In just a few weeks, the 7th annual Knobcon will take place outside Chicago. The synth convention geared toward electronic and experimental musicians will feature a huge range of vendors and exhibitors representing myriad streams of audio and visual synthesis.
Knobcon runs from September 7–9 at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg. From now until August 31, you can use the code "REVERB" to get $5 off the current ticket price. To buy tickets, visit the Knobcon site here.
As in previous years, attendees can expect to get hands-on with the latest keyboards and modular units from brands like Dreadbox, Elektron, LZX Industries, 4ms Company, 1010 Music, Buchla, Zvex Modular, Dave Smith Instruments, Eventide, and more.
Unlike larger musical instrument industry shows, Knobcon offers an immersive experience into the world of synthesizers and electronic music production alone, without competing with gearheads of other persuasions. But that doesn't mean the show lacks diversity—it includes both small builders and legacy brands, standalone hardware workstations and music software, and desktop synths as well as Eurorack modules.
Since its inception, Knobcon has steadily grown, with more than 1,000 attendees joining the event last year and more expected this time around. Each day will feature live performances, and this year's guest of honor, Switched On Nashville synthist Gil Trythall will be honored at a special reception. For information on all the weekend's planned events, go to Knobcon's website here.
Reverb is a Gold Sponsor of this year's event and will be taking part in the festivities.