Teenage Engineering is a company that marches to the beat of its own drum, following an unconventional path when it comes to both the products it creates and the timing of their releases.
In recent news, Teenage Engineering surprised the music industry by releasing the EP-133 K.O. II, a portable sampler and groovebox that boasts an impressive list of features and a surprisingly affordable price tag of just $300. This release came hot on the heels of another unexpected move from the company: the debut of a $250 toy car. This unique approach to product launches is characteristic of Teenage Engineering, as it does not adhere to traditional industry norms.
The EP-133 K.O. II is a departure from the company’s well-known catalog of Pocket Operator portable synthesizers, the closest products to the K.O. II in terms of price. The K.O. II is a direct upgrade from the PO-33 KO sampler, offering a more comprehensive set of features and a shift in marketing, positioning it as a workstation rather than a toy. Despite its larger size, the K.O. II remains portable and is designed to fit into a musician’s bag, making it an ideal choice for both studio and live performance settings.
In terms of specifications, the K.O. II features 64MB of memory, a deliberate choice by Teenage Engineering to encourage users to complete their musical projects rather than leaving them unfinished. Additionally, the device offers 999 sample slots and an internal microphone for recording custom samples. The K.O. II is designed for ease of use, with the ability to connect to a computer or MIDI devices via USB-C and runs on four AAA batteries for portability.
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The unit itself is visually appealing, with a user-friendly layout and orange-colored buttons and knobs designed to help musicians navigate the device in dimly lit venues. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the K.O. II boasts a range of impressive features, including velocity-sensitive keys, pressure-sensitive pads, and a rectangular LED screen reminiscent of Teenage Engineering’s other popular synthesizers.
The company hopes that the EP-133 K.O. II will appeal to both beginners and experienced musicians, and its intuitive workflow and powerful capabilities are sure to attract a wide range of users. With features like polyphony, sampling, FX sends, and sample slicing tools, the K.O. II is positioned as a versatile instrument suitable for various skill levels and musical styles.
Despite its unorthodox release date just before Thanksgiving, the EP-133 K.O. II has already made waves in the music industry and represents the first dedicated music-making machine from Teenage Engineering since the release of their OP-1 Field portable synthesizer last year. This release marks an exciting development for the company, offering musicians a new and affordable tool for creating and performing music.
In conclusion, Teenage Engineering’s EP-133 K.O. II showcases the company’s commitment to innovation and creativity, providing musicians with a unique combination of features and functionality at an accessible price point. This latest release is a testament to the company’s dedication to pushing boundaries and challenging industry norms, making it an exciting addition to the world of electronic music production.
