EMIXX 2026
March 7, 2026 | Ashland, VA
Come join us for the second annual EMIXX expo, a
one-day meetup for synthesizer nerds, electronic musicians, pedal
builders and more. The event features gear exhibits, DIY workshops, guest speakers, a
swap meet, and live performances, bringing together an eccentric
community of sound creators.
Synth & Pedal Exhibits
Demo unique synthesizers, pedals, and music gear.
Live Performances
Experience live electronic music throughout the day.
Guest Speakers
Watch and learn from experienced electronic music gurus.
DIY Workshops
Build your own module or pedal in guided workshops.
Historic Venue
Located in Ashland, VA, easily accessible by road and rail.
Gear Swap Meet
Buy, sell, or trade gear with other attendees.
Synth & Pedal Exhibits
EMIXX is about sharing and enjoying electronic instruments and effects. Whether you have your own company or startup, DIY projects, or a collection of awesome rare gear, you are invited to participate in the exhibition. Simply register for a full or half table by contributing either $60 or $30 to secure your spot. And for $100, you can reserve a full table as an official sponsor! These reservations help to ensure tables are reserved for those committed to attending, and makes the most of our limited space. We're looking forward to seeing what you've got!
Please be sure to bring a power strip and headphones! You can also bring small speakers, but we ask that you are respectful to performers and presenters during those times. Thanks!
Guest Speakers
New for EMIXX 2026, the Guest Speakers series features two Demo Lectures from respected figures in the electronic-music world. Each session pairs a live demonstration with discussion and audience Q&A, offering insight into creative process, performance, and instrument-focused musicianship.
Caroline Scruggs
Theremin
Caroline Scruggs is a musician, vocalist, and songwriter known for her distinctive work with the theremin alongside voice and other instruments. With a background in classical vocal performance and a wide-reaching online audience, she has become recognized for immersive performances that blur the line between music and performance art. Her Demo Lecture will draw from her experience performing, composing, and developing expressive control on one of electronic music’s most unconventional instruments.
Patrick O'Brien
Modular synth
Patrick O’Brien (POB) is a modular synthesist, performer, and media producer closely associated with Noise Engineering, a leading Eurorack manufacturer. Through years of demos, educational content, and live performances, he has helped shape how musicians approach modular synthesis. His Demo Lecture will reflect his deep experience with Eurorack systems, focusing on creative thinking, musical structure, and performance-oriented modular design.
DIY Workshops
Regardless of experience level, attendees can take part in one of two DIY workshops, each featuring an audio project designed exclusively for EMIXX. These projects are approachable, fun to build, and result in a practical piece of gear you can immediately put to use in your setup.
Each workshop runs for 90 minutes and involves a minimal amount of soldering and straightforward assembly, with guidance from an experienced builder throughout the session. All materials, components, and tools are included. To keep the experience relaxed and hands-on, each workshop is limited to six seats, so be sure to reserve your spot early using the registration link.
Please sign up for only one DIY Workshop, as we have very limited seats, and want to ensure everyone who wants to participate can do so. We appreciate your interest!
Emixxer (portable mini mixer)
In this workshop, you’ll build a compact, battery-powered desktop audio mixer designed for synths, desktop gear, and small setups. The mixer features multiple inputs with level control, a summed output stage, and flexible mono/stereo operation—resulting in a practical, great-sounding tool you can immediately use in your own rig.
The workshop will again be hosted by Boredbrain’s Mike Flaig, a super-musician and experienced technician who brings deep hands-on knowledge to guide participants step-by-step through the build process. The project is beginner-friendly, with a focus on clean assembly, core audio concepts, and a successful take-home result.
Emixx EDR Pedal (delay/reverb)
In this workshop you'll build your own stereo digital delay+reverb pedal—a high-quality, professional-grade effect designed exclusively for this event. Guided by Matthew Farrow, founder of Alexander Pedals and Disaster Area Designs, you’ll learn the art of pedal crafting from a true industry innovator with decades of experience.
Whether you're a seasoned musician or just getting into gear, this hands-on workshop gives you the chance to create a unique pedal while gaining expert insights into soldering and assembly. Walk away with a one-of-a-kind FX pedal and the knowledge to continue your DIY journey!
Local Artist Performances
EMIXX 2026 expands the celebration of electronic creativity with two main-stage performance segments, each 2 hours long, showcasing a rich range of local electronic performers—including synth artists, experimental sound creators, and live patch performers. These extended segments give both emerging and established local musicians space to captivate the audience with original work in synth, modular, ambient, techno, chiptune, and experimental genres.
Richmond Synth Collective will play a central role in this year’s local artist programming. RSC is an active Richmond, VA-based community of musicians and sound artists united by a passion for synthesis and electronic sound art. The Collective hosts frequent meetups, gear showcases, talks, and collaborative performances that bring together seasoned performers, hobbyists, and creative newcomers alike. They celebrate every approach to electronic music—from hardware synth rigs to software explorations—and their members’ work appears in community compilations and live events that capture the breadth of Richmond’s vibrant electronic scene.
Whether it’s a patch exploration, a finished track, an improvisational set, or an experimental project, this open-format spotlight is your chance to take the main stage and share your sound with a supportive crowd and fellow creators.
Reach out to the Richmond Synth Collective to secure your spot in the lineup!
Gear Swap Meet
Among other things, EMIXX is an event for electronic musicians to exchange music gear. Whether you’re looking to clear out old equipment or hunt for unique finds, the swap meet is the perfect opportunity. Event tables can be reserved specifically for the swap meet or even shared as a hybrid exhibit and swap meet space. It’s a great way to showcase your collection and make connections with fellow gear enthusiasts. Just like the exhibits, simply register for a full or half table with a small contribution of either $60 or $30 to secure your spot and ensure your place at the event.
Shared Swap Meet Table
If you only have a few items to sell or trade, there’s no need to reserve an entire table. We’ll have a Shared Swap Meet Table set up specifically for those bringing smaller amounts of gear. Just drop off your items when you arrive and fill out the provided info sheet with your name, contact information, and asking price. This allows attendees to browse freely and reach out to you directly if they’re interested in your gear. Please note that all transactions are handled directly between buyers and sellers, so plan accordingly to keep track of your items.
Historic Venue
Hanover Arts & Activities Center
Situated in the heart of Ashland, Virginia along the railroad, and only 2 blocks from Boredbrain headquarters, this historic building is our venue for EMIXX 2026. Built in 1858, the spacious yet quaint building was a church until 1967, and was temporarily used as a hospital during the Civil War. Its large open auditorium, with accompanied stage, and additional rooms are uniquely suited to accommodate the event and all attendees!
The venue is also wheelchair accessible using the side door and ramp.
Location
The town of Ashland is conveniently located 15 minutes north of Richmond and just 1 mile west of Interstate 95. It is a central point between Washington DC and Raleigh, NC from the north to south, and Virginia Beach and Charlottesville from the east to west. Additionally, the venue is just a 5 minute walk from the historic Ashland Train Station, accessible via Amtrak.
Parking
There are many adjacent parking spaces along Cox Lane all the way to the railroad tracks for the early birds. Additionally there is plenty of free parking in the public lot just 1 ½ blocks north on the same side of the tracks.
On-site Food
Cheesesteak Factory RVA
A full day of synths and sounds is quite a task without filling your belly, so our friends over at the Cheesesteak Factory will once again be setup and making their insane cheesesteak creations. From Classic and Hoagie to Vegetarian and other crazy specials, these guys serve it up like no other! So be sure to check out the menu and grab a cheesesteak at the event!
