Teenage Engineering PO-16 Factory Lead Synthesizer & Sequencer

Quick Summary

The Teenage Engineering PO-16 Factory is a compact lead synthesizer and sequencer designed for creating melodies, riffs and electronic sequences wherever inspiration strikes. It combines multiple synthesis engines with 15 melodic sounds, a micro drum machine, parameter locking, pattern chaining and hands-on performance effects.

Small enough to take almost anywhere, the PO-16 can work as a standalone musical sketchpad or become part of a larger Pocket Operator setup using its audio and synchronisation connections.

What Makes the Teenage Engineering PO-16 Factory Special?

The PO-16 Factory focuses on melodic synthesis, with 15 lead sounds generated using a variety of synthesis methods including FM, subtractive, wavetable and physical-modelled string synthesis. Sound 16 provides a micro drum machine with 16 sampled drum sounds, making it possible to add rhythmic elements alongside your melodic sequences.

Its sequencer supports parameter locks and pattern chaining, while 16 arpeggio and chord-based play styles provide quick ways to transform simple notes into more complex musical ideas. A further 16 punch-in effects allow patterns to be manipulated in real time using filtering, distortion, bit crushing, delay, stutters, feedback, vibrato and more.

Who Is It For?

The PO-16 Factory is ideal for electronic musicians, producers and synth enthusiasts looking for an ultra-portable melodic instrument that encourages quick experimentation.

It is particularly useful for existing Pocket Operator users wanting a dedicated lead and melody voice, while its straightforward sequencing and performance controls also make it an approachable introduction to hardware synthesis.

At A Glance

• Pocket-sized lead synthesizer and sequencer

• Multiple synthesis engines

• 15 melodic synth sounds

• Micro drum machine with 16 sampled sounds

• 16-step sequencing workflow

• Parameter locking

• 16 arpeggio and chord play styles

• 16 punch-in effects

• Pattern chaining

• Built-in speaker

• 3.5 mm audio input and output

• Pocket Operator sync capability

• Battery-powered portable design

Condition Overview

This Teenage Engineering PO-16 Factory is brand new.

Supplied as a new retail product with full manufacturer warranty.

What’s Included?

• Teenage Engineering PO-16 Factory Lead Synthesizer

• Original retail packaging

• Manufacturer documentation

Batteries are not included.

Technical Specifications

Product Type: Lead synthesizer and sequencer
Synth Engines: Multiple synthesis engines including FM, subtractive, wavetable and physical modelling
Synth Sounds: 15
Drum Section: Micro drum machine with 16 sampled sounds
Sequencer: 16-step
Pattern Slots: 16
Pattern Chaining: Up to 16 patterns
Play Styles: 16 arpeggio and chord play styles
Effects: 16 punch-in effects
Parameter Automation: Parameter locking
Sound Controls: Two real-time parameter controls
Audio Input: 3.5 mm stereo
Audio Output: 3.5 mm stereo
Sync: Pocket Operator sync via 3.5 mm connection
Speaker: Built-in
Display: Animated LCD display
Additional Functions: Clock, alarm and auto power-off
Construction: Exposed Pocket Operator circuit-board design with folding stand and breakaway hanger

Punch-in effects include low sample rate, distortion, bit crush, delay, low-pass and high-pass filtering, filter sweeps, stutters, repeats, note shuffle, feedback, parameter LFO and vibrato.

Power Requirements

The Teenage Engineering PO-16 Factory is powered by 2 x AAA batteries.

Batteries are not included.

No mains power supply is required or included.

FAQs

What is the Teenage Engineering PO-16 Factory?

The PO-16 Factory is a compact lead synthesizer, sequencer and performance instrument designed for creating melodies, riffs and electronic sequences.

How many synthesizer sounds does the PO-16 have?

It features 15 melodic synthesizer sounds covering several different synthesis methods.

Does the PO-16 include drums?

Yes. Sound 16 functions as a micro drum machine featuring 16 sampled drum sounds.

What types of synthesis does the PO-16 use?

Its sound engines cover techniques including FM, subtractive synthesis, wavetable synthesis and physical-modelled string sounds.

Does the PO-16 have a sequencer?

Yes. It features a step-based sequencer for programming melodies, rhythms and repeating musical patterns.

Does it support parameter locking?

Yes. Parameter locking allows sound-control changes to be recorded into individual sequencer steps, creating evolving and animated sequences.

What are the PO-16 play styles?

There are 16 dedicated play styles centred around arpeggio and chord-based performance, allowing melodic material to be transformed quickly during composition or performance.

Does the PO-16 have built-in effects?

Yes. It provides 16 punch-in effects including distortion, delay, bit crushing, filtering, stutters, repeats, feedback and vibrato.

Can patterns be chained together?

Yes. Multiple patterns can be chained to create longer musical sequences.

Can the PO-16 sync with other Pocket Operators?

Yes. It supports Pocket Operator synchronisation through its 3.5 mm connections, allowing compatible devices to run together.

Does the PO-16 have a built-in speaker?

Yes. Its integrated speaker lets you play and program ideas without connecting headphones or an external sound system.

Can headphones be connected?

Yes. Headphones can be connected through the 3.5 mm audio output.

What batteries does the PO-16 Factory use?

The PO-16 Factory requires 2 x AAA batteries.

Are batteries included?

No. Batteries are not included.

Is the PO-16 Factory suitable for beginners?

Yes. Its immediate sequencing workflow makes it accessible to newcomers, while parameter locks, synthesis controls, play styles and real-time effects provide plenty of creative depth for more experienced electronic musicians.

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