EP-136 K.O. Sidekick: Teenage Engineering Adds a Mixer to the EP Family

07 May by Marcus Schmahl | |

4,4 / 5,0 | Reading time: 3 min

EP-136 K.O. Sidekick: Teenage Engineering Adds a Mixer to the EP Family · Source: Teenage Engineering

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Teenage Engineering is expanding the EP lineup with a new piece of hardware: the EP-136 K.O. Sidekick combines a two-channel mixer with an integrated audio interface and effects processor in a compact, pocketable format. It’s aimed squarely at anyone looking to connect their EP-series gear and take their live performance setup to the next level.

EP-136 K.O. Sidekick at a Glance

Two-channel mixer with integrated USB audio interface and effects processor
Six Knock-Out Performance FX with a pressure-sensitive FX pad
Dual Channel Beat-Match and Tap FX Sequencer
Three EQ styles and individual compressors per channel
Runs on USB-C or two AAA batteries
Multiple units can be linked together via EP Pegs

EP-136 K.O. Sidekick: Everything You Need to Know About Teenage Engineering’s New Mixer and Effects Processor

What Is the EP-136 K.O. Sidekick?

In recent years, Teenage Engineering has made a name for itself in the electronic music scene as a manufacturer of compact, standalone production hardware. Some of their products are high-end, while others are extremely affordable. The EP-136 K.O. Sidekick is the latest addition to the cheaper EP family, and it fills a role that anyone running multiple EP-series devices has probably been missing: a proper hub to tie everything together.

At its core it’s a two-channel mixer, but calling it just that would seriously undersell what’s going on here. The Sidekick packs a full USB audio interface with eight inputs and four outputs, a MIDI controller, and a six-effect performance FX section into a single slim chassis. The effects are played via a pressure-sensitive FX pad, and the Tap FX Sequencer lets you trigger them rhythmically in sync with your track. Dual Channel Beat-Match handles tempo alignment independently per channel, while three selectable EQ styles and individual compressors on each input give you solid mixing control. A high-resolution color LCD keeps everything readable at a glance.

Connections and Power

On the connectivity side, the Sidekick offers two 3.5 mm stereo inputs, an additional 3.5 mm stereo aux input, a main output, and a separate cue output for headphones. Everything runs on 3.5 mm jacks, which fits right into the broader EP-series ecosystem and keeps the form factor clean.

Connections on the back · Source: Teenage Engineering
The same K.O. form factor · Source: Teenage Engineering
Connection on the front · Source: Teenage Engineering
Source: Teenage Engineering

Power comes either via USB-C or two AAA batteries, which means the Sidekick is just as at home in a backpack as it is in the studio. At 24 x 8.8 x 1.6 cm and 300 grams, it genuinely fits in a jacket pocket without much trouble.

EP Pegs: Snapping the EP Family Together

Also new are the EP Pegs, a physical connection system that lets you snap EP-series devices together into custom configurations. The pegs are LEGO-compatible and slot into the side openings on EP-series hardware, so you can build out a unified, modular setup that holds together both sonically and physically. Very Teenage Engineering: practical, playful, and just a little bit nerdy in the best way.

Verdict

The EP-136 K.O. Sidekick is a logical and well-considered addition to the EP ecosystem. If you’re already running one or more EP-series devices, this gives you a proper command center that handles mixing, effects, and audio interface duties without adding much bulk. Cool and very interesting.