Teenage Engineering KO Sidekick mixer adds fun performance effects

Teenage Engineering has unveiled the EP-136 KO Sidekick, a compact two-channel mixer that doubles as a lively effects processor, designed to inject spontaneous performance flair into any audio setup. While its primary purpose is to link two of the company’s KO-II samplers for seamless live sets or DJ work, the Sidekick is fully compatible with any stereo audio source, making it a versatile tool beyond the Teenage Engineering ecosystem.

The device supports two stereo inputs by default, with the flexibility to expand to four mono inputs using standard split audio adapters. It also includes two additional stereo channels over USB-C, allowing users to control and process audio from a computer or other digital gear. This connectivity makes it easy to integrate into a wide range of performance or production workflows.

What truly sets the KO Sidekick apart from a standard mixer is its built-in effects processing. Early leaks hinted at the hardware, but they missed the crucial detail that this unit brings Teenage Engineering’s signature punch-in effects to any connected instrument. This means users can apply creative, on-the-fly sound manipulation to gear that otherwise lacks such features, turning a simple mixer into a hub for live remixing and dynamic sound design.

For musicians and producers who value spontaneity, the EP-136 KO Sidekick offers a streamlined way to add texture, rhythm, and surprise to their performances without cluttering the workspace with additional pedals or processors. Its design is unmistakably Teenage Engineering: sleek, minimal, and built for hands-on interaction.