Teenage Engineering's ep-136 K.O. - SIDE KICK is not just a mixer. It's not just an FX box. It's not just a companion for the K.O. II. EP-136 is a small, bold, and highly thoughtful machine for remixing, mixing, and performance effects with a built-in audio interface that easily transforms your setup into something much more lively, dynamic, and musical.
The initial idea was simple: to create a mixer for the K.O. II. But, as is often the case with Teenage Engineering, the concept evolved during development. The result is a hybrid 2-channel stereo mixer, effect processor with a sequencer, USB audio interface, and performance instrument. It's a pocket-sized DJ mixer for beatmakers that can not only mix but also intervene in music gracefully, timely, and with its own character.
What is it for
If you already have the EP series or other groove boxes, pocket samplers, compact synths, or any small live setup, the SIDE KICK quickly becomes a unique addition that you can't do without.
It helps with:
- Mixing multiple stereo sources
- Adding real-time effects
- Remixing beats on the fly
- Monitoring signals through cue
- Using the device as an audio interface for recording
- Assembling a compact setup for home, street, studio, or stage
- Expanding the system if needed by linking multiple SIDE KICK units together.
Features
- 2 stereo channels for main sources
- 1 stereo aux for a third signal
- 3-band equalizer with different EQ styles
- 6 types of effects
- Serial or parallel effects processing
- Beat-match for two channels
- Built-in effects automation / Motion Control™
- 8-in / 4-out USB audio interface
- MIDI over USB-C
- Cue for headphone monitoring or external send
- Powered by 2 AAA batteries or via USB-C
In essence, the EP-136 K.O. SIDE KICK is a full-fledged control center for live setups at the price of an accessory. Its mobility - 240 × 88 × 16 mm, weight around 300 g - means you can take it anywhere. Whether it's at home, in the studio, office, rehearsal space, on stage, during a trip, or for an impromptu jam in the kitchen, its compact form factor works in your favor. Conveniently, the SIDE KICK can operate on 2 AAA batteries. In a world where nearly everything compact requires an additional power supply, this is an excellent solution.
Applications
The SIDE KICK is perfect for portable scenarios like:
- Pocket samplers
- Mini synths
- Desktop groove boxes
- Any mobile setups
- DAWless jams
- Compact DJ/performance scenarios
- Hybrid work with a computer as a USB audio interface
Conclusion
The SIDE KICK doesn't just mix several sources into one output. It gives you a way to intervene in the groove, add tension, make transitions, manipulate effects by hand, automate movements, mix in an external signal, and quickly turn a simple loop into a dynamic mix.
This device is all about gesture, impulse, and the pleasure of control. It's perfect for instantaneous expression and tailored for performance:
- Dedicated volume faders
- Force-sensitive pad for effect control
- High-resolution modulation toggle
- Effects automation
- Monitoring cue
- Quick access to parameters without deep diving into menus
- Compact enclosure that easily fits on any table, in any backpack, and seamlessly complements any stage setup.
You can use it as a beat remixer or mini DJ mixer for multiple compact devices, a stage performance FX unit, or simply a convenient hub for desktop electronics.
Sound, Connections, and Useful Details
Despite its fun appearance like a toy, the SIDE KICK is all business inside:
- 2 x 3.5mm stereo inputs
- 3.5mm aux
- 3.5mm output
- 3.5mm cue output
- High-speed multi-channel USB audio
- 8 input / 4 output channels via USB
- Sound processing at 48 kHz / 24-bit
- MIDI over USB-C
- Controlled gain
- Customizable equalizer
This means you can confidently use the SIDE KICK not only in conjunction with the EP but also as a standalone desktop device for signal routing, performance, recording, and mobile work.
In the Box:
- Audio interface
- Documentation
