Teenage Engineering enhances KO II sampler with lo-fi mode and USB audio features.

Teenage Engineering has rolled out several significant updates for its impressively versatile $329 EP-133 KO II sampler, with the latest being one of the most substantial. OS 2.5 introduces audio over USB, selectable sample rates for some lo-fi experimentation, sample reverse, an arpeggiator, equal-length autochopping, and doubles the maximum sample length from 20 seconds to 40 seconds by allowing mono audio capture instead of stereo.

The addition of sample reverse is surprisingly overdue, given its simplicity. While an arpeggiator might not seem essential for a sampler, the KO II excels at repitching samples, reminiscent of the SK-1 I’ve always wanted, making this feature a fantastic enhancement. Crafting synthpop basslines has never been easier.

With the extended sampling time and equal-length autochopping, the KO II is now even more adept at slicing and rearranging samples and loops. The previous transient-based autochopper was excellent for isolating drum hits, but it struggled with melodic elements.

My personal favorite addition is the selectable sample rate. You can stick with the standard 46 kHz, but the new 32 kHz mode adds a nice character, while the 26 kHz option dives into full lo-fi territory, producing a crunchy, digital sound.

These are just the standout features. The update also brings improved time stretching, new scales, per-pad time shifting, and a host of bug fixes.

The OS 2.5 update is also available for the KO II’s reggae-themed counterpart, the Riddim. Meanwhile, the quirky EP-1320 Medieval sampler is finally receiving an OS update, but it’s limited to just USB audio with no additional features. We’ve reached out to Teenage Engineering for clarification on why the EP-1320 often misses out on updates, but we’re still waiting for a response.

You can update your OP-133 KO II, EP-40 Riddim, or EP-1320 Medieval here.