Knobcon 2026: 20CC TXX-1 Spectron is a new dual-oscillator Eurorack module inspired by vintage sample-based tape instruments like the Mellotron.
The fourteenth Knobcon (2026) took place in the Chicago area (USA) over the last weekend. It brought together many developers from the US—as well as some from other parts of the world—for three days. While there were no massive blockbusters, there were some lovely announcements.
20CC, for example, has announced Spectron, a new dual-oscillator module for Eurorack that brings you sound of tape instruments into your rack.
20CC TXX-1Spectron
The TXX-1 Spectron is a new dual-oscillator module for Eurorack inspired by vintage analog multisampling instruments such as the Mellotron, Chamberlin, and Optigan.
According to 20CC, TXX-1 Spectron uses a combination of synthesis and sampling techniques to bring these rich, warbly sounds to Eurorack, with the option to manipulate, warp, and mangle them in real time.
TXX-1 Spectron sounds are based on full, per-key recordings of vintage multi-sampled instruments. A concept adopted from the original instruments. The module will ship with more than 20 tapes, but more are planned after release.
Andrew is considering opening the module and letting users load their own samples. However, it is not a traditional multi-sampler module that simply plays back samples.
The engine organizes many samples to create the illusion of a continuous voltage-controlled oscillator. As pitch changes, playback seamlessly transitions between recordings, preserving the character of each original tape while allowing smooth, continuous frequency control.
Two Tape Oscillators
Each oscillator is independent and comes with a dedicated v/oct and gate/trigger input. They are normalled, so you can also use them for layered sounds. The gate/trigger input lets you trigger the samples’ attack portion as well as the built-in ASR envelope.
As mentioned, you can manipulate these in real time like a classic oscillator with FM and sync sections. These are tuned to range from subtle modulation to radical transformations. Both have full CV control, letting you explore the in-between points in motion.
The 20CC TXX-1 Spectron also features a four-voice pseudo-polyphonic mode to achieve longer releases that overlap with new notes, enabling a form of multi-voice harmony.
It also includes a built-in LFO with several selectable waveshapes. A modulation matrix with multiple sources (two CV inputs, ASR…) and destinations manages all this.
Alongside the dedicated v/oct and trigger in, you also have scan CV inputs for direct control over the tape selection and CV control over the matrix.
20CC TXX-1 Spectron First Impression
Among the many very similar analog Eurorack oscillators released in recent years, this is certainly a somewhat more distinctive one. I’m looking forward to more demos, because you can’t hear the full extent of the module in the video.
20cc TXX-1 Spectron is in the final stages of development. Pre-orders will soon be available, for a projected ship date in November or December 2026.
More information: 20cc
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