The K.O. II is More Than Just a Groovebox

Donald Jordan explores the Teenage Engineering EP-133 K.O. II and its old school sampling methods.
All sounds and music in this video were created using the K.O. II.
This video is not sponsored and all featured gear was purchased at full price.
If you enjoyed this review and want to see similar content in the future, please like and subscribe.
Intro: 00:00
Quality: 1:56
Drop Test: 2:38
Concerns: 5:04
Workflow: 7:31
The Killer Feature: 13:02
Conclusion: 17:05

[@Bloom_Music]

The follow up video to show my 2x sample prep process is now live: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnvOkomGe9GWbcU

[@johnsuggs7828]

When my wife leaves me (god I pray) because I purchased another groove box....I'll blame....no one actually. Did it all on my own because it's something cool from TE and I can afford it. So shit, why not

[@darrickholmes6233]

Do you have a in depth video on the killer feature you were talking about

[@Bloom_Music]

@@darrickholmes6233 I do! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6vTkqCemsRlhKs

[@RhettShull]

This is hands down the best KO II video Ive seen so far.

[@djkillachris]

wow, an intelligent review. thanks. I absolutely love mine. never have I had an easier time getting people who have never hit an electronic pad on any machine get completely into making beats. watching the smile on one's face the first time they ever made a beat, complete with their own voice as a sample, is priceless. and the quantize function makes it seem like their naturals lol. the ultimate party trick.

[@denisforbes]

Such a smooth video, loved every minute of this, smart, polished and very well done. Love it!!!!!

[@SamplersAndThings]

Best and most honest review I've seen so far. The 2x speed then pitch down quality example is great.

[@shawnfroos]

Sir, the production, presentation and vibes of this are top drawer. Instant sub

[@supadave4250]

Totally agree 💯

[@canertogan6462]

Amazing

[@konstantine8054]

The drop test section ... made me subscribe. Clever, well executed, informative. Well done!

[@lucaacaprio]

same

[@marcoshreds]

I 100% agree. I've been having sooo much fun with mine and absolutely love the design, quality and functionality. Everyone that has put their hands to it loves it. Thanks for an honest review in great production quality and the double speed tip!

[@gabrielreinert8458]

So glad to see a new video. Started to get worried, because the last videos are 8 months old. Your reviews have a certain production quality, that sets you truly apart from any other gear review youtuber. Keep up the good work!

[@SuperDuperVision]

Thanks for the video. Ive been on the fence about the KO2 but this was well done. Phenomenal editing too you got a sub in me im surprised you’re not at a million subs yet. Im here for it when it happens

[@ToCoSo]

The knobs are so easy to learn, took me about a day to feel totally back to my old sampler days of the late 90's

[@LOGICALMAGNET]

this Video Started Perfectly, so glad that i Found it, Quality always Matters thanks for this video cant wait to see more like this

[@TrickmanTerry]

I appreciate this take on the KO II. I was worried about the 64MB sampling limitaton, so I was shying away from sampling on it. Now I think I will try to embrace it more, as it does give a cool gritty effect when its slowed down. You have a new subscriber.

[@Goth108]

Wow, this video was pretty informative in the end. Thanks!

[@Vxt667]

Feels like I’m back in Music class. Love it. Educational and entertaining.

[@CourtneyEllis]

I see that you are just under 7k subscribers. I appreciate that you only review what you buy with your money. Your writing and video creativity is killer! Your video quality is wonderful. Keep with this. You are one of the best reviewers I have seen. I just purchased the KOII to test ideas for myself. I don’t know the Launchpad. I’ll check out your other video related to its use in polyphonic sampling.

[@brettmaddan3255]

This is a great video, I'm not even that interested in this device but the nice videography and calm commentary makes this excellent. Subscribed cheers!

[@kolvis1641]

the cinematic intro has earned a subscription, like, and comment. quality video production, and i appreciate the review! also, rip the mpc.

[@vinylarchaeologist]

Thank you for your level-headedness ❤

[@benoftroy]

terrific review, thank you!

[@JohnMcSmith]

Fantastic review, and great editing. This channel is gonna go places

[@Reggi_Sample]

Thing about using breaks over one shots - you’ve automatically got a premixed panned and balanced drum bus sound. With one shots they need to be blended to sound that way. It’s a good advantage

[@LoserDub]

Yeahhhh but breaks are somebody else time work and effort, like paint by numbers, sure its your picture, but did you make it? Is it a representation of you

[@LaidBackApophis]

you're commenting on a review of a sampler, and thats your take? @@LoserDub

[@3tree]

Great piece, thank you. It made me think again about this one, having been put off on launch by the quality concerns. The killer feature alone is super interesting.

[@corri303]

Excellent review. And seriously impressed by your tapping precision!! On time like a robot

[@shawnmuench]

I was gonna make a snide comment like "oh you must really get off at an actual concert then" but I checked your channel and your stuff is v cool. Props!

[@corri303]

@@shawnmuench thanks :) always enjoy watching talented musicians no matter what instrument or genre. I for one have to rely on quantization but that's fine :D

[@ipsinghification]

Amazingly produced Video :) Thanks

[@Boumclap]

Great honest and cool sounded video !

[@regortex3364]

10/10 presentation, I’m sold.

[@CyberMunchies]

This is rad. Great presentation

[@iforgot11]

This was so helpful - Thanks!

[@freeagentbeats6170]

I really enjoyed this review it helped me understand the K.O. II beings though I just got it 😊

[@cougarman8]

Awesome video! I love my ko2 and this gives me new ideas!

[@josebee1319]

Great review and insights

[@mwood1618]

Dude. The drop test. So good.

[@jalocin]

very good video! I am really impressed!

[@nicknormandy]

You’re inspiring me to go back in time when they weren’t sold out and buy one ❤

[@cvltzilla]

theres plenty available

[@AbcAbc-rs7kx]

When was that 😅

[@nicknormandy]

Oh really? Awesome! I didn’t know they were back in stock

[@bitbotrecords]

Great video 🎉 thanks for sharing

[@Andreas1683]

Oh! Dude! I have been playing all day with how to make this sampler into a ambient device! Thanks to the video something clicked! I sampled some choirs from egypt, with into key mode and turned Attack and release up! and damn! a whole new world was opened! Bless you!

[@retrothing]

I’ve been saying for decades a there’s been no successor to the SK-1’s throne. Thank you. I’m not a beats guy, more of a sound design fiddler, and I’ve been looking for a sampler to love for ages. I was going to pass this one, but your presentation and resulting music may have turned me. Thanks for your terrific work.

[@zacharysearcy]

im also a sound design fiddler...what gear do you like?

[@earthboundboy]

I love mine, I’m from the old days of early MPCs / S900 with an Alesis MMT-8 etc and the KO gives me the same sort of vibes. Not had any problems with it at all quality-wise.

[@davelee1935]

Awesome vid ! Mines in the post ! A really interesting take on it

[@roseutterback5755]

Damn love yur videos bro so clean

[@evianxlucy]

this review really made me consider keeping my po ii instead of selling it for something else. thanku so much for this

[@CrusaderGeneral]

cant believe this channel isnt at least 100k!

[@w8less2020]

Well made video. Subscribed ❤

[@krazywabbit]

Props. If one focuses on the negatives or somehow you are shilling, they are missing out on the workflow nugget you dropped and the killer feature. You kinda spoke to me on the jam v production side of the house. Not that I need this yet if I decided too, fun would be had. Isn't that what this is all about? For most of us.

[@raysubject]

that drop test was absolutely epic … laughed very hard 😂😂😂😂😂

[@stefrance2]

Such great video !!!! ❤

[@Knypsterino]

I really enjoyed this review and I agree on your point of view. Love my KO II 🥊

[@canertogan6462]

I am an instant fan, thank you!

[@NicolasMelis]

great video! thanks

[@raoniband]

OMG that drop test gave me chills!! 😅

[@Bloom_Music]

She was an old gal that was ready to be put to pasture, so she sacrificed herself in the name of comedy. 😀

[@sonicultura]

Inspring video! Great one thanks!! Sorry but a dumb question how do you do to get the loops at double speed before sending them into the device? I need trying that! Thanks I am now subscribed to this channel! ✌🏾

[@Bloom_Music]

I've had this question several times, so I think I will make a follow up video to show this process and how to get the best results. Stay tuned!

[@sonicultura]

Thanks a lot!! @@Bloom_Music

[@sambeard4428]

Something like audacity works well

[@Bloom_Music]

@@sonicultura Follow up video is live: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnvOkomGe9GWbcU

[@sonicultura]

Thanks so much for the follow up on this theme! I will look into it now! I missed the notification but saw it now! THANKS!! 🙏🏾@@Bloom_Music

[@ChewoBeats]

This will be add nice to my live Ret! Can’t wait - it really sounds like my 3k… amazing

[@aftertheendtimes]

Best KO-II video ever 🥰thanks

[@GrocerGames]

Sadly mine came with a non functioning fader from the start but I agree with your assessments. I loved it for the day that I had it and will probably buy it again, perhaps the kinks are worked out.

[@ifxman]

I don't even own one but I am enjoying your tutorial presentation. I'll stick with my PO33 and 133's. Cost relatively the same but I didn't pay full retail. Last yr B&H sold the PO133 for $59 - I bought 2. 4x3=12tracks/polyphony and with the right samples it's a sweet little noise making rig. I'm honestly not sold on the EP133 yet but you certainly are giving me something to think about now because I'm all about looping sequences too. Keep 'em jam'n

[@giannisozo7928]

I love the look of this thing.

[@fredicagoillanoise1309]

To really dial in on the trim points, I found using the trim knob while holding shift helps you accurately trim your samples.

[@saluddiaz]

great review, thanks I was wondering were do you get your breaks and drum loops, love them

[@Bloom_Music]

All of the breaks in this vid are from rhythm-lab.com, three packs: Vintage Hip Hop Breaks Vol.1, Vintage Hip Hop Breaks Vol.2, and Trippy Beats.

[@saluddiaz]

@@Bloom_Music thanks and keep up with great work

[@vladimirkirillovskiy8056]

Really nice video and really useful trick with samples double speed! I may try it on my PO-33 :)

[@michael7018]

I agree the immediacy of results are gained quickly and is a fun unit. I use it in a complex studio environment with many analog synths. I got it at first as a nostalgic impulse from the old days of sampling but it turned out to be a great addition to my toolsets.

[@baronvongreenback]

I keep coming back to this video for help and inspiration, really nice work, subbed. Any recommendations on where to get some nice loop packs? Or do you make your own loop samples?

[@Bloom_Music]

All of the breaks in this vid are from rhythm-lab.com, three packs: Vintage Hip Hop Breaks Vol.1, Vintage Hip Hop Breaks Vol.2, and Trippy Beats.

[@baronvongreenback]

@@Bloom_Music Thank you! I come from the silly land of overpriced modular synths and have no idea when it comes to sample packs.

[@TreyBruceable]

Great take. I returned mine due to the faulty fader, but it’s still a very immediate and fun device.

[@Bloom_Music]

Bummer... Sorry to hear you lost the TE lottery!

[@hollownation]

For anyone looking to do this on the cheap koala sampler you need to pitch down and bounce a couple of times before you get it real low but it will get there add a MIDI keyboard and your away

[@jorgillo86]

Not as fun

[@infektdubstep]

the break workflow is so cool, really want to mess with those now! great video

[@Funkotronimus]

Much appreciated!

[@ForecastGrim]

Fantastic cinematography and production! May I ask what is your camera/lens of choice?

[@ForecastGrim]

Man this video is the gift that keeps giving. Excellent tip on the sample loading.

[@Bloom_Music]

Thanks! I am using a Panasonic GH5 recording out to a Ninja Flame 7. For lenses, I use a Panasonic 30mm f/2.8 for the close shots and an EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 adapted with a speed booster for the overhead shots.

[@biggreemo]

What did you use to pitch the samples before you loaded them into the EP 133 @ 8:52 ?

[@Bloom_Music]

The follow up video to show my 2x sample prep process is now live: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnvOkomGe9GWbcU

[@MacBeatsByGoldClaggettt-wf6vu]

This video is so on point!!! Thank You for uploading and sharing your knowledge and experiments👑

[@dianamaydj]

hahaha, I just LOVE your intro

[@kiume_]

proudly contributing the 777th like for such a well made video 🙌

[@achook9474]

@Bloom_Music 1. Does it have portamento or glide between two note? As in the sample of the moog can you play a pad/note and then it slowly glide to the next note when you press and hold both notes/pads? My Emu mp-7 has this and my sp404mk2 doesn’t t and it sucks because I can sample sounds but not glide between note so I can’t make westcoast wire sounds or bass glides. 😢 that’s what I’m looking for is a sampler with glide/portamento that you can change the glide speed to make wires/bass glides that’s not an mpc(I hate their work flow). Why is this so hard when an Emu mp-7 from 20 years ago had it. 🤦‍♂️

[@Bloom_Music]

It has legato, but no glide. The way it works is it continues playback at the same position in the sample when you trigger the next note, but the pitch changes instantly.

[@tartoras]

Thanks for the vid! Helping me better understand my KO II. I have a question... more like a request actually. Is there such a thing as a sped-up breaks sample pack for devices like this? If you have a link, would love it.I want to give your workflow a try.

[@Bloom_Music]

Sorry, not to my knowledge! You can do it fairly easily by speeding them up in a DAW, though!

[@wehongryy]

excellent video!

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

Best review imo.

[@DM43685]

OK big question then......how did you get the fader knob on????? So many have broken because people have just pushed it on that breaks the flimsy fade mechanism inside...so how did you do it??? Or are TE now per-installing it like most new MPC's

[@Bloom_Music]

I just pushed it on. If your unit wasn't one of the one's affected by the bad packaging, putting on the fader cap won't hurt it.

[@socalr6]

Mine is only half way on compared to yours. I’m afraid to push it further is seems very difficult

[@davisdial3301]

just got this thing and i’m loving it😀😀😀😀😀

[@N.E.S.83930]

How did you turn the note from the Moog into that nice pad at 14:07? Did you sample it as-is then pitched down only, any other sound editing in the KOII on top of it? Great video btw, it makes a lot of sense now on how this devices should be used!

[@Bloom_Music]

I’m not 100% sure, but I think that one used the K.O. II’s chorus, and then I was hitting the compressor pretty hard too. But yes, definitely some extra processing on the device to get that sound. (I can’t remember exactly because I did a lot of different takes with different samples and settings, so it’s hard to remember exactly what I did on this one specifically).

[@delibedriful]

amazing video. it inspired me a lot. Subscribed immediately. peace bro!!!

[@officialbestkeptsecret]

Again.... Bravo!

[@rinkobamoto2452]

great clip, could you do another with the same prep and test with the Elektron Model Samples and compare it to the K.O.II .., and btw which model launchpad did you use?..... regards.

[@Bloom_Music]

The Launchpad is the Mk3. I would definitely recommend it, I love it. As far as a Model Samples video, not looking good, as I liked the K.O. II so much better that I sold the Samples! 😬

[@joecavalry]

I enjoyed your video immensly. I was hoping you could go into more detail about "the killer feature." Is that a Novation Launchpad Pro? Will that work with the Launchpad-X? What exactly are the connections/settings? I know you must be very busy and I thank you in advance for your time.

[@Bloom_Music]

The killer feature is that it works very well and sounds awesome as a polyphonic chromatic sample player. The Launchpad Pro is just my MIDI keyboard of choice. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to hook the Launchpad-X directly to the K.O. II because the X doesn’t have a MIDI out port like the Pro does. My connections were Launchpad Pro MIDI Out to the K.O. II’s MIDI In. For you to do this, you would have to hook your X to a computer with a MIDI interface, or use a dedicated MIDI host device.

[@joecavalry]

@@Bloom_Music Thank you. I do have a midi keyboard and I can use that. But what about the sounds? How can I recreate that sound? I appreciate your time.

[@Bloom_Music]

Those sounds were created by sampling synthesizers and then pitching them down on the K.O. II. I’ll be releasing another video in the coming weeks to show that process.

[@skyisfalling100]

This was a great video, thank you! Just curious if you can explain how you pitched up the samples before you loaded them into the EP 133 ? Thanks again!

[@Bloom_Music]

I loaded them all into my DAW of choice, doubled the tempo, and then exported them back out. There are probably dedicated tools or more elegant ways to do it, but it worked for me!

[@skyisfalling100]

Thank you!@@Bloom_Music

[@Bloom_Music]

@@skyisfalling100 Follow up video is live: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnvOkomGe9GWbcU

[@huberjonathan]

For me some midi controllers don't work properly with the KOII. And it can't be a setting within it because the only independent variable is the midi controller. I tried controlling it with a Roland a49 and UDO Super 6, but the polyphony didn't work properly on them. But it worked fine with a hydrasynth explorer. Very strange, but aggravating I hope the midi gets optimized in future software patches. Anybody else have this issue?

[@ropewalkingelephant]

Don't forget it's also a polyphonic MIDI sequencer with 16 simultaneous MIDI tracks

[@Bloom_Music]

Good point!

[@goodnightosaka]

I barely see anyone mention how insane this is. That alone is probably worth the price

[@ropewalkingelephant]

@@goodnightosaka Exactly!

[@mattsprdiseboomy]

Sorry for the dumb question. What is purpose to match bpm if you can use time stretching? If i know a break beat is a 4 bar count i can just time stretch to 4 bars.

[@Bloom_Music]

Not a dumb question! It's really just personal preference, but it's a couple things for me: First, I almost always start with the beat and build around that, so it's simple to just set the BPM (it's not like I'm trying to fit a break into an existing arrangement with mismatched tempo). Second, I just don't like the way time stretch affects the audio. If you're just changing it a few BPM, it's probably fine, but major shifts affect the transients and introduce artifacts. I'd rather just play the loop at the correct BPM than mess with that!

[@bananaghost427]

Are you interested in the Torso Electronics S-4 Sculpting Sampler? I'm looking forward to seeing more about that one. Not comparable to the KO2 here, but i'm curious would your take on it is. I really like hearing your perspective.

[@Bloom_Music]

Honestly, sorry, I'm not really that interested in the S-4. I'm not a huge fan of granular sampling in general, but for when I do crave that type of sound, I think the Tempera does more interesting, innovative, and creative things for less money.

[@bananaghost427]

@@Bloom_Music The Tempera does seem really nifty, yeah.

[@CrazyLazyDave]

Have you ever tried samplers in Reason in 16/44 with 16bit samples?

[@BoombapBodega]

Dope sampler fam 🙌

[@efnbrg]

When you sampled the analog synth and played it back as a pad, would it behave the same way as doing this in ableton with simpler or sampler? If you need to use sampler what would you look for in the settings?

[@Bloom_Music]

Generally, yes, you can do the same thing in Simpler. The big difference will be the sound and the way that Simpler pitches your sample. (At least the last time I used it), Simpler doesn’t have any “old school” pitching modes; it just uses the same stretching algos that it uses for clips, which usually try to maintain the quality and character of the original samples. So, while Simpler can achieve the same type of sampling, the results will sound very different and won’t have that classic lo-fi vibe.

[@bretttroncelli3247]

I'd love more information on how to us the Novation Launchpad Pro MK3 to get polyphonic sounds like you previewed. Is the launch pad routed through a computer with ableton? Sounds fantastic.

[@Bloom_Music]

No computer necessary! Just used a normal 3.5mm TRS cable and connected the MK3’s MIDI out to the K.O. II’s MIDI in.

[@bretttroncelli3247]

@@Bloom_Music Did. you have to map out the KO?

[@Bloom_Music]

⁠@@bretttroncelli3247Nope, just record the sample, hit the “KEYS” button on the K.O. II, and start playing!

[@ildarkinildarkin]

It is interesting how many presses we do on the average? If we count all the buttons we press, can it be like 2000 presses an hour? I think there can be more I'd say 3000 presses an hour as sometimes we press buttons faster than one press/second. What's your thoughts? 3600 presses/1 hour is one press per second.

[@cresshead]

excellent video

[@cresshead]

subbed too

[@Bloom_Music]

Thanks!

[@zooblestyx]

"Sometimes it gets a little bit too cutesy." This is TE's entire brand proposition.

[@pimhansen6720]

😍Loved the review! And as a massive fan of the Mirage the USP you bring to surface is definitely the reason to get this. P.s. PUT THAT THING IN A COVER TO PROTECT THE FADER BEFORE SLIPPING IT INTO A BAG. Just sayin' 🤣

[@tomblaze2]

Amazing

[@pushsantana]

did you use a software to sped up your samples before loading them on the ko ii ?

[@Bloom_Music]

Yes, I loaded them all into my DAW of choice, doubled the tempo, and then exported them back out. There are probably dedicated tools or more elegant ways to do it, but it worked for me!

[@Bloom_Music]

The follow up video to show my 2x sample prep process is now live: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnvOkomGe9GWbcU

[@grahambailey8995]

great video! the undo icon is perfect, you need to look at the handle not the canopy lol

[@luxsomething]

Would this be a good purchase for someone buying their first ever equipment, im kinda looking for stuff to eventually use for a live setting

[@Bloom_Music]

It's definitely a solid first sampler. Whether it's useful in a live setting will depend on how you plan to use it. As a midi brain to control other gear, it could work. But if you are planning on building sets on the actual device, polyphony and file management could make it tough compared to the more expensive options. I think the K.O. II works better as part of a greater setup, rather than trying to use it as the centerpiece.

[@mrD66M]

I'm seriously tempted on the KO II. Last kit I used extensively for "jamming" was the yamaha rm1x, I'm fairly resistant to other drumboxes with different workflow mechanics, most don't feel intuitive to me, this though is very close to the mark