Organizers today announced the speakers, and the session lineup, for next month’s Knobcon 2019.
The annual synthesizer convention will be September 6 – 8, in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Session topics run the gamut from the very basics of electronic sound all the way to FM synthesis theory from its creator himself, and those involved with the event say “there is something here to interest anyone that plays an instrument that plugs into the wall.”
Knobcon 2019 Session Overview:
Saturday, September 7 2019
The Basics of Synthesis: “The undisputed king of YouTube synthesizer videos,” Marc Doty, provides as comprehensive a primer about synthesis which could be reasonably expected to fit in ninety minutes.
Summit: Novation’s Flagship Synthesizer: Novation Technology Evangelist Enrique Martinez will talk through the features and technology of Summit, and how it gives the serious producer or performer everything they need to design and play stunning basses, leads, arps, pads, effects and beyond.
Buchla Music Easel Masterclass: Synthesiser virtuoso and discoverer of The Krell Patch, Todd Barton, demonstrates advanced patching and listening techniques using the Buchla Music Easel.
Sequencing with TORAIZ SQUID: SQUID stands for ‘sequencer inspirational device,’ since it provides a feature-rich and user-friendly workflow that can be used to sequence a variety of analogue and digital hardware, and software. Get an in-depth look at what the TORAIZ SQUID can do.
Sample Proof Instruments: The concepts of “sample-proof” instruments explored by Jon Sonnenberg, and the limitations of sampling as he demonstrates intentional non-repeatability as a feature in new instruments.
Sunday, September 8 2019
Ergonomics for Artists: Industrial designer Brian Alexander (Herman Miller, Design Within Reach) breaks down the correlation between cognitive processing, the physical body, and the individual’s ability to perform in the electronic music environment. He will detail key principles and practices for creating an optimal workflow from studio to stage.
Warm Star Electronics’ Orbit: Experience a live modular infomercial! Bradford Kinney of Warm Star Electronics will walk participants through the world of his odd and powerful modules, including the newly-unveiled Orbit. Something will be raffled!
Learn FM Synthesis from Dr. Chowning Himself: FM synthesis has a reputation for being as impenetrable as it is dynamic. Fortunately its inventor, Dr. John Chowning, is here to help us understand it better. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity you won’t want to miss!
Modular for the Masses: Extreme synth DIYer and circuit sculpture specialist Juanito Moore returns with his unique approach to synthesizer design. Learn to break free from the confines of the PCB to create functional, musical art.
The Horror of Marketing-Driven Nomenclature: The history of synthesizers has been a wild blur of technological development, visionary composition, and manic entrepreneurial spirit and as a result, synthesizer terminology can be very confusing. Presented by Marc Doty.
For more information on the sessions, the speakers, and the Knobcon event, or to buy tickets to Knobcon 2019, visit the Knobcon website.
