Teenage Engineering gives its K.O. II sampler its first major update
The sampler, sequencer, composer, and really-nice-to-look-at workstation has had its first software update since 2023.
If you love sound and music, then you’ll probably have heard of Teenage Engineering – a company that makes products designed for people just like you. In 2023, they released the EP-133 K.O. II, an exciting tool that lets creators turn their ideas into tracks with ease. Now, it’s been given its first – and long-awaited – major software update. This update includes a bunch of new features that’s leaving existing owners feeling like they’ve got a brand-new product.
The OS 2.0 update can be downloaded to the hardware via web browser or installed via USB, and offers knockout features like “resampling to remix and chop sounds, sidechain for groove control, song mode to arrange tracks of up to 9,801 bars, an optimized playback engine with increased polyphony, plus extended midi support.”
Lots of fun things to play around with, but the features that appear to be generating the most excitement are the resampling and hands-free sampling features. For resampling, you can take any sample, process it through effects and then make a brand new sample from it. This could be done by stacking effects, using an existing beat to make a new one, or cut and combine samples together.
If you love making music, but suffer from the affliction of not having three or more hands, recording yourself playing a two-handed instrument can be a challenge. The K.O. II update addresses this with its hands-free sampling feature. With just a couple of button presses, you can strum chords and hit things, while the sampler takes care of the rest.
Another notable feature is the increased layering capabilities. Once the OS 2.0 update is installed, creators can enjoy a voice count of 16 mono and 12 stereo for increased polyphony. And, of course, a brand-new sidechain feature is among the additions that have taken the K.O. II up several levels. The sidechain compression feature enables you to get rid of pesky muddiness in the low-end, and boost clarity and punchiness. You can learn more about sidechain in general, or check out Teenage Engineerings release notes for more details on the update.
The EP-133 K.O. II is available to buy for £299, with the new update giving buyers a lot more bang for their buck.
