EP-133 K.O. II Sampler Review - One Month Later

[@oscilop]

It's my favorite piece of gear I've bought in a very long time! I love it totally! It has its own quirks and limitations, but it's just so easy to jam with it, it's battery powered which lasts forever and overall it's just easy to pick it up anywhere and do whatever. It's a winner!

[@AveMcree]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SkyshifterBass]

100% agree! I personally like the limitations. When you have a whole toolbox overflowing, it makes it difficult to actually get music made (at least for me).

[@E4RLIES]

Wot no Song mode…. Even my ko33 pocket op has that 🤓 I’m only on day 3 and going slightly crazy🫠

[@fireintheflesh]

​@@AveMcreeCould you make a full tutorial as well as tips and tricks? Either way I appreciate you!

[@Losersz]

POS sampler.

[@all.day.day-dreamer]

The EP133 KO2 goes back into stock in mid-Feb is what I heard from The Sound Parcel and that information came directly from TE I was told. Addressed will be the fader knob, speaker and packaging, bulk shipping method. They are also planning to release a new firmware around this time.

[@bwgMember]

It’s back in stock

[@jakewastaken]

The firmware just dropped and I bought one a day ago - I didn't know about those fixes - I got it at just the right time it seems

[@ManCalledMif]

Had mine for over a month now and it’s the best device I’ve bought in years. Usability, utility, portability, battery life, I/O, workflow, sample management software/website: all brilliant. Voice count of 12 mono or six stereo isn’t too restrictive but is noticeable when you try to include sustained notes.

[@wozfromoz8795]

It's a fun little unit, my first one had a fader and volume pot issue, the replacement is all good now. The portability makes it great and I find myself reaching for this and the OP-1 Field more than my MPC ONE. Even used it on a long flight to the UK over Xmas.

[@cresshead]

The biggest 3 things i'm hopeful of for a firmware updates are 1. back up projects/samples 2. re sampling ( if you could you could do the higher pitch resampling to gain back sample memory too) 3. hands free sampling ( so i can play a guitar in for example) if /when they arrive i'll bite and get one.

[@jjtaylor1073]

Truncate would be cool too

[@synthshoot1026]

Since it has USB-C. How about TE doing a firmware update that allows USB-C drives/flash to work. This would free us from the 64mb limitation.

[@asleep909]

There is one on my desk right now in my studio. I paired it with an Alesis Philtre and now it's even more fun than before. I'm happy I bought it.

[@im2cxe4u]

64MB is 2X-4X what classic MPC's and ASR-10's (etc) had back in the day. My EPS 16+ had 1MB expandable to 2MB. Hits were made with even less. I'll admit we're really spoiled nowadays. Myself included. 💯

[@stuntmanmadeit]

Amen bruh. I have a platinum Selling record using an eps 16+. This k.o. is Dope

[@ChewoBeats]

Don’t you talk about the Sp12 or Sp1200…. Or 3k with 16mb

[@MouldySoul]

yo so fader gate was caused by over stacking palettes, the weight of the boxes on top would cause the lower levels of the palette to have a lot of pressure on faders, and the force form vertical push down caused the fader's insides to buckle out a bit. That explains why it's not on all of the issued models. Just happens on the low level of the palette, T.E have recalled a bunch, which is why there's was an extra delay for the models to hit shops (after initial sell out).

[@DelainoBarris]

I'm loving my unit, I'm also a day 1 buyer and everything works on mine. Got it from TE in 2 weeks and still using the same batteries since I put them in. Im 7 songs in now and will start uploading videos of each song this year.

[@jjtaylor1073]

The batteries I use must suck. My battery icon is blinking, but I haven’t been using the batteries not at all.

[@rorz999]

​@@jjtaylor1073you get what you pay for with batteries. I don't know if the EP-133 accepts lithium batteries, but if it does they should last a lot longer than alkaline batteries (they are expensive though!)

[@ckhatton]

It very much depends on the type of batteries you use - Alkaline batteries have a greater mAh, but tend to cost more.

[@Ra_Sharpness_]

This thing is dope. Wasn't to difficult to get right into making a beat. This way of making music is awesome. Thanks for the recommendation

[@deyoungstar]

It's refreshing to watch KZbin review that's honest instead of clickbait. Thank you for the realness Ave!!

[@electrosonicnebula]

The improvements are so well-documented by now I'm sure TE could actually stop manufacturing this and just release an enhanced version costing150 or 200 dollars more and it would be an absolute smash hit and no one would mind. A lot more memory, resampling, wait mode for that sampling button, chaining patterns, reverse, iron out the bugs, listen to the people who had specific critiques about using it live and sampling records, and the extra money would be fully justified and then some. Interface-wise it kills comparable devices as it is, lots of outstanding interface touches, like the way it handles the stereo versus mono inputs, the quantization, the screen. It's honestly the most to-the-point sampler interface ever, with crazy good onboard sounds if you don't want to sample with it. Plus if they ever made it part of a keyboard instrument or even did a version with offset pads (in addition to the matrix pads, not instead of) it would be badass. Or the likes of Sonicware or Novation could maybe step up with a new product. Exciting times

[@geolectric_universe]

Just as an FYI for anyone still waiting on there unit. I ordered my KO II on the evening of Nov 25th from Perfect Circuit after it was clear that the first wave of stock were already sold out. So I knew I was looking at waiting for a while. I just got my shipping notification from Perfect Circuit on Jan 5th and it arrives later today (Tuesday the 9th). About what I expected as far as a back-order wait time. Excited to give it a spin - hopefully I jive with it well as this will be my first TE product.

[@ChrisWickland]

I have just purchased this device because of its limitations. I currently use the MPC live and its amazing...but it's also too good. I find myself being more of a producer and less a musician. I have waited a long time for a machine that allowes you to use it almost like an instrument. The KO 2 is the only machine I have come across in years that is simple, FUN!!! And allowes you to tweak it live without lots of menu diving etc. I also think that limitation is the key to innovation. With the MPC I don't think, I just do...and that's my bug bear. I love to use machines that have limitations that force me to be way more creative than I would be on a machine that is too capable. I know that may sound mad to some. But limitation for me is the key to my creativity. The KO 2 ticks all the boxes for me as a creative musician. The MPC is a great machine for producers , but not so good for those who want an immediate tactile improv riffing experience which the KO 2 brings

[@justin7332]

After a week with my device, I was skeptical about the 64mb limitation. However, it taught me the value of limitations. It pushed me to explore my sample CDs more often, resulting in new and exciting program kits. Surprisingly, I'm not upset about it at all. I've used timesignature changes to create incredible minimal techno tracks, utilized it as an SFX bank and deck looper during my DJ gigs, and currently, I'm using the smaller speaker connected to the input for mastering and balancing my songs. It's truly a powerful device.

[@bagoftrix]

A great feature would be to be able to change the sample to half it’s quality. My mpc60 had that in an update and it had two benefits: more sample time and more grit :). Not being able to chain scenes/patterns seems like an oversight tbh, even the tiny pocket operators can do that.

[@stopinterview]

Hey Ave. Keep up the good stuff. I recently found your channel and I appreciate your honesty and insights.

[@ChewoBeats]

Man you became so much better! Got you on the list again!

[@ChewoBeats]

Hahah - ASR X ghost notes? I mean completely random

[@MrMargaretScratcher]

I think the 20 seconds is the maximum sampling time per sample. I got mine direct from TE day one too, but unfortunately had the damaged fader, so it's currently en route back to Sweden, but I am looking forward to the replacement arriving (I did have a little play around with it as much as I could with the fader issue) Agree with your wishes/hopes for a firmware update, on top of that I'd also like to see: Effect sends per pad (Should be do-able and not too much extra CPU overhead) Different effect type per group (Probably not feasible, CPU-wise) Filter per sound (Again, might be too much, CPU wise) Being able to record the punch in effects. Also I really don't understand the thought process behind moving to a 4x3 layout, and apparently the 4 group buttons *do* have the pressure sensors like the rest of the pads so I'd love to see a 4x4 layout so we get 16 slices which makes a lot more sense, as well as the possibility for a x0x style sequencer. That said, It would require a lot of figuring out hotkeys for selecting groups etc, so as much as I'd love to see it, I think it would have had to have been that way from day one rather than a rethink and a change now they're all out in the wild and everyone is used to how it works.

[@jimmy_jamesjams_a_lot4171]

This has been first piece of gear that I’ve purchased since diving into Eurorack modular and isolating myself with that for the past 8 years. I saw the demo at a big store and I was impressed with its price. Portability with it is a very real reality compared to an mpc or an mv (we’re talking lightweight!). Then those presets! I can’t think of any beat machine that has such a library! They’re grouped all in tune, so it’s automatic that the sounds are melodically relevant! There’s just no way that I would change my mind about my KO ii, now that I’ve played with it and given it a real chance.

[@SoftClip_Q]

All that I have to say as an owner of this I wish they go harder on a sampler in the future. I say that out of me liking it so much. For 300$ very happy. I would love to see them try to compete against the mpc with something a bit more thorough.

[@SteveFranchise23]

This is my favorite piece of gear for quick ideas

[@TheHexCube]

Great summary, thank you. I ❤ my EP-133, looking forward to firmware updates!

[@chiefrnk5129]

Got mine 3 days ago... the best piece of gear I've purchased in a LOOONG time, and I have the SP404MK2!!! If they keep the updates and innovations fresh... It deserves an award. The form factor and learning curve is PRIME! TY Teenage Engineering! For the price point (?).... MAAAAN!

[@dannyhernandez8617]

This is my favorite piece of sampling gear so far. I have to say, the sound is super punchy and full. The stock samples are extremely usable. This thing is super dope, limitations and all.

[@This1That0]

One thing i learned the hard way is copy paste of groups brings in the automation and scenes not just the sounds. That was odd - but i love it 😊

[@rorz999]

So I guess the way to do things then is to copy and paste before applying automation? Like doing automation last of all

[@all.day.day-dreamer]

I just ordered the brand new transparent replacement case for the EP133 KO2. 14 days from China. Will be cool to see the insides of the case.

[@jjtaylor1073]

Link?

[@MickySarge]

Sounds pretty slick

[@PlayBackRate]

A highlight of the KO2 to my ears is the sound! A comparison to a MPC> sampling the same source chopping and sequence the same beat side by side (split screen/would be cool) on both units play them side by side with and without the same FX so we can get a reference of the fidelity, character/FX and groove on booth MPC VX KO2

[@jonathanaguilar710]

waiting for the used market to take off on this. Once the scalpers have had their fun, ill pick it up for the lows. looks fun, wanted to get one early on but i missed out so i figured ill just wait till theres plenty available.

[@01kmacias]

It’s definitely cool. I had it, liked it, and ultimately sold it. The fader didn’t bring much to the table for me. Once I take that out the equation, my op-z is what I’d grab for a small sampler, sequencer, synthesizer.

[@durtcannon]

Sold it already 🤣 ah man. This new 🧬😂

[@01kmacias]

@@durtcannonyeah not for me. I don’t waste a lot of time on gear that doesn’t fit.

[@durtcannon]

@@01kmacias yes probably better to sell it quickly while is still hyped.

[@surrealchemist]

From what I saw online, a lot of the people who had fader problems was because it was damaged in shipping and I noticed quite a few on the same discussion were from Canada. Anyway, I ordered mine and it ended up getting back ordered but it arrived yesterday. So far its pretty fun. It is fun and I think the price is pretty fair. I have other samplers now, but this one seems great to just pick up and mess around with quickly like the smaller pocket operators.

[@austinbinning7865]

I caught a restock on guitar centers website Thursday. Just got it in the mail today and I’ve had a blast messing around with it so far. So glad I bought it.

[@SabcatPrinting]

Im glad it’s working out for people. I think an update or two will be great. I’m gonna skip this KO Ep33 cos i got a Circuit Rythym though. Hopefully.. TE will see they’ve hit on something good and make a better one… double up almost on spec and price now the component shortage is easing. Im talking SD slot…size it a bit bigger, a few more knobs etc. tread on the toes of MPC and Digitakt a little (bit more).

[@bolobolognese]

They should definitely include that you can apply different fx to the pads or groups rather than the whole scene. Right now you can either apply an effect to the whole output or the group, but then you can’t apply another effect to another group. Or they just enable resampling, as a workaround.

[@sleeper6000]

I’m saving up for mine after you and Ricky reviewed it. I really like the design and overal presentation of the unit. I don’t have a huge space and just a small midi keyboard/ synth on my desk so I feel like this will be great for me as I work my way up to something like the sp-404 eventually.

[@martinhyde8179]

As someone with no previous experience in music production with no pc . Is this a decent starting point ? ( just wanna mess around and make silly beats with my nephew)

[@tarekhteit7355]

Definitely! I think it's better than any competitor in this area, but keep in mind that the build quality of it is not the best, especially the fader

[@enochroot9438]

Dude! def going to sample that bit about you beating it in the bed and make a track about it lol... a great balanced overview of the KOII which is my 1st sampler and I've had zero issues. I would also give a shoutout to the KOII's form factor and tactile feel, still enjoy that clicky button 80's calculator vibe

[@PeterKNoone]

I got mine in the second wave. I've been very impressed, haven't had a chance to spend much time with it.

[@tpenicaragua]

Love my 33 and 35 coupled together, take them everywhere with me. When this came out I bought 1 as the new daily driver, and a second unit, sealed forever as a fun piece of music history.

[@MattGreerMusic]

I like mine but haven't fell in love with it. There were deviations from the original KO that I kind of miss on this sampler. It's good though. For $300 it's kind of hard to not dig it.

[@soulchief1532]

Got mine yesterday with a bunk fader after waiting a month, I’m planning to repair it myself. While I feel it would be much better to not have that hassle, I appreciate the opportunity to learn how it works. Very fun to jam on

[@E4RLIES]

8:21 yes Song Mode Even my pocket KO33 has this!! Manually swapping scenes and patterns is fun…for a while

[@wulyf4lyf]

I just got the MPC One+, have a bunch of synths, had the OP-1 and loved it, but had to sell it years ago. The MPC one+ can do so much and more, but i still kinda really want one. 😂

[@ProbeRoket]

I copped one for my son. The speaker didn’t work. Looked it up and saw it was an easy fix. Fixed it.

[@Funkotronimus]

3 out of 4 of my units were busted , but B&H did an amazing job helping with refunds, and I’m happy with the one I still have that works.

[@airguitarbandit]

All I want is to be able to double click FX button to hold it, wanna be able to do punch-in fx quickly and with a single finger/hand. Here’s hoping.

[@drindy5166]

My fav thing about True Cuckoo is his ability to mouth and make sound efx when presenting new gear and hardware lol. Gets me everytime! Great vid Ave ✌🧡👍

[@onstr]

I got a sp-404 mkii instead of this because this was sold out. I was looking to get a first sampler. I'm glad I got the sp-404 because I've been playing with all kinds of samples that wouldn't fit on this. I still really want a K.O. II as well, so I'll be searching your channel to see how they play together. Also gotta say I really love your traptendo pack and I'll definitely be hitting your store hard next payday

[@Mar.Escobar24]

I love mine but it do act kind of glitchy sometimes. I’m just not too phased by it because I’m sure they’re issues that can be fixed with firmware updates. Just hoping that they actually DO work on it. I knew exactly what to expect of the limitations since I already own 3 PO-33s. They seem to have added a lot more functions than those, but limited other things that were possible with the POs. It’s still dope and something to make beats anytime and anywhere. The Koala app doesn’t feel the same just tapping on a screen, and the Beatbox by Rhythmo I use to control the app is a bit clunky to carry around. I agree with your insights on the KO though.

[@smobstar]

Thought it was just me!!😅

[@Mar.Escobar24]

@@smobstarforeal. I’ll record something on Scene 1, I’ll have a scene 4 with everything deleted so it’s blank, and when I go to check it, it recorded on Scene 4 what I had just done on Scene 1. And if I delete it and go back to Scene 1, it’ll be deleted on there too! 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@peacefulpigeon7254]

Love this so much - especially the sensitivity of the pads using beat repeat - a really fun unit that sounds great - I don’t have any other hardware to chop samples like this so really excited to be able to try this out and discovered It’s harder than it looks ! Thanks for your tips and content 🎉

[@UnpopularOpinion42]

I missed the first wave. My unit arrived this past Friday. The fader works fine, the speaker, however, is faulty and I will be returning it.

[@DM43685]

Update: I received mine today and unboxed it. They have now placed a small plastic sleeve over the fader. However, it’s nasty to get off and really tight and after putting the knob on, I have ……roll the drums Fadergate…. It’s going back.!!!

[@buff.m.s]

I just got mine. I’ve had zero issues with the fader or any of the other bottoms not working.

[@christophermacier]

I was thinking of picking one of these up for a little while as my first sampler. I opted for the MPC One+ and couldn't be happier. It looks cool but seems somewhat limited.

[@THORNZMUSIC]

Got it at launch, local shop had a few. I could sell this tomorrow and not miss it at all. I have a lot of gear and very little time though.

[@shmedwinardo]

If your using the built in speaker i think it’s about 24 hours playing music or maybe like an extended weekend worth.

[@StrillLife]

You gave me all the excuses I needed to why I haven't been making beats on my SmplTrek. You had that thing all of 2 mins and said you liked it more than the SmplTrek. 😂 I was like I knew this thing sucks... It ain't me. (It's totally me).

[@matuscheksstudio9739]

U r so right. Its a gret machine. Love the film you get when u work with it.

[@CanadaWry]

Got in on the just-released second batch! Can't wait for it to arrive... but I guess I'll have to :)

[@fredicagoillanoise1309]

My KO2 FINALLY SHIPPED this past Thursday and I should have it by tomorrow! 👊🏾

[@Tripwelleverday]

I’ve never meshed with a sampler before and I can’t put the Ali down I love it every little thing I love the holding the record button for the fader movement 😊😊😊

[@jonathanmyles6732]

I’ve been using fl studio for a while but the KO 2 is a dope device! It’s taking me a minute to get used to it. But I love the concept. Very limited but you can do a lot once you know how to use it. Hopefully I get the hang of it

[@relative_vie]

It’s a fucking beast. Plain and simple for anyone who wants to know

[@BlueMoonProductions444]

I love mine! I am having a lot of fun learning this machine

[@TheNimasan]

i had a faulty unit first the fader didnt work, got new one couple of days later and dspite its limitations ireally love this thing. i have them all 1010 blackbox, digitakt and 3 eurorack samplers, but somehow i fell in love with this one.

[@dlbcorp]

I ordered it day one too, however I did have a broken fader. Anyway after getting a new one and using it, it quickly was put on the shelf, I haven’t touch it since.

[@drewdoctor1984]

Got mine too but my MPC one retro hands down is my baby It’s just a stupid Swedish thing

[@NicholasSeamans]

For that price the Novation circuit Rhythm or Tracks are good competition.

[@MickySarge]

They are. I never got to try the Ryhthm, but have the Tracks and was enjoying it at first, but something about it didn't click for me (the synth engine being pretty mid being one of them).

[@vinylselektaz6475]

I would like to see a Ipad app for this to make full tracks

[@SHLDMusic]

Do you know how it compares to the Novation Circuit Rhythm? Since it's in the same price range

[@nico-zh4eo]

I have the rhythm and it's dope. I don't know about this one but I really want to put my hands on it

[@plumcharlie]

I did have fadergate happen. Returned it. Got a new one. New unit I got the little Lego knob still doesn’t fit on the fader. I gave up on trying and just play fader without the Lego knob

[@tartoras]

so what i'm getting from all these vids is that the KOIII will be 900-1200 and not be broken about 3 years from now

[@zpurpz]

Just got mine finally ! No issues

[@fotpjusto457]

I’ve had it 3 weeks and have not changed the batteries yet. I’ve made like 8 beats so far

[@vinylselektaz6475]

Model Samples and Digitakt has 64mb. MPC 2000XL 32MB

[@damelos4039]

Not sure the shade is warranted on Fadergate. I was a victim of it too. There were so many others that it became "Fadergate". I sent mine back and now waiting for the replacement. I REALLY want to use this unit. I've seen so many videos (yours included) that have me chomping at the bit.

[@AveMcree]

What you consider shade is hilarious. You guys get defective units and act like it’s not normal. I bought things and had to return it because it was messed up. Damn near my whole entire life.

[@DM43685]

Just got mine....not opened yet, but petrified on putting the fader knob on and breaking the fader slider ....??? any suggestions

[@Chancellor_Artist]

How do you midi with other gear. I’ve tried can’t get it to work. I have a midi box but it won’t midi to anything in my dasiychain

[@leewightman8619]

What's it like compared to the novation circuit rhythm as that's the same price range....

[@KarzenX]

Seen about dozen or so on FBM going as low as 200 as well as about a hundred OP-1’s 😄 Hype and Value dropped like a boulder in a bath tub. 🤔

[@forsale313]

I'm glad you like it (I shoulda ordered one the day you did). Now you can "beat Her cheeks" then roll over and make a beat....Win, Win. LMAO Happy New Year, this is gonna be another good one Bro. Stay safe and Always keep that "Sucker Repellent" handy, Never know when you gotta' spray one (or two).

[@Reggi_Sample]

You were right about bed use, KO causing insomnia out here😂

[@nadirkarim7573]

I wanna see this in the size of a maschine+ with 2tb of hard drive space ,and the same sounds it comes with and more and more sounds and still have this look to it

[@kingof9x]

I kinda want to get a second one just for modic samples and one just for drums.

[@JordanDanielWende]

Man Teenage engineering gets so close to having a perfect products but always somehow manage to make some weird design choices that kill the practicality

[@GunnyRaps]

I mainly want this to work on music when I travel.

[@shiven513]

How do you guys hook it up to your computer for recording?

[@NineteenEighty8]

Sent mine back. My fader was fooked. And customer support won't reply so I refunded it. Ill wait for the new batch come out without broken parts.

[@valley_robot]

im ok with the 64mb , im not ok with the 9 projects and 12 voices limit

[@nostradukemas]

Wait. It has a total of 20 seconds of sample time? I thought individual samples couldn’t be more than 20 seconds, but you could do multiple 20 second samples until the drive fills up. Did I have that wrong the whole time?

[@suninmyeyesyes]

Yeah, no. 20s per sample, not total. Also if you record samples in mono vs stereo (default), you can store twice as much.

[@drewdoctor1984]

2minutes in stereo all together

[@newYorkStories]

Awesome! Subscribed!

[@Th3rdFloor]

Need to return my unit as the volume knob behaves erratically, increasing and decreasing volume with the slightest of touches without even turning,,also the orange and black rotary knobs do exactly the same with the slightest of touches too,and everything goes to shit!....i'm disappointed to be honest but hopefully they will send me out a new one and bring back a smile to my face,,fingers crossed🤞

[@baqcasanke]

hope you got your money back TE has TRASH quality control and build quality

[@S_e_a_n]

Ave, I always look forward to your content. Great job with the follow-up of the EP-133. At the time of this writing (4-15-24) , TE has released an update that includes the backuping up projects. Great call out! Cheers buddy 🙂

[@MaN0STiJ3raS]

Tbh honest bro the stock sounds are kind of ass. There’s some that are exceptional in terms of quality. But I just downloaded them to my drum kit files so if I ever want to use them I’ll just go back to that library to utilize them . I then downloaded my favorite drums , sfx and melodies etc to my unit. I have a ton of space now to sample . I guess it’s just time consuming if you want more space I really wish this had a song mode and sd / memory expansion. Other than that this thing is okay in limitations I feel it brings out the best in you ( very time consuming tho 🤨 ) shortcuts maybe TE ? lol maybe not … I absolutely love this piece of gear though. It’s solid I’d say

[@lupehn]

Would you pair this with a TX6 or op-1 field?

[@rorz999]

There are no benefits to pairing this with a TX-6 since it only has one output

[@lupehn]

@@rorz999 I appreciate it man I’ve been hearing get a TX6 but never was explained why

[@DJWURKFLOW]

I know you like a piece of gear when you hold it for 10 minutes strait and don't want to let it go..

[@312dasbkilla]

Mine came in the other day Haven’t used it yet.

[@brianespinoza7331]

Wait - what!? You have to hold the record button down while your recording?

[@baqcasanke]

yep, totally useless for sampling live music that you are playing....

[@Nev4there]

Aye if I didn't get the smpltrek I would have been there with ya bruv.