Teenage Engineering POM 400 - Full Review

[@toddbottv]

THANK YOU! I got this thing when it was first announced and I love it - it sits so well with my euro system and is fun by itself too. I never understood the price complaints, there are single euro modules that cost more and do less. I was able to downsize my main rack of a few utility modules because I can just patch into the 400 for em now too, it’s a delightful sound object. You’ve gotta have an open mind to really appreciate the unusual potential of this synth, but it’s super fun and useful, and looks nice too.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

You’re awesome!

[@babaka3278]

A very rich review, thank you for the effort.

[@aseomg]

The TE POM series are great family heirloom electronic instruments. I hope your children show their children, and those children show their children, and etc., etc. Great review & videos of these instruments.

[@elsantoproductora]

How can you hate a piece of gear you don't own? Maybe I'm just too simple minded but if I see something I like, I try to find a good deal and buy it. If I doesn't fit my workflow, for whatever reason, I sell it. Thanks for the great review

[@AdAsteris]

Love the chapters thing Robin. Keep up the great videos. The 'ol Rain computers are still ticking along nicely btw. Thanks for all you do for music.

[@benbainbridge]

thank you for the honest view of this thing

[@lvilladj]

Good morning, is it possible to know where to buy those knobs to turn the wheels more easily? Thank you

[@MoltenMusicTech]

It's Lego, I got them from a lego brick shop

[@cooperofnavarone8616]

I have the "AE modular" by tangible waves. Imo it has a more robust (legit) sound and it's actually modular because you can add modules /move modules. It comes with a midi to cv converter as well with a starter systems in a similar price range.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

It needs it because it’s difficult to interface AE modular with devices that generate CV. Pros and cons I think - AE modular is brilliant but it’s not perfect either.

[@cooperofnavarone8616]

@@MoltenMusicTech people are buying these to interface with their eurorack systems? 😐

[@LittleFoilFish]

It doesn't look great, the knobs would drive me up the wall but, 3 oscillators, 2 Envs, 2 VCAs, VCF, Sequencer and the rest for £500 is awesome. It's modular, you can patch, create and generate your own sound. It seems good for beginners, a nice little option for others to play about with without having to take a power brick etc. What more could you ask for? I wouldn't buy it because I have lots of U and HP going on in my studio already and I'm looking for other modules but I certainly would think about it if I had a spare 500 flying about the place

[@thefishthe]

Thank you for explaining filter needs CV input to fully open.

[@alexandertouchdown8737]

What osciloscope is that? It looks like an audio input + software but I'm not sure

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Melda Productions plugins

[@alexandertouchdown8737]

@@MoltenMusicTech thanks! Keep up the great content

[@outrunthis]

I bought one of these and I am learning how to use it. What is that star-looking-thing that plugs all the cables? The one you use to plug the speakers too. It would be helpful to buy one of those. Please let me know. Thank toy

[@MoltenMusicTech]

It’s a “mult” or patch cable splitter. I think these are called ninja stars. Most modular places have them.

[@ameliarose-x3j]

Hi, Robin where did you get the knob caps from Please respond.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

The Lego bits? They are Lego from a Lego shop.

[@infinity528hz5]

Thanks Robin for a Dynamic and fun rewiew. It made me order Both Modular 170 & 400 PO´s i havin lot of fun Cheers

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yay! Good to hear :D

[@neilbriscombe]

We British do like an underdog - perhaps some 'sweet lemons' going on? (opposite of 'sour grapes' in for any readers, in case that's just a Brit phrase), actually by the end I didn't think it was. Good to know about the refresh thanks a lot for mentioning it 😊 I have no shame of my semi-modulars: Neutron, Crave, Minibrute 2s and Mono Station [edit ok not semi-modular but audio in, CV and mod matrix - patch management, per step patch change, paraphonic, those pads/scales and that sequencer give a lot]. Semi-modular is connection breakable and I don't think I let default routing limit me. The only eurorack modules I have are more off the wall items my semi-modular doesn't offer. I'm happy even if it is partially self-deception that the semi kit gave me more bang for buck and immediacy than full modular without sacrificing scope or opinions. In fact I've not named my eurorack modules out of respect of the semis, they may interpretat that as me trying to recover some kudos! I wanted to thank you for your video and staking a claim for the PO400. Your passion is transparent, and that did convey the idea to me that the sum of its parts gives it an unusual proposition that can be relished. The friction it presents enhances your experience perhaps? You can't make diamond without heat and pressure after all. The patching @0:08 and @2:52 with Jean Michel Jarre Oxygene vibe - I would be very grateful if you could you briefly explain the mechanics? is it an oscillator being pitch modulated by an LFO, the LFO having its speed also modulated? Thanks again 🕺✌️🥰 Neil

[@larseikind666]

Looking at the knobs, is it compatible with LEGO?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yes

[@coolkaileyhater]

Getting it tomorrow 🎉

[@MaximeJunchat]

These videos on the pom400 are excellent! Your approach is so relaxed and accessible. I'm looking for your video on the pom16 but I can't find it, didn't you finally make it? Yet it would be so cool and useful 😌

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Using the sequencer is tied up the POM170 video - it's the same thing. But here's a jam i did purely on the POM 16 kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5vQZIBpot2drJI

[@michaelrutchik9906]

I think the best thing to compare this to for value is the Pico System III which is a little cheaper and in some ways delivers even more value. I picked up a Pico system for my 16 YO nephew last summer mostly due to the negative reviews of the PO400 by people I like and respect. Perhaps the Pico system is better built, a bit more serious and has an even greater range of possibilities. But I wish I’d seen your review before then because this would have been the better choice for him. He would have spent more time with this by now. The Pico system is dense and packs an enormous punch, but can also be very difficult to wrap your head around. You’re right when you say the PO400 is truly modular in the sense that it won’t do anything if you don’t patch it, but it seems to me that patching this is actually quite easy....and fun. And every sound it makes after you patch it, is your sound. That is very powerful. I started with a Mother 32 and for the first year or so I limited myself to a couple knob combinations and soon became bored with it. Of course, it is actually quite powerful once you patch it, but I needed to dig into this community to learn how to do that. The PO400 could take you down that path much quicker and you’d have fun doing it. Great review, and you’re absolutely correct that you’d have to spend 2 to 3 times the price to build this from standard modules, excepting the Pico III of course which remains a killer deal. But the Pico is quite intimidating and I think it may be a couple years and a few Zoom tutorial sessions before I can get my nephew to appreciate and use the instrument I sent him. Thanks!

[@MichaalHell]

2 years om This now costs the same as a Behringer D.. quiet impressive tbh

[@dinogoldie9716]

Apparently they've just slashed (almost halved) the price. Might get one now.

[@mrsulcus674]

I'm quite taken with it. It looks great as an object (awkward to take out live though) and I don't think it sounds bad at all, considering the price. Unfortunately though I can't see a situation where it moves into the realm of a next purchase over a few other things I have my eye/wallet on. If I was starting off in modular/electronic music though I'd snap one up.

[@graviton9282]

I would say that’s a fine thru zero pulse. Of which I’ve seen on many synths... also I would say this shines most with cross modulation. Sounds great to me. But yes I only really want it because I have other things. I hope they keep them in stock for a while so I can actually get one ;-)

[@FotoxBr_nl]

Neutron single oscillator synth ? x btw There is really nothing I like about this yellow thing. Sorry.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Oh bugger, sorry, 2 oscillator synth!

[@praticle]

I hate to admit the sound is incredibly underwhelming :(

[@praticle]

@@russ254 Unfortunately, it isn't illegal for a product to underperform.

[@cooperofnavarone8616]

@@russ254 People are only saying that because it DOES sound very underwhelming. So.. what are you supposed to be, the police of kind honest opinions?.

[@fromgreetings]

@@cooperofnavarone8616 but he said that he hated to admit it so he was being very kind and nice. No need to call the police.

[@Reprobus3]

I just bought the Erica Synths Pico System 3 as my gateway in to this world. It was under £450 and I'm loving it. I believe it gives the POM 400 a run for it's money. You didn't seem to mention that as an option. Have you ever tried it? BTW, I have no problem with TE stuff, I'm just putting it forward as a suggestion. I've just discovered your channel, I'm really enjoying it. Many thanks

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Ah the Pico System 3 yeah good alternative, just didn't think about it.

[@michaelrutchik9906]

BTW, I first saw the PO400 in the video Cuckoo shot of Baseck playing it. Looking back, that should have convinced me that this instrument is the real deal. But then, I think Baseck could make a light switch sound like an amazing instrument too ;-)

[@DeathZeroTolerance]

I heard you say THC designed this machine? I can't find any info, but it sure would make sense!

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yeah, it took some digging :D

[@mmafrance]

Bonjour! Thanx for this awesome video for a new owner, there a not so many with a high interest deep review and yours is a part of them. Could anyone tell me how to find some cool knobs like in the video?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

They are lego - so you need a lego shop :D

[@mmafrance]

@@MoltenMusicTech Merci very much, im lost on their webstore right now :D

[@dillipphunbar7924]

Neutron has 2 oscillators.....2 neutrons (2nd hand) would cost about the same

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yep, 2 oscillators, got that wrong, but it's hard to price compare anything with Behringer so the gist of what i'm saying remains true enough.

[@AlexanderCook87]

​@@MoltenMusicTech If you compare any other synth to behringer the internet goes mental about how behringer has no RnD and just copies designs etc, and then something like this ones along and people say its expensive compared to 2 behringers synths.

[@axs203]

My humble opinion.....i really like the look.....the demos Robin has done sound really good ...i am surprised...as it's not had too good press.....on negatives I wish they sold it pre build that is a turn off and the vertical angle looks like your arms could hurt holding them up all night...it needs to be more slanted but granted it looks like you can do that...so pluses and minuses....will it do more than my neutron...hmmmm...you are right it hasn't gone down that well with people....but it does sound ok to me and that yellow colour is great

[@MrTanukiD]

Erm.. First up the Neutron has 2 (multi wave) oscillators, is practically half the price and despite being a Behringer product still looks like it will outlast any of TE's products in terms of durability. I could go on but... I understand that taking the time and effort to build something yourself gives you more of an emotional attachment to a thing, and beauty is subjective of course but to me it just looks cheap and nasty. I actually quite like sound of the oscillators though. That sequencer though...

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Yes it does, and in fact you can replace any synthesizer with multiples of Neutrons. In the future all synthesis will be Neutron based, it’s our destiny 🍻

[@Earther._]

@@MoltenMusicTech did a big dumb laugh at that, thanks 😂

[@olGrandpaby]

I’m offended you’d say such things about my beloved AE modular! You’re kinda right, it isn’t made for AEsthetics. At least it’s a proper modular though. That’s more than you can say for the PO400.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Don’t be offended, get your paint brush out and make it fabulous! 😁

[@olGrandpaby]

Molten Music Technology in all seriousness I considered it. The bland grey isn’t very appealing. But we’re musicians and not artists now aren’t we? The sounds are what matters the most.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Ha, I would say we’re all artists and it’s about how something makes us feel. That pulls in all sorts of factors when it comes to the gear we use and the choices we make. It just has to tick enough of the right boxes for you. I think AE modular is brilliant but it doesn’t tick the same boxes for me.

[@olGrandpaby]

Molten Music Technology that’s a fair point and that’s why I watch your videos. You can make an argument for a budget modular system that I think is strictly inferior to another budget modular system and it makes sense. We’ve all got different boxes that require ticks.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Nice one :D

[@smacksalad]

Bedder? He's gone all Smashy and Nicey! :)

[@samiblanco]

Wonderful educator, much thx ✨🦋💜🦋✨

[@markjupiter4]

Through zero pulse wide is not new, the pro one has it among many others. Nick Batt knows all about through zero pulse width.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Does he? Good lad.

[@johnrichardson3297]

Molten Music Technology. The reason why I feel the Syntrx is great is the review from Matt Creamer Audio of the Arturia Synthi V kzbin.info/www/bejne/a3TGm2tndsZ7a8k as being relative to the Syntrx...

[@feudiable]

Now I'd like to see you do a modular session while bungee jumping or skydiving:D

[@pheotus]

I feel bad my comments upset so much. Did not wish to upset you.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

What are you talking about? Upset by what?

[@modularinspiration]

Looks like an electronics kit from the early 80s and built from Mechano. Cant find any desire to part with cash for this....

[@MoltenMusicTech]

Why is that not an awesome factor for you?

[@modularinspiration]

Molten Music Technology I don’t get who the target market is. Is it an educational tool?

[@MoltenMusicTech]

I think that's a good question and one I struggled to answer precisely. It's not uncommon to construct synthesizers, it's a fun thing to do and digs into the whole modular experience in a light and relaxed way. It's a 3-oscillator modular synth, it can be as educational as you like, or not. For a beginners entry into modular I think it's quite difficult, for more experienced people it probably doesn't bring anything new to the table. But it's interesting in its own right. I think it would be a great additional to any semi-modular setup, perhaps as a stepping stone to modular. Or maybe it's something to fiddle with away from the studio - i don't think the target is very specific, i just think it's a nice box.

[@randydarklight]

It doesn´t have a good VCF but all in all for 300 Euro it is a fun system.

[@samprock]

Noiccce! :)

[@playbookshowme484]

50:50 all I got is that he just needs a few knobs to make his life better... tough reviews these dayz.

[@kevinbirge2130]

I find it interesting. There seems to be a hostility towards the democratization of synthesis affordable gear brings. Too late. We barbarians are past the gates. (Note: the Neutron has two oscillators and is paraphonic.)

[@SirSybian]

giv'ya 50bux & a coupla'pingers

[@nineinchnabokov]

meh

[@bradscott3165]

For less the price of this thing I can buy a Deluge? I way don't get it. Nice video, but I don't get their point unless it's just to sell overpriced toys to hipsters or whatever they're called these days. It doesn't seem like it's doing their rep any favors.

[@MoltenMusicTech]

It’s a 3 oscillator modular synth - which bit don’t you get? I’m not sure about the Deluge comparison. There are many things you can buy for £500.

[@brunovalente2077]

Fun enough to say it is not expensive but its made for rich people to buy it.