First Impressions: K.O. II EP-133 by Teenage Engineering

Having recently received the K.O. II EP-133, a pocket operator developed by Teenage Engineering, it’s clear that this device is designed with user-friendly exploration in mind. From the moment of unboxing to creating a useable beat, my experience was remarkably swift and intuitive.

The package arrived yesterday afternoon, and within seconds of unpacking, I was immersed in the world of sound creation without even needing to peruse the manual. The EP-133 has an undeniable allure that invites users to experiment and discover its capabilities. The process is straightforward – play around with the samples, lay down a quick beat, and then manipulate the performance effects.

The large screen displays alot of information by way of numerous icons that appear immediately when active. For instance, you can tell when a sample is mono or stereo, what effect is being engaged and its level, etc. Lots of stuff going on, especially during a performance, and it’s pretty effectively conveying what’s going on in a useful, creative manner.

In terms of initially getting up and going… One video review I came across mentioned difficulties in opening the battery compartment, prompting the reviewer to use a USB cable for power instead. However, I didn’t encounter such issues (and I’m one that encounters these kinds of issues, often breaking things in the process). My recommendation is to gently dislodge the cover by the corners; they’re secured there. Once the cover is off, insert the bottom row of batteries first, as they seem to fit more securely. I started with the top row and they popped out. Once they’re in place, the top row can be added without any trouble.

A novel feature that caught my attention was the sticker on the battery compartment cover, which has a QR code that leads to the manual. This is a clever addition that I hadn’t noticed in previous YouTube reviews. I probably won’t keep it there. It’s a fair amount of space just begging for my own sticker. And I’m a man with a Cricut.

The assembly of the three dials was a smooth process. However, I’ve decided to leave the fader knob unattached until more information becomes available regarding the ‘fadergate’ issue. Someone noted that you should make sure the slider is slid down to the bottom before putting the knob on. He said that should avoid damaging it. I’ll wait for more information. The unit performs fine without the knob. It’s not missed when not present. Despite this minor concern, everything appears to function as expected.

The real joy of the K.O. II EP-133 lies in the creative process. Crafting a piece of music and then having the ability to modify and experiment with it is incredibly enjoyable. It’s a device that encourages play and exploration, making music creation an engaging and fun-filled experience. I anticipate that this pocket operator evolution will become a frequent tool in my music-making arsenal.

In conclusion, the K.O. II EP-133 has left a positive first impression. Its user-friendly design and fun approach to music creation make it a worthwhile addition for any creative music maker enthusiast.

I’m planning to put out a compilation of recordings that feature the KO2 as a primary tool. Let’s come up with some cool stuff and have some fun!

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