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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.

Tim Shoebridge

Tim Shoebridge

Deckard's Dream | Lasting Impressions

Video thumbnail for Deckard's Dream | Lasting Impressions by Tim Shoebridge

Deckard's Dream | Lasting Impressions

Tim Shoebridge

Tim Shoebridge

Video thumbnail for Black Corporation Deckard's Dream - обзор и демо by MusicMagTV

Black Corporation Deckard's Dream - обзор и демо

MusicMagTV

MusicMagTV

Video thumbnail for Deckards Dream & Arturia CS-80 V4 - 1492 conquest of paradise remix! Vangelis tribute. by Wine&Synths

Deckards Dream & Arturia CS-80 V4 - 1492 conquest of paradise remix! Vangelis tribute.

Wine&Synths

Wine&Synths

Reviews

PROS

  • Captures the Yamaha CS vibe beautifully

  • Offers unparalleled analog sound quality

  • Supports MPE for expressive playability

  • Dual-channel setup for complex sounds

  • Vintage analog poly sound with modern features

  • Fast auto calibration for tuning stability

  • Includes presets for immediate use

CONS

  • Limited modulation capabilities

  • Menu system is fiddly and unintuitive

  • Presets sound too similar, lacking variety

  • Build quality concerns, especially during transport

  • High price point for the feature set

  • 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

  • Owners appreciate the ease of creating dynamic performances through its comprehensive slider controls, likening its playability to an acoustic instrument.

    Source
  • The synth is described as providing a uniquely engaging experience, with users finding it difficult to replicate its vibe with other gear.

    Source
  • Some users report that the Deckard's Dream is slightly noisy, though it's unclear if this is a widespread issue.

    Source

Other

  • The synth is notable for its Blade Runner-inspired name, which resonates with fans of the film.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Owners frequently use the Deckard's Dream for ambient and textural soundscapes, often incorporating it into complex musical arrangements.

    Source
  • The synth is particularly suitable for pads and complex keyboard melodies, but less so for producing intense bass drops.

    Source
  • Owners report that the Deckard's Dream excels in creating textural chords for rhythmic purposes, reminiscent of classic CS80 sounds found in older records.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • A full voice calibration routine is necessary for consistent tuning, beyond just the Retune function for temperature changes.

    Source
  • Firmware was initially buggy but has mostly been resolved through updates, highlighting ongoing software support from Black Corporation.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The unit lacks a built-in ring modulator, which some users hope will be included in future versions.

    Source
  • The Deckard's Dream requires a compatible controller with poly aftertouch or MPE, such as a Linnstrument or Roli, for optimal use.

    Source
  • The Deckard's Dream offers split voices with separate filters, allowing for unique sound design options not commonly found in other analog poly synths.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • The Deckard's Dream incorporates unique macro-controls like brilliance and resonance for overall tonal adjustments, enhancing its playability and expressive capabilities.

    Source

Build quality

  • Owners have noted the impressive build quality, though the price point can be prohibitive for some users.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • 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.

    Source
  • Considered a no-brainer in terms of price, size, reliability, and features when compared to original vintage synths it emulates.

    Source

Comparisons

  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
D

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
See how Richie Hawtin uses Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1

Richie Hawtin

Music Producer

Sven Väth & Richie Hawtin

...
Verified via YouTube

can be seen at 0:38 in the video

See how The Real Mike Dean uses Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1

The Real Mike Dean

Music Producer, Audio Engineer

Def Squad

...
Verified

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.

See how EDEN uses Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1

EDEN

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

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"

See how Ben Frost uses Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1

Ben Frost

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how DJ Khalil uses Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1

DJ Khalil

Music Producer

Soul Assassins

...
Verified via Serato - The Drop

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.

See how Kenny Larkin uses Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1

Kenny Larkin

Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

@2:44, compliments of this Telekom Electronic Beats video.

See how Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe uses Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1

Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe

Composer, Music Producer

OM

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how ben lukas boysen uses Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1

ben lukas boysen

Music Producer

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Ben Lukas Boysen is seen using the Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1 during an MPE test session. The post confirms his engagement with this synthesizer model.

See how Firechild uses Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1

Firechild

Keyboardist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

video of Firechild performing the Deckard's Dream in his studio

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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kafkaforpresident

kafkaforpresident

Gear IQ 329

1 alternative for Black Corporation Deckard's Dream MK1, curated by the Equipboard community.

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