Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Modular 400, Modular Synthesizer with Sequencer

The Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Modular 400, Modular Synthesizer with Sequencer is a monophonic analog modular synthesizer in kit form. Module types include: square, saw, and sine-wave VCOs, a low-pass filter, two envelope generators, two VCAs, an LFO, a noise source, a random (S&H) generator, a 16-step sequencer, a built-in amp/speaker, and power distribution. Also included in the kit is the metal chassis, 37 trim knobs, 13 value knobs, 4 rubber feet, 14 sheet metal screws, 128 chassis screws, 64 spacers, and a screwdriver. The included manual guides you through the process of assembly.

All three VCO modules offer a key input for tracking 1 volt per octave CV signals from the keyboard/sequencer, plus a CV control input with a scaling knob. The square wave OSC features PWM, while the saw and sine oscillators offer FM. Each VCO includes three outputs for routing to multiple destinations for flexible sound design. The 3-channel mixer includes level control knobs for each input and a master volume control over the mixed signals. 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.

Each VCA or voltage-controlled amplifier can be used to simply control the volume, or when coupled with a control signal, such as from the two Envelope Generators, the VCA can be shaped with 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.

A noise source provides two outputs for white noise and two saw wave outputs, well suited for use with the random module, which creates bubbling S&H CV signals. The step sequencer offers 16 tuning knobs for setting the CV for each of the 16 steps. Clock inputs and outputs allow the sequencer to lock to other devices, while the sequence outputs allow you to route the pattern to multiple modules.

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 detuned sound

Sawtooth Oscillator

Containing both the odd and even harmonics

Great for string types of sound

FM: linear frequency-modulation input (FM) easily brings you into the sci-fi domain

Sine Oscillator

Pure sine-wave with no overtones

Jack of all trades in the modular world

Great for pure bass to dub sirens

FM: linear frequency-modulation input (FM) easily brings you into the sci-fi domain

3-Channel Mixer

Three inputs, one output

Volume control over both the individual inputs as well as the master output

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-controlled amplifier allows you to automate your volume

Feed it control voltage signals 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

Dual Noise Source

White noise contains noise equal over the whole spectrum

Saw output is a great companion to the sample and hold (Rand)

Rand

Randomize your music with the sample and hold

Any input is sampled and then presented at the outputs

Rate can be controlled both externally and internally but always needs an external signal to sample

Experiment with both receptive and random sources as the sample input

16-Step Sequencer

Sixteen steps of control

Override the internal clock with the clock input

Make it go backwards with the arrow input

Jump to the first step, the second, fourth, or eighth

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

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

Square wave Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Sawtooth:

CV Key Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

CV Control Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

FM CV Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Saw-Wave Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Sine:

CV Key Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

CV Control Input:1/8" / 3.5 mm

FM CV Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Sine-Wave Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Mixer:

Audio Inputs: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Audio Outputs: 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/Amp:

Left Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Right Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Noise:

White Noise: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

S&H: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Rand:

Random Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Rate: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Sequencer:

Output: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Forward/Backward: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Clock Input: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Clock Outputs: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Reset: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

D1, D2, D3, D4: 1/8" / 3.5 mm

Controls:

Square:

Tune Knob

Control Level Knob

PWM Level Knob

Saw:

Tune Knob

Control Level Knob

FM Level Knob

Sine:

Tune Knob

Control Level Knob

FM Level Knob

Mixer:

Input Level Knobs

Output 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

Rand:

Level Knob

Rate Knob

Sequencer:

CV Knobs

Tempo Knob

Power:

Optional (Not Included)

AC/DC Adapter

12 V, Minimum 1 A (12 W)

Polarity: Center Negative

Plug: 4.75 / 1.7 mm

Battery Power: 8 x AA Batteries (Not Included)

Dimensions: 8.4 x 12 x 7.2" / 21.4 x 30.5 x 18.3 cm

Shipping Weight: 5.915 lb.

Shipping Dimensions (LxWxH): 18.5 x 10.8 x 3.6"