Teenage Engineering PO-20 Arcade Synthesizer and Sequencer

The Teenage Engineering PO-20 arcade (PO20) is a pocket-size arcade synthesizer and sequencer for chiptune-style melodies and chords. It has 16 sounds, 16 punch-in effects, chord control and parameter locks, a built-in speaker, and it runs on two AAA batteries.

Write melodies and chord progressions on the 16-step sequencer, store 16 patterns, and chain up to 128 patterns and up to 128 chords into a song. A built-in clock and alarm clock and 3.5 mm jam sync with other Pocket Operators round it out.

PO-20 arcade specifications

Type	Arcade synthesizer and sequencer
Sounds	16
Effects	16 punch-in effects, parameter locks, chord control
Sequencer	16 patterns of 16 steps, chains of up to 128 patterns and up to 128 chords, step multiplier
Built-in speaker	Yes
Audio and sync	3.5 mm audio and sync input, 3.5 mm audio and headphone output with sync out
Display	LCD, with clock and alarm clock
Power	2x AAA batteries (Teenage Engineering quotes about 1 month of battery life for Pocket Operators)
Package weight and box	0.15 lb, 4.8 x 2.5 x 0.7 in

What does the PO-20 arcade sound like?

Like the music of classic arcade games. Its 16 arcade-style sounds are built for melodies and chord progressions.

PO-20 arcade or PO-28 robot?

The PO-20 is built for writing chord progressions and melodies, with up to 128 chords in a song. The PO-28 robot is built for playing 8-bit leads live, with 15 sounds plus a micro drum kit. Both chain up to 128 patterns.

Can it sync with other Pocket Operators?

Yes. Connect them with a 3.5 mm cable and they play in time, passing audio through the chain. Pair it with a PO-12 rhythm for drums.

Does the PO-20 need a case?

Not to work, but the CA-X silicone pro case protects the batteries and adds anti-slip feet, pro-feel buttons and a neck strap. It fits every Pocket Operator.