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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Deftaudio Luma mu: LinnDrum voice in a Eurorack module! #knobcon

video upload by CatSynth TV

"Our friends at Deftaudio present the Lumaµ (Luma-mu), a single voice version of their Luma 1 LinnDrum recreation in Eurorack format. It uses the same discrete electronics and EEPROMs as the original, with various CV options that allow one to use it as a traditional drum-machine or go in different creative directions.

To find out more, please visit https://deftaudio.com
For more on Knobcon, please visit https://knobcon.con

0:00 Introduction
0:10 The Lumaµ (Luma-mu)
3:15 Tonal wavetables
5:24 Importing your own sounds
6:11 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"

KNOBCON 2025 with JAde Wii

video uploads by JAde Wii

Two parts. Part 1 features opening performances. Part 2 features gear table/booth walkthrough. You can use the player controls to skip around.

Featuring: Hive Mind Synthesis, Modular for the Masses, Hakai Labs, Rainy Day, Hailstorm, 1010 Music, Oberheim, Buchla, Five12, Rain City, Noise Engineering, Synclavier, Fairfield, Dog Paw, SISKworks, EarthQuaker Devices, glowfish, WMD, Roland, Drift (zero), AMP, Gauche Electrosound, Vondle, Ocean Dreams, STG Labs / MuSonics, Synth City, Deftaudio.

💖SUPPORT→ https://www.patreon.com/join/jadewii
🌎 WEBSITE → https://www.jadewii.com/

See the Knobcon label below for additional posts.

Luma-mu - Tutorial 06 - A true in-tune polyphonic synth

video upload by DeftAudio

Luma-mu tutorials

"This tutorial is on the latest integration of Luma-mu and Teensy 4.1 MIDI interface to drive Luma-mu clock input directly. This not only gives you the precise tuning of Luma-mu for perfect pitch stability but radically simplifies the integration in modular setup and makes it possible to use as a part of the polyphonic synth setup.

Teensy 4.1 1U MIDI Interface Firmware updates: https://github.com/Deftaudio/Midi-boards
Download Luma-Mu Synth sound ROM here: https://github.com/Deftaudio/Luma/blo..."

Luma-mu - Tutorial 05 - Recreating the magic of LM-1 Hi-Hat

video upload by DeftAudio

"Let's dive into the magic of Linn LM-1 Hi Hat. Will look on how it was created and make our own bank for Luma-mu. This continues a tutorial series of Luma-mu Eurorack module.

Download free Luma-mu ROMs here:
https://github.com/Deftaudio/Luma/tre..."

Luma-mu - Luma.Tools update to support PicoROM

video upload by DeftAudio

"The new version of http://luma.tools introduces direct support for reading and writing PicoROM EPROM emulator which makes it simple to use with Luma-mu for transferring sounds. You no longer need to install extra software for PicoROM, everything is running in Web browser (Chrome) and it's cross-platform."

Luma-mu - Introduction and complete overview

video upload by DeftAudio

Luma-mu - Tutorials

video uploads by DeftAudio

Playlist:
1. Luma-mu - Tutorial 01 - Basic Patching
2. Luma-mu - Tutorial 02 - Creating own sounds with Luma.tools
3. Luma-mu - Tutorial 03 - Wavetable playback
4. Luma-mu - Tutorial 04 - Creating looped wavetables for Luma-mu oscillator

"Making your own sounds for Luma-mu with https://luma.tools/ - Web-based sound editor for Luma-1 and Luma-mu."

"After launching the successful Luma-1 project, which is a precise recreation of the legendary Linn LM-1 with extended feature set, we’re announcing the beginning of shipping Luma-mu.

Luma-mu is a 10HP Eurorack module, essentially a single drum channel of Luma-1 which holds multiple sounds in its ROM. It plays samples digitally without microcontroller or software used, which guarantees the lowest latency and highest response of its 8-bit mu-Law DAC. It’s perfect for Luma-1 expansion or standalone operation.

Luma-mu feature set:
8-bit mu-law EPROM playback, exact copy of LM-1/Luma-1 channel
Removable EPROMs with 8 sounds on each, 16KB each (~1.5sec/ea)
True digital playback with no microcontroller or software involved, order of nanoseconds response time to the first sample
CV control for sound select allows playing various sounds at each step
CV control for Pitch and Dynamics
Gate control for Reset, Pause and sample Trigger
Can be clocked externally
Ability to play one shot samples or looped sounds to use it with perfectly looped waveforms as a wave oscillator
Comes with a software to make your own EPROMs
EPROM is accessible from the front with optional Luma-mu Reacharound extender module
Eurorack 10HP, 50mm depth

Luma-mu is available at https://www.deftaudio.com/
MSRP is $279."

Teensy 1U 8x14 MIDI interface by Deftaudio

video upload by DeftAudio

"A compact yet powerful MIDI and audio hub featuring 8x14 MIDI routing, 4 audio outs, 6 trigger/sync outputs, and USB connectivity. Built on the lightning-fast 600MHz Teensy 4.1 microcontroller, it supports standalone operation and deep customization through open-source hardware and software. Perfect for synth enthusiasts, modular setups, and custom audio projects.

Comes as a fully assembled 1U unit, DIY kit, enclosure, or just PCBs.

Available at www.deftaudio.com or https://www.tindie.com/stores/deftaudio/"

Deftaudio Luma-1 recreation of the iconic LM-1 2024

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

"Luma-1 is an authentic recreation of the iconic LM-1, originally designed by Roger Linn in 1979 and now brought back by Joe Britt (check the creation story at Roger’s site). Fully recreating the original design of the LM-1, it utilizes the same audio path with the original vintage DACs and filters, runs the original LM-1 software, and adds a secondary modern processor for adding highly desirable features like loadable sounds, USB connectivity(USB MIDI Client and Host), MIDI and more."

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Luma-1 October 2024 update - New Features, Firmware, External editor

video upload by DeftAudio

"Big update on Luma-1 development status, new features added and enabled in the 0.943 firmware release. Also talking about Luma.tools - the online editor, and showing how to use it.

Links:
Luma-1 Tools (online editor): https://luma.tools
Luma-1 Firmware: https://github.com/joebritt/luma1/tre...
Update Tool: https://github.com/Koromix/tytools"

Luma Luma-1 Walnut 120v Drum Computer

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.

via this listing

Additional Retro Gear Shop Listings

Pic of the inside below.

See a Luma-1 vs LM-1 sound comparison with Roger Linn here, and see the Deftaudio label for additional posts.

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Luma-1 vs LM-1 sound comparison

video upload by DeftAudio

"Joe Britt talks about Luma-1 design and plays patterns on both.
If you need true line out, get sound files here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folder..."

Luma-1 plays LM-1 patterns that you always wanted to hear

video upload by DeftAudio

Luma-1 - playing lost LM1 patterns

video upload by DeftAudio

"Playing LM1 patterns on Luma-1 live, no post processing. Yamaha DMP11 used as the FX for delay and Gated Verb.

Luma-1 is an authentic recreation of the iconic LM-1, originally designed by Roger Linn in 1979 and now brought back by Joe Britt. Fully recreating the original design of the LM-1, it utilizes the same audio path (with vintage DACs and filters), runs the unmodified LM-1 software, and adds a secondary modern processor for adding highly desirable features like loadable sounds, USB connectivity, MIDI and more."

Luma-1 drum machine overview and demo

video upload by DeftAudio

"Luma-1 is an authentic recreation of the iconic LM-1, originally designed by Roger Linn in 1979 and now brought back by Joe Britt. Fully recreating the original design of the LM-1, it utilizes the same audio path (with vintage DACs and filters), runs the unmodified LM-1 software, and adds a secondary modern processor for adding highly desirable features like loadable sounds, USB connectivity, MIDI and more."

See this post for additional details.

Deftaudio Fidget Spinner Eurorack LFO DIY kit

video upload by DeftAudio

"Here is a simple to build fidget spinner kit for Eurorack to use as an LFO with other modules.

Deftaudio SpinnerLFO is a simple DIY kit based around a fidget spinner and a double bass pickup.

This module is fully passive and requires no external power. It can be used as an oscillator source, where the frequency is based on the rotational speed. To control other CV inputs, you need to amplify the signal coming from it, such as with a preamp built in Behringer 2600. Any other preamp, mixer and a guitar pedal will work too.

Assembly notes:

Assembling the kit is straight forward. You need very minimal soldering skills, just to solder the sockets and two wires together. No special tools required.

Github file repository"

Two channel CV Gate Attenuator for 3.3V/5V logic with an arrow indicator or voltmeter

video upload by DeftAudio

"An overview of the CV/Gate attenuator with various options. Available here: https://www.tindie.com/products/defta..."

"Deftaudio Two Channel CV Gate Attenuator for Eurorack
Two channel gain and max voltage passive attenuator with three options available:

Basic version, two channel with 3.3V, 5V limits, precise adjustment and LED control
Indicator version, two channel with 3.3V, 5V limits, precise adjustment with a vintage arrow indicator per channel
Voltmeter version, two channel with 3.3V, 5V limits, precise adjustment with a single digital LED voltmeter
Description:

This is simple and efficient board to adjust voltage level when interfacing between Eurorack gear and to the outside world. It's specifically important for Gate levels, which exceed typical voltage level of 3.3V or 5V and go all the way up to 12V. While modular gear typically designed to handle those voltages, other instruments such as sync or arp inputs on vintage synths may not have a protection at all.

This board designed in mind with three modes of operation which are not available in other products:

3.3V logic limit. This mode is protected by a Zener diode and meant for interfacing to 3.3 logic gear, such as microcontrollers, Arduino, Teensy, etc.
5V logic limit. This mode similarly has a Zener diode circuit for 5V logic of the majority synthesizers sync, arpeggiator and other various trigger inputs.
Attenuation. In this mode multi-turn potentiometer sets the attenuation ratio. While two other modes set the max voltage limit, in this mode the output voltage is linearly scaled down to the attenuation ratio set.
Purchasing options:

PCB only: Only PCB board is included, other parts, such as connectors, diodes, resistors and LEDs are sourced by a buyer.
DIY Kit: Comes with all parts including arrow indicators or digital voltmeter per selected option. Soldering is required.
Assembled board: this option is NOT planned at the moment."

Eurorack MIDI Teensy 5x5 Interface Merger breakout

video upload by DeftAudio

"A quick overview of DIY MIDI interface kit for Eurorack based on Teensy 4.0 CPU.
Available here: https://www.tindie.com/products/defta..."

"Here is an Eurorack version of the popular Teensy 4.0 controller with 5x5 MIDI interface on TRS-A/B (selectable) ports as well as audio output.

This board is designed for Teensy4.0 and it's not compatible with other Teensy products. If you're looking for a similar board for Teensy4.1 or Teensy3.2, please, check other products in my store.

The board provides 5 input / 5 output functionality. This can be your 5x5 MIDI interface, merger, splitter, filter or whatever else you can imagine. This obviously requires programming the Arduino framework with Teensy extensions. I include basic firmware so, you can get USB MIDI running out of the box without any need to learn Arduino.

This TRS version is capable of setting a MIDI specification per port for TRS-A or TRS-B by moving jumper settings. This provides the flexibility to interface it with all vendors no matter the specification used.

You also get one Audio output (stereo) from Teensy Lo-Fi MSQ port. By default it's a sine generator programmed onto USB Port 6 and doesn't interfere with other 5x5 MIDI ports. It can be your clock out, trigger out or some advanced synth. Audio programming for Teensy is also straight forward.

All Teensy pins are available on extra pin headers. This allows easy expansion if you're planning to add extra LEDs, buttons, OLED display, in/outs etc... You can do that without soldering.

Package options:

PCB alone: This includes two PCBs(main and daughter) and aluminum front panel
Complete Electronics kit: Includes PCBs, front panel and all electronic (but Teensy4.0) - TRS connectors, optocouplers, headers, resistors, diodes. Check BOM list by the link.
Teensy microcontroller is not included with any purchase, you can buy it directly from the manufacturer: https://www.pjrc.com/store/

There are several options for providing a power:

From Teensy USB port
To be used with Eurorack 16pin power supply and sourcing 5V from eurorack (JP1 1-2)
To be used with Eurorack 10pin power supply, sourcing 12V from eurorack and doing onboard 5V conversion (JP1 2-3)
Board size and an enclosure choice: Eurorack size: 6HP, PCB Size: 10.8x5.4cm"

Eurorack USB power adapter and Compute faceplate for Intel and Android sticks

video upload by DeftAudio

"DIY Kit and PCB to provide USB power from the Eurorack power as well as compute module mounting. Available on Tindie: https://www.tindie.com/stores/Deftaudio"

Fairlight CMI Series III - Fully Restored - Owned by Brad Fiedel, Terminator II

Note: Auction links are affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
video upload by DeftAudio

"The story of working on getting back to live CMI Series III that was used on the truly masterpiece T2 score."

via this auction

"Here is your unique chance to buy a fully restored Fairlight CMI Series III that used on Terminator II: Judgement Day by Brad Fiedel.

"Hello. My name is Andrei Kudryavtsev. If you've been tracking Fairlight sales, you probably saw my other restoration work. All systems that I sell are completely restored and refurbished to the original condition, as much as possible. They are also upgraded to modern standards providing better reliability and usability. This system is not the exception. It's the legendary Fairlight owned by Brad Fiedel and used on T2 score. It took me over a year to finish this build. It arrived to me with a mess of previous repair over last 35 years. Failed parts were replaced by other boards not following versioning and compatibility. It required extensive work to get it up to date to Rev 9 standards which means the final CMI functionality. It's running OS9.34 with all required hardware changes, with 16 voices 32MB sample memory, with SCSI2SD replacing original hard drive, USB2CMI replacing original Preh keyboard, and a VGA monitor. It has fully repainted the CMI mainframe, music keyboard.

Power supply section is brand new. Old switching PSU has been replaced with three modern PSUs, driving clear power rails and dedicated power rail for fans. Cooling section is brand new, replaced all fans with server grade fans and new fan speed controller with a separate zone management and thermal sensors.

All work is carefully documented and available in my Instagram with all dates it was performed.

instagram.com/deftaudio/

This system needs a new home, a person who will be using it to make the music and not being distracted by common failures. All of those have been addressed to make your life easier and bring new life into this wonderful machine. I should say a disclaimer anyway, that as is a vintage gear....it may fail any moment...and obviously no return offered. However, I'm offering you my help in learning this great machine, and so you get 10 hours of my time at no charge. You can use it for whatever you want - set up and install online, learning session, tutorials, technical support etc...

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