Teenage Engineering KO II sampler gets lo-fi mode and USB audio
▼ Summary
– The OS 2.5 update for the Teenage Engineering EP-133 KO II sampler adds audio over USB, selectable sample rates, sample reverse, an arpeggiator, equal-length autochopping, and extends maximum sample length to 40 seconds in mono.
– The new sample reverse feature is described as a simple but overdue addition, while the arpeggiator is praised for making synthpop basslines easier to create on the sampler.
– Longer sampling time and equal-length autochopping improve the KO II’s ability to chop and rearrange melodic samples, addressing a limitation of the previous transient-based autochopper.
– The author’s favorite feature is the selectable sample rate, which offers standard 46 kHz, a 32 kHz mode for character, and a 26 kHz mode for crunchy, lo-fi sound.
– The update is also available for the Riddim sibling, but the EP-1320 Medieval sampler only receives USB audio in its update, with no explanation from Teenage Engineering.
Teenage Engineering has rolled out another major firmware update for its surprisingly powerful EP-133 KO II sampler, and this one might be its most impressive yet. Priced at $329, the device now receives OS 2.5, bringing a host of long-requested features including audio over USB, selectable sample rates for lo-fi effects, sample reverse, an arpeggiator, and equal-length autochopping. Perhaps most notably, the maximum sample length jumps from 20 seconds to 40 seconds when capturing in mono instead of stereo.
It’s almost baffling that sample reverse wasn’t included from day one, given how fundamental it is for beatmaking and sound design. Meanwhile, the arpeggiator might seem out of place on a sampler, but the KO II excels at repitching samples with a character reminiscent of the classic SK-1, making this addition a game-changer for crafting synthpop basslines on the fly.
The combination of longer sampling time and equal-length autochopping significantly improves the KO II’s ability to chop and rearrange melodic samples and loops. Previously, the transient-based autochopper worked well for isolating drum hits from a breakbeat, but it struggled with more musical content. Now, the workflow is far more flexible.
My personal highlight is the selectable sample rate. You can stick with the standard 46 kHz for clean fidelity, switch to 32 kHz for added warmth and character, or drop all the way to 26 kHz for that gloriously crunchy, lo-fi digital sound that producers love.
Beyond these headline additions, the update also includes refined time stretching, new scales, per-pad time shifting, and a long list of bug fixes.
The OS 2.5 update is also available for the KO II’s reggae-themed variant, the Riddim. However, the quirky EP-1320 Medieval sampler is only receiving USB audio support in its latest update, with none of the other new features. We’ve reached out to Teenage Engineering to ask why the Medieval model continues to be overlooked, but haven’t heard back yet.
To update your EP-133 KO II, EP-40 Riddim, or EP-1320 Medieval, head to the official Teenage Engineering website.
(Source: The Verge)
