Knobcon
Builder's Choice:
Etch or Easy Ei8ht Sequencer!
Hosted by Modular for the Masses
Saturday, Sept 7 @ 11am
Difficulty: Easy
Build Etch, a Bit Crusher and More!
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
Easy Ei8ht Sequencer Module Build
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.
Build a Voltage Controlled Slope Generator Module!
Hosted by Modular for the Masses
Saturday, Sept 6 @ 2pm
Difficulty: Easy
VCSlopeBuild
Build your own voltage controlled slope generator module with guidance from Juanito!
Here's yet another slope generator! This 8hp Eurorack module started with a faithful copy of a Serge voltage-controlled slope generator with a few tweaks and two added features. The slope generator is the modular world's most versatile device, it can be a VCO, an LFO, an envelope generator, envelope follower, a transient detector, a pulse delay, an audio filter, and more! These guys work best in multiples which is why they so often appear as DualUSGs or Maths etc. This particular slope generator gives the user voltage control over the rise and fall shape, exponential voltage control over the rate (labelled V/Oct, but it's not calibrated or temperature compensated), it has an attenuverter at the end of the signal chain, and a gate output that goes high when the signal is falling. The shape controls have been made more sensitive than Serge's design, and tweaked to make it easy to get a nice linear slope at the 12 o'clock position.
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
You will need to purchase the VCSlope Kit from Modular for the Masses by sending $135 via paypal by clicking THIS LINK and put VCSlope 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.
Build an Attenumixer Module!
Hosted by Żłob Modular
Saturday, Sept 6 @ 11am
Difficulty: Beginner
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 $40 Attenumixer kit from Żłob Modular HERE. Please select 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.
INFORMATIVE WORKSHOPS & PAID PROGRAMMING
Schedule subject to change.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
The Basics of Synthesis 10:30am (Copper/Maize)
Drew Schlesinger @drewschlesinger, synthesist, composer and sound designer, provides as comprehensive a primer about synthesis which could be reasonably expected to fit in ninety minutes.
Control at Your Fingertips: Novation’s New Launch Control XL 3 12:30pm (Copper/Maize)
Get ready to elevate your studio sessions and live sets with Novation Product Specialist Evan Weiss, and the brand-new Launch Control XL, Novation’s latest hands-on controller. Join us as we dive into seamlessly integrating the Launch Control XL with synths and drum machines, enhancing tactile creative freedom, and streamlining your workflow for both studio production and live performance.
Tempo Sync - The Studio's Missing Link 2:00pm (Copper/Maize)
Jon Sonnenberg returns to discuss traditional and creative ways to get all of your equipment playing in perfect time.
Creating Acoustic Space for Electronic Music 4:00pm (Copper/Maize)
Bill Beith explains the finer details of using reverberation, delay, and echo as an element of the composition and producing a final mix. He is Chicagoland's very own plate reverb craftsman, having built plates for many facilities including Van Halen's 5150 Studios.
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Centennial of an Inventor: Alan R. Pearlman, Futurist, Musician, Inventor & Mentor 11:00am (Copper/Maize)
ARP instruments helped form the sounds of the 1970s. But who was the inventor and the man behind the company of such iconic instruments like the 2600 and Odyssey? Dina Pearlman-Ifill (d’ARP) presents a multimedia story about her father, Alan R. Pearlman, his influence and importance to the industry, and why his story is so relevant a hundred years after his birth.
Limitation Inspiration - Composing for Retro Game Cartridges 12:30pm (Copper/Maize)
James Vance (JGVEX, Kudante), composer and sound designer of ZPF, explores how the intricacies and limits of retro hardware can push your creativity further than endless options ever could.
Take a listen to the soundtrack and bring your questions!
Live AMA with Cameron Jones 2:00pm (Copper/Maize)
Get answers to all those burning questions you have about the Synclavier, it's legacy and it's future directly from the man responsible for it's creation and preservation. Moderated by Suit & Tie Guy.
BUILD WORKSHOPS - Saturday and Sunday
Click images to learn more about each workshop and how to reserve your participation.
Saturday 11am
1-2 Hours (beginner)
Żłob Modular will teach you basic soldering skills during the building of this attenuverting mixer module. This build is for both adults and kids who can safely wield a soldering iron.
Saturday 2pm
1-2 Hours (intermediate)
Juanito from Modular for the Masses will guide you through the process of building a voltage-controlled slope generator module.
Sunday 11am
1-2 Hours (intermediate)
Build the BadSidechain Eurorack module with step-by-step instruction from Juanito of Modular for the Masses.
Sunday 2pm
1-2 Hours (beginner)
Keven Kalay from Żłob Modular hosts the building of this unique 3 band EQ Eurorack module.
PLEASE NOTE: Exhibitor Registration and Sponsorship are separate transactions.
Tables in Exhibit Hall A have sold out, but a few booths remain. Hall B registration is now open and is tables only. The choice is yours!
Exhibitor Opportunities
*NEW for 2025* Exhibitor badges are included with exhibitor registration. You will not need to purchase tickets to attend as in previous years. Details and instructions will be included on your confirmation email after successful exhibit purchase.
Exhibit Tables $375
Pay the fee and use the space as you see fit. No extra fees if you want to sell merchandise. Each table location has room to sit behind, two chairs and pipe/drape backdrop. Power provided at floor level.
Standard Booth $650
For those wanting a larger, more formal footprint. Booths are either 10'x10' or 12'x8.5', have power, 2 tables and chairs if needed.
Deluxe Booth $2000 (includes Gold Sponsorship)
Larger, prominent corner locations with nearly double the square footage of a standard booth. Additional tables and chairs can be included at no additional charge. Gold level event sponsorship required (included in price).
Location Choice
Choose your location during the registration process. Use the interactive floor plan to browse availability and claim your perfect spot! Locations are first come, first served.
Private Showroom
Make a statement by having an entire room dedicated to your company. Requires Gold Level sponsorship of the event. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us for details.
Paid Programming Room
A second lecture hall dedicated to product announcements and sales presentations. Reserve your time-slot today, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us for details.
Build Workshop
A great opportunity for those focused on synth DIY. If you would like to host a build workshop, please This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us for details.
Knobcon Reveals and Exclusives
Commit to reveal new product or consider creating something exclusively for Knobcon. Reveals and exclusives will help drive people to the event and to your booth! We will feature all exclusives on the website and social media posts.
Commemorative Trade Show Bags
The first 500 people who check in at the event will receive a Knobcon messenger bag full of swag. What swag is in that bag is up to you! Have your literature/giveaways pre-inserted into the bags for a small fee, or for free by becoming an event sponsor. Items will need to be shipped to an outside location for arrival no later than September 1.
Door Prizes
We are happy to accept donations of door prizes for the banquet. We will post these prizes on the website and in social media prior to the event. Winners will be drawn at random from the pre-registrations for the banquet and awards will be distributed during the event.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Become a Knobcon sponsor and help underwrite the cost of the event from top to bottom. Sponsor registration is open through July 31. Fees are collected at time of registration.
Gold Sponsorship
Prominent Logo on Event Shirt and Sponsor Banners
Logo on Trade Show Bag
300 x 100 px banner ad on website
1 Item in Trade Show Bag
Silver Sponsorship
Logo on Event Shirt & Sponsor Banners
Text listing in silver sponsor area on website
1 Item in Trade Show Bag
After successfully purchasing your sponsorship, we will contact you requesting additional information. Badges are included for non-exhibiting sponsors.
2025 Floor Plan
HALL A REGISTRATION: https://knobcon.thundertix.com/events/248671
If all 10x10 booths and Tables in the main exhibit hall have sold out, we have arranged a second exhibit area that is tables only.
HALL B REGISTRATION: https://knobcon.thundertix.com/events/249144
The Fine Print
EXHIBITOR'S SCHEDULE
Friday 4-7pm - Exhibitor Set-Up
Saturday 10am-6pm - Exhibits Open
Sunday 10am-4pm - Exhibits Open
Sunday 4-6pm - Exhibitor Tear-Down
SET-UP
Set up is to be completed by 7pm on Friday. During this time the exhibit halls will be accessible by exhibitors only. Once you have completed your set-up, please be courteous and leave the exhibit hall to allow others to finish. If you are unable to complete your set up on Friday, special arrangements can be made for early Saturday morning prior to show open.
EXHIBIT HOURS
Exhibits must be in working order for the duration of the exhibit hours. This does not mean that exhibits must be occupied by a person, but that cases should be open and systems powered up for attendees to explore. Outside of exhibit hours, the doors to the exhibit halls will be locked. This also means that the room will be inaccessible until exhibits open the following day, so plan accordingly.
TEAR DOWN
In past years, we have had exhibitors begin packing up early which starts a chain-reaction in the exhibit halls. Not only does this disrupt traffic flow, we feel is is not fair to the attendees who have paid admission. Please plan for tear down no earlier than 4pm on Sunday and plan any travel accordingly.
EXHIBIT DETAILS
- Exhibit tables are 72"x30" and will be covered with cloth.
- All table locations have 2 chairs with space to sit behind with a pipe/drape backdrop.
- Standard Booths are 10'x10' or 12'x8.5' and will have 2 covered tables and 2 chairs. Tables and chairs can be removed during setup if needed.
- Deluxe Booths are roughly 15'x15' and have the same amenities as standard booths.
- Power is provided by a single outlet at floor level, please bring your own power strips and extension cords.
Hotel Shipping Policy
Special arrangements must be made for receiving any equipment, goods, displays or other materials, which will be sent, delivered or brought into the Hotel.
Any materials sent to the Hotel will be subject to the following incoming and outgoing charges:
| Incoming | Type |
| $3.00 | Envelope/Letters |
| $10.00 | Small Packages (less than 30" x 10") |
| $20.00 | Large Packages (greater than 30" x 10") |
| $100.00 | Pallet |
All packages and shipments must have information on the package label located below.
PLEASE bring your tracking numbers with you to assist our staff in locating your boxes in our package room or to track any boxes that might not have arrived by exhibit set up time.
Incoming packages will not be accepted any earlier than 72 business hours/ (3) days prior to the start of your meeting.
Please number all boxes (Example: Box 1 of 2 and Box 2 of 2).
All outgoing packages must be packed and clearly labeled prior to shipping.
Any materials being sent to the Hotel must be marked as follows:
- Hold for Arrival - Attn: Guest's Name, Knobcon, Sept 5-7
- Complete return address
- Hyatt Convention Services Manager
- Number of Boxes (Example: Box 1 of 2 and Box 2 of 2)
- Address Package to Hotel as follows:
HYATT REGENCY SCHAUMBURG, CHICAGO
1800 East Golf Road
Schaumburg, IL 60173
Join us for Great Build Workshops
Learn the basics of soldering, or take your hobby to the next level!
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.
2025 GOLD SPONSORS
2025 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.