Teenage Engineering EP-136 K.O. sidekick

Teenage Engineering EP-136 K.O. Sidekick is a two-channel stereo mixer, USB audio interface, and performance effects processor with a built-in motion-control FX sequencer — the first device in the EP family focused entirely on signal routing and mixing rather than sound generation. At 1.6 cm thick and 300 grams, it fits in a jacket pocket and runs on two AAA batteries or USB-C power. Designed as a command center for rigs built around the EP-133 K.O. II and other EP-series devices, it works equally well as a compact DAWless mixer hub or a desktop audio interface. Released May 2026, priced at $169 / €189.

Two channels, three EQ styles, and six effects with motion sequencing

Each of the two stereo channels includes a dedicated gain control, a three-band EQ with three operating styles (DJ — shelving, Studio — broad bands, Parametric — narrow-band precision), a three-mode compressor, and a volume fader. The aux input provides a third session input — usable as an effects return from an external pedal or as an additional source in the mix. A cue button per channel routes the signal to a separate CUE output, bypassing the main mix by default, enabling classic DJ-style preview before bringing a channel in. Six K.O. Performance FX (Filter, Tape Emulation, Delay, Beat Repeat, Tremolo, Siren) are controlled via a pressure-sensitive force pad and a high-resolution mod stick; the Motion Control system allows real-time recording of a two-bar automation loop, so each session can carry a custom motion sequence for FX modulation. Per-channel BPM detection with dual-channel beat-match synchronizes time-based effects to the tempo of the incoming audio signal. Multiple EP-136 units can be chained in series through the aux input, expanding the channel count without a fixed limit.

USB interface and the EP ecosystem

The EP-136 simultaneously functions as a USB 2.0 high-speed audio interface with 8 inputs and 4 outputs, enabling multi-track recording and playback without a separate audio interface. It also operates as a MIDI controller. The EP Pegs physical mounting system — LEGO-compatible — allows the EP-136 to be mechanically attached to an EP-133 K.O. II or other EP-series units, forming a unified hardware block. A high-resolution color LCD displays per-channel BPM, EQ parameters, levels, and effects status. Analog input SNR is 105 dBA for CH1/CH2 and 108 dBA for the main and cue outputs.

KEY FEATURES

• 2-channel stereo mixer + aux input as a third session source
• 3-band EQ per channel in three modes: DJ, Studio, Parametric
• 3-mode compressor per channel
• Cue button per channel — signal preview before mix, bypasses main out by default
• 6 K.O. Performance FX: Filter, Tape Emulation, Delay, Beat Repeat, Tremolo, Siren
• Motion Control FX Sequencing — real-time 2-bar automation loop recording
• Pressure-sensitive force pad + high-res mod stick for expressive FX control
• Per-channel BPM detection + dual-channel beat-match for time-based FX sync
• Multiple units chainable via aux input — expandable channel count
• USB 2.0 high-speed audio interface: 8 in / 4 out
• MIDI controller functionality
• High-resolution color LCD display
• EP Pegs physical mounting system (LEGO-compatible) for EP-series device linking
• Power: 2x AAA batteries or USB-C
• Dimensions: 240 x 88 x 16 mm; weight 300 g

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

• Audio inputs: 2x stereo 3.5mm jack (CH1, CH2) + 1x stereo aux 3.5mm jack
• Audio outputs: 1x main stereo 3.5mm jack + 1x cue stereo 3.5mm jack
• Input impedance CH1/CH2: 10 kOhm; maximum level: +8 dBu (2 Vrms)
• SNR input CH1/CH2: 105 dBA (typical)
• Input impedance aux: 7 kOhm; maximum level: +8 dBu (2 Vrms)
• Maximum output level (main, cue): 1.4 Vrms
• SNR output: 108 dBA (typical)
• Audio processing: 48 kHz / 24-bit
• USB interface: audio 2.0 high-speed, 8 in / 4 out
• Power: 2x AAA batteries or USB-C
• Dimensions: 240 x 88 x 16 mm
• Weight: 300 g