Teenage Engineering, the renowned Swedish company known for its innovative audio products, has just announced a significant software update for its EP-133 KO II synthesizer. This update comes nearly a year and a half after the synthesizer was first introduced in late 2023. The OS 2.0 update is now available for download via a web browser or through a USB connection, providing users with a plethora of new features and enhancements that aim to elevate the user experience.

Among the most exciting additions to OS 2.0 are new resampling capabilities. This feature will allow musicians and sound designers to process existing samples or apply effects to them, enabling the creation of entirely new sounds. This functionality is crucial for those looking to experiment with their music production, as it opens up a world of creative possibilities. Additionally, users can now create new samples by capturing short snippets of beats that consist of previously recorded samples, providing a seamless way to build upon existing work.

One of the standout features of this update is the introduction of hands-free sampling mode. This mode is particularly useful for musicians who play instruments that require both hands, such as the piano. With hands-free sampling, users can now record sounds without needing a third hand to operate the synth, simplifying the process of capturing sounds and allowing for a more fluid performance.

Furthermore, Teenage Engineering has expanded the capabilities of the KO II by increasing the number of sounds that can be layered and played simultaneously. With the installation of OS 2.0, users can now layer up to 16 mono sounds and 12 stereo sounds, an upgrade from the previous limits of 12 mono and six stereo sounds. This enhancement is set to enhance the depth and complexity of compositions, making the KO II a more versatile tool for both amateur and professional musicians.

The update also introduces a new song mode, which adds the ability to chain scenes together, creating longer and more structured track arrangements. This is a significant change for users who are looking to produce more intricate pieces of music. In addition, the new sidechaining feature allows one sound to control the volume of another sound, a technique often used in electronic music production. For example, when a kick drum plays, the volume of a bass drum can be automatically reduced to ensure it doesnt overpower the mix, promoting a cleaner sound.

With a retail price of $299, the KO II synthesizer occupies a unique space in Teenage Engineering's lineup, sitting between the more affordable $59 Pocket Operator series and the premium $1,999 OP-1 Field. While it was previously positioned as an advanced musical toy, the extensive features of OS 2.0 may now make it a more viable option for serious music-making endeavors, appealing to a broader range of musicians and producers.