Knobcon is a one-of-a-kind synthesizer convention now in its thirteenth year. Complete with performances, workshops and vendors, Knobcon allows for a fully immersive experience. Attendees can get their hands on an incredible amount of equipment, learn from industry professionals and talk directly with designers of some of today's most innovative synthesizer products.
Held just outside Chicago, Ill., at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, the entire event takes place under one roof. Enthusiasts travel from all parts of the world to attend this yearly event. Direct access to all major forms of transportation make this an easy destination for those traveling.
If you are interested in electronic-based or experimental music and the tools used to create it, this is the place for you. The diversity and passion of those at knobcon make it enjoyable for all experience levels.
Saturday, September 7th - 12pm until 4pm
Stop in for some rest and relaxation amongst all the Knobcon activities! The ModWiggler Lounge (in Cyan near the Lobby Bar) will be available for you as a low-key 'quiet zone.' Lobbies and hallways are not ideal for small gatherings; join us in the MW Lounge.
You do not have to be a member of ModWiggler to stop in, all are welcome!
We'll be spinning some modern and classic synth-heavy tunes in the background, light snacks will be served, and we'll have occasional merch giveaways. Come say hello to our administrator 'Locutus' in person and help us put faces to ModWiggler handles and names!
Saturday, September 7th - 10am until 5pm
JAMMspace, is an open environment for knob knerds of all backgrounds to encounter equipment and each other. All axes welcome!
There are 4 stations: drums, bass, lead and fx. MIDI clock and audio provided. Bring your gear, set up at a station and jam on a live PA!
Etch is a low fidelity digital signal processing Eurorack module that selectively removes signal quality vertically (bit crushing) or horizontally (sample rate reduction). This creates vertical or horizontal lines in the signal, like an Etch-a-Sketch! The results are displayed on a simplified oscilloscope.
Both parameters can be controlled with a control voltage, as well as a third parameter, a low-pass resonant filter.
In addition to being an effects module, there is a quantizer mode, featuring many scales and options the designer of the hardware and workshop host (Juanito, I'm the one writing this) doesn't even understand. For a better explanation of the CV mode, visit the project's Github: https://github.com/TylerK07/Etch
A feature Juanito understands and loves is the "loop" mode. It can be an unusual form of granular synthesis, which takes a section of the incoming signal and loops it quickly, up to audio rate. It has the ability to accept portions of the still-incoming audio signal to morph the waveform of the loop. Tweaking the knobs in this mode is very engaging.
The microchip is an AVR128DA28, which is common, easy to code for, and the analog electronics are versatile, allowing for both audio signal processing and control voltage processing.
The surface mount components are all pre-assembled, so no advanced soldering skills will be necessary.
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
You will need to purchase the Etch Kit from Modular for the Masses by sending $125 via paypal by clicking THIS LINK and put Etch Workshop in the description.
Some kits may be available for purchase on-site, however, you can secure your place in the workshop by pre-ordering your kit.
OR
The EasyEi8ht trigger performance sequencer returns with an updated panel and simplified construction.
This module is designed from the ground up to be extremely simple to use. It features eight channels, ludicrously long pattern lengths, and Cherry MX style mechanical key switches (three different types will be available to choose from). It can be self-clocked or accept an external clock. It features downbeat-agnostic swing, even if the external clock doesn't have swing. The project is open-source, the code was developed in the Arduino IDE, so the module is ready for DIY firmware.
The build has all the surface-mount components pre-assembled. Some care with order-of-assembly will need to be taken, but advanced soldering skills won't be necessary. The module is 14HP
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
You will need to purchase the Easy Ei8ht Kit from Modular for the Masses by sending $125 via paypal by clicking THIS LINK and put Sequencer Workshop in the description.
Some kits may be available for purchase on-site, however, you can secure your place in the workshop by pre-ordering your kit.
Hang out with other knobcon attendees, have a drink and catch gear-centric performances.
Get your hands on amazing vintage pieces and the latest and greatest boxes. Monosynths, polysynths, modular and more will all be there.
Many boutique manufacturers will be on hand demonstrating and even selling the gear they produce.
As expected, a spectacular event
Learned a lot, laughed a ton, listened to good music, met great people and bought too much new gear. I have no complaints at all!
The whole thing was extremely enjoyable
I made more friends last weekend than I have in years that are in to the same stuff as me. Cheers to everyone involved in planning it!
Had a great time!
Even though I did not know anyone there, I was made to feel welcome and part of the gang.
Thanks for the awesome time everyone!
I saw tons of amazing things for the first time and met tons of cool people, not a bad one in the bunch!
Had a great time!
Learned a lot about modular synths and other gear. Enjoyed the "low-key" relaxed environment and the Knobcon staffers were helpful and very professional. Hope to make it back next year.
Knobcon was amazing!
Loved getting to try out the new and old gear. Everyone there was super cool, and I will definitely be back next year.