The Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Modular 400 is a monophonic analog modular synthesizer in kit form. Module types include: square, saw, and sine-wave VCOs, a low-pass filter, two envelope generators, two VCAs, an LFO, a noise source, a random (S&H) generator, a 16-step sequencer, a built-in amp/speaker, and power distribution. Also included in the kit is the metal chassis, 37 trim knobs, 13 value knobs, 4 rubber feet, 14 sheet metal screws, 128 chassis screws, 64 spacers, and a screwdriver. The included manual guides you through the process of assembly.
All three VCO modules offer a key input for tracking 1 volt per octave CV signals from the keyboard/sequencer, plus a CV control input with a scaling knob. The square wave OSC features PWM, while the saw and sine oscillators offer FM. Each VCO includes three outputs for routing to multiple destinations for flexible sound design. The 3-channel mixer includes level control knobs for each input and a master volume control over the mixed signals. The low-pass filter offers frequency and resonance control. There are two control inputs for CV control over the filter frequency, each with scaling knobs. The filter also has three outputs to route the filtered signal to multiple destinations.
Each VCA or voltage-controlled amplifier can be used to simply control the volume, or when coupled with a control signal, such as from the two Envelope Generators, the VCA can be shaped with a longer attack and release for more legato styles of playing. The VCA can be connected directly to a sound system or you may use the onboard amplifier/speaker module for easy monitoring.
A noise source provides two outputs for white noise and two saw wave outputs, well suited for use with the random module, which creates bubbling S&H CV signals. The step sequencer offers 16 tuning knobs for setting the CV for each of the 16 steps. Clock inputs and outputs allow the sequencer to lock to other devices, while the thee sequence outputs allow you to route the pattern to multiple modules.
- Square
- Square-wave oscillator, rich in odd harmonics
- Great for hollow basses and screaming leads
- PWM: Pulse-width modulation input makes it possible to generate a faux two-oscillator detuned sound
- Sawtooth Oscillator
- Containing both the odd and even harmonics
- Great for string types of sound
- FM: linear frequency-modulation input (FM) easily brings you into the sci-fi domain
- Sine Oscillator
- Pure sine-wave with no overtones
- Jack of all trades in the modular world
- Great for pure bass to dub sirens
- FM: linear frequency-modulation input (FM) easily brings you into the sci-fi domain
- 3-Channel Mixer
- Three inputs, one output
- Volume control over both the individual inputs as well as the master output
- Low-Pass Filter
- Shape your sound with the 24 dB/oct low-pass filter
- Tweaking the resonance and frequency pots, while getting lost in sound
- Envelope
- Classic ADSR: attack, decay, sustain, and release
- Contour your signals over time
- Works with VCA, VCF, VCO
- Triggered by any signal that crosses the volt threshold
- VCA
- Voltage-controlled amplifier allows you to automate your volume
- Feed it control voltage signals and your signal will adapt accordingly
- Use with envelope for classic configurations
- LFO
- Low-frequency oscillator generates square and triangle waves
- Create automated filter sweeps, pitch effects, and clock sync
- Dual Noise Source
- White noise contains noise equal over the whole spectrum
- Saw output is a great companion to the sample and hold (Rand)
- Rand
- Randomize your music with the sample and hold
- Any input is sampled and then presented at the outputs
- Rate can be controlled both externally and internally but always needs an external signal to sample
- Experiment with both receptive and random sources as the sample input
- 16-Step Sequencer
- Sixteen steps of control
- Override the internal clock with the clock input
- Make it go backwards with the arrow input
- Jump to the first step, the second, fourth, or eighth
- Speaker/Amplifier
- Patch in the integrated amplified speaker
- Great for monitoring on stage or in the studio
- Power Distro
- 20-unit power hub
- Central nervous system and connection hub for all power
All three VCO modules offer a key input for tracking 1 volt per octave CV signals from the keyboard/sequencer, plus a CV control input with a scaling knob. The square wave OSC features PWM, while the saw and sine oscillators offer FM. Each VCO includes three outputs for routing to multiple destinations for flexible sound design. The 3-channel mixer includes level control knobs for each input and a master volume control over the mixed signals. The low-pass filter offers frequency and resonance control. There are two control inputs for CV control over the filter frequency, each with scaling knobs. The filter also has three outputs to route the filtered signal to multiple destinations.
Each VCA or voltage-controlled amplifier can be used to simply control the volume, or when coupled with a control signal, such as from the two Envelope Generators, the VCA can be shaped with a longer attack and release for more legato styles of playing. The VCA can be connected directly to a sound system or you may use the onboard amplifier/speaker module for easy monitoring.
A noise source provides two outputs for white noise and two saw wave outputs, well suited for use with the random module, which creates bubbling S&H CV signals. The step sequencer offers 16 tuning knobs for setting the CV for each of the 16 steps. Clock inputs and outputs allow the sequencer to lock to other devices, while the thee sequence outputs allow you to route the pattern to multiple modules.
- Square
- Square-wave oscillator, rich in odd harmonics
- Great for hollow basses and screaming leads
- PWM: Pulse-width modulation input makes it possible to generate a faux two-oscillator detuned sound
- Sawtooth Oscillator
- Containing both the odd and even harmonics
- Great for string types of sound
- FM: linear frequency-modulation input (FM) easily brings you into the sci-fi domain
- Sine Oscillator
- Pure sine-wave with no overtones
- Jack of all trades in the modular world
- Great for pure bass to dub sirens
- FM: linear frequency-modulation input (FM) easily brings you into the sci-fi domain
- 3-Channel Mixer
- Three inputs, one output
- Volume control over both the individual inputs as well as the master output
- Low-Pass Filter
- Shape your sound with the 24 dB/oct low-pass filter
- Tweaking the resonance and frequency pots, while getting lost in sound
- Envelope
- Classic ADSR: attack, decay, sustain, and release
- Contour your signals over time
- Works with VCA, VCF, VCO
- Triggered by any signal that crosses the volt threshold
- VCA
- Voltage-controlled amplifier allows you to automate your volume
- Feed it control voltage signals and your signal will adapt accordingly
- Use with envelope for classic configurations
- LFO
- Low-frequency oscillator generates square and triangle waves
- Create automated filter sweeps, pitch effects, and clock sync
- Dual Noise Source
- White noise contains noise equal over the whole spectrum
- Saw output is a great companion to the sample and hold (Rand)
- Rand
- Randomize your music with the sample and hold
- Any input is sampled and then presented at the outputs
- Rate can be controlled both externally and internally but always needs an external signal to sample
- Experiment with both receptive and random sources as the sample input
- 16-Step Sequencer
- Sixteen steps of control
- Override the internal clock with the clock input
- Make it go backwards with the arrow input
- Jump to the first step, the second, fourth, or eighth
- Speaker/Amplifier
- Patch in the integrated amplified speaker
- Great for monitoring on stage or in the studio
- Power Distro
- 20-unit power hub
- Central nervous system and connection hub for all power
