Knobcon
What is Knobcon?
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.
Who should attend?
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.
2025 Vendors and Exhibitors
- 1010music
- 20cc
- 4ms Company
- Ashton Research LLC
- Boredbrain Music
- Buchla
- Catalyst Audio
- Circuit Happy
- Conductive Labs
- Crey Emporium
- Deftaudio
- Denki-Oto
- Dog Paw
- Drift DJ Industries
- Earth Modular Society
- Earthquaker Devices
- Electronica Repair
- Entropy & Sons
- Erogenous Tones
- Eternal Research
- Fairfield Circuitry
- Five12 Inc
- Free Modular
- GLX Audio Corp
- Golden Shrimp Guild
- Hakai Labs
- Hive Mind Synthesis
- Hy Music
- Industrial Music Electronics
- Infinite Machinery
- Infrasonic Audio
- Isobar Industries
- Kanawha Music and Art
- Karltron
- Kinotone
- Landscape
- Low-Gain Electronics
- MuSonics
- New Systems Instruments
- Noise Engineering
- Novation
- Ocean Dreams Instruments
- Otter Mods
- OXI Instruments
- Rain City Modular
- Rainy Day Electronic Instruments
- Robots Are Red
- Rogan Corp.
- Scoopy Scoop Labs
- Seaside Modular
- Sequential | Oberheim
- Setonix Synth
- SISKworks
- Swamp Flux
- Synth City
- SynthRISE
- this.is.NOISE inc
- Tidbit Audio
- Void Manufacturing
- Vondle Synths
- Weston Precision Audio
- Wildwood Soundworks
- WMD
- Zlob Modular
Interested in becoming a Knobcon exhibitor? Click Here
New This Year
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!
How does it work?
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!
Jammspace is brought to you by the Golden Shrimp Guild.
KNOBCON HIGHLIGHTS
Synthesizers, Workshops, Synthesizers, Performances and more Synthesizers!
Friday night is a party!
Hang out with other knobcon attendees, have a drink and catch gear-centric performances.
Gear, Gear, Gear!
Get your hands on amazing vintage pieces and the latest and greatest boxes. Monosynths, polysynths, modular and more will all be there.
Meet The Makers
Many boutique manufacturers will be on hand demonstrating and even selling the gear they produce.
2024 GOLD SPONSORS
2024 SILVER SPONSORS
Feedback from previous Knobcons
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.