Knobcon
Builder's Choice:
Germanium Fuzz Distortion or Rechargable Power Supply!
Hosted by Modular for the Masses
Saturday, Sept 7 @ 11am
Difficulty: Easy
Build a Germanium Fuzz Module
This is a limited Knobcon-only release!
I've got a bag of antique germanium transistors I got from a friend I met at Knobcon. Germanium transistors are unique little monsters, and one of their most storied (musical) uses was inside distortion guitar pedals, specifically, the Fuzz Face (Ivor Arbiter, 1966). This original circuit had literally seven or eight important parts, but made an outsized impact on the musical world.
Well, we synth people can't leave the classics alone, so I developed the HungryFuzz, which has as many knobs in as many spots as seemed to do anything, but added the feature of CV-controllable power rail starve, a guitar-pedal-style tone control, and trimmable output gain to allow for variances in these antique transistors. But Juanito, I hear you saying, What About Transistor Variances? And What If The Transistors Fail? (germanium transistors are notoriously unreliable). Well! There's a little workshop area of each module that allows you to test the leakage and gain of each transistor using even the cheapest multimeter, and test and select germanium transistors that will work well inside this circuit.
The module is 8HP.
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
You will need to purchase the Etch Kit from Modular for the Masses by sending $140 via paypal by clicking THIS LINK and put Fuzz 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
Rechargeable Power Supply Module Build
Turn a couple modules into a portable, self-powered effects box! The POWER to the People module is a rechargeable Eurorack power supply capable of powering two, three, or more (depending on how current-hungry they are) Eurorack modules. It includes an option to enable a 5V rail, two outputs, and most excitingly, a stereo-capable headphone amplifier. Everything you need to turn a micro-scale skiff into your own little private groovebox to take on the train. The module charges with USB-C, and there's protection circuitry for the battery. AND you can charge the battery while it's plugged in and charging.
Lithium-ion batteries can be dramatic, so your kit will come with a pre-wired 18650 cell, all wrapped up and insulated, with wires ready to plug right into a keyed header.
The module is 6HP, less than 40mm deep, assuming one uses a standard 18650 cell and mounts it using the intended tie-down spots.
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
You will need to purchase the POWER Kit from Modular for the Masses by sending $140 via paypal by clicking THIS LINK and put POWER 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 the Skew-Fade LFO Module!
Hosted by Żłob Modular
Sunday, Sept 13 @ 11am
Difficulty: Beginner
The Skew-Fade LFO is a 3hp analog low frequency oscillator eurorack module capable of a plethora of waveforms.
With three rate settings ranging from 3 minutes and 30 seconds a cycle (or 7 minutes a cycle with pcb jumper closed) up to audio range at 20hz. Triangle waves can be skewed between ramps and saws, and square waves puls width can be adjusted from inverted triggers to triggers. The LFO’s unique feature is voltage controlled cross fading through the (“Fade C.V.” in) between square/shark tooth\sine waveforms provided at the “Fade Out.” All outs are also influenced by the skew knob resulting in many complicated and asymmetrical possibilities at the “Fade Out.” It can even be self patched(ie triangle or square into fade cv) for an extended pallet of waveforms. The “Fade C.V.” in expects a bipolar voltage 10vpp to fade from square to sine with the fade pot at noon position. Bicolor led provides constant display of positive and negative voltage crossings.
The Panel is reversible, one side with graphics and soulless side with less graphics (not pictured).
Learn to solder! Żłob Modular will teach you basic soldering techniques and lead you through building the LFO module.
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
You will need to purchase the $60 Skew-Fade 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.
Build a sawtooth VCO, Tube VCA or Utility Module!
Hosted by Karltron
Saturday, Sept 12 @ 2pm
Difficulty: Varies
Karltron Saws Oscillator
Cost: $100
Difficulty: Moderate
Available in black or white panel, this is a triple ramp oscillator with analog detune for fat leads. This build is fully Through-hole construction which some folks may prefer but it will take the full workshop time to complete and is not recommended for a first project.
Karltron Tube Waveshaping VCA
Cost: $100
Diffuculty: Easy
Available with a black or white panel. A tube-based voltage controlled amplifier with overdrive and analog harmonics. It's pre-populated SMD and just jacks/pots to be done by the builder.
CMP Utility Module
Cost: $60
Difficulty: Easy
Available only in black, white panel shown. This dual comparator can make gates or square tones from your signals. This project is through-hole but has very few parts and is considered a good first-time project..
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
You will need to purchase one of the kits available from Karltron by sending the appropriate funds via paypal by clicking THIS LINK and put the Module Name 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.
Builders Choice!
Hosted by AI Synthesis
Sunday, Sept 13 @ 2pm
Difficulty: Varies
In this guided workshop, build a Eurorack Module with the help of the folks at AI Synthesis!
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
Purchase the appropriate kit for your skill level using the links below. Use code Knobcon26 during checkout for free shipping and workshop pickup.
AI Synthesis Build Workshop
Some kits may be available for purchase on-site, however, you can secure your place in the workshop by purchasing your kit.
CHOOSE FROM THESE PROJECTS
| Item | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| AI001 Multiple | A 1x6 or 2x3 passive multiple in only 2HP for splitting and distributing signals to multiple destinations — a common first-build beginner kit. | $29.00 |
| AI002 Audio and CV Mixer | An ultra-low noise Eurorack mixer module for audio and CV, with three level-controlled inputs summed together; a popular second build. | $49.00 |
| AI006 Eurorack Stomp Box Adapter | Converts the higher signal levels of a modular system to the lower level signals that most stomp boxes are designed for, letting you patch guitar pedals into a Eurorack rig. | $65.00 |
| AI008 Eurorack Matrix Mixer | A four in, four out matrix mixer, buffered and DC coupled so it can mix both audio and CV signals to multiple outputs or a combined output. Good for feedback patches and creative routing. | $95.00 |
| AI010 Switching Attenuator | A 2HP dual passive attenuator with switched jacks that let it also work as a multiple, for scaling audio/CV signals. | $49.00 |
| AI016 Eurorack Tape Echo Interface | A limited-edition module that lets a standard three-head tape recorder be used as an analog tape echo unit, with op-amp saturation on the input. | $65.00 |
| AI022 Harmonic Mixer | A CP3-style mixer where increasing gain adds harmonics, warmth, and distortion to old waveforms. Inspired by the classic Moog Modular CP3 mixer circuit. | $59.00 |
| AI024 Eurorack X Filter | Brings clean, classic, creamy filtering from 80s synths to Eurorack, using the same four-pole analog low-pass topology found in classic instruments like the Oberheim and Sequential Circuits synths. | $79.00 |
| AI028 Voltage Controlled Matrix Mixer | A 6-input, 6-output matrix mixer with 36 linear VCAs controlling how much each input feeds each output (0–5V), for distributing audio and/or CV. | $249.00 |
INFORMATIVE WORKSHOPS & PAID PROGRAMMING
Schedule subject to change.
SATURDAY SCHEDULE
The Basics of Synthesis 10:30am (Copper/Maize)
Marc Doty @automaticgainsay, the undisputed king of YouTube synthesizer videos provides as comprehensive a primer about synthesis which could be reasonably expected to fit in ninety minutes.
The History and Evolution of Reverberation, Echo, and Delay in Electronic Music 12:30pm (Copper/Maize)
Bill Beith guides an exploration focusing on the history and use of reverberation, echo, and delay in the studio and live performance. This will address acoustic, mechanical and digital devices.
Virtual Insanity - The Development of Yamaha’s VL1 & VP1 2:00pm (Copper/Maize)
Manny Fernandez talks about the creation of two legendary 90’s physical modeling synthesizers. Hear about their shared yet divergent development paths and the art & science of sound design for these ground breaking synths.
Gear Collection Paralysis 4:00pm (Copper/Maize)
Do you find yourself immobilized with the amount of options in your collection of synthesizers or studio gear? How does one decide what gear to use or what to purchase or sell? Jon Sonnenberg will walk us through some reasons which cause this paralysis to occur, as well as offer some tips, suggestions, and solutions to this problem, while keeping a creative and healthy studio relationship.
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Introduction to KiCAD 11:00am (Copper/Maize)
KiCad is a widely used freeware program used to produce printed circuit boards from schematic drawings. In this talk, Chris Nagorka of Kanawha Music and Art will show the steps involved to turn a handwritten schematic into design files ready for production, using KiCad software.
Live AMA with Terry Michaels 12:30pm (Copper/Maize)
Knobcon's Guest of Honor Terry Michaels joins host Suit & Tie Guy for a live AMA oh his legendary circuit work for Electronotes which influenced decades of synth designs.
The Tantalizing Promise of Pneumatic Synthesis 2:00pm (Copper/Maize)
Marc Doty of Automatic Gainsay explains and describes the process and physics of having created a non-electronic pneumatic additive chord-generating synthesizer.
BUILD WORKSHOPS - Saturday and Sunday
Click images to learn more about each workshop and how to reserve your participation.
Saturday 11am
1-2 Hours (easy)
Built a rechargeable power supply or fuzz module with step-by-step instruction from Juanito of Modular for the Masses
Saturday 2pm
1-2 Hours (varies)
Choose from 3 useful Karltron modules to build in this guided workshop with host Karl Stamm.
Sunday 11am
1-2 Hours (beginner)
Żłob Modular will teach you basic soldering skills during the building of this LFO module. This build is for both adults and kids who can safely wield a soldering iron.
Sunday 2pm
1-2 Hours (varies)
Build one of several AI Synthesis modules with the help of their designer, Abe Ingle.
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.
2026 GOLD SPONSORS
2026 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.