Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Modular 170 review

[@MercyAngelShin]

Great review! I really appreciate how upfront you were about the limitations of the thing and how fully you expressed that the #1 reason to buy this is that it's fun. Yes, it is a toy, and toys are fun. Nothing wrong with adults buying grown-up toys! The price is a bit hefty but I'm really considering getting one of these to dip my toes into modular.

[@angusofstockholm]

I got one of these cheap second hand but still in a sealed box a little while back. Thanks for this video - I’ve come back to it a few times now for fresh inspiration as I continue to use it.

[@nj1255]

That red colour is just amazing. Looks like a cool little toy to play around with! Might be more suitable as a present to a kid -- for learning the very basics of synthesizers -- rather than something you would buy to actually use yourself, but it would be a very good present at that. I would have loved to receive something like this when I was 10-12 y.o!

[@garageofwonder5583]

Amazing review, beautiful demonstration of 170 concepts, strengths and limitations

[@preston8836]

As a guitarist, just stepping into the world of electronic music (the metal world is modernizing) modulars and pocket operators are fascinating. Super portable, and incredible the range of sounds you can get. Frankly the pocket operators are just cool if you're a music nerd who constantly likes to fidget with music (hand drumming on the counter has gotten a major upgrade).

[@scotttascarella2951]

I just wanted to thank you for this review and walk through. I’ve been confused about the sequencer. This really helped!

[@dualtrx]

For 425 € this is not worth it. It's way too basic and boring. It's clearly that Teenage Engineering has much to learn and evolve in this modular zone. I dig the Lego Technics compatible knobs. cool idea. I'd take 3x Korg Volcas at any time over this.

[@Skootavision]

Dualtrx I don’t think I’d take 3 volca voices - though I love the kick. It’s a different world, but to support your point, at this price, I’d already got a model D Boog, a Behringer skiff case, a DIY frequency central power supply and a couple of second hand doepfer’s. I love this synth, but I agree, I don’t think value Is its unique selling point. I sort of want one though 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

agree the AE Modular is a better value and bet in same price range but to be honest, I rather just save up and get a Phenol or Birdkids modular for a little more cash. Even better build my own setup.

[@beedubs100]

This video is extremely extremely helpful. The only other explanation on how the 400 works is from the guy at TE. I'm not a modular guy by any means but I thought this would be a fun way to learn/get into it. I love building things and the building instructions albeit a bit strange worked fine and I built the 16, 170 and 400 to spec. The patch recommendations in the manual worked just fine but no explanation on how to use the sequencer or really how to patch your own music. This landed me here and it has been absolutely game changing in how I plan to use the POM's going forward. Thank you very much!

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Nice one, glad it helped

[@MarioConsunji]

😊

[@neilbriscombe]

Hi Robin, the in-depth sequencer video mentioned at 34:48, is it still in the works? I remember you concluded your PO Sound On Sound review with "that sequencer, though," so I'm intrigued. Have you used different tempo divisions and arp per step on different tracks yet? I'm planning to do a small batch of custom Eurorack cases with modded versions of the PO 16, replacing the membrane with key switches and latching/momentary On-Off-(On) switches for those useful to hold down (oct, track, program) and maybe with sliders vs. knobs for CV setting (undecided). Also a ton of mult lanes, some with attenuators, as I find these more necessary than VCAs even! Anyway, thanks for the video it got me to pull the trigger when these were on blowout.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Not entirely but: Jamming with the Teenage Engineering POM 16 Sequencer kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5vQZIBpot2drJI

[@mastaboog749]

really considering getting one of these as a start in modular

[@tobintechlv]

In your filter explanation it seems from your description that the filter more acts like a low pass gate thus the need to use the ADSR to open it up enough to get audio out

[@draconianrhythms]

So, the filter having 3 separate outs - probably being dim here but is that essentially the same as a dedicated 3-way mult, just for the filter output? Or is there a better/different way to use this?

[@williamolsen20]

I am just getting into modular, and I mostly play guitar badly, but I like to have a guitar that is visually pleasing to me. I would assume that cool looking synths or modules can be inspirational as well.

[@AlexanderCook87]

Knob range looks like a serious issue. I have been discussing it with my partner and she agrees if the knob range is too short then its definitely a toy.

[@mickben2643]

Hello. Can you use the pom 170 sequencer with the pom 400? Thank you for your great videos. Merci merci.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Sure 👌

[@mickben2643]

@@MoltenMusicTech merci 🙏

[@kingparamore787]

what is the name of the oscilloscope program you are running on the surface pro, please

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Melda Produtions plugins

[@OttosTheName]

I like the formfactor and that it's indeed 'properly modular' as in not pre-routed or normalised. But then you don't get any LFO Speed input, LFO Reset, Envelope Attack or Decay CV inputs, Resonance CV Input, etc. It looks like it has a bunch of CV jacks because a bunch are there two or three times (which is pretty cool) but it still feels so limited that if I saw this and a crave side by side for the same money I'd get the Crave. Or even a Volca Modular. Sequencer seems neat, but I'd rather have a slightly more practical one. The Crave has ratchet, pitch, mute, glide and accent per step and 32 steps per sequence. The VModular has microtuning and other cool features. Maybe I'm just more in a semi-modular mindset though. I bet there are things the Crave couldn't do that I'm not thinking of right now because I'm so used to semi-modular. If we did have more CV Ins that 4 channel sequencer would be so sweet. Like if they would let us set a LFO speed per step so we can get some weird rhythmic patterns with filter FM going. But now I'm struggling to see the point of that sequencer in this setup. Maybe to manually set filter cutoff? Or Amplitude modulation? That could be fun. This sequencer in the 400 modular would have been so cool and I would be fine with the 400 sequencer in the 160 at a lower price. I like the idea, but I wish there was just a little bit more... Oh great review btw! Love how you take the time to go in-depth.

[@Fluterra]

I Love mine! Extraordinary how many people just don’t get it.

[@Imetalman2000]

I had this one pre-ordered. It got back ordered, I waited 3 months with no updates. I'm now a proud owner of a Behringer Crave. I've thought about getting a 170 now, but when you compare the price, I probably going to get another crave.

[@monsirto]

The POs are great. This looks like an interesting project but 🤣, for the dosh,I think I'd just buy another neutron....or two 🖖

[@neonblack211]

thats exactly what I was thinking

[@Andor.]

I dont know if its "worth" it or not, but i honestly dont think it sounds to bad and i could see it really fitting in on a track perfectly as like that one last thing or the base for something. also having this along with other eurorack stuff seems really fun to. I do think that the price should or atleast could be a bit lower to make it really worth it and a hit, but im sure if they could make it cheeper they would.

[@Andor.]

def could see it beeing worth it if you just want some sligth touches of modular type sounds but not have to go full into eurorack.

[@dubdoodle7191]

There should be an elective course in grade 12 high school covering the science of synthesis. This synth would be an excellent learning aid.

[@GreatistheWorld]

It’s funny people say it doesn’t sound very good because I’ve checked out dozens of videos with the Volca modular or behringer whatever and it doesn’t actually sound better- or more Distinct- in how people are using them at least. The main argument against these, among competition, is the Bastl Kastle & Kastle Drum, which seem more in line with the pocket operator spirit. And as much as people complain about the price, look at how much the POMs are going for used. Seems they can command some kind of demand! Honestly I’m still considering them in the future just on basis of beautiful musical home decor alone…

[@infinity528hz5]

Teenage Engineering Had made the 170 to do its own thing, ive made very complex sound with it and i pached a sound and sequence that blew me away i couldn´t understand how it can do such Ambient, moveing sound,..I am stoked,...i have also a pom 400,...but still the 170 is my favorite,..maybe when i get the pom-16 sequencer the 400 get intresting,...as i used the 170´s sequencer to play the pom 400 it got life ;)

[@ryejack]

Loved the video! What app are you using to analyze the wave form?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

It's a VST plugin from Melda Productions - it's in their free suite of plugins.

[@ryejack]

@@MoltenMusicTech Thanks! Checking it out now.

[@trevormcintosh5564]

I literally thought that rooster was outside my house hahaha

[@illustrationmaking]

you're becoming something of a rather good influence. And so nice there's another UK accent to listen to. just got myself an mpc one as a brain....(not personally... though perhaps could be pressed into service...) for a more advanced system. looking to start investing and building around Christmas time. Keep making the vids... learned everything i know so far mainly from you and divkid., huge thanks (btw... what was that reference you made to church the other day......?)

[@Crucial_Realm]

Check out mylarmelodies as well. He’s my fave modular youtuber!

[@illustrationmaking]

Mr. Wiggles love his stuff.... but not quite as informative at this part of the ‘journey’ :D really appreciate someone who goes eh? As it means I know what to expect

[@videomove]

nice one,thanks! nice shirt, too...

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Do they sell a version that is already assembled? I suck at DIY projects.

[@wowacwejman2012]

This is an example of the crazy swedish idea of do your (IKEA) self. I hate it too.

[@agingsore6529]

Thanks for the review and demo, and especially for more or less limiting it to the sounds that the 170 can produce, rather than 'this is what a 170 sounds like with the rest of my rack adding effects etc'. Maybe it's not actually toy like enough? Where are all the blinky lights? Why is it not either sexy black or brushed aluminium? The whole and entire point of modular is to be ridiculously & hideously expensive. Side cheeks might be good though. I have other control surfaces where the knobs do the wind round until they take up thing, i think the advantage is that you're less likely to accidently nudge something away from its current setting.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

That would just make it the same as any other modular. I think that the design style is definitely a plus in terms of this synth.

[@agingsore6529]

@@MoltenMusicTech I agree, my criticism was more aimed at the people who say that it's toy like, expensive and hipsterish. To me, that's a 3 word definition of modular synthesis. That said i'm enough of a hipster to really want to play with all those lovely eurorack toys, i just lack the funds. For me, the pico system III looks more interesting, it seems to offer more in the way modulation options, but i wouldn't know if it's valid to compare the two systems directly. I do suspect that TE deliberately went for the whole marmite experience, none of their gear is designed to blend in. I wonder what the sensible next steps would be for someone who had one of these as a starter system?

[@dpotta]

i'm delving into the world of diy modular and had to google "difference between a100k and b100k pots" - bear with me here - a are audio and b are linear. If you use a linear pot in where audio should be - apparently all the adjustment would be bunched up at one end of the pots travel instead of evenly changing over the range of it. do you think that might be the problem with the PWM? tbh, i have no flippin' idea. but when i read that, i was reminded of this vid.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Sure, possibly 😁

[@dpotta]

@@MoltenMusicTech 🤷‍♂️, who knows

[@segfault-berlin]

I am an analogue engineer, Yea what you described *could* be the problem but its impossible to know for sure without a close look at the circuit board. In either case, A or B (Or C, D, R, X, Z; there's an entire universe of pots) its surprising that the "11o'clock bug" made it through testing. Re tuning the circuit would not be a insurmountable task for a company like TE. In general lots of little things like that make me feel the PO Modular range was somewhat rushed.

[@GreyDintZ]

You just answered a question I've had for a long time. Novice circuit builder, been making stuff with scrap parts.

[@turtlemouth]

It seems fun but the asking price is ridiculous. That said, I would like to see a video with you and Paul Shillito (Curious Droid) spending the day together shopping for shirts.

[@segfault-berlin]

My conclusion is those who like it spend a lot of time apologising for it. Is it a real synth? - yes. Is it stuffed full of potential? - yes. Should you buy it? - God no. Not for the price. Should other manufacturer's be scared of what Generation 2 is gonna be able to do? - Probably; I am!

[@dedodan1]

time to go to sleep the roster sing morning 19:16 19:29 19:41 19:57 20:10

[@simonpettersson6788]

but does it make music?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

I thought I was?

[@johnnymidnight2982]

Robin, sample that chicken and bring back Farm n' Bass.

[@pheotus]

But for the price you can get better machines. I want to like them but all I see when I look at there stuff is over priced hipster toys.

[@jeanbonnefoy1377]

Totally agree. And slightly boring, to top it all.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

But what better modular system can you get for the same price?

[@pheotus]

True for a semi modular piece it’s a ok price. But look at the behringer neutron. May not hav a sequencer but it’s a good machine. So yea it’s cheaper than eurorack units sure. But for me I would sit it aside and forget about it. But that’s just me. I honestly believe there stuff is over priced aimed at hip kids wanting to look cool.

[@OttosTheName]

Just pair the Neutron with a Crave. Sequencer, moog filter, extra lfo, s&h, env, etc. Loads of modular fun for the money. €288+155

[@alanc6752]

Not worth the retail price with so many better options for the same or less cash. Somewhere between 100 - 199 at Aldi would make sense for this synth.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

If it was made of plastic on a single smt pcb with normalled routing and a single track sequencer then I’d agree. But as a mini Eurorack system in a metal box with deep sequencing I can’t honestly find anything to touch it at this price.

[@playbookshowme484]

where the midi?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

TRS output on the side

[@Skootavision]

That actually hurt (the HF). It’s better value and as good sounding as the SH101 clone. Expandable is the foocher, doood!

[@7177YT]

Still prototypical ikea synth in my book. It's even mildly underwhelming like all the other stuff they sell. (: Brilliant demo, thank you Robin!

[@djformalin]

Thx 🎼

[@Nokanmusic]

I could use this, but i’d rather use my hard earned money on other modules, sadly. If I where ever gifted this synth I would not complain.

[@Boxofhornetz]

Dope

[@robertsyrett1992]

Oh, it's a modular TR-303. I guess that's alright.

[@elektronen]

Nice overview and demos. Frankly, not worth $400. It's totally cool that it's a small Eurorack in a fun box, but I find it timbrally boring, pointlessly East Coast, and modular synthesis' equivalent of a sampler plate at your local fill-in-ethnicity restaurant. I am totally fine with normaled semi-modulars like the Neutron and Volca Modular because they offer fantastic timbral potential for the money, and almost nothing that can't be patched around. I own both, and together spent less than $400 to obtain them. If I want un-normaled purity (yes, I understand this is heresy in some quarters), I've got VCV Rack for that.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

The “timbrally boring” bit how is it any less so than the Mother32, Crave, Erebus, 0-Coast or row of 5 Doepfer modules? It’s a single analog synth voice with loads of FM possibilities - what do you think it should have?

[@tonverfall_studio]

To be clear, I like TE, and have had tons of fun with their PO-16. I think this modular would be much more compelling with an oscillator that does more than just a square wave. As you point out, the filter is problematic, and I agree. When I consider what I can get out of my Bastl Kastle for $100, it seems like TE are just kind of phoning this thing in at 4x the price. Anything above about $250 needs to be much better thought out, and I just don't think basic "real" modular in a cute box is worth that kind of cash. Basically, would you be happy with this as your ONLY synth? That's where I'm coming from.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Well, yes the same degree as i would a Mother-32, Erebus, Crave and so on and none of those have the ability to run 4 other synths from their sequencer. People seem to miss that it has a £200 sequencer built in - and that was probably their mistake and people would perhaps have responded better to a £200 synth with a simpler sequencer. So i don't think the price is out of order at all for a Euro compatible modular synthesizer with a multi-channel sequencer - but they haven't been very good at getting that across. And neither, it seems, have i. I'll see if i can fair better with the 400 :D

[@tonverfall_studio]

@@MoltenMusicTech It seems like an odd design and marketing decision to present the 170 as this all-in-one modular, and then graft this sequencer on that clearly admits the existence of an outside world. 😉 I look forward to your review of the 400, which from a distance looks like a much better value.

[@wowacwejman2012]

Simplicity is a good thing. Exaggerated simplicity is not. Also; do ONLY what you're best at. TE should keep it in their collective mind. they're 40 ppl (!).

[@synthshoot1026]

It's just too expensive for what it is. They could have sold more for less.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

I think what people miss is that it has a £200 sequencer built in. The 400 with three times as many modules is only £100 more but doesn't have that sequencer.

[@synthshoot1026]

@@MoltenMusicTech Still, I could get a micro-brute for $100 less which does almost the same and probably more. Or get an awesome Microbrute 2 for $50 more.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Sure, but that's a synth with some patching, not a modular synth. There are plenty of semi-modulars or little synths which do more but they're not modular synths. Why buy into Eurorack at all when there are so many great synths out there? You're not comparing the same thing - it's a different approach.

[@synthshoot1026]

@@MoltenMusicTech I see what you mean. Except that this is not really modular modular either. Yes it has modules but they're fixed, there is no "choice". Which is a big part of what makes modular what it is. One could say that it's just a synth with modular patching but without prewired connections. Having modular patching is just like having a mod matrix, albeit analog with cables. It is basically unclear what they were trying to do here. The looks of it tends to suggest that it's a budget system. The made of it (Steel) suggests it's not. If they were trying to introduce a new format/standard. They should have at least made those modules detachable for us to hope in the future that they would produce more module options. if they were trying to introduce a budget modular system (hence the word "Pocket"). They should have prices in the range of their previous pocket operator products which are way cheaper and more interesting I'd say than plain analog typicals. I think many people thought this way. I could be wrong.

[@Marcus538]

Iplay Djembe bit of wood bit of goat skin & string no knobs no functions £80 Sounds better no fuss

[@Ziqver]

Sounds a bit like an apple computer. It’s modular, but you can’t change anything.

[@R_G_S]

For the price its not worth it!! Looks and feels like a toy.. For less than half the price you can buy a Behringer Crave to start your modular journey..

[@brainsplosion3000]

kl

Far too expensive for such a little synth

[@AndrewPRoberts]

I think it's cool, but it should go for like 299.

[@kevinbirge2130]

Cool but overpriced by at least 100 USD.

[@aphexon.]

Toy!

[@wowacwejman2012]

Compare to Volca series; it looks like a toy but it's not. That's profesionalism.

[@brainsplosion3000]

kl