Knobcon – the original synth convention – returns to Chicagoland September 6-8, 2024 for its 12th incarnation.
Knobcon 12 will feature live performances, workshops, informative sessions, vendor booths and more. The event will be held at its usual location – just outside Chicago, Ill., at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg.
Workshops and informative sessions include:
The Basics of Synthesis with Marc Doty
Novation Launchkey performance workshop with Novation product specialist Evan Weiss.
Oscillator Sync – 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.
Tomita: Synthesis Techniques – On the 50th anniversary of Isao Tomita’s album “Snowflakes Are Dancing”, Nicholas D. Kent will look at how Tomita achieved a number of patches on his Modular Moog, as well as how those techniques can applied on more recent equipment.
Improvised Live Performance Techniques – Eric Turner (Surco) will lead a demonstration and discussion on setting up and playing 100% improvised live performances.
Analogue Audio? In my Ethernet? – In this talk, Michael Ashton (Ashton Research) will introduce AES72, a new standard for using Ethernet cable as four-channel analog snake.
In addition, there will be three DIY workshops, where you can learn to solder, or take your DIY skills to the next level. Workshops have varying levels of difficulty and you are guaranteed to leave with a working module with the helping guidance of the workshop hosts.
*Note: Some kits may be available for purchase on-site, however, you can secure your place in the workshop by pre-ordering your kit.
Knobcon Number Twelve is being held September 6 – 8. Admission to the three-day event is $75, and tickets are available now at the Knobcon website. View the event website for a full schedule of events and vendor list.
The Ellitone KeyControl is a unique, handmade MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller that features 12 velocity-sensitive wooden Touch Bars and a built-in ‘ambient poly sequencer’ mode.
The KeyControl is made from Black Walnut hardwood and comes in two versions, with or without AAA portable battery power. The version without AAA battery power is 25% slimmer. Both versions can be powered via USB-C.
The KeyControl is designed to be widely compatible with many different types of existing gear including:
Computers and Phones running DAWs (USB MIDI);
Vintage and modern keyboards/synthesizers/drum machines that support classic 5-Pin MIDI;
Modern synths that support TRS MIDI; and
Vintage/modern analog synthesizers that require Control Voltages.
Features:
USB MIDI output via USB-C
5mm TRS “Style-A” MIDI output that can be easily adapted to classic 5-pin MIDI output using an inexpensive “TRS style-A to 5-pin midi” cable adapter.
MIDI output messages include CHANNEL, NOTE ON/OFF, VELOCITY
Control Voltage (CV) features:
3 outputs on the right side of the device (3.5mm) provide voltage outputs for NOTE/PITCH, TRIGGER, VELOCITY
monophonic NOTE/PITCH output voltages are standard 1 Volt Per Octave and have a range of 4 octaves (0-4V)
Trigger voltage output provides a 25 millisecond pulse at +5 volts whenever a new note is triggered
Sustained GATE signals can be achieved by holding down the SUSTAIN Button
Velocity voltage output has a range of 0-4 Volts
The Ellitone KeyControl MIDI/CV Keyboard Controller and Sequencer is available now, priced starting at $154.99.
Developer Jeremy Bell has launched a Kickstarter project to fund production of the ScrubBoard – a “cassette tape-based audio sandbox”.
The unique instrument lets you scratch audio, recorded on cassette tape, or create live musique concrète audio effects.
Options include a ‘hardcore’ DIY kit, a standard kit, and a pre-assembled instrument.
Production of the ScrubBoard is being funded via a Kickstarter project, and it is available to backers starting at $425.
*Note: Crowdfunded projects can involve risk. See the project website for details.
