EP-133 KO II: Genius Marketing or the Real Deal?

[@jaminjones8784]

Great video! For the "Design Genius" section at 3:53, I'd argue that by far the biggest influence on Teenage Engineering's product design is Dieter Rams - even more than vintage calculators and game consoles. Dieter Rams is widely considered one of, if not the greatest industrial designers ever, and nearly all of TE's products borrow extensively from Rams, emulating his signature aesthetic to a tee. Even the colors of the KO II (and many of their other products) are almost certainly inspired by Rams - throughout his career he often used orange sparingly to make certain elements stand out on a primarily black, white, and/or light grey product. You can really see his influence _EVERYWHERE_ in their products. This also supports your assertion that TE plays on nostalgia. Rams is often celebrated for bringing high end design to the masses with his work as head of design at Braun, where designed countless consumer products that made their way into homes all over the world, including calculators, radios, turntables, speakers, tape recorders, and tons more (including many that aren't audio related) - I remember seeing many of those products in my grandparents home and in thrift shops when I was growing up and I'd imagine a large portion of TE's target demographic also had or saw many of those products in the past. Another designer who famously borrows extensively from Rams is Jony Ive, who lead design at Apple from 1997-2019. Many of Apple's most iconic products have Rams written all over. For example, the iPod looked A LOT like the Braun T3 Pocket Radio by Rams, some of the iMacs look A LOT like Braun LE1 Speaker, and the first iPhone calculator was a nearly exact digital recreation of a Braun calculator. This is likely a big reason why Teenage Engineering so often gets compared to Apple... but while most people think TE is trying to mimic Apple, the truth is both Apple and TE mimic Rams.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Interesting. I’ll have to look up some info on Rams. I work at an architectural/engineering firm so famous designers and an interest of mine.

[@AlfredoAntonioMartinez]

Excellent observations! I have 43 years and I start Industrial Design since 2018 and one thing that saw in TE was the same point, it is like Dieter Rams do working for Braun company,

[@brmbkl]

Cant believe the slew of original creators I stumble upon these last months. With both you and Clarke Jaxton, I feel like I’m in the arcade before the doors open, your channel already deserves ten times the following and views. Going to be a sweet ride watching your channel grow.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, glad to have you aboard!

[@Wildernessoutside]

I haven’t bought one yet ,but I will when there’s more stock ,what grabs me is how easy it looks to use ,with some samplers you need a degree in advanced physics to even be able to get a sound out of them ,this looks like it’s easy to get to grips with

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

That's one of the things that sold me. I didn't want to spend hours learning how to use it.

[@TB-wvvvw]

Things that can't do much tend to look easy to use. I bought three pocket operators at once thinking they were so cheap and looked cool, then after a few hours realized you can hardly do anything with them and had wasted $300. I don't need anything like a 'degree in physics' to understand an Elektron device or an OP-Z (for example), just a willingness to take my time with it learning all the dozens of cool things I can do with it, at my own pace. There's enough there for years. You mostly get what you pay for, but from everything I have seen, this "sampler" is a piece of crap and honestly not worth $300. When sampling, I want to be able to do fun things to sounds, and a decent sampler gives me MUCH more of that. If I want "simple", I'd rather have and could get more fun and music out of a $200 ukulele.

[@thegroove2000]

Im an underdog guy. Koala sampler will suffice.

[@MathHammer]

That was a very interesting analysis of TA's marketing and design strategy for this device. I ordered one, too.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Cool, you’ll have to let me know if you like it. Still no delivery date on mine. Kind of shocking how quickly it sold out.

[@itsbtunes]

After researching about a bunch of samplers, I came to this conclusion: If money is not limiting your decision, go for a MPC one. If you want something well rounded and budget friendly, Liven Lofi-12 and the original KO are great choices And if you want the best bank for your buck, the SP-404 MKII is probably the best. The EP-133 although very cool in terms of design, has a worse workflow than the pocket operators, questionable build quality and it's never available to buy. And you can save up a little more for the SP-404 MKII Which is a much more versatile device

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

I should check out the LoFi. I've heard good things about it.

[@itsbtunes]

@@arcticfoxstudios2018 I've had it for a while and it's amazing. Learning it is a little weird at first but it'll make complete sense after using it for a little bit

[@liothomasart]

Masterpiece of a video

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@RetroPlus]

Excellent summary, it is impressive to me how successful the marketing strategy for this product was. It got me to finally purchase a PO-33 KO when i most likely wouldn't have otherwise.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks. Yeah, this is my first TE product, so we'll see if it lives up to any of the hype.

[@MIKEMOKRONOS]

excellent review

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, Glad you liked it.

[@Nenga117]

Got an email from TE saying they are back in stock this morning. Based on the look of the machine, reviews and demos of KZbinrs and the ease of use to make beats/music really made it appealing to me. I have a MPC studio black that I bought back in 2017/18 that’s been in my closet ever since. The workflow and the computer DAWness of it swayed me away for awhile. I’m versed in drums, guitar & bass playing and play in a band so putting time into learning it was a bit much. I’ve been messing around with the MPC since I ordered the KO 2 so maybe I’ll change my mind and return it since I don’t need both but until then, looking forward to messing around with it!

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

It is pretty easy to use and I like the included sounds also.

[@wnajmy]

This is a perfect device and price point for me. I’m not a pro but I have been playing music all my life. Haters can pound sand

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

I too love a good calculator... I do wish it had more memory though.

[@mokujinsan9946]

Yes it's looks fantastic. I didn't pull the trigger for two reasons. 1 I do not want to connect to Teenage Engineerings website, use their Web app to arrange my samples. 2 No resampling, no bouncing down of internal tracks to free up space.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Yeah, the no resampling thing is a drawback. Be happy you didn't pull the trigger on this. I've got another video coming out that might make you glad you dodged a bullet with this thing...

[@mokujinsan9946]

@@arcticfoxstudios2018 Bless you mate, let's hope they get their act together on this little cutie. 🤔

[@Datsunn]

This was such an interesting perspective and take on the KO as well as the photos. Great work!

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rethardotv5874]

The op-1f is one of the greatest devices ever made. The pocket operators are superb, especially for their release price. The ep-133 is fun but mine is also bent after less than a month and the bag is the worst. The one for the op-1 had real padding, the Ep-133 bag has the protection capabilities of a tote.

[@stefrance2]

Absolutely brilliant video with deep and accurate background !

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, that means a lot. Took me a while to research all the Ali fight stuff, but it was pretty interesting.

[@MoBeezyVevo]

This analysis contains important key action items TE used to be the " it factor". The Ali bit was written in gold Inc. Very well done. Looking forward for similar videos.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, glad you liked the video.

[@wavesequencer]

Nice review. Seems they managed to hit the sweet spot on design, features and price on this one. Reliability is already a question though. I don't need it, but it has a very inviting interface/style that is tempting. The synth version will be interesting for sure.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Yeah, with three or four creators already having problems, their manufacturing quality control might need some tweaking. Glad you liked the review.

[@TB-wvvvw]

Features and design of it as a sampler aren't impressive at all from what I can see. OP-1 and Z are devices you can do a lot with; this thing is pretty crappy when I watch people try to use it. People talk about the fader for example; what's worse than QC is that it's poorly implemented, like when you try to control two or three things with the fader and it turns into a volume control instead. SP-404 in comparison seems so much more capable to me for that kind of device. For those new to sampling, I say play with software first and save up for something really worth the money.

[@wavesequencer]

It’s built to a price point so limitations to be expected - I don’t think it’s valid to compare with more expensive devices, however the build quality issues are not excusable.

[@scotdotwtf]

I think this was the best breakdown i’ve ever seen. I was there when those videos came out and when it first released and it was so interesting. Great video!

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks. It definitely took me awhile to put together.

[@TB-wvvvw]

Except for not having parts about what the device can actually do.

[@WrathOfWood]

I don't know man, this thing just came out one day without my knowledge. Everyone shitting on it is the marketing. The units are dropping faster than Liston.

[@streetwaxtv]

Great video. I'm happy with my 404 mk2 but I have thought about buying a ko 2

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

The 404 is definitely on my short list of gear. Glad you liked the video.

[@validcore]

A key component to the instant success was that it was unveiled at the same time it was released. So many things have hype for the teaser trailer ..then the demo at the convention.. then slow trickle out a year later when 10 other things are on your radar.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Great point. Sometimes that tends to turn into obvious overhype and turns people off also.

[@xavierrandall]

This is the Christmas season on top of that.

[@kmac.]

Entertaining breakdown of the marketing background. I'm really curious how you get on with this instrument. I own a Pocket Operator, which I use occasionally on the subway. Otherwise I've avoided buying a hardware sampler or groovebox because I don't use them live and I just find a DAW to be so much more powerful. However, I've been a bit tempted by this one due to the reasonable price and fun design. I think I'd have a fun few days with it I'm not actually sure beyond that.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Yeah, I plan to do a video once I get it. I’ve avoided groove boxes for the same reason. Didn’t want to invest a ton of time into something if I can do it quicker and easier on the DAW. This looks like it’s pretty easy to get into though.

[@TB-wvvvw]

I think this device should do a lot to help turn newbies off from sampling for life and leave it to those who really like sampling and buy decent tools instead of pretty toys. It will be a great stocking stuffer for those who are both rich and musically clueless.

[@pecannoodles1412]

this was really good! i think the main point on most te products is that they look really good, and most of the competition does not. their field recorder looks so good compared to most of the competition which look more like military equipment, and its the same with their sampler. it looks good, and i would 100% swap my mpc for this if it had more projects (i dont think it would be practical for live use)

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Yeah, Nord I think tries to be different with their red coloring, but they don't go to the design extremes that TE does. Glad you liked the video.

[@TR-707]

It was a fun experience to give them my 300 as the shop kept crashing and over the next few days realizing we gambled on a cheap toy arriving broken or not. What a ride! Now it sits here and inspires and teaches me a lesson

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Hope you get some positive inspiration from it and not just negative. I still haven't even got a delivery date yet and I ordered on day 1.

[@TR-707]

@@arcticfoxstudios2018 of. Well the wait will be worth it. It's an excellent little Lego toy! Seriously it's well made and software is tight. My first TE product. It has some hard to find Infos on workflows or you just have to do some work arounds. But anyway. I recommend getting those samples ready because it's better to have a universal kit for a bunch styles and songs you want to make.

[@AlfredoAntonioMartinez]

I think that EP 133 KO it is basically a entry level product for people that doesnt want or have enought money to buy more professional tools, but, in my case, that I am not producer or musician, I am only a person that enjoy creating beats and sounds, spent 300 it is something reasonable.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

It's pretty decent and competes with some midrange gear I would say.

[@AlfredoAntonioMartinez]

​@@arcticfoxstudios2018 Yeah, I meant, for the price and the spects, for me it is simply marvelous, but I think that it is a link product, like a free drug jajajaja.

[@gru_day]

I am all about og ko1. Graeat price/quality/possibilities equilibrium. Good for us, synth nerds, that there are a lot of options... like Liven Lofi-12😉

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Yeah, good time to be alive and be into synths for sure.

[@SoulpranoBeats]

They call it KO2 because every second sampler is KO

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

LOL

[@DanChippendaleMusic]

Nice little documentary this. Good work. I heard that TE wanted to make a competitively priced device with off the shelf components. The KO II seems to have taken a lot of their learnings making other boxes and applied them to a mass market device with good retail price. Personally I snapped one up (arrives tomorrow) as I started out on a pocket operator and OP-Z about 3 years ago and loved the OP-Z for it's quirks and fun workflow. I've owned pretty much all the headline groove boxes in my time (MPC One, MPC Live II, Akai Force, OP-Z, OP-1, OP-1 Field, Roland MC101, Deluge, Digitakt (x2), Digitone (x2), Syntakt (x2), Maschine) and have enjoyed all of them for different reasons. But have recently scaled back to just Syntakt and some synths. I want a sampler for the occasional sample but don't need an expensive Digitakt sitting there hardly used so the KOII is perfect for me. It should play nicely with my other gear and I can use it stand alone when i feel the need. I mean there's a very good chance I'll get bored of it and sell it in the near future but lets see! 🤣

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, glad you liked it. Funny, my KO II is supposed to arrive tomorrow too. Unfortunately, I have to work late!

[@iShredStreets]

Very good video, thanks! I ordered the K.O. II 1 day later but the vendor later sent me an email that it was sold out. I’m still waiting but I’m wondering if I should just get the OP-1. I love the aesthetics of both machines.

[@andrewgobel4936]

Thoughtful analysis. Great vid, well done. These buys really are so so personal

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@kevpinnix678]

Amazing perspective ! Very thought-provoking. I found myself asking what it was that made me feel like I had to have this thing (secured it yesterday via GC). Also, the “fader gate” situation is so overblown- the cap fits differently, but you slowly apply pressure for 30 seconds and that’s all. Fun product, made even more fun by the $299 US pricing.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, glad you liked the video. Yeah, hard to tell now-a-days with things like fadergate because of so many people buying reviews and posting hate reviews just because they want to sink a company or product.

[@SuperChaoticus]

I fell for the hype, before all the problems started popping up. Thankfully by the time my unit had arrived, i didn't even bother taking the wrapping off and drove it right back to Guitar Center. I'm not going to give something as a Christmas gift that may be more trouble than it's worth.

[@pommedapi3847]

Nice video, well resumed, written and edited. Somehow it was so obvious that this would be GAS for everyone that I stepped back and my brain said "wait why is it so cheap? what can´t it do?" and I took a step back, it looked like a toy somehow. I got a blackbox instead (more expensive, way less cool but seemed more balanced and right for my small knowledge of groove boxes). I already have forgotten about the KO2 one month later, maybe one day second hand to have fun with a new toy as it looks really cool und fun to use.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Lot of people have commented on the Blackbox. I had really forgotten about that since it came out, but it is a nice piece of gear.

[@WrvrUgoThrUR]

Not many of us music gear heads will admit that the look of a synth, drum machine or sampler plays heavily into our decision to buy.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

It absolutely does. If you hate how something looks, then you're not going to want to use it as much.

[@TB-wvvvw]

The advertising was very skillful, but if the marketing should match the actual sampling and musical abilities of the device, I wonder why it wasn't promoted by George Santos and Justin Beiber.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Probably cost prohibitive.

[@mihaidxn]

I'd say genius marketing... because I bought one and I have never made music before... I suck at it but it's soooooo much fun to play around with.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

That's how you get sucked in. I started 30 years ago with one guitar...;)

[@alexiwiedemann]

Fantastic vid bro. Waiting for my KO II to arrive 😮.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Same here. Glad you liked the video.

[@oscillated139]

The marketing forgot to mention the broken fader and the speaker that doesn't work. Mine failed after 1 hour. I blame myself for being sucked in but TE need to vastly improve their quality control. People say it was only cheap but £300 is a lot to some people and it isn't too unreasonable to expect it to work. I'm sure this battle at the budget end will throw up more faulty products rushed to an over eager and utterly hyped market.

[@ZEALE]

Amazing storytelling man 👏🏾

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@towardstar]

I think people were excited to have a TE product they can afford lmao

[@joshualane1716]

Oof, you passed up the Deluge, MPC One, and SP404mkII for this to be your first sampler?

[@billiedoesbeats]

I have the MPC One, SP404mkII and also ordered the KO2 on the first day. I think the thing that made people jump at the KO2 is that it's approachable and doesn't have this huge intimidating history, like the MPC. People saw it and felt safe, like it wasn't going to be this big scary thing to spend a half a grand plus on and have to dedicate a year to learn. I love my MPC One btw, it's an absolute beast. Feed beats through it to my SP and to ableton. Planning on using the KO2 to experiment and make my own weird samples.

[@inputsandoutputs]

Yikes!

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Cost was the biggest thing. I'm so used to using a DAW that I didn't want to spend around $1k and have it sit on my desk. Before this came out, I was leaning toward the 404 though. If I had tons of money, I'd totally get the Deluge.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

That absolutely played into my purchase. I didn't want to spend a ton of time learning to use one because I'm so busy with my regular job and this channel, so weeks of learning was not going to work for me.

[@billiedoesbeats]

@@arcticfoxstudios2018 yep that’s exactly what I figured. The MPC one took a lil while to learn. It’s amazing though, the things it can do. I think the SP404 is the most fun though. If you can truly learn it front to back, and all the secret button combos. I think the KO2 is perfect for people just starting, or people who already have the core gear and want something fun and not too serious on the side

[@TheNimasan]

Tremendous video!!!lregardless I really love one…the more I play with it the more I love it believe it or not it’s my third device due to bugs!

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Mine showed up with quite a few problems but I am patiently waiting for the replacement unit.

[@xkidmidnightx]

Shame about the quality control on the device

[@tiredboi8326]

mine came in perfect condition. people who got a good one aren’t as likely to say anything.

[@jaykay0401]

I know guitar center and musicians friend and setting aside replacements.

[@tiredboi8326]

@@jaykay0401 it’s not the fader though, i mean it is but it’s from packages getting crushed in the mail. it happens with a lot of electronics honestly, and with such a thin box it was bound to happen to a few people

[@MyNameJeff..]

@@tiredboi8326nah dude, it’s 50/50. Thing is built like garbage and needs to be recalled.

[@MyNameJeff..]

@@tiredboi8326no it’s not, it’s bad build quality. Their button for the fader isn’t even made for the fader. It’s cheaply made.

[@robertjamesonmusic]

TE is great

[@hovermotion]

I am so glad I cancled my order..

[@frikadellengaby]

Why? Did you test a device and after that you decided to cancel? Or how does it went?

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Still haven't got a shipped date on mine and I ordered on day 1.

[@palisanderbond]

Good luck with the fader😂. you will need it. my retailstore told me the returns are massive.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Yeah, hopefully mine doesn't come busted.

[@Sorcerers_Apprentice_11]

They HAVE to update this device or it will go down as a flop and could destroy them ultimately.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Yeah,, all the hype could kill them in the end if this product is really unreliable.

[@Sorcerers_Apprentice_11]

@@arcticfoxstudios2018 the slider and speaker can be fixed, but the short comings like resampling, no individual pad fx, etc, is most concerning imo.

[@ninjaturdle69]

@@Sorcerers_Apprentice_11I agree, for me it doesn’t go that far but I hate that you can’t back up your sessions or you can’t chain patterns.

[@piotrekkowalik3589]

great analysis!

[@tyhlawmusic5850]

With all the problems detected on the EP133 K.O.! , Teenage Engineering have not yet issued a press release. I am in Europe, pre-orders have already been launched, delivery in 3 or 5 weeks. And we expect to have the same choastic event on social networks around the K.O. ... Finally, I don't need this machine, only my Verselab MV 1 is jealous of the effects of EP 133, well I say it like that...

[@madblessings]

Great video!

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@samprock]

This vid is even cooler then calculator :)

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

LOL, thanks. I've always wanted to make something cooler than a calculator. ;)

[@uoszl9999]

Great vid Thanks

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it.

[@Gatohori]

Keep it up the good work!

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks man!

[@cjak4682]

I cancelled my order after finding out how many units shipped with faulty faders, sticky buttons and other problems. Not surprising considering how many of their products suffer from a lot of the same problems

[@joshuawood3988]

And not only the numbers of faulty units and no response to emails we as consumers should not stand for this we work hard for our money and it's trash a company will put out faulty units to save there butts but we are left with cheap plastic forget marketing we want solid machines

[@cjak4682]

@@joshuawood3988 yeah! I swear their support is straight up dogshit. I bought an OP-1 a few years ago and it had so many issues, had send it back about 5 times over the course of about 2-3 months cause their support barely helped me out. I had to send the consumer agency (Konsumentverket) on their asses cause they never responded to my support tickets and replies. After about 5 units, I actually received a working OP-1. Works like a charm and it was worth the effort, but still, shit company.

[@Tripwelleverday]

I must be lucky cuz mine is flawless and I’m in love I’ve never clicked with a sampler before and I can’t put it down

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

That's great. I think the sampler market has really improved in the last few years and there are now a ton of choices. I like mine, but not having a song mode is a big let down.

[@elegrossz8948]

Maybe you should make a video about their customer service, I ordered something directly from them, and I never felt that much ignored, and treated stupid before :D - some products are supercool - but never by from them. It's even cheaper from stores :D

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

So far I'm not super impressed with their service either. Still no delivery date for me even after ordering on day 1 when it clearly said it was in stock.

[@elegrossz8948]

@@arcticfoxstudios2018 I ordered some po cases (in stock), as parts of a Christmas gift, nothing serious, according to their website, they ship these in 1-2 days, After 2 weeks I wrote them, they said, we will, inform you if anything happens... Ok, I've fond it in a shop, bought it, and cancelled my order. Next day (!) they started the delivery process and sent me an email, that they couldn't cancel, as it's on its way. The tracking was so fresh, 1 day after my cancellation, UPS website didn't even recognize through hours. I called ups, they said, the package was at the warehouse of T.E., they could cancel anytime. I've read the conditions, you know, 'small letters part' if the shipment started, they keep the shipping cost, even, if you cancel. And they keep the right to charge you for shipping back, or something, it's not clear. This company with 12-15hundreds euros product lie to me( their customer) for 10 euros, and humiliate me, with the fact, that they think, I eat that $#@$ without a question :D Sorry, just had to put it out from my system. And its not about the money, or the products.. your video is great btw, nice production, and great idea, that you show that side of it

[@ferenclucas2842]

It looks brilliant and I ordered one

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Cool!

[@pizzakidd]

Design Genuis = Design Genius.

[@ricknorris1466]

An accidental marketing strategy might be in play here. The build quality is so questionable that it actually makes you wish that it costs more. 😮

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

I’m wondering if they are quietly addressing build quality issues behind the scene which could be stretching out their delivery schedule.

[@synthsamuraiproductions]

Great video. Awesome Work

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, glad you liked it. FYI, great channel - I subbed you.

[@synthsamuraiproductions]

@@arcticfoxstudios2018 cheers man appreciate it! Lets ride!! The new wave is here!

[@CLaw-tb5gg]

See - $1599 tables aside, I think I get what TE are doing, and I admire it, but I also understand why a lot of people kind of hate them. Electronic music equipment and music gear more generally has always massively prioritised function over form, which suits a lot of people, but an awful lot of people *really like* form, and will pay a premium for it. No gear company has ever really gone as much out of their way to prioritise form as much as function as TE has, at least in recent years, so they’re filling a hole in the market that nobody else is. I think because this is a pretty new concept in the gear world people are a bit disgusted by it, but only really because it is so new; we would be less likely to have the same reaction to someone paying a lot for nice furniture (you can just sit on a plastic office chair!) or nice clothes (just wear a $2 t-shirt!). They’re both somewhere to park your ass or stop being naked, but we’re paying a premium purely for something that looks nicer. Some people don’t care, some people do, and TE are for the latter, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Yeah absolutely. I actually think their mini mixer is really cool, but not going to spend 4x what I would normally spend on a mixer for it.

[@TB-wvvvw]

The problem is that, unlike with the OP-1 or OP-Z (both of which I use and like a lot), this time the innovation is only in the looks of it. There's nothing new about the sampling and musicality of the device, and what little it does, it does poorly, with some missing features like resampling, reverse, seeing the waveform for slice editing, etc. that are important for a decent sampler. You can see this if you for example watch someone like Ricky Tinez, who did many tutorials on TE devices and is highly skilled, trying to use it for a while. Something inexpensive should be limited but able to do basic things well.

[@DavidRinnan]

te has sold lots of pocket operators. Their marketing strategy is to create a more grown up line that are easier to use and due to the size and easier to make part of your music production via midi etc. 2-3 times the price of the PO line but much more useful overall. Nice and smart design is the center piece of TE so I would not consider that something new or revolutionary from a TE perspective. People like their products in general and especially PO’s and OP1 this new line is a mix between the two. That’s the Brilliant part in their strategy.

[@Studio_4to1]

Yeah… On impact, TE had a great campain. But now, what’s going to stay is the botched release feeling. Hardware and software failures, the outrageous price point for what is, at its core, a cheap lego box with sub par components. And, maybe the worst, no communication, no solutions. Just plain arrogant TE. Again. No one product they released had a normal release. It’s always QC issues, hefty unjustifiable price tags, etc… It’s time TE changes its way of doing things.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

I didn't realize how much of a problem this was until recently. Just goes to show you that people will ignore product issues if it 'looks nice'.

[@bbailey0625]

I dont know, what if they released it with flaws just to build this "hype" only to turn around and do some MASSIVE updates in the future....would be a genius move

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

I was actually wondering the same thing. The first fadergate video came out so quickly I was wondering if that was done on purpose just to get more hype.

[@fredman727]

​@@arcticfoxstudios2018I honestly feel that's the idea. They for sure seem to know what they're doing, and I wouldn't account them for poor quality control given their pedigree. Would you go through these lengths only for the product to be unreliable?

[@bbailey0625]

@@arcticfoxstudios2018 excellent video by the way. I enjoyed it

[@alexanderplayspiano7157]

Great video. Had me hooked in and was perfectly paced. Especially loved the Muhammad Ali boxing bits. Not much love for Teenage Engineering products amongst my music making friends. The poor build quality of the premium-priced products and the “quirky!” / “fun!” Interfaces are the biggest turn offs.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, glad you liked the video. Yeah, the Muhammed Ali stuff is pretty fascinating.

[@TB-wvvvw]

​@@arcticfoxstudios2018Unfortunately, you missed the rather obvious irony of associating a great man exceptional in his field, truly in some ways "the Greatest", with one of the shoddiest products of its kind.

[@imnotfishing]

FYI: I ordered one on the first day They took my $ but now say it will be several weeks. I asked for a refund and got no response. So I’m not to jazzed about the TE hype.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Yeah, same here. I still don’t have a delivery day and it was clearly marked as ‘in-stock’ when I ordered. I haven’t asked for a refund yet, but am considering getting a 404 instead.

[@magnus2230]

I too ordered day 1, and after a week requested a refund, you go to their site and open a support ticket it was fairly easy to find. I also replied to my order confirmation email. I had a response and refund in a couple days. I was willing to risk fadergate, as I have built a large portion of my studio from gear I bought broken and cheap and repaired. What finally made me get a refund was 2 things. 1, as more videos came out , the workflow and limitations started to turn me off, the polyphony was definitely going to be an issue. I basically only wanted this because I'm on the road alot and it LOOKED like it would actually be a compact all in one hardware device you could make a whole song on. But lownpolyphony and no resampling to work around it kind of kills that thought. 2, since I wanted to use it on the road, fadergate/speakergate gave me real concerns about long term reliability, I don't want to be fixing it all the time, and it seems pretty fragile.the silence on the issues didn't help inspire any confidence... I don't find laptop or iPad producing to be enjoyable, so a sturdy portable groovebox this size would be great. I have volcas but you need several and the sequencers are really limited....not into the sp404 workflow. open to suggestions, must be battery or USB powered so I can use on a plane. and small/light.

[@dinogoldie9716]

Better alternatives: Novation's Circuit Rhythm; Sonicware's Liven lofi-12; 1010 Music Nanobox Tangerine; Roland SP404; Twisted Electronics Deton8. Skimping on quality control in order to rush release in time for the Christmas gift market was not very "genius." #FaderGate #SpeakerGate #DisplayGate and all the other easily preventable manufacturing errors have left TE looking less than genius.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

There were only minor reports of issues when I uploaded this, but they morphed from a blip to a tidal wave since then. The Liven LoFi looks interesting and I might pick up a 404 some day; definitely leaning in that direction. The Deton8 I was not aware of so thanks for that suggestion.

[@palisanderbond]

And get yourself the koala sampler. Does even more and costs u 5 Bucks

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

I have a couple of IOS apps but have yet to use my Ipad live. Need to get some cables to be able to run MIDI into it and hope that there is no lag. I've heard horror stories about people trying to hook up equipment and having compatibility issues. It is one of the things on my to do list though.

[@Knypsterino]

Great video and storytelling🙌 The marketing around KO II is amazing and so is the design. I never owned anything like this and did not know about Teenage Engineering but when I saw the KO II design I knew I had to order one. Got mine the 23rd of dec. Still in stock in one danish webshop surprisingly. I had it now for two days, it is working properly, I am learning in small steps how to use it and even the fader knob was easy to put on 🎉 Thank you for this fine video.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, glad you liked it.

[@RayDAider1]

Too bad they sold out so quick. I took that opportunity to buy the Roland SP404MK2.....instead.

[@vincenttiggelman4978]

TE made me pull the trigger on the sp404 II. I get the idea that it's doing the sales of the 404 a lot of good. It was out of stock as well. I went for the 404 mainly because of the 64 mb limit and resampling.

[@qwertydar]

The mkII is great, but it’s like they let a non-musician design it. So unintuitive to use, and multiple updates have added more features without fixing bugs

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

I might end up with that if I don't get a shipping date soon.

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

That's interesting that their hype is affecting the sales of the 404. I'm ok with the 64 mb for what I'm going to use it for, but no resampling is a missed opportunity I think.

[@TheRealNativeSun]

Fell for it like an IG model until I found out how it was built. 😂. I’m good. I’ll go the traditional route. I’m not about hype. Don’t let content creators sway you because they have a monetary gain in this.

[@deyoungstar]

Biggest proponent of “fader gate” happen to be Elektrons most recent hire. I went from looking forward to his videos with the nerd like anticipation to thinking that Ricky Tinez is a talentless, hack, fraud who will 💩 on whoever or whatever it takes to forward his career.

[@MarzioDeBiasi-j8p]

You should have push the "buy button" on the MC707 not this Toy 😊

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Or the 404.

[@andreschato]

How come 1010 Blackbox is always excluded from the discussion?

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

I'd happily review a Blackbox if 1010 wants to send me one!

[@johnorourke3834]

I still want one! Fml 😭 Thanks for this. You are the man! I love the video. Maybe over the top with the conspiracy theories but love it

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks - glad you liked it!

[@earodeafchild]

Good video👍 …however: The KO build quality sucks which turned all the hype into a joke!

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

If I ever get mine, I’ll probably do a video on the build quality.

[@shadowofthestarsdespair]

i like my field desk thank you (it was a gift )

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

That's a pretty nice gift.

[@shadowofthestarsdespair]

idk considering they got a new car in return@@arcticfoxstudios2018

[@yurisidorov]

You call Fiat 500 a poor product in favour of no name Toyota?! Dislike

[@Farold_Haltermeyer]

Sonicware cares not.

[@Elliott.Revell]

Neither. Absolute overpriced garbage.

[@444Inlakesh]

I think its just more e-waste

[@AKAIMPCJUNKIE-gr5fm]

All that marketing mumbo-jumbo you're talking about didn't work on me. I knew from the get-go that this latest teenage engineering rip off was junk, teenage engineering specializes in junk, they sell expensive junk and they sell inexpensive junk. They have junk for every price point.. No way can you compare Apple products to teenage engineering products, yes Apple products are a little more expensive, but they are light years ahead of their competition in built quality, resale value, usability, and technical excellence. Teenage engineering specializes in bullshit and psychological manipulation. teenage engineering probably spent more money on photo rights of Muhammad Ali then they did on the actual research for their latest crapy product.

[@Timbobiddy]

I ordered the night of release and still got no shipping notification 🥲

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Same with me. It clearly said in stock when I ordered also.

[@santiagomarcano6354]

Great video!

[@arcticfoxstudios2018]

Thanks, glad you liked it.