Knobcon is a one-of-a-kind synthesizer convention now in its eleventh 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.
Interested in becoming a Knobcon exhibitor? Click Here
The Attenumixer is a 4hp 3 channel Passive Attenuator and Mixer for eurorack format modular synthesizers.
Each channel is normalled to the sum(VI) so it can be used as a 2 channel mixer and 1 channel attenuator, or a 3 channel mixer, or as 3 separate attenuators. Normalization to the sum is broken by inserting a jack into the outs of channels I-III. The Attenumixer works well with both cv and audio, although the potentiometers have a linear response. Since the module is passive there will be signal loss at the sum out.
The module comes with a double sided panel one side is classic with the traditional graphics and the reverse side is soulless with no graphics, only text(not pictured).
Learn to solder! Żłob Modular will teach you basic soldering techniques and lead you through building the Attenumixer module.
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
You will need to purchase the $35 Attenumixer kit from Żłob Modular HERE. Please select the "Attenumix Knobcon DIY Workshop" option and the "DIY Workshop Pickup" option during checkout to avoid paying shipping.
Some kits may be available for purchase on-site, however, you can secure your place in the workshop by pre-ordering your kit.
Schedule subject to change.
Marc Doty, the undisputed king of YouTube synthesizer videos provides as comprehensive a primer about synthesis which could be reasonably expected to fit in ninety minutes.
Novation Technology Evangelist, Enrique Martinez, will demonstrate all the creative and expressive sampling features of the newest member of Novation’s groovebox family; Circuit Rhythm. By sampling vinyl records and real sounds, live and on the fly, he will show you how Circuit Rhythm can be the centerpiece of any creative session, live or in the studio, and a sampling powerhouse that can transform sounds into magic.
How to get the most out of your gear and space; Jon Sonnenberg presents ideas and tips on everything related to your workspace: from wiring and cabling to stands and ergonomics. If you want to better utilize your equipment, make room for gear that you have in storage, or simply have more time for music and experimentation and less setup time, then this presentation is one that you won’t want to miss!
You love it ! You hate it !! It has ‘that sound’. It’s a pain to program and you can’t figure out what’s going on. Well, maybe what you think you know about FM is wrong or wildly outdated? In this presentation, long time Yamaha FM programmer Manny Fernandez will show that once you disregard the stereotypes you’ll see FM synthesis is a near ideal blend of efficiency, versatility, complexity & control with a massive timbral palette. Manny will review the FM basics and share these advanced techniques with you to open up the sonic possibilities when rolling your own FM patches.
Scott Danesi tells the adventure of building a production pinball machine which became a medium for sharing his love of electronic music with the ever-growing pinball community.
From 1928 until his death in 1980, Maurice Martenot designed and continually refined one of the most expressive electronic musical instruments. To this day, inner workings of the instrument remain shrouded in secrecy and lore. Mike Beauchamp from Therevox, will explore the history of this rare instrument, the DNA it reluctantly shares with contemporary synthesizers and what we can still learn from Martenot’s unique vision.
From designing presets for hundreds of synthesizers and effects processors back to David Torn’s first recorded collaborator, Knobcon guest of honor Drew Schlesinger answers your questions. Moderated by Suit & Tie Guy.
The history of synthesizers has been a wild blur of technological development, visionary composition, and manic entrepreneurial spirit and as a result, synthesizer terminology can be very confusing. Presented by Marc Doty.
Click images to learn more about each workshop and how to reserve your participation.
1-2 Hours (beginner)
Keven Kalay from Żłob Modular will host the building of his flexible utility module. This build is for both adults and kids who can safely wield a soldering iron.
1-2 Hours (beginner)
Modular for the Masses will guide you through the process of building a Hungry Rat distortion module.
1-2 Hours (beginner)
Modular for the Masses will guide you through the process of building a Double Pluss Bass drum module.
Resolume Arena: Advanced output mapping, Spout, NDI - Intro to LED programming with Nova LCT
Using the free vj software Smode Studio to quickly visualize animated ideas
3D animation and rendering with Cinema4d and Octane
Generative art: Building real-time networks using audio-reactive and manual inputs in Touch Designer
Through the motions: Building a vj pack in Adobe After Effects
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.