Teenage Engineering have also shared with us their video tutorials on the PO (Pocket Operator) line. The basic stuff to know (having been playing around with today rather than doing NAMM work):
This being Nintendo-inspired, yes, there’s a metronome and alarm clock function.
Select one of sixteen patterns, and one of sixteen sounds, with the respective buttons.
Toggle between playing notes with the buttons, or inputing them with the step sequencer, using the “write” button.
Hold “write,” and you can write parameters over top of playing sequences (effects work this way, too). That means you can automate patterns, etc.
“bpm” – several of you asked about this. You can toggle between bpm presets, or dial in specific bpm and swing independently.
For more detail, watch the videos. These really are deceptively powerful, if they require some practice to learn to use. But as a little tiny thing to keep in your studio to generate ideas, well… yep, pretty irresistible.
(These hadn’t been listed yet – I begged for them partly because there were some features that confused me!)
One by one:
And here’s an explanation of how “sync jamming” works:
You’ll find right away that each of these units has multiple personalities inside. So, while you’ll be tempted to get all three, even just one is capable of making a track. There are some synth voices on the rhythm, for instance. There’s a nice percussion kit on the sub.
And yes, I couldn’t resist making some tracks with the rhythm to start things out. Technoooooocrastination! (I’m supposed to be reading through press releases or something…)
Have fun. No edits (apart from one mistake on the first track which required a cut when I bumped “play” – yeah, watch out for that). I added some light plate reverb, which I think is totally fair. And you hear that these really are things you could use in a production.
Some of the “rhythm” sounds are certainly weird – no normal clap, for instance, and a lot of really glitchy digital stuff, though that’s a selling point for some. I will say, some of it sounds fantastic. I think there’s a wider palette of sounds than on the volca beats (twice the price, though that’s still a great buy), and the sound of the unit puts the Akai Rhythm Wolf to shame (at three times the price). Now, sure, those things give you luxuries like MIDI or, I don’t know, a case other than a bare board. But… well, listen.
You know, if a restaurant is good enough, at the right price, you will skip luxuries like walls, a roof, tables, chairs, and … plates. Just stuff it in my mouth, really. And to think, I thought products needed enclosures.
Now, some criticisms, perhaps:
1. Yeah, they’re fragile. I want to try the silicon cases, for sure.
2. Augh, no mute. This one is painful on the rhythm – you can’t easily mute parts, which is part of why my jams get a bit rambly.
3. “fx” is fun on the rhythm, but confusing as hell.
4. You probably won’t spend almost any time looking at the cute animations, to be fair.
5. There’s some mystery here… octopus? Uh, letter? Function? Yes, you’ll get most of what you need to know from the videos, but I expect we’ll have some people posting their own tutorials to make up for the absent documentation.
But… you did work out that there’s a game you can play, too, right?
Oh, Teenage Engineering, we love you.
they actual sound nice , any chance of a eurorack version?
they actual sound nice , any chance of a eurorack version?
they actual sound nice , any chance of a eurorack version?
whoa, this looks so cool!
whoa, this looks so cool!
whoa, this looks so cool!
They look pretty fun! With the PO-12 Rhythm are the effects per-drum or are they applied to the whole kit?
Whole kit, and only one effect at the time.
They look pretty fun! With the PO-12 Rhythm are the effects per-drum or are they applied to the whole kit?
Whole kit, and only one effect at the time.
They look pretty fun! With the PO-12 Rhythm are the effects per-drum or are they applied to the whole kit?
Whole kit, and only one effect at the time.
Ok so I’ll be the one to say it…
Cant wait to get these – put em thru my Filterbank 2 and write a tune called ‘Im the calculator with my …… …….. ‘
These are just too cute to NOT buy!
Looking forward to these so much!
Shh don’t let out the secret. Pretty much anything sounds great through the Filterbank.
Ok so I’ll be the one to say it…
Cant wait to get these – put em thru my Filterbank 2 and write a tune called ‘Im the calculator with my …… …….. ‘
These are just too cute to NOT buy!
Looking forward to these so much!
Shh don’t let out the secret. Pretty much anything sounds great through the Filterbank.
Ok so I’ll be the one to say it…
Cant wait to get these – put em thru my Filterbank 2 and write a tune called ‘Im the calculator with my …… …….. ‘
These are just too cute to NOT buy!
Looking forward to these so much!
Shh don’t let out the secret. Pretty much anything sounds great through the Filterbank.
My fianceé just bought herself a Volca Sample. I’m thinking these little POs will make a great gift to fill out her collection of tiny noise makers for her tiny fingers.
Absolutely! Yeah, the volca sample should go well with this – mine finally arrived.
And, of course, there’s also our MeeBlip … 😉
What I love about each of these units is that they have a reall unmistakable character. It’s funny, software doesn’t *have* to be so perfectly polished and generic, but a lot of it doesn’t have this sort of edgy quality, this sense that you’ll know from across the room what it sounds like.
My fianceé just bought herself a Volca Sample. I’m thinking these little POs will make a great gift to fill out her collection of tiny noise makers for her tiny fingers.
Absolutely! Yeah, the volca sample should go well with this – mine finally arrived.
And, of course, there’s also our MeeBlip … 😉
What I love about each of these units is that they have a reall unmistakable character. It’s funny, software doesn’t *have* to be so perfectly polished and generic, but a lot of it doesn’t have this sort of edgy quality, this sense that you’ll know from across the room what it sounds like.
My fianceé just bought herself a Volca Sample. I’m thinking these little POs will make a great gift to fill out her collection of tiny noise makers for her tiny fingers.
Absolutely! Yeah, the volca sample should go well with this – mine finally arrived.
And, of course, there’s also our MeeBlip … 😉
What I love about each of these units is that they have a reall unmistakable character. It’s funny, software doesn’t *have* to be so perfectly polished and generic, but a lot of it doesn’t have this sort of edgy quality, this sense that you’ll know from across the room what it sounds like.
I wasn’t really into the whole tiny instrument thing for awhile, but these along with the Volca Sample and a couple mini kaoss pads would be endless fun. These would be great for some lo-fi house/techno grooves!
I wasn’t really into the whole tiny instrument thing for awhile, but these along with the Volca Sample and a couple mini kaoss pads would be endless fun. These would be great for some lo-fi house/techno grooves!
I wasn’t really into the whole tiny instrument thing for awhile, but these along with the Volca Sample and a couple mini kaoss pads would be endless fun. These would be great for some lo-fi house/techno grooves!
Although you mention Factory doesn’t have drum kits, the demo video shows that it does!?
Although you mention Factory doesn’t have drum kits, the demo video shows that it does!?
Although you mention Factory doesn’t have drum kits, the demo video shows that it does!?
In the part where they explain syncing, I think I heard that it is possible to sync these to other gear. Am I wrong? If I am not wrong, then these could play nicely with the Volcas and other analog gear.
That’s correct; it’s explained in more detail in the other story — and we need to some hands-ons here. But the basic idea is, it’s just a tick … so the Korg stuff works, for instance, or anything that can generate (or playback) such a signal.
Very nice. I think I can use these nicely in my pop projects.
which other story Peter?
Click on Newer twice. (It’ll take you to the story two notches *older* than this one, because Peter’s had the labels the wrong way round since the dawn of time.)
I think I need one. I’m going to have to call Tobias Von Hofsten and see what’s cooking! This is an excellent goofy product for those of us who want something…different.
In the part where they explain syncing, I think I heard that it is possible to sync these to other gear. Am I wrong? If I am not wrong, then these could play nicely with the Volcas and other analog gear.
That’s correct; it’s explained in more detail in the other story — and we need to some hands-ons here. But the basic idea is, it’s just a tick … so the Korg stuff works, for instance, or anything that can generate (or playback) such a signal.
Very nice. I think I can use these nicely in my pop projects.
which other story Peter?
Click on Newer twice. (It’ll take you to the story two notches *older* than this one, because Peter’s had the labels the wrong way round since the dawn of time.)
I think I need one. I’m going to have to call Tobias Von Hofsten and see what’s cooking! This is an excellent goofy product for those of us who want something…different.
In the part where they explain syncing, I think I heard that it is possible to sync these to other gear. Am I wrong? If I am not wrong, then these could play nicely with the Volcas and other analog gear.
That’s correct; it’s explained in more detail in the other story — and we need to some hands-ons here. But the basic idea is, it’s just a tick … so the Korg stuff works, for instance, or anything that can generate (or playback) such a signal.
Very nice. I think I can use these nicely in my pop projects.
which other story Peter?
Click on Newer twice. (It’ll take you to the story two notches *older* than this one, because Peter’s had the labels the wrong way round since the dawn of time.)
I think I need one. I’m going to have to call Tobias Von Hofsten and see what’s cooking! This is an excellent goofy product for those of us who want something…different.
do the effects get applied to the audio input?
I just made a similar comment.
No. The input is really there for sync.
do the effects get applied to the audio input?
I just made a similar comment.
No. The input is really there for sync.
do the effects get applied to the audio input?
I just made a similar comment.
No. The input is really there for sync.
And, I can see a fourth version of these for sequenced sound processing.
And, I can see a fourth version of these for sequenced sound processing.
And, I can see a fourth version of these for sequenced sound processing.
When? Hey! When?
Theoretically, tomorrow — 22nd of January. But that’s exclusive to TE and Colette.
When? Hey! When?
Theoretically, tomorrow — 22nd of January. But that’s exclusive to TE and Colette.
When? Hey! When?
Theoretically, tomorrow — 22nd of January. But that’s exclusive to TE and Colette.
okay sorry i’m confused. can the factory and sub use multiple voices at a time? or is it one sound + micro drum? if so is that per pattern or can you change sounds on a step basis?
okay sorry i’m confused. can the factory and sub use multiple voices at a time? or is it one sound + micro drum? if so is that per pattern or can you change sounds on a step basis?
okay sorry i’m confused. can the factory and sub use multiple voices at a time? or is it one sound + micro drum? if so is that per pattern or can you change sounds on a step basis?
FM synthesis? Some of those sounds are very DX-out-of-control-ish, and FM doesn’t need much CPU at all.
yeah a few of those sub sounds def sound fm, with some feedback between the oscillators
Same for the “physical synthesis” sounds. Computational complexity for a string sound is much lower with physical synthesis than with other methods. The advertising basically re-defines the reality of the limitations of the product.
FM synthesis? Some of those sounds are very DX-out-of-control-ish, and FM doesn’t need much CPU at all.
yeah a few of those sub sounds def sound fm, with some feedback between the oscillators
Same for the “physical synthesis” sounds. Computational complexity for a string sound is much lower with physical synthesis than with other methods. The advertising basically re-defines the reality of the limitations of the product.
FM synthesis? Some of those sounds are very DX-out-of-control-ish, and FM doesn’t need much CPU at all.
yeah a few of those sub sounds def sound fm, with some feedback between the oscillators
Same for the “physical synthesis” sounds. Computational complexity for a string sound is much lower with physical synthesis than with other methods. The advertising basically re-defines the reality of the limitations of the product.
More music gear should be fun, should take itself less seriously, and should be inspirational. I’m sure we’ll be hearing these all over the place. Any idea when I can get my grubby mitts on one?
More music gear should be fun, should take itself less seriously, and should be inspirational. I’m sure we’ll be hearing these all over the place. Any idea when I can get my grubby mitts on one?
More music gear should be fun, should take itself less seriously, and should be inspirational. I’m sure we’ll be hearing these all over the place. Any idea when I can get my grubby mitts on one?
Love them.
Can you adjust the volumes on the PO12 Rhythm?
Love them.
Can you adjust the volumes on the PO12 Rhythm?
Love them.
Can you adjust the volumes on the PO12 Rhythm?
put em all in one box and sell it to us. don’t add any more features except mute.
put em all in one box and sell it to us. don’t add any more features except mute.
put em all in one box and sell it to us. don’t add any more features except mute.
btw.. @Peter – the video cuckoo did, which was shared in your post back in august, goes into excellent detail on how to use the thing, including the fx – jump to 5:20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1421782837&x-yt-cl=84359240&v=3RKE2CBnCFs#t=398
btw.. @Peter – the video cuckoo did, which was shared in your post back in august, goes into excellent detail on how to use the thing, including the fx – jump to 5:20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1421782837&x-yt-cl=84359240&v=3RKE2CBnCFs#t=398
btw.. @Peter – the video cuckoo did, which was shared in your post back in august, goes into excellent detail on how to use the thing, including the fx – jump to 5:20
https://www.youtube.com/watch?x-yt-ts=1421782837&x-yt-cl=84359240&v=3RKE2CBnCFs#t=398
So, if I have two of these suckers sync’d up, does it pass audio? In other words, would I need two lines out to my rig for two synced operators?
So, if I have two of these suckers sync’d up, does it pass audio? In other words, would I need two lines out to my rig for two synced operators?
So, if I have two of these suckers sync’d up, does it pass audio? In other words, would I need two lines out to my rig for two synced operators?
what the f…take my money
what the f…take my money
what the f…take my money
cute and cheap! and quite nice sounding.
cute and cheap! and quite nice sounding.
cute and cheap! and quite nice sounding.
The Rhythm is a must buy.
The Sub didn’t impress me that much.
The Factory I’m less clear on. A demo might tip me over toward getting one, though.
That’s funny you say that because I’m all about the sub =D
The Factory sounds shrill as hell. Fun to jam with but I would be working the EQ like crazy to fit it into a mix.
The Rhythm is a must buy.
The Sub didn’t impress me that much.
The Factory I’m less clear on. A demo might tip me over toward getting one, though.
That’s funny you say that because I’m all about the sub =D
The Factory sounds shrill as hell. Fun to jam with but I would be working the EQ like crazy to fit it into a mix.
The Rhythm is a must buy.
The Sub didn’t impress me that much.
The Factory I’m less clear on. A demo might tip me over toward getting one, though.
That’s funny you say that because I’m all about the sub =D
The Factory sounds shrill as hell. Fun to jam with but I would be working the EQ like crazy to fit it into a mix.
Can you daisy-chain the audio from one to another? Or do you have to use three inputs on your mixer?
anyone have an answer for this? i’ve been trying to figure it out too. the site says “jam sync with audio through”.
Hey Tree, I’ve not found out for sure but I’m pretty sure you can. Whatever that’s worth =D
Yes you definitely can 🙂
Can you daisy-chain the audio from one to another? Or do you have to use three inputs on your mixer?
anyone have an answer for this? i’ve been trying to figure it out too. the site says “jam sync with audio through”.
Hey Tree, I’ve not found out for sure but I’m pretty sure you can. Whatever that’s worth =D
Yes you definitely can 🙂
Can you daisy-chain the audio from one to another? Or do you have to use three inputs on your mixer?
anyone have an answer for this? i’ve been trying to figure it out too. the site says “jam sync with audio through”.
Hey Tree, I’ve not found out for sure but I’m pretty sure you can. Whatever that’s worth =D
Yes you definitely can 🙂
Any news on how these might interface with the OP-1? Maybe with OP-Lab? Would be cool to slave them to a real clock with adjustable tempo.
Any news on how these might interface with the OP-1? Maybe with OP-Lab? Would be cool to slave them to a real clock with adjustable tempo.
Any news on how these might interface with the OP-1? Maybe with OP-Lab? Would be cool to slave them to a real clock with adjustable tempo.
I saw the comment about the Rhythm Wolf and thought I’d mention that the EHX Attack EQ solves the problem completely. It makes poopoo sounding drum machines sound amazing. Bye bye.
I saw the comment about the Rhythm Wolf and thought I’d mention that the EHX Attack EQ solves the problem completely. It makes poopoo sounding drum machines sound amazing. Bye bye.
I saw the comment about the Rhythm Wolf and thought I’d mention that the EHX Attack EQ solves the problem completely. It makes poopoo sounding drum machines sound amazing. Bye bye.
Is this sample based drum machine? They should try not to do all in one type of modules and do just a kick synth, snare, hat, fx ect… then link those together.. Im not about to purchase a sample based drum machine either pointless
Is this sample based drum machine? They should try not to do all in one type of modules and do just a kick synth, snare, hat, fx ect… then link those together.. Im not about to purchase a sample based drum machine either pointless
Is this sample based drum machine? They should try not to do all in one type of modules and do just a kick synth, snare, hat, fx ect… then link those together.. Im not about to purchase a sample based drum machine either pointless
From a presentational standpoint, Teenage Engineering’s products are amazing. The line of Pocket Operators are absolutely beautiful; in particular, the high level of attention that was applied to the packaging design. However, I will also say that after playing with the PO-14 just once, I know I will never pick it up again. I understand that at a $60 price point, you’re purchasing a musical gadget, a toy basically. If that’s the case, it should be fun and easy to use. However, TE implements traditional user interface architecture in an attempt to justify their products to the more savvy electronic musician.
If the playful design is meant to appeal to novice users and gives them a chance to explore the potential of electronic music production, then the user interface and architecture should work seamlessly with this in mind. A device that is easy to use for a newbie, will surely be even easier for someone more adept with programming hardware (and maybe even fun).
TE attempts to bridge the gap between real musical production tools, aesthetically-pleasing industrial design, and top-notch packaging with playful and fun experiences. However, just like the OP-1, the PO is simply unsatisfying to use. And now, I have one more TE product that will sit on the shelf, looking pretty for now, but ultimately collecting dust.
Teenage Engineering falls short in that they try to do so much that they don’t almost do anything at all. Impressing us with design aesthetics may influence a purchase, but surely the veneer will wear off once customers realize that there’s nothing fun about playing with a Pocket Operator, even at $60.
donate your OP-1 to my teen media arts mentorship program. hit me up, we take donations of gear from any age… 🙂 media@sohnup.com
From a presentational standpoint, Teenage Engineering’s products are amazing. The line of Pocket Operators are absolutely beautiful; in particular, the high level of attention that was applied to the packaging design. However, I will also say that after playing with the PO-14 just once, I know I will never pick it up again. I understand that at a $60 price point, you’re purchasing a musical gadget, a toy basically. If that’s the case, it should be fun and easy to use. However, TE implements traditional user interface architecture in an attempt to justify their products to the more savvy electronic musician.
If the playful design is meant to appeal to novice users and gives them a chance to explore the potential of electronic music production, then the user interface and architecture should work seamlessly with this in mind. A device that is easy to use for a newbie, will surely be even easier for someone more adept with programming hardware (and maybe even fun).
TE attempts to bridge the gap between real musical production tools, aesthetically-pleasing industrial design, and top-notch packaging with playful and fun experiences. However, just like the OP-1, the PO is simply unsatisfying to use. And now, I have one more TE product that will sit on the shelf, looking pretty for now, but ultimately collecting dust.
Teenage Engineering falls short in that they try to do so much that they don’t almost do anything at all. Impressing us with design aesthetics may influence a purchase, but surely the veneer will wear off once customers realize that there’s nothing fun about playing with a Pocket Operator, even at $60.
donate your OP-1 to my teen media arts mentorship program. hit me up, we take donations of gear from any age… 🙂 media@sohnup.com
From a presentational standpoint, Teenage Engineering’s products are amazing. The line of Pocket Operators are absolutely beautiful; in particular, the high level of attention that was applied to the packaging design. However, I will also say that after playing with the PO-14 just once, I know I will never pick it up again. I understand that at a $60 price point, you’re purchasing a musical gadget, a toy basically. If that’s the case, it should be fun and easy to use. However, TE implements traditional user interface architecture in an attempt to justify their products to the more savvy electronic musician.
If the playful design is meant to appeal to novice users and gives them a chance to explore the potential of electronic music production, then the user interface and architecture should work seamlessly with this in mind. A device that is easy to use for a newbie, will surely be even easier for someone more adept with programming hardware (and maybe even fun).
TE attempts to bridge the gap between real musical production tools, aesthetically-pleasing industrial design, and top-notch packaging with playful and fun experiences. However, just like the OP-1, the PO is simply unsatisfying to use. And now, I have one more TE product that will sit on the shelf, looking pretty for now, but ultimately collecting dust.
Teenage Engineering falls short in that they try to do so much that they don’t almost do anything at all. Impressing us with design aesthetics may influence a purchase, but surely the veneer will wear off once customers realize that there’s nothing fun about playing with a Pocket Operator, even at $60.
donate your OP-1 to my teen media arts mentorship program. hit me up, we take donations of gear from any age… 🙂 media@sohnup.com
Hi guys. As a newbie to all of this, I’m confused about Teenage Engineering’s products.
They seem kind of cool in one way (from a design perspective), but absolutely pointless
in another. I like the aesthetics, but fear that the joke is on us. $60 for great packaging?
It depends what you’re trying to acheive. Personally for me the Rhythm will be used alonside my volca beats for extra percussion. I susect it’ll also get used for creating interesting stuff to sample. They also look like a lot of fun.
Hi guys. As a newbie to all of this, I’m confused about Teenage Engineering’s products.
They seem kind of cool in one way (from a design perspective), but absolutely pointless
in another. I like the aesthetics, but fear that the joke is on us. $60 for great packaging?
It depends what you’re trying to acheive. Personally for me the Rhythm will be used alonside my volca beats for extra percussion. I susect it’ll also get used for creating interesting stuff to sample. They also look like a lot of fun.
Hi guys. As a newbie to all of this, I’m confused about Teenage Engineering’s products.
They seem kind of cool in one way (from a design perspective), but absolutely pointless
in another. I like the aesthetics, but fear that the joke is on us. $60 for great packaging?
It depends what you’re trying to acheive. Personally for me the Rhythm will be used alonside my volca beats for extra percussion. I susect it’ll also get used for creating interesting stuff to sample. They also look like a lot of fun.
They look fun, but the sounds are weak, which is too bad. If they had spent the money instead of the funky displays on the actual sound generation, then these things would have less of a toy character. As is, I would think of them more as a toy collectible than a serious sound source.
They look fun, but the sounds are weak, which is too bad. If they had spent the money instead of the funky displays on the actual sound generation, then these things would have less of a toy character. As is, I would think of them more as a toy collectible than a serious sound source.
They look fun, but the sounds are weak, which is too bad. If they had spent the money instead of the funky displays on the actual sound generation, then these things would have less of a toy character. As is, I would think of them more as a toy collectible than a serious sound source.
How can we convince Teenage Electronics that muting separate channels would be like the best thing ever?
How can we convince Teenage Electronics that muting separate channels would be like the best thing ever?
How can we convince Teenage Electronics that muting separate channels would be like the best thing ever?
Some other articles says, that there is solo and mute, somewhere