Teenage Engineering EP-136 KO Sidekick: compact mixer with professional effects

Swedish company Teenage Engineering announced a new audio device – EP-136 KO Sidekick. It is a two-channel portable mixer that combines mixing functions with a powerful effects processor. The device is designed as an ideal companion for DJ sets and live performances, providing intuitive sound control in a compact form factor.

Teenage Engineering EP-136 KO Sidekick Review

The new KO Sidekick mixer is designed primarily to work in conjunction with the EP-133 KO-II samplers from the same manufacturer, but it is absolutely universal. Two audio signal sources can be connected to the device. In addition to the analog connection, the mixer supports operation via USB-C, which allows you to control DJ programs directly on smartphones or tablets.

The external appearance of the device retains the aesthetics of the EP line, but has an important update – instead of a segment display, a high-resolution full-color LCD screen is installed here, which simplifies navigation by sound parameters.

Technical characteristics and description of features

Each of the two mixer channels is equipped with a three-band equalizer and compressor with three operating modes. The device supports two stereo inputs, which can be converted into four mono channels using special splitter adapters.

Features of effects and nuances of management

The key advantage of the EP-136 KO Sidekick is the effects block. Six presets are available to users: DJ filter, tremolo, delay, tape, loop and siren. To control the processing intensity, a special mod-stick or touch pad sensitive to pressure is used. The stronger the pressure on the panel, the more pronounced the effect becomes.

The system is equipped with Auto-BPM, which allows the rhythmic effects to always stay in sync with the input signal. The possibility of automation is also implemented: the effect parameters can be changed later according to the given scenario without the constant participation of the musician. Effects can be applied individually to channels or combined on a master bus.

The developers paid attention not only to the flexibility of setting, but also to the convenience of connecting to mobile platforms, turning the mixer into a compact audio interface for work on the go.

Device price

At the moment, the EP-136 KO Sidekick mixer is already available for sale on the official website of Teenage Engineering. Its cost is about UAH 7,300 ($179). The device will be a great purchase for those who are looking for a mobile and stylish solution for combining multiple audio streams with the possibility of deep artistic processing of sound on the fly.