1. August 2025

SPARKY

AndertonsKeyboardDept Unleashes the Teen Spirit of the KO II

In a blitz of geekery, AndertonsKeyboardDept dives into the Teenage Engineering KO II’s latest update, showcasing new features like side-chaining and increased polyphony. The video is a punchy tour of quick editing tricks and beat-making secrets fit for any underground gig. Blimey, it’s a blast!

KO II Champions Update – More Than Just a Facelift

The Teenage Engineering KO II has received a much-anticipated update, known as the Champions Update. Jack Duxbury from AndertonsKeyboardDept wastes no time in getting right into it. The KO II, already a favourite at Andertons, has been boosted with increased polyphony and a song mode, giving it more muscle for music creation. But the most awaited feature, the one Jack was ‘dying for,’ is the addition of side-chaining. This agile enhancement promises to revolutionise the way beats are made, making it a must-have for the rhythmically inclined.

"... namely one that I was dying for, which was side-chaining."

Mastering the Art of Side-chaining

"I want to use that kick drum to trigger the side chaining..."

Jack gets straight to the core by setting up a new project to demonstrate the side-chaining feature. It’s an insightful look at this technique, typically used in beat-making and hip-hop to create dynamic volume changes. Side-chaining in the KO II allows a sound’s volume to be ducked by another sound, leading to richer texture and breathing room in a mix. Jack ambitiously breaks it down step by step, showing how to lay your beats and layer user samples through ease of USB-C connection. It’s a toolkit expansion that feels like adding nitrous to a synth rig.

Transforming Beats with Practical Examples

Jack doesn’t just explain side-chaining; he shows how it transforms music. With practical examples, he dives into how adjusting side-chain settings can radically alter sound texture. By holding shift and using output functions, one can quickly switch to the side chain menu—which is a bit like finding a secret rave in a bunker. Jack’s playful nature comes through as he adjusts shapes and lengths live, drawing relatable comparisons to well-known plugins like Niki Romero Kickstart. The flexibility presented is revolutionary for a device this compact.

"So you can make it quite subtle."

Twists and Turns of KO II Techniques

Deep into the session, Jack demonstrates the classic hip-hop technique of using side-chaining to make melodic tracks breathe beneath the powerful kick drum. Side-chaining was a technique previously reserved for those who had big, bulky outboard compressors. Instead, the Teenage Engineering team’s clever use of MIDI events elevates this device into a sonic street weapon. Jack shows that even the softest of kicks can trigger that iconic ducking effect. The KO II transforms countless obstacles into opportunity—like a cheeky sonic magician with a wand of MIDI adaptability.


Embrace the Chaos – Looking to the Future

"I hope they add more things to it..."

In the wrap-up, Jack shares his thrill at the new flexibility offered by these updates and eagerly anticipates more enhancements. He encourages users to dive into the chaos of experimentation with the KO II, urging viewers to make the most out of its capabilities. The KO II is not just keeping pace; it’s setting its own rhythm in the electronic music scene. With these updates, it’s clear that the device is more than a sampler—it’s a creative playground ready for any adventurous sound tinkerer.

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Teenage Engineering KO II
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