Teenage Engineering updates KO II sampler with USB audio and lo-fi modes
OS 2.5 expands the $329 EP-133 KO II with longer mono sampling, sample reverse, an arpeggiator and new sample-rate options.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
Teenage Engineering has released OS 2.5 for the EP-133 KO II, adding several features to the compact $329 sampler. The update matters for musicians using the device because it expands how the KO II records, slices and plays back samples, according to Teenage Engineering’s update notes and reporting by The Verge.
The new software adds audio over USB, sample reverse, an arpeggiator, equal-length autochopping and selectable sample rates, according to Teenage Engineering. It also increases the maximum sample length from 20 seconds to 40 seconds when recording mono audio rather than stereo.
What OS 2.5 adds
The sample-rate options give users more control over the character of recorded audio, according to The Verge. Users can keep the standard 46 kHz setting, or choose 32 kHz and 26 kHz modes for lower-fidelity sound.
Teenage Engineering says the update also includes improved time stretching, new scales, per-pad time shifting and bug fixes. The company’s notes list the changes as part of OS 2.5 for the EP-133 line.
- USB audio support
- Selectable sample rates, including 32 kHz and 26 kHz modes
- Sample reverse
- An arpeggiator
- Equal-length autochopping
- Mono sampling up to 40 seconds
- Improved time stretching, new scales and per-pad time shifting
The arpeggiator gives the KO II another way to play pitched material, The Verge reported. The site noted that the sampler’s repitching makes the feature useful for building parts such as synthpop-style basslines.
The new chopping option is also aimed at a different kind of sample work. The Verge reported that equal-length autochopping should help with loops and melodic material, while the earlier transient-based chopping approach was better suited to isolating individual drum hits from a break.
Also coming to the Riddim
OS 2.5 is also available for the Riddim, Teenage Engineering’s reggae-themed sibling to the KO II, according to The Verge. The Riddim shares the sampler family with the EP-133 KO II.
The KO II has received multiple substantial software updates since launch, The Verge reported. OS 2.5 appears to be one of the broader releases so far because it touches recording, playback, chopping and performance features at the same time.
Teenage Engineering lists the update on its EP product pages and in its “what’s new” guide for the device. The company has not been reported as changing the KO II’s $329 price with this release.
This story draws on original reporting from The Verge.