Black Corporation - Kijimi MkII

The Kijimi MKII from Black Corporation, an 8-voice analogue synthesizer with polyphonic aftertouch, MPE and microtuning is a love letter to the golden age of analog synthesis.

This eight-voice polyphonic analog synthesizer delivers a really nuanced palette of juicy analog sounds. Mind you, it’s not trying to reinvent the wheel, but there’s no denying that this little black box sounds excellent. Inspired by the legendary RSF Polykobol from late 70s France, the Kijimi isn’t a straight up clone but rather a reimagination. It’s got a fully analog signal path with a robust modulation section that's easy to navigate, making this a fresh take on the nostalgic sound profile of the Polykobol.

This rather compact rack-synth offers two oscillators (plus a sub-oscillator for Osc1), a low pass filter, VCA, two envelopes, and two LFOs, all located on the right side. On the left hand side you’ll find the extensive modulation section.  The Kijimi actively avaoids other frills like effects and sequencers, focusing instead on the essential ingredients to shape your sound. While it may seem simple at first, the detailed design and interaction of these components is what makes up Kijimi's exceptional sound.

The influences of the Polykobol are evident in many aspects, starting with the oscillators. These oscillators feature discrete wave shapers that allow for infinitely variable wave shapes, ranging from triangle to pulse wave. At the extreme end of the controller, the oscillator shifts to pulse wave with PWM. This feature grants each of the eight voices a unique, independent timbre. A OLED display handles deeper edits like tuning and LFO settings, managing presets, and accessing extensive MIDI settings, including MPE support. Future-proofing is a given with firmware updates via USB.

The modulation section of the Kijimi is where this synth shines. The intuitive way modulations are assigned and controlled is (again) clearly inspired by the Polykobol. It is comprised of two LFOs, switchable between classic waveforms and random. They can be combined with attack-release envelopes for smooth fade-ins and outs. Among other destinations you can modulate waveshape, filter cutoff, resonance while also having LFO speeds modulated by velocity and aftertouch.

The MKII edition of the Kijimi swaps the SSI2144 filter chip for the SSI2140. This is another reimagination. This time of the 2040 Filter IC found in the Prophet 5 Rev1 (and the Kobol ...and Mutronics Mutator!). All that is to say is that those are some really nice sounding filters :) According to Black Corp, this update also brings more stable VCOs, improved VCA control, and upgraded, sturdier potentiometers. You also get some new modulation destinations as well an updated set of sound banks.

What sets the Kijimi apart is the synergy of its elements. The detailed behavior and extensive control ranges, combined with a clear modulation matrix and amazing sound. It offers a really expressive play experience, full of fine nuances thanks to its high-quality ingredients.

Features:

• Eight voice polyphonic analog synthesizer
• Inspired by RSF Polykobol from late 70s France
• Fully analog audio signal path
• Intuitive modulation matrix
• Small OLED display for parameter editing and preset management
• 128 factory and 1152 user presets
• Extensive MIDI settings, including MPE support
• USB port for firmware updates and new features
• Two oscillators plus sub oscillator for Osc1
• Discrete wave shapers for infinitely variable waveshapes
• Oscillators can be synchronized and detached from keyboard pitch control
• Continuous detuning of Osc2 from Osc1
• Low pass filter (SSI2140)
• Filter FM capability
• Two ADSR envelopes with adjustable times and envelope looping
• Two LFOs with classical waveforms and AR envelopes