Geeky Punks and Emute Lab Instruments invite everyone to a hands-on workshop exploring the MEMLNaut, a new approach to controlling and sequencing synthesizers, effects, drum machines, sequencers etc, using on-the-fly Embodied Machine Learning through simple hardware controls. Participants will get a brief non-technical introduction to what Machine Learning is, what it means for musicians and other creative practices, and how it can be used for interactive shaping of sound design, composition, production, live performance and more. Then, for the rest of the session, attendees will experiment and gain hands-on experience with using the MEMLNaut to play with all kinds of software and external gear.
Participants are encouraged (but not required) to bring their own headphones and, if any, hardware devices (they should support being controlled via at least one of: CV inputs, MIDI DIN, or MIDI-over-USB). Additionally, participants can bring their own laptop with software like DAWs, plugins, Pure Data or Max/MSP etc, as well as hardware controllers like MIDI controllers or console-style gamepads. Several other hardware synths will also be available to play and experiment with, courtesy of the Synth Library Portland.
Even if you are not planning to personally use them, consider bringing the following gear in to facilitate other's exploration if you have the following:
---Laptop
----USB A/C to USB B (for connecting to hardware)
----USB-MIDI interface (for laptop -> hardware)
---MIDI-CV interface or module (for laptop -> Eurorack)
---Gamepads and MIDI CC controllers
Goal: Attendees understand at a basic, practical, and intuitive level, what Machine Learning is and how it can be used to control synths, drum machines, sequencers etc.
No prior experience is required, all levels welcomed!
Sunday, June 28th, 2026
3:30 pm - 7 pm
@ 123 NE 3rd Ave Suite 012 (view map)
~At our new location in Eastside Exchange building~
(Entrance is on 2nd Ave side of building)
Please use metered parking on street which is free on Sundays, or pay to park in parking lot at kiosk if using the official lot on 2nd Ave. Please email info@synthlibraryportland.org if you have questions.
$10-20 Sliding Scale
Tickets are Required to attend.
If tickets present a financial hardship preventing your attendance, please contact info@synthlibraryportland.org to ask about low cost tickets.