Doepfer Dark Time Red

I just received my 2 Doepfer Dark Time sequencers from Thomann one day ago and I'm already in love with how they are bringing out new dynamics in my creativity and music making process. I'm using these in conjunction with an Akai MPC One (MPC=master) to control various synths and drum machines. The MPC innately recognizes the Dark Time by name via USB and setting it up is a cinch. I'm thinking of some different configuration options for how to set things up and there are a few nice possibilities to explore here. The Dark Time teamed up with this current generation of MPC is a potent combination in a midi/cv-gate setup.

The build quality of the Dark Time is extremely solid. Knobs do not wiggle. The sturdy metal enclosure does not shift. It's as they say "built like a tank". Take care not to drop it on your toes or pets. The wood on both of my units is all smooth and uniform in appearance in a medium stained brown, very classic look. The black base paint-job is excellent with clear sharp white lettering that does not appear to be prone to chipping. The oval-shaped buttons are lightly clicky and a little wiggly; completely expected with buttons of this type. All of the toggle switches are very stable in their notch stages and with just the right amount of resistance required to actuate. The toggle handles are approximately 10.5 mm, maybe slightly more. The potentiometers are a bit stiff in turning, but that's not really a bad thing. They feel like quality and I'm sure they will break-in nicely after a little bit of use.

As far as features go, I am completely new to analog style step sequencing, but discovering what the Dark Time can do has so far been fun and intuitive. It does not have ratcheting, but I knew that before I bought.

For everything that this device is and the quality in which it is made I feel that the price is very fair. I expect a lifetime of use out of my Dark Times without a doubt. My adventure has just begun.

I am into ambient atmos soundscapes only. I now have three 3 DDT sequencers - yes I could have bought a very high end synth instead, but no thanks - why, to replace my hands & extra, in order to free up my hands for handling the knobs and switches. I love the DDT because it is human in that it requires accepting the erroneous behavior inherent in pure analog sequencing. The DDT allows external modular clock without a hitch even to a tempo below 1BPM of my tracks. The DDT can send out MIDI and CV/GATE simultaneously and there's switches for 1v/2v/5v and -1oct/0oct/+oct and linear vs random as well as monophonic and duophonic sequence. No menu, nothing, what a blessing just switches like the good old analog days. I keep my three 3 is a crowd as a happy family. Yes I had beatsteps and keysteps, both pro and not-pro, but ditched them all. Yes DDT is not cheap, yes it's build like a tank to last any disaster, yes it looks cool too.

Dark Time is a versatile analog style sequencer. The newer models can be jumpered to output a higher voltage to use with synths such as the Buchla 200e.

The user interface of the Dark TIme could be clearer, it's a bit hard to play it intuitively -- it helps to add colored vinyl caps to the switches to make it easier.

that said it is a stunningly versatile sequencer that does a lot of things and does them well.

Some quirks:
- it does not convert incoming Midi to CV
- there are a few (semi-) hidden functions, using a shift function, sort of. This is ok for most things, I don't like that shuffle and pulsewidth are on the same dial - it's too easy to accidentally adjust the pulsewidth (note length) after adjusting shuffle, often causing you to lose notes.
- the knobs are not the same angle at the same value, which can be confusing, but you need to tune it.
- doesn't do ratcheting - the Berliner Schule style of repeating steps - that would be something amazing for a Dark Time II.
- 2x16 switches are a lot of switches to check, even tough the Dark Time offers some great performance tools, it's easy to lose track of settings.


Nothing major, just a few things you need to get used to.

My recent recorded work needed some constant background 'pulses', & rhythmic patterns, to give the music momentum. So, I looked to the Doepfer Dark Time, read the reviews/watched the videos etc., & was quite impressed. A week later, & I was in the possession of this fine sequencer!
What struck me immediately, was the sturdy build of this, fairly small, sequencer. It was compact, but easy enough to move around the control surface. It worked well, was easy to use, good instruction booklet, & good value for money. It works with all my analogue synths (& midi synths too!). Looks good, is good. Recommended!!