Teenage Engineering PO-12 Rhythm is a compact, battery-powered drum machine that delivers punchy, synthesized percussion with professional-grade sound quality. Despite its pocket-sized form, it features 16 hybrid drum sounds (a mix of sampled and synthesized tones), each with 2 real-time tweakable parameters, 16 built-in effects, and a powerful 16-step sequencer with 16 pattern memory slots — all designed for immediate, hands-on beat creation.
Shape your rhythm with effects like bit crush, stutter, delay, and more, then chain patterns together to build full compositions. The intuitive workflow encourages live performance and experimentation, while the high-fidelity audio path — powered by a Cirrus Logic DAC and Silicon Labs EFM32 Gecko MCU — ensures crisp, dynamic output through the built-in Knowles speaker or 3.5 mm output.
Running on just 2 AAA batteries (with ultra-low power consumption for years of standby life), the PO-12 Rhythm includes a fold-out kickstand for tabletop use and syncs seamlessly with other Pocket Operators and compatible gear via audio pulse through the 3.5 mm (⅛”) jack. Whether used alone or as part of a larger modular setup, the PO-12 proves that big sound comes in small packages.
KEY FEATURES
- Pocket-sized analog-style drum machine with hybrid sound engine
- 16 drum sounds — combination of sampled and synthesized percussion
- Each sound has 2 real-time adjustable parameters
- 16 effects: bit crush, stutter, delay, filter, and more
- 16-step sequencer with 16 pattern memories and chainable sequences
- Built-in Knowles speaker for high-quality portable monitoring
- Powered by 2 AAA batteries — ultra-low power consumption (years in standby)
- Fold-out kickstand for stable tabletop use
- Jam Sync via audio pulse (3.5 mm jack) for synchronization with other Pocket Operators and gear
- Premium audio components: Cirrus Logic DAC + Silicon Labs EFM32 Gecko MCU
- No MIDI, no velocity sensitivity — focused on immediacy and groove
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Manufacturer: Teenage Engineering
- Device Type: Pocket Drum Machine / Rhythm Synthesizer
- Sound Engine: Hybrid (sampled + synthesized percussion)
- Drum Sounds: 16, each with 2 tweakable parameters
- Effects: 16 types (real-time controllable)
- Sequencer: 16 steps, 16 patterns, pattern chaining
- Audio Output: 3.5 mm stereo mini jack (headphone/line level)
- Speaker: Built-in high-fidelity Knowles speaker
- Sync: Jam Sync via audio pulse (3.5 mm jack)
- Power: 2 × AAA batteries (alkaline or NiMH)
- Dimensions: 104 × 64 × 17 mm
- Weight: Approx. 88 g (without batteries)
- No audio input, no MIDI, no velocity or aftertouch
- Color: Black with white and red silkscreen
