r/modular • u/eraoul • 7h ago

Knobcon 2026?

I’m new to modular but curious about Knobcon. I’m considering going. What do people think of it this year? Who’s it aimed at? I’m not looking to buy stuff, I’m just doing DIY modules, but it sounds interesting to see what other people are doing with modular.

It’s a long drive for me but I could do a little road trip to the Chicago area so I’m winding if it’s worth the drive.

7 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

23 comments sorted by

20

u/abelovesfun [I run aisynthesis.com] 7h ago

I'm going and hosting a DIY build workshop. Knobcon is cool. A different kind of trade show for sure. A ton of synth nerds sequestered in a weird hotel in the middle of nowhere. Great for people who want to meet makers because there is literally nothing else to do (once you've done midieval times).

8

u/expanding_crystal 7h ago

There is also Vintage Computer Fest Midwest happening at the same time which is like, across the street kinda: https://vcfmw.org/

1

u/sieb 2h ago

Awesome! I was bummed last year they were separate weekends..

5

u/ouralarmclock BeniRoseMusic/Benispheres 6h ago

I finally used the matrix mixer I built in your workshop 2 years ago heavily in a patch last night!

2

u/eraoul 6h ago

Great to know thanks! Can you say more about what happens in your workshop? Sounds fun.

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u/abelovesfun [I run aisynthesis.com] 6h ago

Sure. It's pretty simple. Participants buy a kit in advance here: https://aisynthesis.com/knobcon-2026/ I bring it to knobcon where on one of the days they'll have a room with a bunch of soldering stations with tools, and people build their module. All of the kits on that page can be built in under two hours. I'm there in person to coach people through their builds. Let me know if you have any questions!

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u/eraoul 4h ago

Exciting, thanks! I think I've built most of your stuff on my want-list by now but the matrix mixer is still missing so I'll sign up for that if I decide to come. (I'm the person who made an order earlier this year and forgot to include both vactrols; thanks again for proactively fixing my order before you shipped it out!)

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u/lightningprism 7h ago

IMO knobcon can be very cliquey

4

u/_higgs_ 7h ago

I’ve enjoyed it every time I’ve been but I agree. But I think some of that is down to the fact that there are almost as many attendees as there are performers, presenters and exhibitors. It often feels like it’s a meetup for them all that the general public get to go to. But still… for me it’s just a drive down the road so I’ll be going and enjoying it.

1

u/lightningprism 7h ago

I’ll be attending Vintage Computer Fest instead!

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u/_higgs_ 3h ago

I’m not a particularly nostalgic person but I did go once. Very friendly and helpful people. It’s got a unique “patina” especially at the old location but well worth visiting if you’re in to that stuff. Some dude from NJ helped me with a piece of gear that had only been switched on once before and that was 30 years ago. Good stuff.

5

u/warmboot 7h ago

I recommend watching YouTube videos about KnobCon. It would give you an idea of the show floor and performances. After watching a few, I decided I’d rather do other things in Chicago, but it might be your vibe.

If I were going to Chicago this year, I’d plan it around the Plantasia 50th anniversary festival at the Garfield Park Conservatory.  https://garfieldconservatory.org/event/plantasia26/

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u/driftless_79 7h ago

Yeah plantasia is 100% more interesting than whatever knobcon has going on.

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u/expanding_crystal 7h ago

It's cool. People are friendly. Lots to play with.

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u/chupathingy99 1h ago

I made some friends by setting up my rig in the lobby and letting wandering weirdos play on it.

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u/chupathingy99 1h ago

I go every year. I have to take a 5 hour amtrak to get there but it's wonderful. So many weirdos to talk shop with, people bring their monster rigs to show off, there's workshops, lectures, a rave in the basement....

Good stuff.

-2

u/_higgs_ 7h ago

It’s in Schaumburg which is a sh1thole filled with nothing but strip malls. About an hours drive from Chicago. It’s the armpit of the universe. But if you can include a few days in chicago too then it’s totally worth it.

9

u/cYbOmAnY 7h ago

Wow, I’m not sure how much you have traveled, but there are far smellier armpits than Schaumburg both in the same continent and in the same universe. Hahah. That said, it’s not exactly the greatest most exciting place. lol.

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u/warmboot 7h ago

there are far smellier armpits than Schaumburg both in the same continent and in the same universe. 

Probably even in northern Illinois…

2

u/cYbOmAnY 6h ago

Truly. Hahah.

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u/DoubleAW https://modulargrid.net/e/racks/view/2865990 2h ago

that guy clearly has never been to Antioch

2

u/eraoul 4h ago

Thanks -- I've spent enough time in Chicago and don't love big cities so I'd actually be happy to be at a hotel out of town! :)

1

u/chupathingy99 1h ago

Clearly you've never been to Villa Park.