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.