EP–133 K.O. II - Something new from Teenage Engineering 2023-11-22

cramdog

@supadom
(I know exactly what you are talking about, maybe. After sending my iPadPro 10.5 to Apple for a battery replacement, it became very unresponsive to taps.
And I know this post is unrelated to the subject of the thread. I don’t intend to continue this topic).

dreamcartel

Does anyone else find the video odd ? In that, the guy owns the product he is telling you not to get? Like he had the op1 with mods and then he said don’t buy it…idk just something that struck me

Dham

@supadom said:

@QuietBrian said:

All we need is a calculator skin for Koala!

Funny you should say that! I was watching a Koala Boom Bap video last night, noticed the author's incredible SP-404 skin that made it look like hardware. He had a link to it in the video so I instantly purchased it. It looks awesome!

I'm really starting to love Koala

Dham

@Michael said:

@ErrkaPetti said:
For me he’s just an bla bla bla Tjing Tjong that making too much BS…

This seems outrageously racist - can anyone put this into a different context? I think this is permaban-worthy, but maybe I'm misunderstanding something.

Blatantly racist. No two ways about it.

supadom

@Dham said:

@supadom said:

@QuietBrian said:

All we need is a calculator skin for Koala!

Funny you should say that! I was watching a Koala Boom Bap video last night, noticed the author's incredible SP-404 skin that made it look like hardware. He had a link to it in the video so I instantly purchased it. It looks awesome!

I'm really starting to love Koala

Link?

I’m guessing the pads are still light blue though?

Dham

@supadom said:

@Dham said:

@supadom said:

@QuietBrian said:

All we need is a calculator skin for Koala!

Funny you should say that! I was watching a Koala Boom Bap video last night, noticed the author's incredible SP-404 skin that made it look like hardware. He had a link to it in the video so I instantly purchased it. It looks awesome!

I'm really starting to love Koala

Link?

I’m guessing the pads are still light blue though?

supadom

@Dham said:

@supadom said:

@Dham said:

@supadom said:

@QuietBrian said:

All we need is a calculator skin for Koala!

Funny you should say that! I was watching a Koala Boom Bap video last night, noticed the author's incredible SP-404 skin that made it look like hardware. He had a link to it in the video so I instantly purchased it. It looks awesome!

I'm really starting to love Koala

Link?

I’m guessing the pads are still light blue though?

Oh wow, that’s much better than I thought! Thanks!

animalelder

@Gavinski said:
Hopefully, if Hegel is right, all this is part of a kind of dialectic. First we had the uncritical influencers, then the anti-influencer. What we need is something mature and balanced. Will we get it? Unlikely, apart from outliers here and there. But one can dream.

I am a big fan of the Situationists International and Guy Debord’s concept: the Society of the Spectacle. But in any sense, inertia will always make change difficult. Not impossible, but yeah on that kind of level it’s pretty unlikely.

But regardless I absolutely dream alongside you lol

Simon

@Gavinski said:

Hopefully, if Hegel is right, all this is part of a kind of dialectic.

Hegel don't do Twitter... what would he know.

Gdub

Yeah I watch all that guy’s videos on YouTube, he’s great
Nice and calm
And his skin for koala is nice

lukesleepwalker

@Dham said:

@supadom said:

@Dham said:

@supadom said:

@QuietBrian said:

All we need is a calculator skin for Koala!

Funny you should say that! I was watching a Koala Boom Bap video last night, noticed the author's incredible SP-404 skin that made it look like hardware. He had a link to it in the video so I instantly purchased it. It looks awesome!

I'm really starting to love Koala

Link?

I’m guessing the pads are still light blue though?

Noice! Thx for the tip.

Blipsford_Baubie

@HotStrange said:

@claudinec said:

@HotStrange said:

@wim said:

@Blipsford_Baubie said:

@rs2000 said If you like the PO style small buttons and want something compact talking to your phone over BT MIDI, check this one out: https://thisisnoiseinc.com/pages/noise-machine-nmsve

Man, I was about to put this one in the shopping cart, then I realized 12 buttons.

I'm curious why 12 buttons is a problem? Is it just because 16 is the norm, or is there another reason? Honest question.

I'm thinking "But there are only 12 scale tones?" here ...

That’s likely it. If you have sounds mapped to all 16 spots on koala, 12 wouldn’t really be ideal. For portability this thing is awesome though.

I hadn't even noticed that it was 12 buttons, but yeah, if I were to get something like this to use with Koala, I'd prefer a one-to-one mapping. I also prefer to buy from a local store where I can try things out and feel whether a device or instrument meets the expectations I've built up from reading forums and reviews.

Speaking of my local store, I've seen at least one used (OG) KO has turned up there and maybe more will follow.

Yeah same here. Unfortunately the guitar center closest to me had to stop leaving smaller devices out due to their tendency rob suspiciously get up and walk away lol. So can’t really test any of them sadly. Luckily they had a really nice return policy.

Have you seen the Donner and Synidio ones? Both under $100 with usb c and has 16 pads plus knobs and faders.

I hadn’t seen these. Thanks, looking at them now.

HotStrange

@Blipsford_Baubie said:

@HotStrange said:

@claudinec said:

@HotStrange said:

@wim said:

@Blipsford_Baubie said:

@rs2000 said If you like the PO style small buttons and want something compact talking to your phone over BT MIDI, check this one out: https://thisisnoiseinc.com/pages/noise-machine-nmsve

Man, I was about to put this one in the shopping cart, then I realized 12 buttons.

I'm curious why 12 buttons is a problem? Is it just because 16 is the norm, or is there another reason? Honest question.

I'm thinking "But there are only 12 scale tones?" here ...

That’s likely it. If you have sounds mapped to all 16 spots on koala, 12 wouldn’t really be ideal. For portability this thing is awesome though.

I hadn't even noticed that it was 12 buttons, but yeah, if I were to get something like this to use with Koala, I'd prefer a one-to-one mapping. I also prefer to buy from a local store where I can try things out and feel whether a device or instrument meets the expectations I've built up from reading forums and reviews.

Speaking of my local store, I've seen at least one used (OG) KO has turned up there and maybe more will follow.

Yeah same here. Unfortunately the guitar center closest to me had to stop leaving smaller devices out due to their tendency rob suspiciously get up and walk away lol. So can’t really test any of them sadly. Luckily they had a really nice return policy.

Have you seen the Donner and Synidio ones? Both under $100 with usb c and has 16 pads plus knobs and faders.

I hadn’t seen these. Thanks, looking at them now.

No prob! Doug has a video demo on the Donner one using Koala. Thinking of grabbing one myself honestly.

Fingolfinzz

The 64mb is kind of meh but it does look fun to have. I’d probably buy it if I were a person with more expendable cash than I have cos the limitations on the little baby version never really bugged me. Koala is still more than enough though lol

HotStrange

@Fingolfinzz said:
The 64mb is kind of meh but it does look fun to have. I’d probably buy it if I were a person with more expendable cash than I have cos the limitations on the little baby version never really bugged me. Koala is still more than enough though lol

The the PO33 is still one of my favorite gear purchases ever. Simple but if you really push it, it can be very capable. And paired with a Volca FM and Bastl Kastle, it gets really awesome 😎

Kinda thinking about just buying that 404 case for it so it just feels more expensive 😂

Fingolfinzz

@HotStrange said:

@Fingolfinzz said:
The 64mb is kind of meh but it does look fun to have. I’d probably buy it if I were a person with more expendable cash than I have cos the limitations on the little baby version never really bugged me. Koala is still more than enough though lol

The the PO33 is still one of my favorite gear purchases ever. Simple but if you really push it, it can be very capable. And paired with a Volca FM and Bastl Kastle, it gets really awesome 😎

Kinda thinking about just buying that 404 case for it so it just feels more expensive 😂

Yeah it’s really a lot of fun to play with and I love how lofi you can get it. It’s tons of fun to use unconventionally too with more ambient focused samples or just vocal madness. I bet the Kastle is absolutely incredible with it. I’ve been really wanting to get some some from Bastl but haven’t gotten there yet. I’d like an entire little techno set of POs, Volcas, and Bastl and the 133.

HotStrange

@Fingolfinzz said:

@HotStrange said:

@Fingolfinzz said:
The 64mb is kind of meh but it does look fun to have. I’d probably buy it if I were a person with more expendable cash than I have cos the limitations on the little baby version never really bugged me. Koala is still more than enough though lol

The the PO33 is still one of my favorite gear purchases ever. Simple but if you really push it, it can be very capable. And paired with a Volca FM and Bastl Kastle, it gets really awesome 😎

Kinda thinking about just buying that 404 case for it so it just feels more expensive 😂

Yeah it’s really a lot of fun to play with and I love how lofi you can get it. It’s tons of fun to use unconventionally too with more ambient focused samples or just vocal madness. I bet the Kastle is absolutely incredible with it. I’ve been really wanting to get some some from Bastl but haven’t gotten there yet. I’d like an entire little techno set of POs, Volcas, and Bastl and the 133.

Can’t recommend enough! Bastl make some really cool and interesting products. Hoping to get the Softpop2 and new Microgranny eventually.

I’m a big fan of all those little pocket/mini synths. Tons of capability with little real estate taken up. I’d suggest throwing in a couple of the little Roland boxes for good measure 😉

I agree though, the PO33 is surprisingly good at ambient.

claudinec

@HotStrange don't do this to me! I already have a Volca Modular and have been eyeing both the Kastle and the Microgranny...

HotStrange

@claudinec said:
@HotStrange don't do this to me! I already have a Volca Modular and have been eyeing both the Kastle and the Microgranny...

Do it! Do it! Do it! 🗣️🗣️

I can’t attest to the Microgranny (yet) but the Kastle is amazing.

jebni

@HotStrange said:

@claudinec said:
@HotStrange don't do this to me! I already have a Volca Modular and have been eyeing both the Kastle and the Microgranny...

Do it! Do it! Do it! 🗣️🗣️

I can’t attest to the Microgranny (yet) but the Kastle is amazing.

I sold my Microgranny. I just couldn’t get into it. The little Kastle Drum, however… I think its disorderly magnificence far outweighs its size and apparent functionality, and might even challenge that of a Moog DFAM. I find it really suits doing garage punky freakout stuff like Suicide’s “Ghost Rider” or The Kills, etc.

Dham

@lukesleepwalker said:

@Dham said:

@supadom said:

@Dham said:

@supadom said:

@QuietBrian said:

All we need is a calculator skin for Koala!

Funny you should say that! I was watching a Koala Boom Bap video last night, noticed the author's incredible SP-404 skin that made it look like hardware. He had a link to it in the video so I instantly purchased it. It looks awesome!

I'm really starting to love Koala

Link?

I’m guessing the pads are still light blue though?

Noice! Thx for the tip.

No problem. Yeah it looks really convincing. I initially thought it was a 404 in the video:)

Dham

After further review and exploration I'm pretty much convinced that the SP-404MKII is a better value AND ideal companion/compliment to the Ipad. It doubles as an audio interface and why am I just finding out that it even has a built-in vocoder?!

ExAsperis99

@Dham said:
After further review and exploration I'm pretty much convinced that the SP-404MKII is a better value AND ideal companion/compliment to the Ipad. It doubles as an audio interface and why am I just finding out that it even has a built-in vocoder?!

Seems great, particularly if you make sample-based hip-hop. I would have bought one of these if there wasn't a waiting list when they first came out. But I'd hardly call that workflow fluid or spontaneous!

Dham

@ExAsperis99 said:

@Dham said:
After further review and exploration I'm pretty much convinced that the SP-404MKII is a better value AND ideal companion/compliment to the Ipad. It doubles as an audio interface and why am I just finding out that it even has a built-in vocoder?!

Seems great, particularly if you make sample-based hip-hop. I would have bought one of these if there wasn't a waiting list when they first came out. But I'd hardly call that workflow fluid or spontaneous!

Lol, agreed. But he's doing a lot of setup and once that is done it should be a lot more fluid in future sessions. I also like that each device can be used independently for more spontaneous results.

HotStrange

@jebni said:

@HotStrange said:

@claudinec said:
@HotStrange don't do this to me! I already have a Volca Modular and have been eyeing both the Kastle and the Microgranny...

Do it! Do it! Do it! 🗣️🗣️

I can’t attest to the Microgranny (yet) but the Kastle is amazing.

I sold my Microgranny. I just couldn’t get into it. The little Kastle Drum, however… I think its disorderly magnificence far outweighs its size and apparent functionality, and might even challenge that of a Moog DFAM. I find it really suits doing garage punky freakout stuff like Suicide’s “Ghost Rider” or The Kills, etc.

Could not agree more. Suicide is one of my favorite groups too. They’re the reason I love old Farfisa organs as much as I do.

I’m just a fan of granular synthesis and sampling which is why I want it, but I can see why it’s an acquired taste lol

Wish I could’ve grabbed one of the Trinity series before they were discontinued.

HotStrange

@ExAsperis99 said:

@Dham said:
After further review and exploration I'm pretty much convinced that the SP-404MKII is a better value AND ideal companion/compliment to the Ipad. It doubles as an audio interface and why am I just finding out that it even has a built-in vocoder?!

Seems great, particularly if you make sample-based hip-hop. I would have bought one of these if there wasn't a waiting list when they first came out. But I'd hardly call that workflow fluid or spontaneous!

Great for experimental music too. Animal Collective/Panda Bear did some crazy stuff with the previous iteration of it. A lot of noise/drone/ambient guys us it. Much like we do with Koala.

But I agree, the workflow is far from fluid until you’ve spent many many months learning it. I never got into it and kept defaulting to Koala so I sold it but I do kinda miss now.

ervin

@Montreal_Music said:
Each time I see a thumbnail like this, I block the channel. Each time I see a clickbait, I block the channel.

This is the official benchmark behaviour, and also the only one that makes any sense in these desperate times. Respect.

Crabman

@dendy said:
if this was already pasted here then sorry but for me some important details from Ricky - if you ask me, pretty major drawbacks ..

I really do like him and his videos but in this case i can ignore most he is complaining about. Imo it‘s missing the point when u want to use this (as a master and brain) in long and complex live setups. You are better off with mpcs etc in this case. No filter per pad hurts a bit but the „hold pad to sample“ thing will be adressed in the next update.

I have mine since yesterday (i had luck, no issues) and it‘s a very fun and inspirational box. And for the first time in many many years i‘m looking forward again to just go arround and sample what my household etc will kick off. Battery time is amazing, i absolutely like the hardware/pads etc and it plays/syncs great together with something like the small Aira line from Roland. I see it as a musical sketchpad and not even trying to do supercomplex stuff with it.

Missing resampling, that‘s a big one. Its by far the biggest feature request and they look into it (no promise though). Fingers crossed. That‘s the only feature (ah yeah, recording punch fx would be nice as well) i would love see added if possible.

israelite

@CapnWillie said:
I contacted TE. No plans or promises for audio over usb or resampling but they have acknowledged that it is under consideration for future updates @HotStrange

As for KO2….

After a week with a working KO2 i will say that im hooked. This is my only experience with TE and QA issues aside, it is obvious that they have some really great designers on board up there.

It doesn’t technically bring anything new or better than any other sampling kit I have but I’ve used it exponentially more than anything else since having it because it is enchanting and super FUN. The fact that it looks great, has a word class factory sound library, 20+ he battery life, speaker and mic built in is icing.

KO2 has inspired me to build stands, cases and environments for it out of Legos. The knobs, battery case, speaker, etc are all classic Lego compatible. Yep. TE reminded me how brilliant Legos are.

They did the same for many areas of sampling with geniusely deliberate limitations in KO2 PO OS. The fader and punch fx as instruments in their own right is subtle and next level at the same damn time. Not new, different and much simpler. Win.

Overall, I rate a working KO2 as an extraordinary device and worth $300 as is. I understand it won’t click for everyone and that should be obvious within your first hour with it. If it ain’t a YES! Send it back. Easy.

Any additional firmware updates will be great but unnecessary for me aside from bug fixes. I have BM3, Drambo, Zenbeats, SP404mk2, Egoist, Loopmix, Looper, Loopy Pro, Quick Sampler, Sample Alchemy, Alchemy, MV-1, MPC and more. There is no feature I’m missing. That isn’t the point is it? Nobody is missing any features for anything and nobody is ever going to create the perfect anything with every feature in one. No…not even Drambo.

In fact whenever anyone gets close, people whine and complain that it’s too complicated (BM3, Drambo, Sp404).

What I was missing was not any feature but enchantment and wonder. Creating music on an iPad glass is not at all enchanting. To be consistently engaged even, it requires me to pull out midi gear which requires me to think about routing, cables and a bunch of shit that has nothing to do with how I initially feel when inspired to create. Pooof!!! Insp gone. Then I spend time swiping between pages of apps, YouTube, etc trying to find it again. Most times, iPad sessions end with mindless incomplete doodles—not complete expressions.

For me, using my iPad/ios apps as modules within my HW ecosystem unlocks its brilliance not the other way. Samplers and Logic are the brains of my process. KO2 is the newest, sexiest most accessible of my samplers.

It can sit on my lap, nightstand, coffee table, pillow, etc and take up less space than a magazine so it will even be used where I normally wouldn’t have been thinking about making music. Times when even my phone screen is on timeout to give my eyes a break or being charged.

Teenage engineering figured out how to trap Inspiration. Better, they mastered enchantment first—trapping spell later. Harry Potter shit fr. Easy KO 👊🏽💥

Thanks for your message. It really shines among all the complainers. You nailed it - it's about having fun and not ticking all the technical boxes. The EP133 is simply beautiful and I felt in love with at first sight. Will get it in a few days. Can't wait to play with it

CapnWillie

I hope you enjoy @israelite

Absolutely in love with this thing. Everyday learn something new. I now get the name EP. From the album like size and aesthetic of the limited edition GOAT box to the 9 projects it stores. I’ve got 3 songs done. When I’m finished 9, I’ll track them out to SP-404mk2 for any other polish that may be necessary. Master on MV-1 or in Logic. Rinse repeat.

I even made a cool Lego Decksaver to protect my fader and knobs while on the go. 👌🏽