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

he Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Modular 170 is a monophonic analog modular synthesizer in kit form, which includes a squarewave 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
  • Squarewave 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 Eurorack modules
  • Use PO Sync to synchronize pocket operators
  • 3.5mm MIDI output controls any MIDI gear