Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $36
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$500
$1501+
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Description
DECKARD’S DREAM, or DDRM, features eight voices, each with two identical layered parts consisting of a 100% analog voltage controlled oscillator made with discrete waveshapers, analog lowpass and highpass filter (each with their own cutoff and resonance settings,) noise generator, unique multi-segment filter envelope, and VCA + ADSR envelope. Each layer also features its own independent programming section for MPE-based velocity and polyphonic aftertouch control of its filter cutoff and amplifier settings.
DDRM’s perfomance section features global pitch control with coarse & fine-tuning sliders, layer 2 detune slider, independent keyboard range control for each layer, mix balancing between layer 1 and layer 2, global filter cutoff and resonance offsets, and a global LFO to control both layers’ filter/pitch/amplifiers simultaneously.
DDRM was created with full expressive performance control in mind, and boasts programming sections for global MPE-based control over LFO parameters + pitchbend, as well as global key tracking control over the filter and amplifier settings of both layers. Finally, there is a global portamento/glissando slider affecting both layers simultaneously. The level of expressive control these parameters give over a performance is something found in very few synthesizers, and the result are stunning!
DDRM features full MIDI control and the ability to store 128 presets per bank across 3 banks, integrating this classic synth concept seamlessly into the future of your modern studio needs.
Videos
Tim Shoebridge
Deckard's Dream | Lasting Impressions
Reviews
PROS
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Captures the Yamaha CS vibe beautifully
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Offers unparalleled analog sound quality
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Supports MPE for expressive playability
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Dual-channel setup for complex sounds
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Vintage analog poly sound with modern features
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Fast auto calibration for tuning stability
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Includes presets for immediate use
CONS
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Limited modulation capabilities
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Menu system is fiddly and unintuitive
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Presets sound too similar, lacking variety
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Build quality concerns, especially during transport
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High price point for the feature set
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Requires external Poly Aftertouch keyboard for full functionality
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1.
User experience
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Owners appreciate the ease of creating dynamic performances through its comprehensive slider controls, likening its playability to an acoustic instrument.
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The synth is described as providing a uniquely engaging experience, with users finding it difficult to replicate its vibe with other gear.
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Some users report that the Deckard's Dream is slightly noisy, though it's unclear if this is a widespread issue.
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Other
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The synth is notable for its Blade Runner-inspired name, which resonates with fans of the film.
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Use cases and applications
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Owners frequently use the Deckard's Dream for ambient and textural soundscapes, often incorporating it into complex musical arrangements.
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The synth is particularly suitable for pads and complex keyboard melodies, but less so for producing intense bass drops.
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Owners report that the Deckard's Dream excels in creating textural chords for rhythmic purposes, reminiscent of classic CS80 sounds found in older records.
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Setup and maintenance
Features and functionality
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The unit lacks a built-in ring modulator, which some users hope will be included in future versions.
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The Deckard's Dream requires a compatible controller with poly aftertouch or MPE, such as a Linnstrument or Roli, for optimal use.
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The Deckard's Dream offers split voices with separate filters, allowing for unique sound design options not commonly found in other analog poly synths.
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Individual sliders for note position-based filter and volume response allow for nuanced tonal sculpting, such as brightening the lower end of a dark patch.
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The Deckard's Dream incorporates unique macro-controls like brilliance and resonance for overall tonal adjustments, enhancing its playability and expressive capabilities.
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Build quality
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Owners have noted the impressive build quality, though the price point can be prohibitive for some users.
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Value and pricing
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Despite its capabilities, some users lean towards alternatives like the Prophet 6 for versatility and cost-effectiveness, given the Deckard's Dream's niche appeal and pricing.
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Considered a no-brainer in terms of price, size, reliability, and features when compared to original vintage synths it emulates.
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Comparisons
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The Deckard's Dream's architecture is simpler compared to the Prophet 6, lacking a mod matrix or cross-modulation features, which affects its all-round polyphonic capabilities.
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A sine wave oscillator per voice is implemented post-filter, limiting its shaping capabilities to the VCA, which affects the ability to create FM-like tones such as bells or chimes.
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The Deckard's Dream is favored over vintage options like the CS-50 due to its 8 voices, dual-channel capability, compact size, and modern reliability.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings
46
Modern Homage to a Legend
A true-to-life, circuit-accurate rebuild of arguably one of the most iconic synths of all time, the Yamaha CS-80. Need I say more?
Artist usage
Add artist
In an Instagram post dated May 25, 2022, The Real Mike Dean is shown using a Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1, as visible in the bottom part of the equipment setup.
At the beginning you can see the Synth, It has the exact layout as the Deckard's Dream, not only that but throughout the video you can see a lot of stuff labled "Deckard Base"
Frost posted a video of a Deckard's Dream in use at Greenhouse Studios. Not played by him in the video but it's likely he was involved with the recording.
The model in use in this video is a MKI; you can tell from then front panel audio output, lack of a 'MK2' on the bottom right of the front panel, and the date the video was posted, which was prior to the release of the MK2.
In the article "Studio 2.0 Artist Profile: Khalil" by Serato on Serato - The Drop, it is confirmed that music producer DJ Khalil uses the Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1.
In this photo of Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe in his studio, the Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1 can be seen racked under the mixer, confirming his use of this synthesizer.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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