INFORMATIVE WORKSHOPS & PAID PROGRAMMING
Schedule subject to change.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
The Basics of Synthesis 10:30am (Copper/Maize)
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.
Electronic chord progressions, melodies, harmonies featuring Novation Launchkey Mk4 12:30pm (Copper/Maize)
Join Novation product specialist Evan Weiss and explore how to create captivating chord progressions using the Launchkey Mk4. In this workshop, dive into the creative possibilities offered by Ableton Live and Novation Peak, empowering you to craft unique electronic music. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced producer, you’ll learn essential techniques for building rich harmonic structures, incorporating innovative sound design, and enhancing your overall production skills.
Oscillator Sync 2:00pm (Copper/Maize)
Jon Sonnenberg will explain the concepts of oscillator synchronization (hard sync, soft sync, phase sync, etc), along with 8 important sync uses for sound synthesis and sequencing.
The Story of the Synergy Synthesizer 4:00pm (Copper/Maize)
Fred Becker, a Digital Keyboards Synergy user since the 80s who has recorded dozens of albums with the instrument, gives a history of its origins, an overview of additive synthesis and a preview of new things in the works.
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Improvised Live Performance Techniques 11:00am (Copper/Maize)
Eric Turner (Surco) Leads a demonstration and discussion on setting up and playing 100% improvised live performances. Real-time live production in front of an audience while keeping the performance from going off the rails. The thrill of risking it all to keep the performance fresh and unique.
Analogue Audio? In my Ethernet? 12:30pm (Copper/Maize)
If you have gear, you need to cable it up, and it doesn't take long before you need a lot of cables. A good way to manage them is to use multi-channel plenum, or "snake" cable. But snakes have been expensive and hard to get -- until now. In this talk, Michael Ashton (Ashton Research) will introduce AES72, a new standard for using Ethernet cable as four-channel analog snake. We'll talk about how it works and how to apply it. We'll also explore the history of multi-channel analog audio connections.
Tomita: Synthesis Techniques 2:00pm (Copper/Maize)
On the 50th anniversary of Isao Tomita’s album “Snowflakes Are Dancing”, Nicholas D. Kent will look at how he achieved a number of patches on his Modular Moog as well as how those techniques can applied on more recent equipment.
BUILD WORKSHOPS - Saturday and Sunday
Click images to learn more about each workshop and how to reserve your participation.
Build a Chaos Generator Module!
1-2 Hours (beginner)
Keven Kalay from Żłob Modular will host the building of this chaos generator module. This build is for both adults and kids who can safely wield a soldering iron.
Build an effect module, or two!
1-2 Hours (intermediate)
Juanito from Modular for the Masses will guide you through the process of building your choice of effect or sequencer module.
Any Experience Level!
1-2 Hours (beginner to advanced)
Abe from AI Synthesis will guide you through the process of building one of 4 different mixer modules.
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.