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Teenage Engineering’s new $300 groovebox has no enterprise being this cute. That’s the entire level.
The EP–133 Ok.O.II (we’ll simply name it Knock Out II) is a mix drum machine, synthesizer and sampler. It’s a supersized improve to Teenage Engineer’s pint-sized PO-33 Ok.O, which affords lots of the similar options for a fraction of the worth.
The vibe of the Knock Out II is decidedly extra Eighties drum pc than trendy Roland groovebox. Its buttons, knobs and sole fader seem nearly outsized on the skinny gadget. I’m undecided precisely tips on how to work it, however that leaves me no much less tempted to fork over the cash.
Whether you think about Teenage Engineering’s audio gear overdesigned, overpriced or simply proper, I’m merely glad the VC-backed startup makes issues that elicit an emotional response. It’s refreshing to see a {hardware} firm get bizarre with it; most appear overly preoccupied with chasing Apple down its minimalist rabbit gap.
Getting bizarre with it’s Teenage Engineering’s entire factor. The Swedish agency creates wi-fi audio system, grooveboxes and hypebeasty equipment for listeners and musicians alike. Their devices typically function Lego-like tactile buttons and knobs, with a design language blurs distinct aesthetics — suppose: cassette futurism meets brutalism meets KB Toys.
Teenage Engineering constructed a following by way of its tremendous reasonably priced (and in my expertise, frustratingly fragile) Pocket Operator sequencers, however in recent times the corporate’s devoted extra consideration to higher-end gear. That’s left a few of its followers priced out of the enjoyable. The price ticket on the Knock Out II temptingly occupies a center floor. It’s not a stocking stuffer, but it surely additionally isn’t two grand.
Mastering a drum machine and sequencer takes time, and Teenage Engineering’s merchandise are sometimes so feature-packed and distinct that they arrive with a studying curve. Still, the design of Knock Out II makes it appear approachable. It seems to plead — maybe deceptively, for those who aren’t keen to place within the hours — that “you could totally learn this!” For now, I’ll attempt my greatest to withstand the gearhead siren tune.