Teenage Engineering has already released several significant updates to its surprisingly capable $329 EP-133 KO II sampler. Its latest is one of its biggest yet. OS 2.5 adds audio over USB, selectable sample rates for lo-fi entertainment, sample reverse, an arpeggiator, equal-length autochopping, and it increases the maximum sample length from 20 seconds to 40 seconds by capturing mono, rather than stereo, audio.
Sample Reverse is such a simple feature that it’s surprising it wasn’t implemented earlier. An arpeggiator doesn’t always make a lot of sense on a sampler, but the KO II seems to be such an incredible repitching sampler (like the SK-1 successor I always wanted) that it’s a great addition here. It’s now easier than ever to crank out synthpop basslines.
The combination of longer sampling times and equal-length autocopying also makes the KO II more suitable for cutting and rearranging samples and loops. While the transient-based autochopper was great for isolating drum hits in breaks, it was less useful for melodic material.
However, my favorite new feature is the new selectable sample rate. You can stick with the standard 46k kHz if you prefer, but the new 32 kHz mode adds some nice character, while 26 kHz goes full lo-fi, crisp and digital.
Those are just the main features. It also features improvements to time stretching, new scales, per-pad time shifting, and several bug fixes.
The OS 2.5 update is also available for the KO II’s reggae-themed brother, the Riddim. While the quirky EP-1320 Medieval Sampler is finally getting an OS update, it’s only getting USB audio, nothing else. We’ve asked Teenage Engineering why the EP-1320 is kept out of regular updates, but have yet to hear back.
You can update your OP-133 KO II, EP-40 Reedham, or EP-1320 Medieval here.
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