Teenage Engineering PO-33 K.O.
Best portable sampler for musicians creating beats on the go.
The PO-33 K.O.! is a micro sampler and drum machine that offers a compact and portable solution for beat creation. It features a built-in microphone for quick sampling, a sequencer for arranging patterns, and effects to add character to your sounds. This device is designed for standalone operation, allowing you to create music on the go without needing additional hardware. Its intuitive interface makes it accessible for both beginners and experienced producers looking for a creative tool.
$329.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
32
/ 98
#32 in DJ Systems
Price vs Category Average
-66%
Below average
Polyphony
4
Who it's for
- Musicians needing a pocket-sized studio for on-the-go creativity
- Beatmakers wanting powerful sampling tools in a compact form
- Budget-conscious producers seeking professional hardware features at a low cost
Who should skip it
- Travelers requiring rugged gear that survives rough handling
- Producers aiming to create long, complex, or multi-track compositions
- Studio engineers needing seamless integration with modern digital workstations
Performance breakdown
Sampling Versatility
Built-in microphone captures lo-fi textures and field recordings with ease.
Portability
Pocket-sized design fits anywhere for spontaneous beat-making on the move.
Workflow Speed
Intuitive sequencer allows for rapid pattern building and immediate creative results.
Build Robustness
Exposed circuit board aesthetic is charming but requires careful handling.
Sound Character
Distinctive 8-bit grit adds authentic vintage flavor to every sample.
Connectivity
Jam Sync makes linking with other gear simple and highly effective.
Key Specs
Polyphony
4
Internal Storage
Yes
Storage Medium
Flash Memory
File Format
Own Format
Time Stretching
No
Effects
Yes
USB-port
No
MIDI interface
No
Features
- Integrated microphone for sampling
- 40 Seconds sampling time
- 8 Melody sample slots
- 8 Drum slots
- 16-Step Sequencer
- 16 Patterns
- 16 Effects
- Lock Tab write protection for pattern
- Line in and output 3.5 mm jack
- Integrated speaker
- Animated LC-display
- Power supply via 2 standard micro batteries (AAA)
- Battery life: Up to a month, 2 years standby
- Automatic shutdown
- Jam Sync
- Integrated alarm
- Bent wire stand
What customers say
The customer sentiment surrounding the Teenage Engineering PO-33 K.O. is overwhelmingly positive, bordering on enthusiastic adoration. Users frequently celebrate its status as a revolutionary, highly portable sampler that defies its minimalist, calculator-like design. The core appeal lies in its powerful 40-second sampling capacity and 8 melodic/8 drum slots, offering immense creative potential in a pocket-sized device. Reviewers consistently highlight the intuitive, immediate workflow, making beat creation and sound manipulation incredibly fun and accessible, even for beginners. The built-in microphone is a standout feature, enabling instant, on-the-go sampling that fuels spontaneous creativity. While the sound quality and functionality are generally lauded as excellent, the primary point of contention revolves around the physical build. The exposed components and thin plastic chassis lead to concerns about long-term durability, necessitating the purchase of third-party cases for many users. However, this fragility is often viewed as an acceptable trade-off for the device's low price point and powerful functionality. Overall, the PO-33 K.O. is seen not just as a gadget, but as an inspiring musical instrument that delivers exceptional value and endless hours of creative enjoyment, solidifying its reputation as a must-have item in the portable music production community.
Know before you buy
Yes, it features a built-in microphone that allows you to sample sounds instantly. You can also use the 3.5mm line-in jack to record audio from your phone, computer, or other synthesizers.
The PO-33 K.O. provides a total of 40 seconds of sampling time. This space is shared across 8 melody slots and 8 drum slots, which is plenty for quick sketches and beat-making.
Yes, it features Jam Sync, which allows you to connect multiple Pocket Operators or other compatible gear using standard 3.5mm audio cables. This keeps your devices perfectly in time with one another.
No, it is designed for portability and runs on two standard AAA batteries. It is highly efficient, offering up to a month of regular use or two years of standby time.
Absolutely. Its interface is straightforward and intuitive, making it a great entry point for beginners. While it is simple to start with, the 16-step sequencer and 16 built-in effects offer enough depth to keep experienced producers engaged.
You can use the physical lock tab on the back of the unit to write-protect your patterns. This prevents any accidental changes during a live set or while you are on the move.
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