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 site. See the event site for a full schedule of events and vendor list.