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 »

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."

Custom Ukraine Edition (1 of 5) Black Corporation ISE-NIN Polyphonic Analog Synthesizer

via Perfect Circuit

"We've partnered with Black Corporation to offer a highly limited-edition ISE-NIN, featuring the colors of the Ukrainian flag with all proceeds from this sale going towards non-military charity efforts in Ukraine. This instrument is just one of five in this color way, and is sure to deliver the beloved sounds of the Roland Jupiter-8.

Not simply a clone or revival of a classic instrument, Black Corporation's ISE-NIN is a desktop-friendly analog synthesizer inspired by the legendary Roland Jupiter-8 that truly aims for the stars. Adorned with sliders and vivid orange labeling straight out of the 1980s, the ISE-NIN is true to the original with eight voices loaded up with truly analog VCOs and liquidy lowpass and highpass filters. But in true Black Corp. fashion, they're not content with conceptualizing a synth in 2021 and leaving its capabilities dampened by technology from over 40 years ago.

Dual oscillators per-voice allow for synthesists to craft the rich textures harkening back to the golden age of analog synthesizers, offering the ability to freely mix and match waveforms (or noise on VCO-2). One or both VCOs can be modulated by the LFO or one of the ADSR envelope generators, affording the implementation of vibrato or other special pitch effects into patches, while VCO-1 provides a VCO-2 cross-modulation option, and VCO-2 can sync to oscillator one. Before heading into the filters, both VCOs are summed in a crossfade level control—this approach allows, for example, one oscillator to provide the harmonic, musical bed for a patch, while the other can be dialed in to a relatively fine amount for additional grit, bite, or special effect.

Some say that the filter is what makes a synthesizer special, and if the sound of the Jupiter-8 is any indication, ISE-NIN is sure to win the hearts of many. A non-resonant highpass filter cleans up the low end frequencies, but the main attraction is certainly the lowpass VCF—selectable 12 or 24dB/Oct slope, resonance all the way up to self-oscillation, key-tracking, velocity and aftertouch control, and more provide the means to sculpt the sonic spectrum with freedom. Dual ADSR envelope generators round out the onboard modulation options, but it's the deeper menu settings and external control capabilities that really open up the ISE-NIN.

Like the other instruments from Black Corporation, ISE-NIN is MPE compatible, meaning that pairing it up with a compatible DAW or a controller like the Linnstrument or QuNexus unlocks the magic of per-note pitch bend and expression, polyphonic aftertouch, and more. But if that weren't enough, ISE-NIN can split or layer two presets at once, and while this reduces polyphony down to four voices per patch, the musical potential vastly outweighs the polyphonic limitations. Pair this with the onboard arpeggiator and extensive microtuning options compatible with ODDSound's MTS-ESP, and this is a synth that pushes analog sounds in territories never before imagined.

If you find yourself enchanted by the sounds of classic analog instruments but will only settle for the flexibility of a modern synthesizer, ISE-NIN just might be the thriller of a synth needed for your studio."

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.

Black Corporation XERXES. Worth 4000€?

video upload by Wine&Synths

"00:00 - Start
00:38 - Clones & Replicants
03:31 - Science Fiction
04:38 - The Xerxes
05:35 - Demo
06:23 - DCOs
07:15 - Oscillators
07:41 - PAM & Sync Demo
08:24 - Filter & Portamento / Glide
08:58 - W&S Score
12:49 - Final thoughts
14:20 - Demo Track

Welcome to my review if the Black Corporation XERXES Synthesizer!
It's a highly inspiring synthesizer without any flaws. A real joy to play with! But is it really worth 4000€?

A track I made with the Xerxes and my vintage Vermona DRM:"

Black Corporation Xerxes & Vermona '87 DRM 🇮🇹 Italo 🇯🇵 Minimal 🇩🇪 Disco

video upload by Wine&Synths

"Here is my latest track: produced just using the Vintage Vermona drum machine and the Black Corporation Xerxes that appeared surprisingly in the studio for a check!
It's a highly inspiring synthesizer without any flaws. A real joy to play with!
No additional effects other than stock delay and reverb from Ableton Live11 were used.
Chris - PiQuadrat"

An Update on Black Corporation's DECKARD'S DREAM - 2nd Run of Prebuilt Units Pre-Orders Now Open

via Black Corporation

"We hope this newsletter reaches you well. We here at Black Corporation have been working hard to fill all of the orders for the first run of Deckard’s Dream DIY kits and pre-built units. Most of the DIY kits were shipped in mid-October and we are already seeing some enthusiastic builders putting the finishing touches on their projects.

The first run of built Deckard’s Dream units will start shipping this week. We are looking forward to getting them to their new owners and hearing all of the great things they are used for. It has been a major learning experience, but we have managed to streamline some of the process do things more smoothly moving forward. We also had made many software improvements recently, adding extended EG and LFO speeds and microtuning features.

We have been receiving inquiries as to when the second run would be, so we are happy to announce that we are now accepting pre-orders, expecting to ship in February. They will also be $3749, and just as we did in the first run, we will accept preorders with a deposit of $1199 until December 1, 2017 (after which, we will not be able to accept cancellations or refunds). We will then request a final payment of $2550, the balance, when the units are ready to ship. This includes free shipping by Japan Post Priority International.

Please preorder here.

We still have a few DIY kits in stock and will have the full build guide available shortly for those who have been reluctant to emerge into the project.

Unfortunately, these efforts did require us to take some attention away from our upcoming Expander unit, but we are now fully focused on finalizing it.

Stay tuned for more updates,
Black Corporation"

SOURCE OF UNCERTAINTY - New Collaboration Between Buchla & Black Corporation's Roman Filippov

Soviet Space Child wrote in to let us know Buchla has teamed up with Black Corporation's Roman Filippov to release reissues of classic Buchla modules though a new venture called SOURCE OF UNCERTAINTY. From their new website https://sourceofuncertainty.com:

"AUTHENTIC REISSUES OF CLASSIC BUCHLA MODULAR. Source of Uncertainty is the official store for Buchla Classic Reissues, created by Roman Filippov of Black Corporation.

BUCHLA CLASSIC REISSUES SIGNIFY A RETURN TO PRODUCTION OF THE ICONIC COMPOSITIONAL AND PERFORMANCE TOOLS, using original parts wherever possible, plus minor adaptations for greater low-noise performance and reliability and component availability. We ship worldwide, direct from the engineer."


Roman actually got started cloning Buchla modules prior to forming Black Corporation. See the labels below or do a search for him if you want to go down the rabbit hole.

The following are the current modules listed:

CLICK FOR MORE »

New ISE-NIN From Black Corporation - Roland Jupiter-8 Inspired Desktop / Rackmount Synth

via Black Corporation

"It’s been a while since the last BC poly synth release. Please meet ISE-NIN. Coming later this year, with a full MPE support and micro tuning by ODDSound MTS-ESP! Preorders will start next week on our website."

Click the pic to zoom in.

8-Voice Analogue Synthesizer By Black Corporation.

Black Corporation Deckard's Voice // Dreamy Eurorack Synth Voice

DivKidVideo

Deckard's Voice was first announced in August 2019, and RACHEL shortly after.

"Here’s the *PROTOTYPE* Deckard’s Voice module from Black Corporation. It’s a monophonic analogue Eurorack synth voice based on the Deckard’s Dream polyphonic since - which in itself is a replicant with a serious nod to the classic Yamaha CS-80. In 32HP is features an analogue oscillator, two LFOs, two envelopes, two filters and plenty of CV ins and outs. For a detailed run down download the free PDF quickstart I’ve made and linked below.

*PROTOTYPE* - this is a pre release prototype unit, final tweaks and adjustments may be made in the production version.

PDF quickstart guide - https://bit.ly/DV-quickstart


TIMING INDEX // SECTIONS

00:00 Hello & patch previews

01:18 What is Deckard’s Voice?

02:07 No talking tonal exploration

02:52 Oscillator section

03:50 Dynamic hazy acid

04:54 RAW filter sound

06:11 Abstract critters & experimental modulation

06:38 AM overtones from the LFO

07:33 AM synthesis with the velocity CV input

08:57 Netflix show themes

09:09 LFO section

10:43 Dynamic animation with Brilliance & Velocity

11:27 Random vocal & formant filter tones

12:04 Exploring FM synthesis

13:05 Will it dream? Polyphonic layering + FX

13:43 Vibrato lead lines

14:29 Dense modulation & animation

*THIS VIDEO IS SPONSORED BY BLACK CORPORATION* they have funded the creation of this demonstration / tutorial video for their product."

An Update on Deckard’s Dream

via Roman Filippov / Deckard’s Dream / Black Corporation

"First of all, we would like to thank you for your patience and bearing with us as we have been working hard to set up operations in Tokyo. It has been quite a wonderful experience working with new manufacturing partners in Japan, but there have been some challenges as well. The PCB factory, for example, had to redo the run because the first boards failed the flying probe test, which took some time. We now have the process better streamlined so things will go more smoothly moving forward.

That said, here are some updates about Deckard’s Dream!

DIY Kits:
We are almost ready with the DIY kits. The PCBs are being populated with SMT parts at the moment and should be ready to ship in about 2 weeks. The final revision of the Bill of Materials (BOM) will be posted on the Deckard’s Dream website within a week (There is a preliminary BOM posted on the Muff Wiggler website, however this is for reference only, it is not the final
revision, so please do not rely on it).

We are also currently working on and shooting photos for the detailed build manual.

Good News! We have omitted all of the trimmers, so there will be no calibration required.

There are still DIY kits available for sale.

Prebuilt Units:
The fully built units are also under production. We are currently waiting on the motherboards and voice cards from an SMT pick-and-place factory. Hardware part already done. We are looking to start shipping the first fully built units in about 3 weeks and aiming to have the whole batch out no later than mid-October.

We will email each customer a week before their order is ready to ship with a link to pay the balance and complete the order.

The next pre-sale of fully built units will go on sale once we get the first run shipped out.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact us at support@black-corporation.com.

Again, thank you for all of your patience!
Roman Filippov / Deckard’s Dream / Black Corporation"

Hi-Res Pics of Black Corporation's Upcoming KIJIMI 8-Voice Analog Synthesizer

Click the pics for full size.

"KIJIMI, a new 8-voice analogue synth by Black Corporation. Info, presentation and preorders start at Superbooth."

Black Corporation of course are the people behind Deckard's Dream, the Yamaha CS80 inspired polysynth. The KIJIMI will be RSF inspired - essentially a polyphonic Kobol with ssm2040-like filters, Kobol waveshapers, additional modulation sources and destinations, an additional HPF, 2nd LFO, extended envelopes, and polyAT. A prototype KIJIMI was spotted at NAMM this year.

Update: some additional info added above.

Note: Kijimi is 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"

CLICK FOR MORE »

Black Corporation Deckard's Dream & Kijimi Synthesizers

Published on May 8, 2018 Synthtopia

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"

"Here's an update on Black Corporation's two rack-mount analog synthesizers, Deckard's Dream and the Kijimi."

Deckard's Dream - Gear Guide - Superbooth 2018

Published on May 8, 2018 FACTmagazine

"FACT was at Berlin synth show Superbooth last week, where we tried out all the latest and greatest synth gear.

At Black Corporation's booth we got a sneak preview of Kijimi, a new eight-voice instrument inspired by a rare French polysynth from the 1970s. While we were there, we couldn't resist also checking out Deckard's Dream, the company's existing synth based on the Yamaha CS-80 – the synth used by Vangelis to write the classic Blade Runner score.

Watch above for an overview of the synth and a demonstration of its impressive sound engine."

BAF 2024: Black Corporation - Jupiter 8 Desktop

video upload by sonicstate

"At Buchla and Friends 2024 we hooked up with Roman Filippov of Black Corporation who has produced a limited edition charity version of his synthesizer, based on the Jupiter-8, with all proceeds going to non-military charities in Ukraine. Filippov also announced his collaboration with Buchla, bringing back vintage modules that were released in the early to mid-70s. These modules have been recreated using modern technology, while still maintaining the core sound of the original Buchla models. They also include new features such as USB and MIDI out, polyphonic aftertouch, and extended tracking capabilities. The Buchla modules are now available for purchase through the Buchla website and the official sourceofuncertainty.com web store.

Jupiter 8 Desktop Price: 4,299 USD

https://black-corporation.com/"

See the Source of Uncertainty announcement post here.

New ELKA Synthex Coming from Black Corporation - Meet the Xerxes 8 Voice Synthesizer

Just the image for now. Click on it to check out the front panel in more detail. It clearly takes after the ELKA Synthex.

Black corporation of course brought us Deckards Dream, based on the Yamaha CS80, and Kijimi, a poly based on the RSF Kobol.

Black Corporation is run by Roman Filippov, the man behind the original 208r Buchla Music Easel clone. Some consider it closer to the original than the BEMI re-issue.

Xerxes is a suitable name considering the Elka Synthex is considered a king among synths. via Wikipedia:

"Xerxes I (/ˈzɜːrksiːz/; Old Persian: 𐎧𐏁𐎹𐎠𐎼𐏁𐎠 Xšayaṛša (About this sound Khshāyarsha (help·info)) [4] "ruling over heroes",[5] Greek Ξέρξης Xérxēs [ksérksɛːs]; 519–465 BC), called Xerxes the Great, was the fourth king of kings of the Achaemenid dynasty of Persia. Like his predecessor Darius I, he ruled the empire at its territorial apex. He ruled from 486 BC until his assassination in 465 BC at the hands of Artabanus, the commander of the royal bodyguard."


Update: added an image of the original Elka Synthex from this post, where you can find more pics.

Black Corporation Xerxes SN 1839

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

via this auction

"'This is a near mint Xerxes. Comes with original box, rack ears, and materials.

The only reason I don't list it as mint is because it came from Black Corporation directly with a tiny mark which you can see in the photographs. I point at it with a pencil. THIS MARK IS ON THE REAR or TOP (however you choose to describe it) so it would not be visible while playing, nor when racked.

The Xerxes is perfect in EVERY other way. Black Corporation designed this synth after the Elka Synthex. It has DCO's just like the Synthex and the 3-way analog chorus is also from the Elka. My bandmate has a Synthex at his home and it sounds very much the same. But frankly it also has a bit of Juno in the sound. This is likely due to the DCO's and chorus - which sounds amazing."

CLICK FOR MORE »

KIJIMI - ANALOGUE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER BY BLACK CORPORATION - Promo Video & Pre-Orders Open

Published on May 2, 2018 Deckard's Dream

"KIJIMI - ANALOGUE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER BY BLACK CORPORATION

http://www.black-corporation.com

visuals: https://www.strategyset.com/en
music: Mathew Jonson"

Awesome promo video.

Pre-orders details:

"$1,199.00

This is a preorder deposit for a fully built KIJIMI synthesizer.

The total price is $3749 with free worldwide shipping, the remaining balance of $2550 is to be paid when the product is ready for shipping.

Pre-order will run until these units have sold out. Please allow 3 months build time, shipping should be in August 2018.

We offer free worldwide shipping with Japan Post International Priority. Courier delivery (UPS, DHL, FedEx etc) is available but will be charged at an additional cost."

You can find previous posts featuring KIJIMI here.

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"

Modular Synthesis with Richard Nicol and Bob Rogue of Black Corporation

Published on Apr 21, 2020 Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers

"Richard talks to Bob Rogue of Black Corporation about the allure of synthesizers, the history of Black Corporation, and polyphonic analog synthesis while mostly failing at producing a live YouTube stream. Feel free to ask questions in the live chat or just hang out."

Modular Synthesis with Pittsburgh Modular Synthesizers posts here

Black Corporation's Deckard's Voice Eurorack Module Open for Pre-Order - Priced at $199

via the Deckard's Dream website:

"This is a preorder deposit for a Deckard’s Voice synthesizer

The total price is $699 with free worldwide shipping, the remaining balance of $500 is to be paid when the product is ready for shipping, we expect to ship all orders in November 2019.

Deckard’s Voice is an entry level semi-modular synth from Black Corporation for eurorack systems. Sharing the same paradigm and circuit as it’s bigger brother Deckard’s Dream, trimmed down for eurorack and supplemented with the flexibility available only in a modular format.

Features:

VCO with pulse, glitch saw and sine outputs
Dedicated LFO for PWM
Noise source
external audio input to a filter
Discrete hipass and lowpass filters with resonance and IL-AL-ADR envelope
LFO with sine, saw, ramp, square, smooth and stepped random output
output VCA with ADSR envelope and velocity control over volume
ADSR (0-10V) and LFO (-5V/+5V) outputs
master and line level outputs
32HP size
+12/-12V standard eurorack power

We offer free worldwide shipping with Japan Post. Courier delivery (UPS, DHL, FedEx etc) is available but will be charged at an additional cost."

Pic via Black Corporation's Instagram.

Black Corporation KIJIMI - FIRST DEMOS

http://black-corporation.com
https://www.instagram.com/blackcorporation_jp/

Follow-up to KIJIMI - ANALOGUE POLYPHONIC SYNTHESIZER BY BLACK CORPORATION - Promo Video & Pre-Orders Open.

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"

Black Corporation XERXES Expected to Ship in December

via Black Corporation

"The total price is $2999 with free worldwide shipping, the remaining balance of $2000 is to be paid when the product is ready for shipping.

8-voice polyphonic analogue synthesizer
2 discrete logic DCOs per voice
analogue HP/BP/LP filter
2 LFOs
2 ADSRs
polyphonic velocity and aftertouch
full MPE (midi polyphonic expression) support
analogue BBD stereo chorus
4U rack size with detachable rack ears and wood side panels
10 preset banks (x128)

Pre-order will run until these units have sold out. Please allow 3 months build time, shipping should be in December 2019."


XERXES is based on the Elka Synthex. You can find demos of Black Corporation's XERXES in the archives here.