If you missed it earlier in May, the Teenage Engineering EP-136 KO Sidekick deserves a quick catch-up.
Teenage Engineering added the EP-136 KO Sidekick to its EP-series lineup. It is built for the EP-133 KO II and related grooveboxes. The setup starts with two stereo channels, an aux/session input, stereo output, and headphone cue. Then Teenage Engineering adds the weird fun around that mixer core.
The company calls it a “power companion” for live remixing. In plain English, it works like a small DJ mixer, effects box, and USB audio interface. It can sit beside your sampler, connect through EP pegs, and anchor a tiny hardware rig.
What the Sidekick actually does
The EP-136 gives you two stereo channel strips and a third stereo aux input. It also has dedicated level faders, cue output, gain controls, three EQ styles, and a three-mode compressor. Six performance effects sit onboard. You can shape them with the pressure-sensitive pad and mod stick. You can also automate movement with Teenage Engineering’s Motion Control system.
That makes it more interesting than a plain travel mixer. You can use it for standalone mixing, live remixing, desktop recording, or a small stage setup. Teenage Engineering also says you can chain multiple KO Sidekicks when you need more channels.
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- Image: Teenage Engineering
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- Image: Teenage Engineering
Why EP-series owners may care
The physical connection is the hook. Teenage Engineering’s EP pegs let you snap EP devices together. So the Sidekick can sit between samplers instead of hanging off a desk like another loose box.
That should appeal to people who already like the EP-series. The whole family is built for couch production, quick loops, and portable beat sessions. The Sidekick simply gives that setup a cleaner center.
It runs on two AAA batteries or USB-C. That keeps the rig mobile. The USB audio side supports 48kHz/24-bit processing with 8-channel input and 4-channel output, so it can also plug into a computer.
Engadget noted the launch price at $180. Teenage Engineering’s product page now handles the buy flow directly. So, if this slipped past you a couple weeks ago, it is worth a second look if your desk already has an EP-133, EP-1320, or another compact sampler.
