My Thoughts on the Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II
The EP-133 by Teenage Engineering is versatile, mid-range sampler that offers a blend of unique design, versatile functionality and affordability.
As with all samplers, the possibilities are endless, and often the quality is at least moderately dependent upon the samples loaded or recorded into it. EP-133 designer David Eriksson echoed this in his Perfect Circuit interview. Despite this dependency, it was clear from the start the unit would be a success.
Personally, I am a huge fan of Teenage Engineering. Although I have never owned their flagship OP-1, I have loved their designs, collected their Pocket Operators and sat in awe at the vast array of innovations they have produced. I even have a Playdate, a handheld gaming console they designed in collaboration with Panic.
Playdate, a collaboration with Panic! and Teenage Engineering
I thought it would be a good idea now that the hype has settled, to collect some of my thoughts on the device, and explore it use-case, at least from my own personal perspective.
meet the evolution of the world's most sold sampler. based on the legendary PO-33 K.O!, the new EP–133 K.O.II adds more power, more sampling capabilities, a fully reworked sequencer and brand new punch-in 2.0™ effects. introducing a workflow that lets you go from idea to TRACK faster than ever. it's pocket operators gone pro. - Teenage Engineering
The EP-133 is the latest brainchild from Teenage Engineering, and I must say, I think they have really hit a sweet spot with this one. The first thing you notice about it is its design – it's sleek, compact, and has that signature Teenage Engineering aesthetic. I would say it does feel as though they have borrowed some ideas from LEGO.
As far as build quality, the ‘pads’ (and I borrow that term to hold the conversation with MPC users, when in reality they are buttons) feel similiar to what you would expect from a MacBook keyboard. They are sturdy, but I don’t believe I could smash them in the same manner I would with the MPC or SP404 Pads. I think it feels solid while on a desk, but I would worry when travelling with it. So much so, I have taken to storing it in a hardshell, tough case.
I find specs to be the least interesting talking point on any device. Regardless it can hold 999 samples, for a total volume of 64mb. Individual sample length can be up to 20 seconds. To import samples, you can either record them in, or use Teenage Engineering’s sample tool, which I quite like. It runs off either 4x AAA batteries, or can be powered by USB-C, and features both line In and Out, along with MIDI, Sync and an in built speaker.
Fader Gate & QA Issues
My initial impression of the device was quite poor. Not because of functionality, but because of the quality assurance issues that are now being referred to as fadergate. My unit, like many others, was faulty.
Initially, I thought this was rushed production, trying to get the unit out cheaply and before Christmas. However, in a brief conversation I had with BoBeats and separately with 8Greg2, both suggested it was the packaging. While visually impressive, and the size of a 10 inch vinyl record, the box offered almost no protection to the unit.
I do not advise to do this, but I did take my unit apart and repair the fader myself. It took approximately 1 hour to complete, with much of that time spent dealing with the unnecessary amount of screws in the unit. It was working fully and completely as it should upon that repair, but, you should send it back to Teenage Engineering. In doing so I voided my warranty, and as far as internal reporting at Teenage Engineering, my unit will be missing, thus showing less faulty units than there initially was.
The fader isn’t the only thing that has been faulty. BoBeats’ unit shipped with a faulty speaker, and my friend Tiger Arcade had an internal CPU issue with his.
If you are having issues with your unit, please reach out to Teenage Engineering. For advice and guidance, I recommend DECIMA1.
My genuine thoughts, affordability and value for money
Once I had put that drama aside, I genuinely have enjoyed using the device. I will admit it is still early, and I am perhaps in the honeymoon period. At the time of writing this, I have come up with 5 ideas, and shared them across social. I also featured the device on my YouTube series Fly on the Wall. Further to that, I have housed the unit in a tough case, which to me, the fact I made that effort shows that I am going to keep using, and potentially travelling with the unit.
That said, it lacks both the efficient workflow, storage and capability of the devices that sit front and centre of my production practice. Those being the MPC and Maschine+. Instead, I think this will enter into my gear rotation, the habit I have of hot-swapping gear to stay fresh and avoid beat-block. This for me is fun, and creative, as opposed to work, which I perform on the aforementioned two devices.
I do think the unit is somewhat fairly priced, which is not often said about Teenage Engineering. When I look at the market, at least here in Australia (at the time of writing this), the PO33 is priced at $169, the EP-133 is $549, and the SP404 MKII is $749.
I would make an argument, without comparing specs, but as far as the opinion of someone of using these devices regularly, I would say the functionality matches the pricing. Perhaps there is room for the EP-133 to come down little, but I don’t think it is overpriced, all things considered. I want to make it clear though, I am speaking from my personal perspective, not from comparing specifications.
So would I recommend the device? Yes. Yes, I would, particularly if you have the disposable income, or need a sampler and can’t afford a 404 or MPC One. Yes, if you are collector. Yes, if you adopt the beat-making-is-a-lifestyle philosophy. Yes, if you just dote on Teenage Engineering. No, if you have any other sampler from the SP404 MKII and above, and don’t fall into any of the former categories.
I would warn you though, the workflow is different to PO33. I went in thinking it was a PO33, just bigger. It isn’t. Yes, it is it’s older sibling. But that sibling is its own person, unique and has its own life.
More to beats to come.
