I’m attempting so hard not to gush over Teenage Engineering’s newest gizmo

Teenage Engineering’s brand-new $300 groovebox has no service being this charming. That’s the entire point.

The EP– 133 K.O.II (we’ll simply call it Knock Out II) is a mix drum maker, synthesizer and sampler. It’s a supersized upgrade to Teenage Engineer’s pint-sized PO-33 K.Owhich provides a lot of the exact same functions for a portion of the cost.

The ambiance of the Knock Out II is extremely more 1980s drum computer system than modern-day Roland grooveboxIts buttons, knobs and sole fader appear practically extra-large on the thin gadget. I’m unsure precisely how to work it, however that leaves me no less lured to hand over the cash.

Whether you think about Teenage Engineering’s audio equipment overdesigned, overpriced or perfect, I’m merely pleased the VC-backed start-up makes things that generate a psychological reaction. It’s revitalizing to see a hardware business get odd with it; the majority of appear excessively preoccupied with chasing after Apple down its minimalist bunny hole.

Getting strange with it is Teenage Engineering’s entire thing. The Swedish company develops cordless speakers, grooveboxes and hypebeasty devices for listeners and artists alike. Their gizmos typically include Lego-like tactile buttons and knobs, with a style language blurs unique visual appeals– believe: cassette futurism satisfies brutalism satisfies KB Toys

Teenage Engineering developed a following by means of its extremely budget friendly (and in my experience, frustratingly vulnerable) Pocket Operator sequencershowever recently the business’s dedicated more attention to higher-end equipment. That’s left a few of its fans evaluated of the enjoyable. The price on the Knock Out II temptingly inhabits a happy medium. It’s not an equipping stuffer, however it likewise isn’t 2 grand

Mastering a drum maker and sequencer takes some time, and Teenage Engineering’s items are frequently so feature-packed and unique that they include a knowing curve. Still, the style of Knock Out II makes it appear friendly. It appears to plead– possibly stealthily, if you aren’t going to put in the hours– that “you might completely discover this!” In the meantime, I’ll attempt my finest to withstand the gearhead siren tune.