Knifonium Modular FX Brings Tube-Based Effects To 5U Format


Superbooth 2026: Knif Audio’s Knifonium Modular FX is a 5U-format modular system focused on processing external audio, rather than generating sound.

The initial configuration includes a dual-channel microphone preamp, phaser, filter bank, bucket-brigade delay, and spring reverb, along with utility modules such as a sample & hold/envelope follower, output section, and power supply.

Most modules are designed with dual-channel architectures, allowing stereo signal processing. The system emphasizes modular routing and hands-on control, with individual modules offering dedicated controls and modulation options.

The design uses vacuum tubes throughout much of the signal path, with supporting circuitry added where needed due to practical considerations like space and heat.

Features:

  • 5U modular effects system designed for external audio processing
    • Tube-based signal path combined with transformers and inductors
    • Seven-module configuration, including:
    • Dual-channel tube microphone preamp (with Lundahl transformers)
    • Dual phaser with multi-stage phase shifting and LFO
    • Dual filter bank with inductor-based filtering
    • Bucket-brigade delay with tube stages in the feedback path
    • Stereo spring reverb with shielded tanks
    • Sample & hold and envelope follower module
    • Output/phones and power supply modules
  • Dual-channel (stereo-capable) design across most modules
  • Integrated modulation sources (LFOs, envelope follower, S&H)
  • Combination of tube and solid-state components for signal handling
  • Designed for studio use and modular system integration

Here’s a first look:

Knif Audio has not yet announced pricing or release dates for Knifonium Modular FX. The system is expected to be demonstrated at Superbooth 2026, with additional details to come.

 

Live Berlin School Performance By Kurtz Mindfields – ‘For Klaus Schulze’


Synthesist Kurtz Mindfields shared this live Berlin School performance, For Klaus Schulze.

The track is a tribute to Schulze, who died four years ago.

Here’s what Mindfields shared about the technical details:

“We’ll never be able to replicate the essence of Klaus, but we can honor him by evoking the form of his art, by playing live, improvising with a vision of the strange or captivating sounds of our instruments… and perhaps transporting our audience into our dreams….

I’ve often found this exercise difficult; the concentration required to select sounds and sequencers on the fly, while keeping track of sustain pedals, effects, chords, etc., demands preparation.

For this live session, I used:

SynthR10 : Master stéréo sequencer, polyphonic pads & effects with polyaftertouch on Korg Keystage 61.

Waldorf Zarembourg : Strings Section with internal phaser.

Vpiano : Midi keyboards for EMU Longboard (Solina sound!) & P800 Behringer arppeggio noised pad.

NRsynth Retro One : soloing across effects pedalboard (delay, Flanger, Phaser) on Roland PC70 MIDI keyboards.

Sequencer is postsync on Electribe2 Korg.

Sustain pedals & on/off Roland pedal.”

Kurtz Mindfields’ music is available on Bandcamp.

 

Memetune’s Modcan Modular Synth Jam

This synth jam, via British synthesists Ben Edwards (aka Benge, Memetune Studio), offers a rare chance to see a Modcan modular system in action.


Here’s what Edwards shared about the technical details:

The synth jam features Crumar DS2, the Modcan modular & an Ensoniq DP/4.