Knobcon
Build a Chaos Generator Module!
Diode Chaos Module Build
Sunday, Sept 8 @ 11am
Difficulty: Beginner
Diode Chaos is a 3hp analog chaotic low frequency voltage generator Eurorack Module. It is a unique module because it has never existed as an electronic music instrument until now. The module is based on a circuit from a paper called “A simple chaotic circuit with a light-emitting diode” written by Volos, Wang, Jafari, and Kapitaniak.
Diode Chaos produces 3 phases of interrelated morphing voltages including a chaotic trigger out. The range is 20-30 seconds a cycle up to audio rate, although only the X out and TRIG out go up to audio rate. The frequency is controlled by the RATE knob. Each output exhibits different behavior at different rate settings. X,Y, and Z outs like to stay in the 4vpp range although at different RATE settings the outs can reach 10vpp. The TRIG out chaotically releases 0-10v triggers although sometimes it will spit out smaller voltage peaks.
LED soldermask windows provide constant display of positive and negative voltage crossings.
Some quirks: The circuit can go up to audio rate but only the X out and Trig out can get up that fast. The X out can also briefly exceed 10vpp at full clockwise. Usually, the Z stalls out and the Y will have little activity with the potentiometer at full clockwise. At some faster settings the amplitudes of the outs can go down too. Another important thing to mention is the Trig out(since it is chaotic) is not a standard square/pulse “trigger out” it has a exponential rise and fall to the peak. This means it cannot trigger every single module imaginable because some modules are looking for perfectly sharp squared off rising edges to trigger. For example, the “Trig out” on the Diode Chaos will not work with the “trig in” on Maths, but can work with the “gate in” input.
Learn to solder! Żłob Modular will teach you basic soldering techniques and lead you through building the Diode Chaos module.
TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
You will need to purchase the $50 Diode Chaos 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.
Builders Choice!
Hosted by AI Synthesis
Saturday, Sept 7 @ 2pm
Difficulty: Varies
In this guided workshop, build a Eurorack Mixer 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 knobcon during checkout for free shipping and workshop pickup.
AI002 Audio and CV Mixer AI106 West Coast Eurorack Mixer AI022 Harmonic Mixer AI008 Eurorack Matrix Mixer
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
AI002 Audio and CV Mixer
Difficulty: Beginner
Cost: $45
The AI002 DIY Mixer Kit is an updated take on a classic utility audio or cv mixer. All three inputs have a level control, with full clockwise allowing full volume prior to the summing mixer. Perfect for adding audio inputs to a filter, or cv inputs to a cv input, and other mixing functions. This kit is ideal for those who know how to solder, but are still starting out in their DIY Synthesis journey.
This diy mixer kit will not only familiarize yourself with IC Chips, Capacitors, and Resistors, it will also add a key utility module to your DIY Modular Synthesizer.
This is an ideal kit for a beginner learning DIY electronics, and requires no wiring at all!
AI106 West Coast Eurorack Mixer
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $55
The AI106 West Coast Eurorack Mixer is a fully discrete mixer design that updates vintage West Coast synthesizer mixer designs into a modern form.
This mixer takes inspiration from vintage mixer circuits from 60s and 70s West Coast synthesizers, but updates it for eurorack and allows for user customization of the circuit. True to original circuits, the output is inverted. Audio rate signals will sound about the same, but cv signals will be inverted.
Because "West Coast" synthesis focused more on waveshaping and complex VCO structures as opposed to subtracting frequencies from simple waveforms (East Coast), mixers are an important part of traditional West Coast synthesis techniques.
AI022 Harmonic Mixer
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cost: $55
The AI022 Harmonic CP3 Style Mixer is a discreet mixer using no ICs. As gain increases harmonics and analog warmth are added. As gain increases more, distortion and phasing is added, creating new waveforms from old ones.
The AI022 takes inspiration from the legendary Moog Modular CP3 style mixer, but updates it for eurorack and allows for user customization of the circuit. Many Moog Modular users attribute the CP3 mixer module to providing much of the warmth of the Moog Modular sound.
An exposed Bias knob allows abuse of the circuit, and allows for faithful replication of incoming audio, or radical analog wave shaping and distortion. It is also possible to use the Bias knob to adjust a +/- 5V signal into a 0/+ or 0/- signal.
AI008 Eurorack Matrix Mixer
Difficulty: Advanced
Cost: $95
The AI008 Matrix Mixer is an active, Four In, Three Out matrix Mixer with a summed output. The AI008 can be used to route any of the inputs to any of the outputs. This allows for the creation of feedback patches and other interesting routing, in addition to powerful "regular" signal routing. Common uses include mixing effects outputs into their inputs in order to create drones (or just good old fashioned feedback), mixing oscillators into their own PWM or FM inputs, modulating voltage controlled LFOs and other modulators into themselves, and other feedback patches. The AI008 Matrix mixes is a powerful way to expand any system!
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.
PLEASE NOTE: Sponsorship, Exhibit Registration and Event Admission are separate transactions.
All 10x10 booths and Tables in the main exhibit hall have sold out, but we have arranged a second exhibit area that is tables only.
HALL B REGISTRATION: https://knobcon.thundertix.com/events/233075
Exhibitor Opportunities
Exhibit Tables $300 (Hall A Sold out, Hall B only)
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 $550 SOLD OUT
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 $900 + $1,000 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. Reserved for Gold Sponsors only, let us know if you're interested.
Location Choice
Choose your location during the registration process! Take a look at the floorpan below to get an idea of what this year's event will look like.
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
4 Event Admissions
Silver Sponsorship
Logo on Event Shirt & Sponsor Banners
Text listing in silver sponsor area on website
1 Item in Trade Show Bag
2 Event Admissions
After successfully purchasing your sponsorship, we will contact you requesting additional information and will issue coupon codes for the event admissions.
2024 Floor Plan
All 10x10 booths and Tables in the main exhibit hall have sold out, but we have arranged a second exhibit area that is tables only.
HALL B REGISTRATION: https://knobcon.thundertix.com/events/233075
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. Locations in Hall A also have 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 6-8
- 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
YOU FOUND IT!
The secret cave with all the hidden knowledge! (aka: frequently asked questions)
We get plenty of emails asking some of the same questions, so we've put together this handy FAQ page. If for some reason you don't find the answer to your question here, send us an email and we'll be happy to sort you out.
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.