The 2019 Brooklyn Synth Expo, held June 8-9 in Brooklyn, NY, featured some of the latest electronic music gear and effects pedals, demos and presentations, live electronic music performances and more.
The free event was held at Brooklyn’s Lytehouse Studios, which was packed tightly with attendees for most of the two-day event.
Much of the event’s activities were held in two large rooms, where dozens of vendors showcased keyboards, drum machines, effects pedals, modular synths and other music-related gear:
The main stage area featured two full days of presentations and live performances:
In addition, there was a small side room set up for workshops and meetups:
Expo organizer Paolo De Gregorio made use of every part of the space available, even bringing a food truck into the studio’s garage:
The attendees were a mix of electronic musicians and guitarists, because, in addition to the Synth Expo, the event also features the Brooklyn Stompbox Exhibit. Considering the growing interest for synthesists in using effects pedals with synths, it’s a useful combination.
Synth manufactures brought a G.A.S.-inspiring array of gear. This included much of the latest gear from large manufacturers, like Korg, Yamaha, Arturia, Moog & Roland, and also an interesting mix of gear from smaller manufacturers.
Some of the synths were also making their US debut at the Synth Expo, including Gamechanger Audio’s Motor Synth.
The Stombox Exhibit area attracted guitarists, keyboardists and others:
Unlike many of the gear-focused events that Synthtopia covers, the Synth Expo and Stompbox Exhibit allows vendors to sell their products, and many were offering discounts. Many vendors had stacks of gear available to purchase:
For those outside the NYC area who couldn’t make it to last week’s Brooklyn Synth Expo, the organizer holds a series of other free pedal- and synth-related events around the country (and Canada), throughout the year. You can find out more via the events’ related magazine and blog, Delicious Audio.
Awesome event! I had a great time. It was a bit overwhelming seeing so many desirable pieces of gear! Thanks for making it all happen!
Brian – it was good to connect again at the Expo. I hope we can take more time to catch up with you sometime soon.
Synthesists interested in expanding their sonic palette should really look into some of the more experimental brands like Red Panda, Meris, Pigtronix, EarthQuakes Devices, Walrus Audio etc etc. Some of these companies’ effects do things no synth does, they are incredibly creative and inspiring!
Looks like a cool event!
Between Synthplex, Knobcon, & the Brooklyn Synth Expo, the big cities all have access to a good synth event know. There’s nothing like this close to me, though, so I’m enjoying the videos from the event. Keep them coming!
It’s hard to believe that this event in the middle of Brooklyn is while both Syntholex and Knobcon charge $50. Kudos to the organizers for keeping it free for musicians.
I forgot a “free” in there…
“It’s hard to believe that this event in the middle of Brooklyn is free while…”
I forgot a “free” in there…
“…that this event in the middle of Brooklyn is free while…”
Loved the Expo. Bought myself a Roli because of the knowledgeable help I received.
Looking forward to the next one