The Kijimi Review // A Super Interesting Synth

The Black Corporation Kijimi Synth is an awesome take on what an analog synth can do. Inspired by the super rare RSF Polykobol
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[@dazeja]

I really should’ve checked the price before watching all 30 minutes. Now I’m sad, very sad.

[@Glow0110]

lol of course it's going to be crazy expensive

[@JohnnyVulpinee]

What’s the price?

[@joeblack007forever]

@@Broyale26 lol!!! WTF!!! :D

[@TheRealDirtySkillz]

Thanks for telling the rest of us. Wtf is wrong with you. What's the price nigga???

[@chriszanf]

@@TheRealDirtySkillz You can buy the kits for $999. You just have to supply the rest of the components and built it. Will be a lot less than $3,700 depending on what your times is worth to you.

[@dmonster808]

My mentality is use and master what gear you have so that when you can afford your dream gear or expensive gear, you'll already be ready to handle it.

[@painstruck01]

then you get to experience the expensive kit paradox. the more expensive it is the less you need to use it.

[@GizzyDillespee]

unless all you have is a rompler, then that won't help you much with kijimi. Musically, but not with synthesis, that much. In that case, you gotta get another synth besides the rompler. It's the rules

[@curtisvalle5141]

LMFAO

[@my4trackmachine]

Love black corporation’s synths. My only complaint is that can’t afford em. Breaks my heart.

[@nodfactor8808]

Same here. And, unfortunately I don't trust myself to build the kits, which would be an great option if I had the know-how/experience. =(

[@DOSputin]

Buy the kit and assemble it! Well worth it.

[@chriszanf]

@Jedi Knight You can buy the kits from their shop, same place as the built synths: www.deckardsdream.com/shop

[@herdemrecords]

we gottta get our money right , soon !

[@flowinsounds]

@@nodfactor8808 I could build it for you for a small fee :D

[@RickyTinez]

What time stamp has your favorite sound?? 25:20 is mine

[@kabood777]

man 27:54 is a deep sad big cloud somehow rolling within itself...just beautiful!

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

28:28 do it for me,-

[@keppj0nes]

Definitely 11:17. Totally bonkers sound that dub techno fiends should be looking for. 27:23 even though you only do it for a couple seconds. Lots of unexplored sounds in this thing.

[@jhgann]

18:50 !

[@chap0ng_OhDeer]

loving 25:20 !

[@goodnoyz]

Hey Ricky, another great video. Can you please say what you think the closest synths to the Kijimi and Deckard's Dream at a cheaper price are? What are peoples thoughts on similar but cheaper units

[@nseign]

I know what you mean, unfortunately with most hardware (most), you usually get what you pay for. A few exceptions might be the microfreak, hydrasynth and monologue which can produce some super cool sounds but are somewhat limited. A lot of people hate on vsts but I'd say a good chunk of the forward thinking electronic music these days is made with vsts, they aren't as limited by manufacturing and production costs so you can go a long way with them. For me it's easier to dive deeper into sound design on hardware because I get distracted easier but you might find you don't struggle with that, everyone is different. But coming close to this sound with hardware on a budget is pretty tough in my opinion, at any rate hope that helps 🙏

[@GizzyDillespee]

For lots if modulation, and polyphonic aftertouch, right now Hydrasynth is probably your best hardware bet for value. It's digital, not analog, if that matters. I've heard some of the vintage reediness that I hear in this one.

[@neverfox]

It only seems expensive until you remember how much Eurorack costs.

[@RickyTinez]

exactly lol

[@Bananskuden]

Or any other true analog polysynth.

[@harmannsmith5653]

or buchla

[@yjeeeek]

waiting for behringer eurorack modules

[@cybernitemusic]

Yup! I really don’t wanna get into Eurorack simply because I know I’d eventually be homeless, on the street, with a week of no sleep, drugged up, knife in hand and defending my synths from a Mad Max / Walking Dead horde of bad guys.

[@JoergWessels]

So I guess I can help you with making space in your studio for this new synth. This service will be 1 Deckard's Dream, please.

[@hearmenow909]

Lovely synth but the price is very heavy.

[@df4630]

Indeed - even as a DIY kit it is well over $2k. Plus, functionally it isn't that far off from the Oberheim Xpander/Matrix (yes, even Matrix 6/1000) synths.

[@greggasiorowski4025]

Close to 4 grand, ha! Yeah, this guy needs to get off the crack & STFU, it's not that special, had a hard time taking in a third of this hype fest. 😑

[@templemu]

the physical matrix is amazing, with VST matrix designs I sometimes feel I like a lose the will to live. All that mouse clicking and tiny amount knobs. But here really want to use the matrix and get real lost in it.

[@TheUnknowKING]

behringer clone this please

[@Trovarsi]

Black Corporation synths are amazing!

[@bassfingers]

I’m hearing an Oberheim-like richness here. I’m not a keyboard player ( I’m a former bass player ) but I love the sounds you’re creating here.

[@4bg0n]

26:34 keep coming back for this after so many years!

[@Sharon-music]

Oh man. The jealousy!!! Amped they gave this to you to play with. Thanks for the upload :)

[@ghostcamp6397]

poly aftertouch should be a dang standard by now. you're gosh dang right

[@bigblockelectra]

Dave Smith commented on this... unfortunately, many of the easy to manufacture designs are patented and the patent holders aren't interested in licensing the designs. There is an interview where he mentions this....Tom Oberheim and Alan Parsons are in the video as well.

[@marzzz1]

@@bigblockelectra None of the patents are still in force; the biggest problem is that no one wants to build a PolyAT keyboard because of the expense.

[@mallechilie]

I really want to play it from my hydrasynth, sadly that cost me my savings already.

[@dillipphunbar7924]

One of these awesome machines, and a Deckards Dream, both played by Roli 49 Seaboard and some discrete poly/multi channel sequencer...nice

[@AlbaEcstasy]

The analog synth scene is becoming more interesting with every year. 👌🏻

[@Msalaine]

Unpopular opinion:I get that most people don’t know how to use synths.. but it’s really boring to watch when you do. I don’t need you to explain every basic parameter on a synth just make more weird sounds and stop ruining it by talking through everything. Ty

[@kramerdesign9443]

I got out of the music industry professionally 3-4 years ago, and I occasionally dip into 'gear KZbin' to stay a little up to date on what's happening - but this channel has a really wonderful, calm, clear aesthetic and presentation that I really, really like. I dip into others, but I get notifications on this one. Great work!

[@RickyTinez]

Philip! that means a ton to me, thank you for the support and you're always welcome back!

[@Novaheart1998]

I've known about these for a while now, Deckard's Dream and this one and this one is actually my Fave of the new crop of analogs in the last decade. It rules. I will probably get one, first I have to sell my car though, who needs a car right?

[@TJ-vv3ex]

I wish I had a car to sell. Double jealous.

[@troublesomecorsair]

Hands-on controls for Aftertouch, not hidden down the menu hole. That's what I like to see. I see it on the OB-6 but where else?

[@robertcrystals]

Black Corps instagram almost made me hate their synths. That dude loves his head.

[@bobrogue]

We know.

[@ulteriorreignsupreme]

Very good video/audio/light quality. Hope to get one of these one day.

[@ar_xiv]

It is pretty oberheim-y. Always glad to see contemporary polyphonic synths, sometimes it feels like everyone forgot how to make them.

[@nseign]

Probably the most slept on anapoly out right now. This thing is a sci fi soundtrack scoring wonder machine.

[@DivKid]

YES YES YES YES love it. Great video mate.

[@spybloodjr]

If you dig the way the ADSR affects LFOs you would have a blast with the Dreadbox Medusa.

[@ontology3]

holy shit this looks so cool, the fact that it's rackmount makes it even sexier lmao.

[@g3cd]

It does sound amazing and the number of LFOs you can apply is only second to the Norand Mono ... but why has a $4500 synth no stereo out?

[@synchro505]

Very nice. Really surprised it is not stereo. It would be cool to pan the VCOs, LFOs, waveforms, etc.

[@mightymax1337]

Fun fact: A planet of the Star Wars universe which is also seen in the new movie is named after this synth :)

[@jumpontheroof]

Fun fact: the music in the bar scene on Kijimi was composed by JJ Abrams and Ricky Tinez using a Kijimi, :D

[@DennisMHenderson]

Fakt fuk: BC had pictures of *kijimi* & staff with the holywodkweerz & #kojimaproductions in the same day, Tokyo on Instagram

[@neonether]

@@jumpontheroof Funner fact: the background piano player in the bar scene on Kijimi was also playing a Kijimi.

[@NicoHolloman]

Ricky can you please make more demos of the kijimi and the deckards dream? They are so few and far between on youtube and it would be amazing to see more of what these amazing synths can do. Thanks bro!

[@paridox4ever]

that tiny screen as small as my vape screen.

[@smartbart015]

I tried this beauty yesterday at Superbooth, it’s gorgeous. I even came back to the black corporation stand at the end of the day to hear it again. Too bad it’s kinda pricey and that there’s no stereo output with panspread, but other than that.... really great synth!

[@ebk7073344]

Bart Knol Did you see the Xerxes synth there? Any word on the price?

[@smartbart015]

No, I did not see the Xerxes

[@harleybussell9119]

Synth manufacturers, use this guy for demos!

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

Makes perfect sense,,-

[@NovationTV]

Way ahead of you.

[@pvoid0]

use = X hire = O

[@brandonbanks1408]

Yeah... perfect for the younger market targets. Making synths cool for all ages.

[@df4630]

Really? These demos are so soft/superficial...but maybe that's what kids like these days.

[@acidbat4441]

Big boards of canada and autechre vibes

[@SendyTheEndless]

I'M THE MASTER VCO NOW! >:)

[@Digiphex]

Looks interesting. Very cool that you got to play with it.

[@keppj0nes]

Man you should make another overview of the basic features of the synth and maybe how it compares with other synths. The price range is high but I wonder if it really competes with anything. Omega 8/Code and Dave smith stuff?

[@soupforare]

In Dave's stable, the P12 I guess

[@Johnalbinm]

Man, that’s s fantastic sounding synth! And your videos are so smooth and calming to watch!

[@somnambulantable]

@5:26: Who else thought they got a message? :)

[@RickyTinez]

Hahaha whoops! video ruined.

[@waveguider]

I'll be at Synthplex tomorrow and giving a talk Saturday morning on intellectual property for electronic musicians/manufactures

[@rjbush7955]

This is the vision of the synth I've always had in my head. The layout is perfect. Just look at it. You can see straight away signal flow. My dream setup - I'd love to hook it up to Sequentix Cirklon and Eventide H9000. Turn on, set to random sequence and let burble along all day.

[@g3cd]

Did you notice it's only mono? My dream synth has stereo out 😕

[@northerncatto]

So like, when you want to sell a kidney, what's the best way?

[@RickyTinez]

Amazon black market warehouse deals are pretty good

[@northerncatto]

Enrique Martinez Music LOL

[@Dogboy73]

Serious fucking GAS

[@WingHouseCup]

The want is strong with this one. Holy smokes it sounds good!!

[@flowinsounds]

That device is amazing. I'm with you on the polyphonic aftertouch linked to the variable waveshape. Just beautiful

[@shookstylez]

I absolutely hate the name. Kijimi. Sounds like a KAIJU FROM PACIFIC RIM.

[@bobrogue]

It'll grow on you.

[@acidpunk8238]

9:12 Autechre - Nine

[@MajorOSC]

sorry I'm at work so I can't see the full video, but is this mono output or stereo?

[@RickyTinez]

Mono

[@Lowerhaightstreet]

4:24 I dig how the plants react to them chords.

[@RickyTinez]

hahaha! That's hilarious

[@VincentPresley]

This company seems to be the cool, respectable, well built version of Behringer. I tried Behringer's garbage products and wouldn't use them even if they paid me. This Black Corporation seems really solid but I'm having a hard time justifying these prices. They seem really off to me. Like, twice the price of what I would have guessed.

[@ISOTROPOSPHERE]

Based on the Polykobol synthesizer I believe.

[@andrewnibbi]

ISOTROPOSPHERE is it actually? I’ve heard some insane things about the Polykobol

[@ISOTROPOSPHERE]

@@andrewnibbi That is what I believe I read on the manufacturers site, yes.

[@francoisbasquin6974]

The insane comments were rather on the RSF Polykobol II. It was an amazing synth, but very complex and the problems came from the inside connectors that tend to loose. I’ve been told only 11 were made, and I know one is dead.

[@hathormenat7634]

ISOTROPOSPHERE no, based on kobol expander. Polykobol is light years ahead in term of sounds.

[@bengarland]

Fun fact that I was told by Black Corporation: the synth was named by JJ Abrams (who is a customer) then Kijimi later appeared as the name of a planet in Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker.

[@ZethKeeper]

Well, I bet a few men can afford original Polykobol (lol, if you can find one in the first place), but BC synth are expensive AF as well. Sigh.

[@TheFakeMikeLWatts]

This is.. this is absolutely stunning. This is the sound I've dreamed of after long nights of programming. Wow.

[@delfeth]

listen to Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, save station theme

[@Pacman1ac]

I'm not impressed by Black Corp's synths. They sound like mediocre clones and they don't even offer the look / iconic interface of the originals.

[@lameturtle1170]

why the tearing on the silkscreen though ? isnt it brand new ?

[@nicodro7317]

Lame Turtle it’s a demo unit so it possibly got moved a lot

[@videosuperhighway7655]

I really dont see what the big deal is, I guess the people impressed dont own many synths. Sounds a bit boxy and thin.

[@bobfrode]

i have a few. (analog: Matrixbrute, moog GM, MFB Dominion1 ++) and to me it sounds like its alive and has a lot of soul and character. No plugin or digital synth can imho sound like analog oscillators :)

[@CaidicusProductions]

Let's hope they let you keep it, you're definitely helping sell it. I'm sold.

[@jon_c]

I've been on the fence as far as buying one of these goes. Hearing the one good demo (yours) on KZbin caused me to order one. I also love that in your demonstration that you explained and showed what you were doing and why for sound design purposes. Bloody good show!

[@marcoandreoni2112]

I have a question. In the mod matrix, can you set individuals amounts for multiple destinations?

[@RickyTinez]

no its one amount for the row.

[@tommy.countach]

i played this at the synthshop in my town, hands down the fattest, gnarliest synth ive ever heard

[@likitorma]

Don't know that much about synths but I feel like this is a bit like the thor in reason maybe, mostly because of the mod matrix.

[@jamestaffae5178]

Boring... sorry it is just another analog synth... squeaks, pops, noise...blah... they all sound the same. I have removed all analog synths from the studio except for one hybrid synth (Roland JD-XA) and to be honest I don't use it that much. Sorry Kijimi

[@ghostfrom1950]

I'll probably get heaved out of here fast for saying this, but I found this was checking off all the boxes in what I'm looking for when at the very end noticed it has only 1 channel for output :/. I get it on a 5 voice prophet 5 but for 3 more voices and much more functionality, that's a bummer IMO. Now I am a bit perplexed as to why on something with 8 voices for this much money. JS

[@R---66---R]

Fine and good explanation, but I simply miss the black and white keys of a keyboard, in this example! For me, playing notes via 'knobs' is still something unnatural! This BCKS looks 'the' right instrument for science-fiction or related...it's rather pure.

[@jaibhimadevi5805]

A little bot told me there'll be a VSTi based on Kijimi called IMIJ, by k brown: www.dsprobotics.com/support/download/file.php?id=10451

[@jimjamkillsnerds]

I hope James Blake buys one of these

[@NinoCotonato]

Wow. Uli can do one for 1 grand? This is a packed modular analog with 8 voice poly. I think he lack a second Ob style multimode filter and an analog chorus, then are perfect

[@tow_rent888]

would be cool if you could do a kijimi sound video, no talking, like the xerxes. Please do!

[@saxmidiman]

What an uneasy feeling...I can't afford to go out and buy at least two of 'em! BTW...Move over Moog...Anybody wanna buy my GrandMother?

[@modularmountain3910]

I’ll wait for Behringer’s $200 clone of Black Corps. Deckard’s Dream. ;-)

[@agerven]

Can understand your remark, but that'll be a looong wait.

[@btrain2385]

@@agerven I doubt it will be long before we see Behringer's CS-80 clone...They have publicly stated intention to build such a synth, and if 2019 was an indicator of Behringer's development capabilities, 2020 should be exciting....$200 is probably unrealistic though...But it will still be 1/32 the cost of an original.

[@agerven]

@@btrain2385 I would not oppose of that at all. But as you say, $200 is unrealistic, very unrealistic when you consider: - The amount of buttons, sliders etc on the RSF Kobol / Kijimi or on the CS-80 / Deckards Dream; - The 5 octave poly after touch keyboard (CS-80); - patch programmability; - analog circuitry architecture (which is different from most of the clones they brought so far) Still, Behringer has obtained amazing audio results with their clones, and produced a very nice result for value synthesizer with their Deepminds.

[@btrain2385]

@anthony patterson I understand this synth just fine. It's a matter of public record that Behringer have begun development and we all know it will be cheaper...So the first half of your comment is simply false. I've never suggested Behringer to be an innovator but your suggestion that they can only be appreciated by people with limited income is preposterous. It's also pretty silly to insult Behringer for stealing other peoples designs when you are defending a company that did LITERALLY THE SAME THING!

[@Reggie-The-Dog]

I agree that it sounds great, but so do a lot of other synths. I don't hear much here that I couldn't do with a synth that costs far less. So instead of getting GAS over something you can't afford, take what you already have and learn it as deeply as possible and thrash it to within an inch of its life. You might be surprised.

[@CybreSmee]

Luckily, I stopped your video at 5min to check the price because it sounded awesome. No need for me to watch any more as its completely overpriced.

[@Gorber]

I literally got chills at 17:50, that unison bass is just WOW!

[@RickyTinez]

nailed it!

[@mikejgebhart145]

reminds me of the music from yu yu hakusho! Incredible synth!!!!!

[@davecjd]

Hi Ricky, if you could only have 1 Black Corporation synth, which one would it be and why?

[@gerdpfeil]

Too bad they decided to drop this into an eyesore of a super-bland 19" 1989 hifi component box. :(

[@ramseysounds2086]

why didn't you use a proper keyboard??

[@jean-louispech4921]

for the polyphonic aftertouch

[@ramseysounds2086]

jean-louis pech but you can get that on a proper keyboard! Happy new year 👍

[@nectariosm]

Sounds nice but not 4grand nice, imo of course. I guess it all comes down to taste as well. Having said that, top marks for the interface.

[@hippisarecool]

nektar the price is so expensive cause they have to hand build all of them. You can build your own for only 1k, which is honestly a steal

[@nectariosm]

@@hippisarecool I didn't know you can buy the kit for a grand, that's a cool option for sure.

[@bigblockelectra]

@@nectariosm double check before you buy.... The deckard dream is $999 for the kit, but the kit only includes the pcbs.....all the components are separate.

[@nectariosm]

@@bigblockelectra thanks for the info. Going to skip on this one...the build is immense and it would cost a fair bit to assign it to someone else.

[@WolfTrap1000]

what a synth! Just seen the price though.... damn it... ;D

[@Hummelsbusch]

When a synth sounds georgeous without fx you know it's great! Great demo as well, very passionate and enticing.

[@attaboymix]

Fucking ugly power cord in the front, it destroy the cool look,what are they thinking ?

[@dingbatjack1234]

Multi timbral?

[@pabloplato]

holy shit, that polyphonic aftertouch! so much fun! a man could get lost for days with a machine like that :)

[@seeyouintheeighties]

black corporation clones a synth ( with a few mods) that very few can afford - everyone jumps up with joy. Behringer clones a synth (with a few mods) that everyone can afford - comments section can be as toxic as a brexit one With all that said - wow what a synth, wish they did a keyboard version - would look amazing!

[@RickyTinez]

im guilty of this, i've slowly been changing my mindset. Maybe its the name change on BC's side haha.

[@Glazed4Dayz]

If Behringer made a clone of this for under $1000, THEY WOULD SELL OUT. Sad thing is, they could, I don't care if they are "clone" I still going to buy them. But as far as what I own, just a Neutron, and going to get the Crave from them at the moment. I would like to get a Mod-D, but herd there are some issues with some lots. I really want to get an Xpander... BUT I could buy sooo much more with 3 grand, just like this for over 3 too.

[@M1L31]

love the sounds and your presentation but a little bit too expensive :P

[@petepenicka5416]

The basic sound character reminds me of my Oberheim X-Pander. REALY NICE

[@RickyTinez]

Yep same. They’re similar in a sense. Maybe I should compare them 🤔

[@bobfrode]

dude...this doesnt help my GAS :( it sounds amazing... i didnt even miss the effects (reverb etc). imagine this and Deckards Dream together :)

[@RoomAtTheTopStudio]

I have a feeling that he didn't need to imagine it lol

[@McN4styFilth]

Holy shit sounds amazing. Honestly sounds better to me than the dream.

[@Terrible_Peril]

McNastyFilth I hate that you said that and I hate that I agree lol

[@McN4styFilth]

@@Terrible_Peril It's painful to admit!

[@sonicultura]

I’m glad to see you on this! I have no doubts why you get to show this amazing synth. There is a reason for us seeing you with it and the reason being you make great videos! Cheers!

[@RickyTinez]

Thank you Sonicultura, means a lot!

[@VincentsVideoVisions]

It's great and all but for that much money I could pick up several used VAs and have basically every sound I could ever want.

[@musicdefinesgravity]

But we would love to be here all day what do you mean...

[@spiltyak7477]

I was geared up towards a Deckard's Dream...not sure now

[@RickyTinez]

It's the hardest decision ever

[@gilbycoyote]

Same.

[@ThisIsMajorTom913]

I had a Deckard for a few months and it's a synth that sounded AMAZING just by itself (and with some effects), but it didn't sit well in a mix with my other synths. It also had a few bugs, like presets not loading (requiring a hard restart). I'd be really curious to try the Kijimi out, because this demo makes it sound amazing; better than the Deckard.

[@MikkelGrumBovin]

This is like like seeing a painter paint with sound - fenomenal !

[@lupat9955]

waw this was amazing demo! the synth is amazing price too...

[@Farmatique]

Two words: Like and Subscribe

[@swatrick_payze]

Nice Mod features. Nice Sound. Nice Synth. ...oh and nice demo ;-)

[@mrdrgonzo]

Am I right in thinking once you save a patch and load another the knobs are then all out of whack? If so wouldn’t t be better to have digital encoders or motorised ones if they even exist?

[@bobrogue]

You have 3 options in the settings on how the knobs (or sliders on Deckard's Dream) behave. INSTANT, where the parameter jumps to the position o the know once you move it, PICK UP, where you need to move the knob over the position of where it is set on the preset, and MERGE, where the value of the preset and the physical place of the knob come together.

[@mrdrgonzo]

Bob Rogue thought that maybe the case, it really takes away from the standalone feel of the unit when your having to then sync up knobs, it’s more like a controller in that regard. For the price I’d have hoped for endless encoders with either a light strip running round or even dot matrix screens above each knob with a value