Teenage Engineering Introduces EP-136 K.O. SIDEKICK Compact Mixer & Audio Interface
Teenage Engineering has launched the EP-136 K.O. Sidekick, a modular two-channel mixer, FX, and USB Audio Interface that integrates with their K.O. II sampler.
The EP-136 K.O. Sidekick is positioned as a companion for the company’s EP series instruments and other gear. It combines a two-stereo-channel mixing console with individual compression, configurable EQ styles, and a performance effects section in a slim form factor that can run on two AAA batteries or USB-C power.
The EP-136 is more than a functional utility though, boasting a variety of creative effects and performance tools more commonly seen on DJ mixers.
As Teenage Engineering says: “The plan was to build a mixer for the KO II but it became more of an effect-box with a built-in sequencer. Quite cool actually.”
Each of the mixer’s two channels has a three-band EQ with three modes – DJ, parametric and studio. There’s also a gain control for each channel along with a three-mode compressor.
Each channel has a dedicated volume fader as well as a cue button, allowing users to preview either channel via the front panel headphone port.
At the bottom of each channel strip is an FX button, used to send either channel to the unit’s effects module. The mixer has six effect types – filter, loop, delay, tape, tremolo and siren.
The effects themselves can be controlled by a bi-directional mod stick and force-sensitive pad along the mixer’s righthand edge. These allow the user to do things like create filter sweeps, apply bursts of resonance or play with loop and tape length/direction. The EP-136 can record inputs from these controls, allowing it to capture automated effect sequences.
The unit functions as a USB audio interface, offering multiple ins and outs for multichannel computer audio and MIDI integration, while a high-resolution color LCD and dedicated knobs provide direct control over mix parameters, effects, and tempo-related functions.
Motion-controlled effects, beat-match features per channel, and auxiliary routing options support live remixing and studio workflows in compact setups.
If you want to add channels, you can snap two or more Sidekicks together. Multi-SideKick bundles are also available.
Features:
- Two stereo channel strips for independent input mixing
- Stereo auxiliary/session input for a third source
- Dedicated headphone cue output for monitoring and previewing
- Configurable EQ styles including DJ and studio options
- Individual compressor controls on both input channels
- Beat-match functionality per channel for tempo alignment
- Six adjustable performance effects
- Motion Control effects automation with pressure-sensitive pad
- Tap FX sequencer for rhythmic effects triggering
- USB-C audio interface with 8 inputs and 4 outputs plus MIDI controller capability
- Runs on USB-C power or two AAA batteries for portable use
- High-resolution custom color LCD screen
- Pressure-sensitive force pad for expressive control
- High-resolution mod stick for parameter manipulation
- 48 kHz / 24-bit audio processing
- Input impedance and maximum signal specs optimized for mobile and pro workflows
Here’s an overview via ‘s Sam Stosuur:
The EP-136 K.O. Sidekick is available now for $179 USD.
