Pocket Operator Modular 400 - My Opinion

[@BoBeats]

Note: you can use an external power supply for it. So if this is a deal breaker for you know that it can be done.

[@uhldev]

BoBeats yeah but the external power supply is really hard to find (no mention of the size or dimensions of it in the manual) and T.E. Doesn’t have their own power supply yet making it very difficult to get it powered correctly.

[@ReasonedWhistle]

@@uhldev it's on TE site to buy

[@uhldev]

ReasonedWhistle like most everything TE produces it’s sold out

[@stepanok]

@@ReasonedWhistle for 3 times the amount you would get it elsewhere.....yeah...thanks

[@ErichNolanBertussi]

i guess you can power with wall too power supply: there is no power supply included. if you want to run the CH-400 or CH-170 on wall power you need an adapter with the following specifications: AC/DC adapter 12V, min 1A (12 watt) polarity: center negative plug: 4.75/1.7mm found that on the po 400 page on te site

[@jamesbirch9614]

Bo! You're a very positive person - that is one of the main reasons I enjoy watching your videos. But please never feel hesitant to be objective and honest. (I'm sure many have said this before me.) Practically speaking, a lot of people (people with wallets, people with *budgets*) look to your videos for... guidance. Your totally objective opinion - put forth politely and in a positive manner - is what we appreciate tremendously. Thank you for what you do!

[@jeremjerem]

When you see the AE modular , you see this things as an expensive toy. I go AE modular any day against this

[@DomSigalas]

Aaaah the OP-1 was on my purchase list but the price hike really killed it for me. Great review man!

[@baqcasanke]

Dom Sigalas i just got the opz (op1 too much $) and i really love it! Maybe check it out

[@localtechnique]

Have to agree on all fronts. Props for design but at this price point you could build a much better starter system with AE modular.

[@GONZOFAM7]

I was considering the 400 but then I saw and heard the AE Modular system. The price is right, great sounds, expandable and a growing eco-system. I'm going that way.

[@samuelcastelli5782]

Love how honest it was, great work :)

[@atozee1500]

I like the honesty Bo. Please don’t change.

[@Angelstarscotland]

I love your honesty it can't be easy to be that honest. It don't appeal to me at all although I'm not into modular, I think it'd be quite good fun but a lot to spend on a bit of fun.

[@BoBeats]

thanks buddy! I try my best to get my honest opinions across

[@AD-Dom]

Form follows function. Congrats teenage engineering for forgetting this.

[@marzacdev]

Honesty is finally coming to KZbin! Thanks Bo :-).

[@jumpingman8160]

My opinion: it sucks.

[@BoBeats]

🤣 now now I wouldn’t go that far

[@moistpeanut5986]

I agree, and thats even if you manage to get one without faulty battery or parts.

[@sofnaji]

Nice blazer. Wool or cotton? Nice.

[@meanguitar]

They really shine when making samplers like the ko33 has been so tremendous they are hard pressed to keep it in stock as soon as the ko33 is in stock its flown right off the shelf again.

[@meanguitar]

people loved the sampling capability of the op1 so much that they were able to double the price of the re-introduced version that's just how great their sampling workflow is.

[@Barry101er]

Great analogy: coffee table book!

[@maxpowers3494]

Thank You for being honest about the cons, It's the first thing I look for in a good review. The pros I can figure out for myself.

[@TerekkiTerekki]

Appreciate the honest review

[@Heavy_Distortion]

Your honesty is greatly appreciated. It would be cool if you reviewed the AE system. Keep it real!

[@BoBeats]

AE review coming! It'll be a big video

[@timjbell7378]

Thanks for an honest review. It's hard not to be lured into buying every TE product based on appearance alone honestly. I'm looking at the modules in this thing and it just seems like it cost more and has considerably fewer features than almost every other semi-modular synth out there. My recommendation for getting into modular is Minibrute 2 with a Rackbrute. I don't care much for the Minibrute 2 as an instrument but it does an excellent job of covering the basics (3x lfos, envelope, robust control of internal oscillators, etc.). I guess I have you to thank for me going the Rackbrute route and grabbing the essential Mutable modules first (clouds, rings, plaits...still need elements). :-P Keep up the good work Bo.

[@canecreek00]

appreciate your honesty

[@ModularLanding]

I love TE and have used the OP-1 and the Pocket Operators. Unfortunately this is too expensive and there are too many better options: M32, Neutron, 0-coast, etc all of which are serious instruments. Even the Moog Grandmother is only $799 many places and sounds absolutely amazing if someone wants to start getting into modular patching.

[@BoBeats]

true! grandmather is killer

[@temporoboto]

Great honest review, thank you so much.

[@Knirch]

You can power it without batteries, not included though; from their site AC/DC adapter 12V, min 1A (12 watt) polarity: center negative plug: 4.75/1.7mm

[@BoBeats]

weird that everyone I talked to about it describes it as not being able to do ac power. Am I missing something?

[@Knirch]

@@BoBeats no clue why, it's been on the site since it was launched www.teenageengineering.com/products/po/modular

[@BoBeats]

Yeah you are right! Good to know. Will make a note of this.

[@Knirch]

@@BoBeats divkid shows it at the 14 minute mark in his build video.

[@BoBeats]

Thomas Nilsson one of the guys I asked about it but yeah we all forget stuff. Oh well. Doesn’t change my overall impression of it.

[@andreumateulamas]

The design or the machine is 9,9 out of 10 and their website is a 10 out of 10. One of the most beautiful web designs i have seen in long time. Award-winning design. I love it. Anyone knows who is is their designer?

[@yoyodunno]

I would love to know this too, the website is beautiful

[@vigilancebrandon]

For starting modular, check out the AE Modular systems!

[@BoBeats]

Definitely! I have one

[@sodiumlights]

over one year later i wonder just how good these have been at catching dust?

[@cooperofnavarone8616]

The AE Modular is a full on modular system, just not in eurorack format. I've been using mine a lot. The Master I/O module that comes with either system has a midi to cv converter and makes it usable right out of the box. I had high hopes getting the AE and I must say I couldn't be happier with it. Sounds amazing!

[@noahhultgren1710]

Technically not, modular implies you can replace components, like in Eurorack or Moog systems. for example in Eurorack, you could have a Dopfer wasp filter, get tired of it, and then just replace it with another filter you buy online. Like how in a desktop computer you can replace an old video card instead of the full machine. I do think it looks cool, and I agree it gives a closer approximation of the full modular experience, but until you can actually swap out components it won't technically be a modular, just modular style. I still kind of want one though.

[@cooperofnavarone8616]

@@noahhultgren1710 for real.? I had no idea that was why. I thought it was more about it finished in function. cause you can switch them around and "modulate" and change the signal chain. Idk So people are modifying their expensive eurorack modules? Sounds risky The AE is supposed to be very DIY friendly but I guess that has more to do with a adrino programming than actual components?

[@noahhultgren1710]

Oh no I don't mean they are modifying the actual individual modules (though some people probably do), just that the modules themselves are much easier to swap out and replace. Basically I mean the modular 400 isn't fully modular because even though the signal path can be completely rerouted and isn't pre wired, the actual modules can not be physically moved around or replaced. Sorry I may not have been completely clear. But I think people do modify individual components on AE with arduino and such.

[@cooperofnavarone8616]

@UCkg_YjkWbi1H7qEZRhuZVMQ but they can be moved around... You buy the system and add modules individually. You can buy a wasp filter for $30 all tangible waves modules generally range $20- 40 with the exception a few modules like the sequencer and multi-effects that are closer to $100. 3 new modules were just released! drumkit 010, kick, and topograf, which is a clone of MI grids. I am not knowledgeable enough to know, but the guy who makes these (Robert) says all the components that make the sound are the same as used in eurorack. It's just without the expensive to manufacture exterior. You should look into it. I'm honestly not even considering getting into eurorack anymore. Plus It's just TOO expensive per module for me.

[@BinauralBae]

I like your coffee book analogy. I see a bunch of people buying it, but not a lot of people posting content with it after the first release wave. (Unless, I'm looking in the wrong areas of KZbin.)

[@JohnnyBgood89]

This is all very good to know! Thanks man!

[@nooneinparticular6014]

Auughh. I think if they wanted to do something like modular setups, sell them in groups that are compacted. Use the same portable concept like the pocket operator, but have the modular set up no bigger than maybe an index card. Running only on maybe two AAA Batteries or have a USB link system that when you connect two modular groups together, they can power each other up with only USB port. That way they can branch out and create different modular systems or replicate other well known synths to experiment. Would of made killer money for them if they did it that way. Also, somehow syncing with the Pocket Operators better and serving as a master clock, which Im unsure if the PO 400 does so or not.

[@Magicmarker231]

2:34 You can install the faceplate upside down and put that thing flat on the table. Maybe it's a better way to use it. ;o) 3:33 You cleary forgot to mention the volca modular. With two oscilators it is imho more versatile than a mother32 with one VCO. And it is much cheaper. Overall I'm with you, it's too expensive for what it offers. But it looks cool... :P

[@BoBeats]

it does look cool!

[@No_Nag]

Thank you for a good review!

[@kellymerrill5294]

When is the soft-serve extruder module coming out?

[@goodboid]

TE is more interested in going mainstream by tying up with Ikea (flat pack synths) and price gouging their existing customers (the OP1 debacle). There are far better more deserving companies that actually care about their customers where our money would be better spent. I'm done with TE.

[@MrMelo34]

From what I heard from latest interviews that this and other new products are about camping outdoors even build it in nature have some beers at party park environment beach etc .. getting out of studio. And heck even take it on a bus trip :)

[@BoBeats]

i am down with all of that. But not at this price point.

[@maxpowers3494]

There is no protection if it was meant to be outdoors. The smallest amount of dust, dirt and pollen will give this thing issues for sure, not to mention even the smallest amount of water. As for having it on a bus or a train. First let me see you put this in a backpack, there is no protection for those cheap plastic knobs and will surely warp do to the flimsy sheet metal construction. There is only one color and It needs eight batteries. I have nothing personal against the company. But they missed the mark on this for sure.

[@peterl4062]

Thank you for such a truthful review.

[@rodrigovilleda764]

You and Hainbach are my favorite insta-youtubers. I think both of you are eloquent but with humility. And that’s make you both kind of great people. What’s your perception of the op1? Have you tried it?

[@BoBeats]

I have very little experience with the op-1 and I am not likely to get one.

[@rhampton1914]

I still like it..Sounds absolutely amazing....I would buy in a heart beat...I can't wait to get..Awesome Review & thanks for your honest opinion....The Sound & Demos is really what convinced me..i can work around those other issues..

[@stepanok]

BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR........

[@theorist5497]

No, I dont want it and I dont want to display it. lol :P As a logical, rational sort of man, my brain signals to me that Tangible Waves AE modular system would be a 1000x better investment if one were looking into something like this. Regardless, great video Bo! Thanks for keeping it 100 with us.

[@wokeil]

Wow ae modular looks nice

[@geolectric_universe]

@@wokeil Yeah, AE is a fantastic modular ecosystem for those who may not want to dive straight into something like Eurorack or are looking for something super easy to try a hand at DIY.

[@sonicultura]

It sounds amazing!

[@Integratemac]

Thanks for the honesty.

[@MrArpSolina]

Modular? Not modular at all! You can't move, replace, and build your own synth with other modules! Seriously?

[@onkelberra3166]

I said the same when they announced it. I got attacked by a horde of hipsters. They said patchpoints is "modular". Morons xD

[@onkelberra3166]

@@ptkelly80 yep that was my conclusion as well. But then they refered to some obscure synth that was "modular" cause it had patchpoints. They got so aggravated by my comment I deleted it. Was not worth the threats I received

[@baqcasanke]

Oh i thought the same.

[@MrBasic]

Yep it is absolutely a SEMI-modular desktop unit. I agree on the angle, I have tried slightly angled racks and they are just not right... ...angled.

[@DECIMA1]

I love how you have the Lyra-8 on the table LOL

[@InkyDaCaT]

You mentioned Behringer in good terms and didnt immediately set on fire😆 well done Bo...only pink fluffy....to go lol...but yeah alot of people disappointed with this one.

[@pierredm]

I love the concept and the simplicity. But I also feel it is a little bit overdesigned, more to be watched than to be played. What would be interesting alternatives if you dont look at the design but the ergonomy and sound possibilites ?

[@padraigwastaken]

How do you feel about it at the new price point of €289 instead? I'm after grabbing one purely as a toy to learn about modular synthesis with (seriously doubt I'll go any deeper)

[@BoBeats]

Thats a great price! Hard to say No to it!

[@GreatistheWorld]

Coffee table book is such a great analogy. But that really really makes me think, ...on those terms, is that...fine, though? As an illustrator and non-musician, I find it appealing (if a bit expensive) as a piece of furniture that harbors a wealth of sounds. Like an electric wardrobe to a sonic Narnia. What the hell I actually like it more now

[@VictorSteiner]

Model D and Neutron are 300 only, at least in Germany, and have been for a long time.

[@BoBeats]

an even better deal then. I went with Swedish prices.

[@iantanner7579]

i feel teenage engineering bit off more than they can chew with this venture, they've produced some revolutionary devices, but this ain't one of them... if i were just starting out i'd be looking at *dreadbox* semi-modulars and the *Abused Electronics* modular from *Tangible Waves*, - it may not be initially eurorack, but it is a superb system for the money, and it sounds amazing! good, honest and unbiased review Bo, and presented as *affable* as always

[@ednasdiscomachine6049]

I've seen DivKid Ben look at the AE stuff at Superbooth. Have to say that it's an amazing price point for someone on a budget wanting to try modular. Good call Ian. I love Teenage Engineering, but they're getting it wrong of late (and I imagine a lot of R&D has gone into their stuff - so I don't mention this lightly).

[@BA-ld9mg]

So if you're just getting into modular synthesis, is this a good entry piece?

[@BoBeats]

No

[@meerkatzThe23]

just looks nice!

[@MrBEnIbb]

I think it is a quite big difference if you have a semimodular synth or kind of separated modules like this. It would be cooler if it would be possible to mount it into a Eurorack

[@bufboston1]

This is a really good critique.

[@IndyRockStar]

what on earth would this be used for?

[@fabianhenzler7557]

Does it make sense to get the OP-1 together with a 400 and PO-16 or a PO-170? 😅🤓🤩

[@axelbauron155]

3:12 Absolute deaal breaker! My nerves are wrapping on themselves just by seeing that.

[@mistergorgonmusic]

Did they make it out of legos?

[@Rustik1722]

Thumbs up. At times I have felt you "love on" everything.....so I have some new respect and admiration for you and your channel for reviews. Great job! I always want to love TE products so I feel your pain in saying what you said! Thumbs up

[@pepuletrz]

think of it as just a tool. its worth it for sure. this with just a DFAM is crazy fun. and a guitar fx pedal ect..its great.

[@TechGently]

I wanted to like this as I'm exploring, piano, to synth, to sound design to modular.. I bought an OP-1 because i'm old enough to have played with the Casio PT-1 when it came out, sort of an homage. But my concerns I think are valid with anything TE. Their support, with a large variety of complaints. If you're paying top dollar and not getting support for the product, then where do you draw the line? I hear horror stories and now thinking should I sell my product lest I get stuck with it later should anything break? Looks nice, but now I'm finding my TE sitting on a shelf right now because I guess the gimmick is wearing off.

[@baqcasanke]

TechGently ill buy your op1 :)

[@Maochan81]

What's the point of buying modular, if everything is in one box? I though it's about carefully selecting your modules to suit your personal needs. I don't have a modular system, but if i would like to try something first, i would get the Neutron (299 Euros here).

[@danwentz]

If it sounds like an alarm clock... it usually is

[@WhiteWulfe]

Wow, this really is similarly priced to the 0-Coast? Wonder if it's the same in Canada, because that would pretty much make it an easy win for the 0-coast for me...

[@TheSlickoify]

It's a good looking but pricey toy. I rather spend the money on some useful modules to expand my system.

[@DaraM73]

Does seem to be a teenagers electronic school project.

[@meru_lpz]

>Company is named Teenage Engineering Like pottery!

[@thom-alphaxiii-5106]

good gift for christmas for a musician that dont have a eurorack case and who wants to test eurorack without spending too much money... good for smapling maybe in addition to calssic synths.....but....... useless in a way. good concept but unfinished product. thx for your honnesty BO'

[@jorge-keys]

You look like a (synth) surgeon with that jacket and those modular racks in the background!!

[@bricanylturbuhaler1912]

5:21 right place for this ....

[@randydarklight]

VSF is ok but not very good.

[@jmoffitt36]

Heck you can get a used Barp 2600 and a Korg SQ1 for the price.

[@sodiumlights]

more style over practicality from TE. Happy you & Ricky T. flagged up some pretty deal-breaking drawbacks.

[@baqcasanke]

the sodium lights yeah i just saw rickys video and this synth seems like a toy for people with cash to burn

[@kevinbirge2130]

There are more affordable optioons. But it looks great.

[@supadupahilton6848]

Surprising about the knobs, judging from quality of the OP-1

[@VictorSteiner]

Don‘t say plasticky ... ask Molten Modular ;)

[@MrBasic]

Yep, TRIGGER word! 🤣

[@BoBeats]

Plastiiiickkkyyyy123

[@robomixdj]

About the look: Teenage Enginering is a swedish company - Svedes have style (Germans don't for example). :-)

[@BoBeats]

Yeah. I know. I am Swedish 😅👌

[@ThetraHydroC]

They should call it LEMON, because you have smash from juice and make lemon juice ! :) worth it

[@chrislynch9364]

Yellow knobs blending into the yellow case doesn’t help. 1st impression it sounds like the volca modular and that was a little disappointing.

[@corzakkzakkcor3309]

I watched this video and was convicted not to get one of these ,then I watched Baseck on it and I want one tomorrow!!

[@DayflightTrok]

Fair

[@trilogylonewolf6217]

You can get one now for 255

[@BoBeats]

Its a good price!

[@mauchkimberly]

It seems to me this device is like an approachable machine that someone with no familiarity to modular, or maybe even synths, might find interesting. So then, while it might not great for anyone who's already started down that rabbit hole, for someone totally knew it would be great. Perhaps this isn't where the creator's would see this, but I could see it in a classroom. I could also see it as a way for someone who loves modular to provide a system that would invite their friends to noodle. Batteries only isn't great though.

[@kristeremtweden1481]

I think a better choice is the volca series...so much more fun... you can get like 5-6 of them for the same money and much more creativity and fun

[@F0r3v3rT0m0rr0w]

Oooooooooooooh 1:19 to 1:20 ..... for like a second that reminds me a bit of an ost to sid meier's Alpha centauri kzbin.info/www/bejne/sH3Mq3lja96YZrc

[@glynnpowell7864]

I don’t know about that. To criticize it for being expensive is just inaccurate when compared to other modular with the same amount of modules. You compared this to mother 32 and dfam, which is not a good comparison if you ask me.

[@MeatyController]

Add reverb

[@sonicultura]

I think you should make great music with it... If you don’t use it seriously maybe not for you... Same guy made ARP 2600 and Buchla 100... ;)

[@filtomsun]

I was excited when I saw this but I imagined it would be around 150-200 Euros. 550 is laughable for a synth that has the build quality of a toy. I also think it's a bit of a stretch to claim you build it yourself out of flat pack modules - as far as I can see it's one solid unit, right?

[@baqcasanke]

Phil Thompson i think you screw them on from the back or something but yeah its not what its claimed to be

[@zooblestyx]

I genuinely don't get the Pocket Operator branding here. When I first heard about these modules, I first envisioned something truly modular, with little cheapo modules at around the same prices as the PO's, with some clever mounting system of their own. Not this pre-chewed, ready-to-swallow package. Perhaps some sort of starter kit, with a small rack, power supply, etc, to get you started, after which you can start building your own setup, and not least your addiction. Not this pre-determined package, with not much in the way of options, and at a very unattractive initial expense. I mean, I *want* to throw my money at them, why do they have to make it so difficult?

[@baqcasanke]

zooblestyx yeah i imagined a rack and basic setup for like 150$ and each mini module beinng like a small PO and costing 50-150$ per module. This product is a huge let down

[@illustriouschin]

Criticizing anything TE does is brave/foolish!

[@xxx7917]

I think AE modular won this game

[@paulbrocklehurst5873]

Knobs don't feel good? That's not what I've been told. : )

[@BoBeats]

oh wait was that a boobs joke

[@GeorgeCopperfield]

Anyone else see the Pulsar 23?

[@BoBeats]

Don't miss my interview with Korg about the future of the Minilogue xd & Prologue: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aH7Yc4R-etOBfZI

[@jeredalmeida1880]

That thing looks more fragile than a Swarovski Crystal Volca. Plus they don't offer anything in terms of protecting the sides. One brisk wind and a nearby puddle spells imminent doom for this machine. On top of that, their no return policy is like a vote of no confidence in a machine that does not promise longevity. Even Bastl puts this thing to shame. You just can't polish a turd. Especially when you cut corners and forget the polish.

[@christoroppolo8742]

With the WMD monolith in the background! Peace Christo 👽🎶

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

Much like every other Teenage Engineering product, it's all fun and good until it breaks and you have to fix it. The target audience for this product is Apple users who don't want to learn how to build a modular system. It goes well with their UA stuff and other overpriced gadgets on their minimalist desk, along with the obligatory Starbucks cup.

[@BoBeats]

I agree: I am an apple user and I still want this

[@BoBeats]

now now be nice to us hipsters 🤣

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

@@BoBeats You have an actual modular synth. You are only semi-hipster...

[@BoBeats]

@@BrunodeSouzaLino i have too bad music taste to be hipster :( and I don't like IPA

[@valdiskrebs566]

Been an Apple user since 1984... never ever wanted a T.E. product! Yes, it is a coffee table book... that you move out of the way and ignore when people come over.

[@matthewcody1757]

Nope stix to the pos .yes its beautiful but idk it doesnt make me salivate on the floor and wonder if they could use a jaded old mans kidney

[@PaulMabley]

I can get similar sounds from my Newt, Model D and Volcas (FM, Drum, Modular and Beats).

[@jmalmsten]

Teenage Engineering's design estetic really perplexes me. They keep going for these cheap and unfinished looks.. and then you see the price and go "why would I ever pay those sums for these machines?" Yeah.. I'm looking elsewhere.