Builder's Choice:
Nyquist Nightmare or Dumpster Delay!

Hosted by Modular for the Masses
Sunday, Sept 10 @ 11am
Difficulty: Easy

NyquistNightmare Distortion Module Build

DESTROY ALL SIGNALS
This module accepts a signal, modulates and demodulates it with two grimy VCOs, filters and auto-gains the result, and sometimes, with careful tweaking, a reasonable copy of the incoming signal may come out. Without an input, this module can sound like an old 14.4K modem or somebody scanning an empty radio spectrum. There's two CV inputs as well that control the carrier frequencies of the two oscillators. Connect a low-amplitude LFO to one of these and listen to your signal change in unpredictable ways. Connect audio-rate signals to one or both CV inputs and you'll be able to mix the signals in strange weird ways.

My favorite way to use this module is to run movie dialogue through it. What comes out can sound like a weak radio transmission, or it can sound like the Imperial drone on Hoth transmitting the location of the rebel base.

This module is a roomy 12HP wide, and takes 45mA on the negative rail, 50mA on the positive rail. There's 18 total parts to add to the SMT-assembled PCB, so this is an easy build even though it's a very complex module. A build document can be found here if you want to study up before time: BUILD GUIDE

TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
You will need to purchase the Nyquist Nightmare Kit from Modular for the Masses by sending $95 via paypal by clicking THIS LINK and put NyquistNightmare 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.

DumpsterDelay Module Build

Here's a basic PT2399 delay module with a surprise twist: there's a whole dumpster worth of stuff in the delay feedback path. The builder can choose to build this very simply, for a clean, basic, boring delay module with voltage-controlled delay amount, or the builder can put two Peizo discs, stuck back-to-back, as an electromechanical way to pass the delayed audio signal. Additionally, there's a 20x14 pad-per-hole chunk of perfboard that can hang out in the delay path as well, offering the experimenter truly infinite ways to mangle and abuse the looping audio. A distortion circuit. A filter. A wave folder. A sub-octave circuit? FUZZ????? Note: the perfboard makes the module 61mm deep, or just over 2 1/2 inches. Won't fit in a really shallow skiff.

There's plenty of stuff here to sink your teeth into, with two multiple-feedback notch filters in the audio path (resistor values must be calculated) to squelch unwanted resonant frequencies from the Piezo discs. Or heck, you can stick tape, foam, glue, poster putty or a clothespin to the discs to reduce resonance.

This module is 8HP wide, takes 35mA on the positive rail, and 48mA on the negative rail. There's about 20 parts to be added to the SMT-assembled PCB, with a huge number of additional parts one might add later. There is no provision for any knobs or jacks or switches that the extra perfboard circuitry might need -- making a breakout panel for that will be up to you!

A build document is here for those who want to study beforehand: BUILD GUIDE

TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
You will need to purchase the Nyquist Nightmare Kit from Modular for the Masses by sending $90 via paypal by clicking THIS LINK and put DumpsterDelay 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 Chaos Generator Module!

Hosted by Żłob Modular
Sunday, Sept 10 @ 2pm
Difficulty: Beginner/Easy

Triple Cap Chaos Module Build

The Triple Cap Chaos(C^3 Chaos) is a 2hp analog, chaos based, noise oscillator, pseudo ring modulator/harmonics generator, and audio mangler. It is a unique module, like the Diode Chaos, because it has never existed as a musical instrument until now. There is also no other module to my knowledge that can do exactly what the Triple Cap can do. The circuit (with several modifications) is based on the paper “Simple Autonomous Chaotic Circuits” by J.C. Sprott and Jessica R. Piper. As opposed to the Diode Chaos that generates control voltage this module focuses on the audio rate.

The “Emanate” potentiometer controls the coarser overall spectrum of the chaos, from lots of activity counter clock wise up to less chaos and more of a steady oscillation. The “Width, CV ATT” potentiometer can be thought of as more of a fine control for the chaos/oscillator. When something is inserted into the “CV” in the voltage normalization from the width knob is broken and the potentiometer now acts as an attenuator for the incoming cv. The Triple Cap is not a traditional volt per octave exponential VCO, and has a sort of narrow frequency range to exploit the chaotic behavior.

It expects a +5v to -5v max signal in to modulate the chaos. The “IN” jack is an A.C. coupled input for audio in, although cv and audio can work for both the “CV” in jack and “IN.” The “IN” will interfere and interact with the onboard chaotic oscillator depending on the frequency of the input, which may take some experimentation. It can create ring mod ish sounds, to added harmonics, to almost bit crushed sounds depending on the “X” or “Y” output. The “X” output is a more windy noisy sinusoidal based output and the “Y” output is more squared off and aggressive, harsher sounding output.

Some quirks about the Triple Cap: The “X” output can offset negatively or positively a little bit depending on the pot settings, but both outputs tend to stay around 10vpp. With the “Emanate” and “Width” pots all the way up the typical frequency will be around 150hz although some will reach 200hz at this setting. With the “Emanate” pot full counter clock wise “Width” pot full clock wise the frequency will be around 250hz. It is possible to send signals into the triple cap that can bring it out of the desired range causing the oscillation to cut 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 Triple Cap Chaos module.

TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS WORKSHOP
You will need to purchase the $40 Triple Cap Chaos kit from Żłob Modular HERE. Please select the "Knobcon DIY Workshop 23" option and 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.

Panel is reversible!

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.

Tiny but Mighty Setups with Circuit Rhythm & Eurorack   12:30pm (Copper/Maize)

Novation Product Specialist, Shanda Nunez aka Trovarsi, will demonstrate a creative approach to integrating Novation’s groovebox Circuit Rhythm with Eurorack. By demonstrating how to sample loops and one shots from a small Eurorack system to create a sonic library, she will show how the Circuit Rhythm can be a powerful tool integrated in any small hybrid system for both studio and live performance.

35 Seconds at Altamont  2:00pm (Copper/Maize)

The first person to play a custom Moog modular synthesizer at a rock festival was not Keith Emerson, it was Knobcon 11 Guest of Honour Doug McKechnie. We’re going to hear his story and learn how his influence extended beyond his career in this live interview and AMA moderated by Suit & Tie Guy.

Reverb's Final Frontiers  4:00pm (Copper/Maize)

Jon Sonnenberg explains the concept of reverb in a different light, showing many examples of alternate ways to create reverb-type effects.

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

Why and how to play Buchla 200e live 10:30am (Copper/Maize)

TamiX will show her live set approach in Buchla 200e, compare with eurorack, and discuss her modular live set techniques.

The Other Analog: The Rise and Fall of Photonic Synthesis 12:30pm (Copper/Maize/Sage)

Perhaps the most fascinating forgotten era in the history of synthesis is the period of time where the photon was the shining hope for the authorship of sound. This technology presaged polysynths, samplers, and complex synthesis. Marc Doty takes you on a tour of the history, the technology, and the groundbreaking instruments that used light to make sound.

VAST: What's it all about? 2:00pm (Copper/Maize)

Professional K2000 programmer Shane Etter answers the eternal question: What the hell was Kurzweil VAST and what could you actually do with it?

Build a Matrix Mixer!

1-2 Hours (beginner)

Low-Gain Electronics and synthCube host the building of this standalone passive matrix mixer with a custom Knobcon faceplate and choice of Banana or 3.5mm format.

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)

Modular for the Masses will guide you through the process of building your choice of effect module.

Open Build Workshop!

1-2 Hours (intermediate)

The folks at Befaco will guide you through the process of building one of their many incredible modules.

All exhibit spaces are SOLD OUT.

Exhibitor Opportunities

Exhibit Tables $200

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 $450

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 $800 + $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 1000 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.

2023 Floor Plan