Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Modular 170, Modular Synthesizer and Sequencer/Keyboard

The Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Modular 170, Modular Synthesizer and Sequencer/Keyboard includes a square wave VCO, low-pass filter, envelope generator, VCA, LFO, amp/speaker, power distribution, and a standalone keyboard featuring individual tunable keys and a programmable step sequencer. Also included in the kit is the metal chassis, 23 trim knobs, 9 value knobs, 6 rubber feet, 4 chassis screws, and a screwdriver. The included manual guides you through the process of assembly.

The Square VCO module offers controls for PWM control and a key input for tracking 1 volt per octave CV signals from the keyboard/sequencer. The VCO features three outputs for routing to multiple destinations for flexible sound design. The low-pass filter offers frequency and resonance control. There are two control inputs for CV control over the filter frequency, each with scaling knobs. The filter also has three outputs to route the filtered signal to multiple destinations.

The VCA or voltage control amplifier can be used to simply control the volume, or when coupled with a control signal, such as from the included Envelope Generator, the VCA can be shaped with longer a longer attack and release for more legato styles of playing. The VCA can be connected directly to a sound system or you may use the onboard amplifier/speaker module for easy monitoring.

The keyboard/sequencer module features 16 slots, 4 tracks per slot, and 1 pattern per track. Store up to 64 independent patterns, and each pattern can be up to 64 steps long. Each of the 16 slots are labeled by the numbers 1-16, which also represent keys on the keyboard. The 4 tracks are labeled T1-T3 (tracks 1-3) and TK (touch keyboard). Play notes and program patterns using the keyboard and use the knobs to control CV. Patch the CV/gate outputs to your other operator modular units or to any other compatible device. Additionally, a PO Sync output is available to synchronize pocket operators, and a MIDI output is there so you can connect and control MIDI gear.

Square

Square wave oscillator, rich in odd harmonics

Great for hollow basses and screaming leads

PWM: Pulse width modulation input makes it possible to generate a faux two oscillator detune sound

Low-Pass Filter

Shape your sound with the 24 dB/oct low-pass filter

Tweaking the resonance and frequency pots, while getting lost in sound

Envelope

Classic ADSR: Attack, decay, sustain and release

Contour your signals over time

Works with VCA, VCF, VCO

Triggered by any signal that crosses the volt threshold

VCA

Voltage control amplifier allows you to automate your volume

Feed it control voltage and your signal will adapt accordingly

Use with envelope for classic configurations

LFO

Low frequency oscillator generates square and triangle waves

Create automated filter sweeps, pitch effects, and clock sync

Speaker/Amplifier

Patch in the integrated amplified speaker

Great for monitoring on stage or in the studio

Power Distro

20-unit power hub

Central nervous system and connection hub for all power

Keyboard

16-note membrane keyboard

Interface designed to control the 170 and 400 systems

Each key is available as both a chromatic and a preset output

Play keyboard like a virtuoso or program a sequence of arbitrary voltages and gates to manipulate your patches

Internal clock can be overridden with an external clock input

Program gate will output any incoming clock signal and the keyboard gate can be programmed to rest on selected steps

Sequencer

16 slots, 4 tracks per slot, and 1 pattern per track

Store up to 64 independent patterns

Each pattern can be up to 64 steps long

16 slots are labeled by the numbers 1-16, which also represent keys on the keyboard

4 tracks are labeled T1-T3 and TK (touch keyboard)

Play notes and program patterns using the keyboard and use the knobs to control CV

Patch the CV/gate outputs to your other operator modular units or to any other compatible devices including Euro rack modules

Use PO Sync to synchronize pocket operators

3.5mm MIDI output controls any MIDI gear

Product Specifications:

Connectors

Square:

CV Key Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

CV Control Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

PWM CV Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Squarewave Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Filter:

Audio Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

CV Control Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Filter Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Env:

Gate Trig Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Env Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

VCA:

Audio Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

CV Control Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Audio Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

LFO:

Square Wave Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Triangle Wave Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Speaker / AmpLeft Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Right Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Controls              

Square:

Tune Knob

Control Level Knob

PWM Level Knob

Filter:

Frequency Control Knob

Resonance Control Knob

Control Level: 2 x Knobs

Env:

Attack Knob

Decay Knob

Sustain Knob

Release Knob

VCA:

Gain Control Knob

Level Knob

LFO: Rate Knob

Speaker/Amp: Volume Knob

Keyboard & Controllers :

Membrane Keyboard Controller with 16 Notes

16 x CV Knobs (Each Note is Tunable)

Inputs and Outputs:

Clock Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Rest Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

T1 CV Out: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

T2 CV Out: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

T3 CV Out: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

T1 Gate Out: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

T2 Gate Out: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

T3 Gate Out: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

TK Gate Out: 3 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm

TK CV Out: 3 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm

FX:

FX1: Short

FX2: Chop

FX3: Legato

FX4: Glide

Arpeggiator       

16 Types: Up, Down, Up and Down, Ping-Pong, Ordered, Ordered and Back, Up Double, Down Double, Up and Down Double, Ordered Double, Duplicate Octave Up, Duplicate Octave Down, Octave Up and Down, Octave Down and Up, Random, and Random

Swing Range: 50 to 75%

Clock:

External Clock Tempo

Clock Divider (1/4, 1/2, 1/1)

Clock Input Pulse Range: 12.5 ms to 1.5 sec

Notes:

Note Length: 256 Ticks per Step Are Possible

Default: 3 Ticks per Step

Minimum: 1 Tick

Maximum: 256 Ticks

Notes Will Jump between Each Other Until the Initial Note is Finished

Scales:

Natural: White Piano Keys

Accidental: Black Piano Keys

Chromatic: Both White and Black Keys

Arabic: A Type of Arabic Scale

Power:

Optional (Not Included)

AC/DC Adapter

12 V, Minimum 1 A (12 W)

Polarity: Center Negative

Plug: 4.75 / 1.7 mm

Dimensions: 9.5 x 8.4" / 242.0 x 214.0 mm

Shipping Weight: 4.06 lb.

Shipping Dimensions (LxWxH): 15.1 x 10.9 x 2.7"8 x 3.6"