its own modulation engine or, indeed, using the polyphonic SEQUENCER as a giant 128-step, four-line/16-destination so-called ‘Step Sequencer Modulator’ making it fit for being propelled well and truly into the 21st Century! Creatively, this allows users to sculpt not only the most detailed trance- gate patterns, but also slides and incredible rhythmic patterns. Put it this way: with PolyKB III it is possible to modulate anything with anything!

And it is also possible to make each note sound different: the Voice XY module acts as a single-note quad XY modifier — with total control over the creation of subtle or wild variations for each note in a 2D window with four different parameters, while the Space XY module makes creating a 3D space a breeze — users can freely place each note in a three-dimensional space to build otherwise unachievable ‘stereoscapes’ with movement induced by inbuilt chaotic functions. It is fair to say that users have never had so much creative control over the stereo field! Furthermore, both modes can be combined with the True Unison engine, producing dazzlingly deep sounds that will musically take anyone’s breath away and immediately take pride of place in any mix.

Meanwhile, with its new hi-res UI and associated faster UI engine alongside full Apple Silicon compatibility and VST3 support vying for attention and distinguishing the latest Version 3.6.3 of PolyKB III from its acclaimed predecessors while it readily remains one of the best-sounding virtual analogue synthesizers available, XILS-lab CEO Xavier Oudin is justifiably proud of how far it has come and where it is going: “Since starting XILS-lab, the rarified and revered RSF PolyKobol II analogue polysynth from France has always held a special musical place in our hearts — the true destination of our ongoing journey to create one of the best-sounding virtual analogue synthesizers available today. Tweaking our algorithms for a better sound with less CPU load, we’ve never stopped working on PolyKB III, always adding new features.”

The latest Version 3.6.3 of PolyKB III is available to purchase as an iLok-protected virtual instrument plug-in (including computer-based authorisation), priced at an introductory promo price of €59.00 EUR until April 16, 2023 — rising thereafter to its regular price of €199.00 EUR — directly from XILS-lab via its dedicated webpage, which also includes more in-depth information, here: https://www.xils-lab.com/products/polykb-iii-&-ii-p-159.html

The latest Version 3.6.3 of PolyKB III can be directly downloaded in 64-bit AAX-, AU-, VST- and VST3-compatible formats for macOS (10.9+) and 64-bit AAX-, VST-, and VST3-compatible formats for Windows (7/8/10) from here: https://www.xils-lab.com/products/polykb-iii-&-ii-p-159/download.html#FullInstallerPK3"

New 8 Voice Poly Analog from Black Corporation Spotted at NAMM (Not Deckard's Dream)

It looks like a buffed up Virus C. Analog though.

Two LFOs, toe VCOs, two ENVs, and Modulation section.

Update via Silver Seraph in the comments:

"That's for sure a new PolyKobol"

That would be correct. You can see some in the archives here.

Note this is from Black Corporation. If you click on the image and look on the lower right you will see Black Corporation. The man behind Black Corporation is Roman Filippov, who brought us the highly regarded Buchla 208r Easel clone. Deckard's Dream of course is based on the CS80. All indications that this will be a faithful reproduction.


Update2: and via Ryan in the comments: "No,it is not,its a polyphonic Kobol replica.

The Polykobol uses the more weak sounding SSM2044.

On top you get Prophet Style FM modulation of the filter from VCO 2 and FM between vco's!

Massive sounding synth that will blow away vintage and new synths."

See the comments below for more.

Update3 via Autonomik Circuits: It will be shown at Superbooth 18 and Roman confirms it will be available as a DIY kit.

Kijimi Recreation of Polykobol II Demo by Paul Schilling

"There are very few demos of the legendary and rare Polykobol II. To me the best ones are by Sebastien Moumon, on YouTube. I decided to try to recreate (as accurately as possible) the first 2.5 minutes of this demo, my favorite one: [embedded below]

I wanted to see how close I could get with the Kijimi. Sebastien used quite a bit of reverb and delay on this demo, and I tried to recreate those as accurately as possible too."


Previously posted here back in 2013.

Check out out additional synth demos by Paul Schilling featured here on MATRIXSYNTH.