Terrain Synth: Conductive Labs - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Since the last coverage, the Terrain Synth now includes a developed patch set, a Favourite section and expanded effects routing. The effects menu offers multiple topologies; previously, the four effects slots ran only in series. The synth also includes FM-style sounds, harmonic and inharmonic processing, overdrive and distortion in some patches, plus a built-in vector synth that sweeps through four voices.

The Terrain engine works like a table-based oscillator, but the sound is traced by complex paths rather than a single wavetable line. Parameters are modulatable, with an LFO and envelope available per parameter. The graphics show the terrain, vector movement and harmonic behaviour directly.

The Kickstarter price is $999 for around six to eight weeks, then retail pricing moves to $1199. Shipping is expected in about six weeks.

More Info:
https://conductivelabs.com
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/..."

Dreamcatcher Synthesizer Frequency Factory - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Sean from Frequency Factory gave us a look at Dreamcatcher Synthesizer, his first prototype as a hardware granular synth with sample-based operation, FM and wavetable oscillators, onboard effects and direct recording.

The synth comes preloaded with samples, and it can also capture external instruments or process incoming audio for real-time granulation. The granular engine takes small pieces of a sample, overlaps and layers them, arpeggiates grains across octaves, and reverses playback. Controls include density, grain size, position and spread, with randomisation for density, size and position. Grains can play forward, backward, or switch direction randomly.

The effects section includes comb, band-pass, low-pass, high-pass and notch filtering, plus reverb and delay. The comb filter self-resonates with feedback, and key tracking ties delay time to keyboard pitch. The wavetable oscillator reads from the same sample bank, with variable frame cycling and frequency modulation.

More Info: https://frequencyfactorysynths.com"

Also see Catsynth TV's video here.

DemonBox Eternal Research - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Jordan from Eternal Research about DemonBox, a triangular electromagnetic instrument and controller. He explained how it reacts to electromagnetic fields from motors, magnets, speakers, phones and other implements, turning those interactions into audio, CV and MIDI.

DemonBox has 33 inductors on its surface, arranged as three channels of 11 in concentric spirals. It has no internal oscillators or tone generators; the audio output comes from disturbances in the electromagnetic field, closer to a wide-field pickup than a synth voice. MIDI notes control instruments such as HydraSynth, while MIDI data can also drive TouchDesigner visuals and DMX lighting via conversion.

The unit includes three external audio inputs, one for each inductor channel. Incoming audio can be mixed with the knobs, and it also affects outgoing MIDI and CV. MIDI runs over USB-C, the unit is powered by 5V USB power, and CV is available for modular hardware. DemonBox is priced at $999, with an in-person Knobcon 26 offer including a free Ferris wheel order.
More Info: https://eternalresearch.com"

Regen: Synclavier Music - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Michael Glanton from Synclavier Music about Regen, the company's desktop synthesizer. He explained that it uses the same DSP engine as Arturia's Synclavier V and Synclavier Go.

Regen is a 12-part multitimbral instrument, with each timbre assignable to its own MIDI channel or layered on the same channel. Each timbre contains up to 12 partials, and each partial supports additive synthesis, subtractive synthesis, samples, and resynthesized sample material. It also includes a resonant filter section plus DSP effects such as delays, reverbs and bit crushing.

The new development discussed was PSVIO, an audio interface based on the original Synclavier systems. It uses R2R ladder DACs and includes inputs and outputs. Regen itself has no inputs, so an upcoming software update adds direct sample recording when used with PSVIO.

The demonstrated workflow records a sample, maps it to the keyboard, sets a start point, analyses it, auto-tunes it and converts it into additive synthesis frames for looping and modulation.

Regen is proiced at $2499 with the Regen Knob - the iconic Synclaiver control at $349"

Long Division Stereo Kanawha Music and Art - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Chris Nagorka from Kanawha Music and Art gave us a look at Long Division Stereo and a Eurorack system, including a new phaser, Filternator filters and a matching LFO.

The current Long Division version is stereo and uses divide-down tone generation in the style of older electric pianos and organs. It offers square-wave and narrow-pulse outputs, with analog tone production and wavefolding; only the MIDI board is digital. Each note has its own keying circuit, and notes alternate between left and right every six notes, with panning available per note.

The phasers are exact copies of the 1970s Crumar Roadrunner chorus circuit. The Filternator is a passive Eurorack filter with no power requirement, switch-selected high-pass and low-pass settings, and a CV-controllable mix. The LFO cycles down to one cycle per minute and can drive phasers and filters on alternate cycles.

Products are available direct. The filter is $100 in the US, the phaser and LFO are $225 each, and Long Division Stereo is $1,750.

More Info: ‪@KanawhaMusic‬
https://kanawhamusic.com"

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"

LeviaSynth Deeper function ASM - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Ken from ASM gave us a look at LeviaSynth, focussing on some of the nifty ways to controll all that synthesis - 16 voices with 8 oscillators, 13 envelopes per voice, 5 LFOs. Using the Bias controls, and the copy/paste settings between Oscillators for efficient navigation of this behemoth.

The signal path includes the digital filters from Hydrasynth, plus analog gain, analog saturation and an analog filter section. It supports upper and lower layers, key splits and crossfeeds, and the keyboard version includes a refined poly-touch keybed.

Ken shows us stereo mode by splitting eight analog filters left and eight right, with detuning available per side. Stereo behaviour can apply to carriers, modulation, or both. The engine includes 144 algorithms, custom algorithms and smooth morphing between algorithms, with FM, phase distortion, pulse-width modulation and phase modulation available in combination.

Pricing is around $2,499 for the keyboard and $1,999 for the desktop, with dealer pricing to confirm."

ASM Leviasynth - Sounds Only - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Jim from Earmonkey Music sits down with the *ASM Leviasynth *at the Knobcon 2026 show from last week. We have him to thank for all of these videos from the show.

The Leviasynth is Ashun Sound Machines flagship synthesizer, with 16 voices, each with twin filters, (analog and digital), 8 oscillator per voice, 13 envelopes, 5 LFOs plus FX engine with multiple FX. Contolled by a polyphonic Aftertouch keybed and a ribbon controller."

Arturia Pure Sub Bass Machine - PatchFLIP

video upload by sonicstate

"We flip some patches with the ‪@ArturiaOfficial‬ Arturia Pure Sub, a monophonic bass synthesizer plug-in . It has a sub oscillator, a morphing additive harmonics generator with up to 32 partials, or a VA with morphing between waveforms , a texture engine, a filter, and up to twelve effects slots, plus a separate FX processor stage for detune, colour, presence and space.
Modulation comes from envelopes, function generators, randomisation and macros.

The sound sits firmly in modern bass territory, from Reese and wub to distorted 808s and hard front end, keeping weight in the low end while holding useful mid-range. Pure Sub is available now at 49 or 79 euros."

00:00:00 Introduction
00:02:26 Patch flipping favourites
00:06:15 Building a preset: main engine
00:06:48 Harmonic additive section
00:08:22 Texture engine
00:09:30 Filter
00:10:07 Effects and processing
00:10:54 Modulation and pitch envelope
00:14:36 Amount processor
00:20:48 Price and availability

See the announcement post here.

Diosynth Wind Synth: - ASM - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to Glenn from ASM (who is an excellent player) about DioSynth, the company's wind synthesizer. Fun fact, Glenn was also involved in wind controllers with Akai back in the ay.

DioSynth uses a combination synthesis and sample-playback engine. It works as a self-contained instrument and also operates as a MIDI controller, with USB MIDI and audio, DIN MIDI, and Bluetooth MIDI. It includes multiple control and fingering systems for players coming from saxophone, flute, recorder, and other backgrounds.

The engine has two parts that can be split or layered. Across both parts it offers four oscillators plus two sample-playback engines, with LFOs that can act as step sequencers. Each part has an insert effect and EQ, while patches include two master effects and a master reverb. Breath thresholds can bring in effects or sound changes at defined pressure levels.

He also showed the real-time editor, where samples and parameters can be changed while playing. Pricing is $1,099, including a stand and case."

ODD-1 From Oddment Audio - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"We spoke to John Woodruff from Oddment Audio who showed us the Odd-1 synthesizer and its live-effect workflow. Since our previous coverage at Superbooth, the second batch is in now production and units are shipping.

Odd1 works as a multi-timbral synth, live effect, or looping instrument. It holds eight stereo samples of up to 60 seconds, with a grain engine arranged like a small modular rack. Two layers are available, and each layer contains four samples, four playheads, LFOs, and related modulation.

It can process a live input and re-pitch in real-time from the keyboard. The instrument is eight-voice polyphonic, syncs to tempo, and includes an arpeggiator. The Time Path envelope controls playback speed, so note releases can freeze the grain position. Small grain sizes create pitched, wavetable-like results. One layer can also feed and record into the other.

Odd1 costs $999. The Odd One V plug-in uses the same processing, supports Audio Unit and VST, shares patches with the hardware, and is free with Odd1. The beta plug-in price is $149.
More Info: https://oddment-audio.com"

Missing Link Uno: CircuitHappy - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Always nice to see Ed from CircuitHappy, who showed us Missing Link Uno, the latest addition to the company's Ableton Link clocking range. CircuitHappy devices use Wi-Fi to sync hardware, DAWs and iOS apps via Ableton Link, including Ableton Live, Bitwig Studio, Pro Tools and Logic.

The new Uno is a reduced version of the Missing Link Junior. It keeps the core clock-sync functions at a lower price, while the existing Missing Link Junior offers TRS MIDI output plus configurable CV clock and reset. The ML2M Eurorack module is 2HP and has two TRS outputs, which can handle CV clock, reset or MIDI output.

The Uno includes a ring of LEDs that shows loop position. Play starts after the count reaches the top of the loop, and tempo can be changed with buttons or tap tempo. In the demo, multiple devices and Ableton Live followed tempo changes over Wi-Fi.

Missing Link Uno is expected in January or February next year at $99. ML2M is $250, and Missing Link Junior is $260. More Info: https://circuithappy.com"

BlackBox 2 1010music - Knobcon 2026

video upload by sonicstate

"Steve from 1010music gave us a look at BlackBox 2, the successor to the original BlackBox. We first saw it at Superbooth ealrlier this year, when it had just been released.
To recap, BlackBox 2 features four tracks, with one-shot tracks supporting 16 one-shots and loop tracks following the same structure. It includes the new Shredder track, which combines slicing with elements of the granular engine, so a sample can be granulated, sliced, chopped, and played by slice.

The rear panel includes stereo input, three stereo outputs, headphone output, USB-C for power, charging, computer audio and MIDI, a controller input, and a software-configurable clock input/output. Song mode arranges sequences into scenes, then scenes into a full arrangement, with song export at the end.

You also get slice editing, grid slicing, transient scanning, and tap-to-play auditioning. BlackBox 2 costs $649 and is available now worldwide through dealers."

Knobula Drum Farm - Drum and Percussion module - SonicLAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Paulee Bow (@magicalsynthadventure3216 ) reviews the Knobula Drum Farm @knobula_synths - a fascinating drum and percussion based Eurorack module combining a drum synth, two sample players, a sampler and 16 effects. Each drum engine offers decay and two parameters, and Paulee takes us through the voices.
A clever workflow means that the Drum Farm can easily capture the drum synth into Sample players without FX for immediate triggering, while the sampler records into a 16-slot undo buffer with SD card saving and can grab external audio with effects.
CV assignment is assigned dynamically via jack and knob, and lets you apply audio rate modulation which can produce aliased textures.
External sampling uses a trigger into the record socket."

00:00:00 Intro
00:02:52 Welcome and overview
00:03:28 Making the intro bass
00:04:00 The sampler buffer
00:04:19 Drum synth engines
00:08:27 CV assignment
00:11:11 Audio rate modulation
00:11:40 Sampling external audio
00:13:29 Price and availability
00:14:58 Wrap up

Lambda Synthetics Polypulse Algorithmic Performance Workstation SonicLAB Demo

video upload by sonicstate

"​‪@matthsmatthsmatths‬ looks at the Lambda Synthetics Polypulse, a powerful Algorithmic Performance Workstation with five tracks. Each track has an algorithmic sequencer, a polyphonic synthesis engine (subtractive, FM, additive, resonator, quad, granular or external), audio effects, and XY morph pads.
Connectivity includes eight outputs, four inputs, MIDI, Ethernet, per-channel pulse outputs and clock in.
The sequencer decouples pattern from pitch, offering four lanes per pattern, up to 24 patterns per track, and a shared note list with per-note chance, slides and rests.
Effects run per track or on a send, and includes a ducker for sidechain compression.

Matt loads samples over Ethernet, sequences a Dreadbox Artemis with MIDI, and maps MIDI CCs to the twelve dials.

Polypulse costs £1777/€1999 and is available now"

Pittsburgh Modular Lifeforms SV-2 Semi-Modular Analogue Subtractive SonicLab Review

video upload by sonicstate

"We take a look at the @pittsburghmodular Lifeforms SV-2, a 37-key semi-modular analogue synthesizer with an East Coast subtractive focus.
It shares the format of the Taiga Keyboard with two main oscillators, two analogue LFOs that can also be oscillators , dual multimode filters, 2ADSR envelopes, 2 VCAs, spring reverb, arpeggiator and extensive patching.

The oscillators include multiple waveforms, Blade shaping and sub outputs on osc 1, while the LFOs can act as extra pitch-tracking oscillators for richer mono or two-note paraphonic patches.
The filters offer several modes and respond strongly to gain, drive and character settings, giving clean tones or more saturated results with a large amount of gain points both in the filters and in the mixer.

Additional function and velocity outputs with various modes add extra useful modulation.

The SV-2 is available now for around €1599 or $1499.

https://pittsbughmodular.com

Key Moments
00:00:00 Introduction to the Lifeforms SV-2
00:01:08 Keyboard, panel layout and 24HP Eurorack bay
00:03:21 Oscillator waveforms and Blade shape
00:06:16 Using the LFOs as oscillators
00:09:56 Dual multimode filters and gain structure
00:13:25 Driven subtractive sound example
00:14:52 Two-note paraphonic patch
00:16:05 Velocity, envelopes and random functions
00:19:42 Arpeggiator modes and legato transpose
00:21:39 Price, availability and closing thoughts"

Exploring The Genki Instruments Katla A $6K Volcanic Synth With Venus Theory

video upload by sonicstate

"@VenusTheory is one of the lucky people to have their hands on the @genkiinstruments Genki Instruments Katla, the Icelandic volcanic synthesizer priced around $6,000 (yes you did read that right).

As well as parts hewn out of the Icelandic Katla volcano, hence the name - it has five voices with a paraphonic architecture, individual level, waveform and octave controls for each oscillator.

The resonant filter has low pass and band pass modes, self-oscillation and a wave folder. Modulation has some unusual routings, with a 'volcano' (of course) LFO shape and a Skrida control that randomizes envelopes and levels per note.

As well as user presets it has a system which recalls patches per section, effects include reverb, analog drive and tape-style detuning, and recent firmware adds MPE.

We explore it together - and if you want to get a sense of what it can do - we have a set of Custom Decent Samples from Venus Theory for our own Decent Sampler UI available for YouTube Members and Patreon Supporters

And Venus Theory has his own Tephra instrument available here: https://venustheory.gumroad.com/l/vtt..."

Korg NTS-4 Performance Mixer | SonicLAB Review

video upload by sonicstate

"We look at the ‪@KorgOfficial‬ Korg NTS-4, a compact Nu:Tekt performance mixer kit with audio interface. Assembly is simple, with clear instructions and no soldering.
It has two mono inputs, four stereo inputs, stereo send and return, cue monitoring, USB retrurn level, headphone output and a two-channel USB audio interface running at 24-bit/48kHz.

There are two FX engines, one on the send which includes delays, reverbs, chorus and a range of master effects such as filters, phaser, decimator, drive, distortion, compression and limiting.
These effects are fixed rather than expandable via the Logue SDK of others in the Nu:Tekt range , but they suit hands-on performance - albeit a little fiddly.

The cue system works pre-fader, giving a basic extra bus at a pinch.
USB ground loop noise is possible in some setups.

Price is around £200"

Drop-In Studio Tour: Bristol Old City Studio

video upload by sonicstate

Some Polymoog Synthesizer playing towards the end in this one.

"It's been a while since we did a 'drop-in' video, but we bumped into our EMOM sound engineer Silas Blackburn who mentioned he'd moved to a new studio space in nearby Bristol - so we dropped by to the Bristol Old City Studio to check it out.
And found a beautiful old PolyMoog too, as well as a bunch of other delicious gear.
Hope you enjoy the tour.

Website: https://theoldcitystudio.com/
Instagram: / theoldcitystudiobristol
TikTok: / theoldcitystudiobristol"

Erica Synths Razornator 5 Tuned Stereo Delays - Sonic DEMO

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"​@matthsmatthsmatths takes a look the @EricaSynths. Erica Synths Razornator, developed with 112dB, its an effects unit built around five stereo, chromatically tuned resonating delay lines.

We look at how the Razornator turns rhythmic, unpitched drums into pitched, harmonic textures. A resonant filter shapes the input, while decay, damping and an envelope follower control the length and tone of the resonance.

A shift control can move the pitch by up to two octaves, a central dial sets the root note, with four further pitches set by hand or via MIDI for chords and sequencing.
Razornator shares its form factor with the Echo Locator and Nightverb, offering stereo I/O, MIDI, USB, up to 25dB gain and extensive MIDI CC control.
Matt runs presets on drums, synths, arpeggios and vocals.

Priced at around 490 euros, expect firmware updates to follow."

00:00:00 Intro
00:00:41 What the Razornator does
00:01:00 Five resonating delay lines
00:02:55 Compared to Echolocator and Nightverb
00:04:22 Signal path and filter
00:06:05 Envelope follower
00:08:55 Pitch control and MIDI chords
00:12:30 Menu, presets and morphing
00:20:29 Arpeggiator and synth patches
00:32:18 Vocals
00:36:28 Wrap up and price

Waldorf Iridium MK2 - Powerhouse Synth Review

video upload by sonicstate

"Paulee Alex Bow (‪@magicalsynthadventure3216‬ ) takes a look at the new monster synthesis machine - the Waldorf Iridium MK2 (‪@WaldorfMusicChannel‬ ) a 16-voice synthesizer with four layers and wavetable, FM and sampling engines.

Paulee gives us an overview of the hardware, the new Seeds synthesis, which blends up to 12 mini-synths scanned like a wavetable, plus the flavor knob for note-on randomisation.
Four layers bring a mixer and round robin key assignment, while Aphex Twin-inspired per-note parameter locks assign different sounds and engines to each key.
There's Kernels FM, a Kawai K5-style additive patch, legacy grunge modes, SoundFont conversion via ConvertWithMoss, granular synthesis and CV inputs.

Priced around £2,085 its a robust wavetable synth for tweakers
https://waldorfmusic.com

*Key Moments*
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:35 Rear panel tour
00:02:06 Seeds synthesis
00:05:16 Four layers and mixer
00:07:01 Per-note parameter locks
00:11:26 Kernels FM mode
00:17:39 Legacy grunge mode
00:19:13 Sampler and samples
00:24:26 Granular synthesis
00:34:09 Price and verdict"