SISKworks cassette loop synth with effects & sequencer | Knobcon 2026

video upload by CatSynth TV

"Mike Sisk from Siskworks demonstrates the Capstan SM, a unique tape loop synthesizer prototype, at Knobcon 2026. One can think of it as a 'poor man's Mellotron'.

This instrument uses a physical tape loop to create sound. There are five note buttons, each with a trigger and independent speed knob for the motor. Additionally, there are several available effects via a built-in microprocessor. There is even a sequencer that can drive the cassette loop.

To find out more, please visit https://siskworks.com

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Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.
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0:00 Introduction
0:10 Capstan SM
0:38 Effects
1:52 Sequencer
2:44 Conclusion"

SISKworks Cassettone modified tape instrument - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Mike from SISKworks showed us the Modified Tape Player Prototype, a motor-controlled cassette instrument developed from his earlier "poor man's Mellotron" idea.

He explained that the original version uses one continuous tape loop with a constant tone. Five buttons trigger playback, and each button has a knob that tunes motor speed for a different pitch. The newer prototype keeps that five-key approach and adds a Daisy microprocessor for delay, reverb, filter, harmonizer and reverse grain effects.

The control knobs adjust the last effect engaged, and the filter can self-oscillate slightly. The unit also includes a step sequencer with normal, reverse, bounce and random directions. Steps can be switched on or off, and tempo, length, glide and swing are adjustable. A hold mode latches the last key for drone use.

The prototype includes gate, CV and clock inputs, and it is planned for 1V/oct tuning. It can use tape loops or full-length cassettes, but it does not record to tape. Pricing is not set, and the final version is likely to be desktop rather than Eurorack.

A lovely collection of hand made custom sound devices here:
https://www.siskworks.com/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/SISKworks"

Knobcon 2025 with Jeremy Parker

video upload by Jeremy Parker

00:00 Intro
03:23 Welcome Reception
10:02 Entropy & Sons
12:10 Hive Mind Synthesis
13:56 Novation
15:57 Shrimp Tank Pt.1
18:54 TotoRobyn
20:07 Shrimp Tank Pt.2
21:17 Schedule
21:52 Big Room Saturday Night
22:51 Golden Shrimp Guild
25:31 Deft Audio
31:24 SISKworks
33:36 Dog Paw Music
36:30 Outro

"#knobcon #synthesizer @suitandtieguy

Here's my rundown of Knobcon 2025 'Synthmania XIII', with coverage of performances, new gear and the experience of actually getting to play there with Cowboy Ben Alman a.k.a @TheEntireRobot . Thanks to Suite And Tie Guy for letting us play on Friday, and Daniel Kushner for getting us on Saturday afternoon’s festivities with support from the whole Golden Shrimp Guild. What a blast! Here are some handy links:

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SISKworks: fun with circuit-bent toys and instruments - #knobcon

video upload by CatSynth TV

"We explore the circuit-bent instruments and toys from SISKworks, including a patchable Casio SK-1, a cassette-loop-based instrument, and a circuit-bent camera.

To find out more, please visit https://www.siskworks.com
More about Knobcon: https://knobcon.com

0:00 Introduction
0:19 Circuit-bent SK-1
1:56 Cassettone (tape-loop instrument)
3:24 Circuit-bent toy camera
4:06 Conclusion

Please consider supporting this channel to help us bring you more synthesizer tutorials and other content.

Merch: https://shop.catsynth.com
Patreon: / catsynth
Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/catsynth"