- Teenage Engineering releases the K.O. AMP (EP 35), a battery-powered portable amp that works as a guitar amp, Bluetooth speaker, and small portable PA system.
- It mixes up to 6 sources simultaneously, including a guitar, a 48 V phantom-powered XLR mic, and electronic instruments.
- It’s for the guitarist rehearsing outside, the guitar and vocal duo playing without mains power, and anyone wanting a compact setup around their EP machines.
- The 8 built-in effect presets are included; the wireless K.O. PEDAL footswitch, Handy Mic, and AMPTENNA FM radio are sold separately.
The name K.O. already has a history at Teenage Engineering. It appeared on the PO-33 K.O!, that pocket sampler looking like a calculator, then on the EP-133 K.O. II. This time, the brand puts it on a different-sized object: the EP 35 K.O. AMP, a battery-powered amp with a handle you carry in one hand.
The Teenage Engineering K.O. AMP plays three roles at once. Guitar amp, Bluetooth speaker, portable PA system. It accepts a guitar, a mic, machines, and your phone, and mixes it all without a mixer alongside. Add built-in effects, a USB audio interface, a storage compartment, and a camp lamp, and you get a device that doesn’t fit neatly into one category.
The K.O. AMP delivers 35 W and weighs 3.20 kg for 229 × 269 × 176 mm. The handle is part of the chassis, the battery recharges via USB-C, and a built-in compartment keeps cables handy. A mini jack headphone output also lets you play without waking the building.
Specifications - Teenage Engineering EP 35 K.O. AMP
| Type | Portable multi-source amp and speaker |
|---|---|
| Power | 35 W |
| Mixing | 6 simultaneous audio sources |
| Inputs | 6.35 mm instrument jack, Low/High gain · XLR mic with 48 V phantom power · Stereo line |
| Outputs | Stereo line · Mini jack headphone |
| Wireless | Bluetooth LE Audio Bluetooth Broadcast |
| Audio interface | USB 2.0, via USB-C port |
| Effects | 8 presets for guitar and mic |
| Playback | Audio files from a compatible USB stick |
| Extensions | ep-plug ep-grid |
| Power supply | Built-in battery, USB-C charging |
| Built-in | Storage compartment · Camp lamp · Handle |
| Dimensions | 229 × 269 × 176 mm |
| Net weight | 3.20 kg |
| Verdict |
Pros
Worth noting
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A K.O. AMP that mixes six sources at once
The starting point of the K.O. AMP is mixing. It brings together six mixable sources in one box, without a mixer to connect alongside. A guitar, a mic, a machine plugged into line, music from your phone: all come out of the same speaker.
Guitar, mic, line: the connectivity
The instrument input is a classic 6.35 mm jack, with a Low/High gain selection to match your guitar’s input level. In practice, it replaces a small practice guitar amp, with Bluetooth added for playing along with a track.
Next to it, an XLR mic input. It provides 48 V phantom power, so a condenser mic works as well as a dynamic one. The stereo line input takes a synth, drum machine, or sampler, and the stereo line output sends the mix to a bigger system if the venue requires it.
Phantom power is a 48-volt voltage sent through the XLR cable to the mic. Condenser mics need it to work, dynamic mics don’t. On the K.O. AMP, both mic types have their place.
A USB audio interface as a bonus
The USB-C port isn’t just for charging. It also carries audio: the K.O. AMP works as a USB 2.0 audio interface connected to a computer. So you can integrate it into your production software, record an idea, or listen to your session through it.
Playback of files from a compatible USB stick completes the picture. A backing track, a drum loop, a concert playback: just drag the files onto the stick.
Built-in effects and an optional wireless pedal
The K.O. AMP includes 8 effect presets, for guitar and voice. You select them from the device, no pedalboard or processor needed between instrument and amp. For a garden rehearsal or an acoustic session with friends, the setup fits on one cable.
To keep your hands on the instrument, Teenage Engineering offers the EP-127 K.O. PEDAL wireless foot controller as an option.
The K.O. PEDAL has two large pressure-sensitive knobs. With the K.O. AMP, it controls guitar and vocal effects, the looper, metronome, and audio playback. Pressure doesn’t just trigger: it also modulates effects, and a 3.5 mm mini jack input takes an expression pedal.
It runs on two AAA batteries or USB-C, weighs 0.2 kg, and uses Bluetooth LE MIDI. With its mini jack MIDI output, it also controls synths or software, and its HID mode scrolls presentations or triggers shortcuts.
A guitarist can layer a rhythm loop, then play a solo over it without leaving position. A singer accompanying themselves can start playback with their foot between verses.
The K.O. AMP outdoors: battery, lamp and Bluetooth Broadcast
The whole K.O. AMP is built around portability. The built-in battery charges via USB-C, the handle is integrated into the casing, and the storage compartment keeps cables and small accessories inside the amp. You head out with just one object in your hand.
Teenage Engineering added a camping lamp. For a session around the fire or a jam that goes on after sunset, the amp also lights up the stage. It’s the kind of detail that really tells you about the brand: serious gear, with a sense of humor.
The Bluetooth Broadcast mode sends sound simultaneously to several compatible K.O. AMPs. With two or three devices, a small party or an outdoor workshop gets better coverage, without cables stretched between speakers. For heavier needs, a portable PA speaker takes over via the line output.
For an acoustic concert without mains power, plug your guitar and mic into the K.O. AMP and keep the line output free. If the organizer provides a PA, a single stereo cable is enough to send them your already balanced mix.
EP machines and accessories around the K.O. AMP
Owners of machines from the EP series have a particular interest in this amp. With the optional K.O. DOCK KIT, they attach their instrument directly to the side of the speaker. The kit contains four mounting clips and a 90 mm TRS cable. An EP-1320 Medieval hooked to the side of the K.O. AMP is a pocket studio you can take on the go in one move.
The rest of the ecosystem connects via the ep-plug connection and the ep-grid mount. Teenage Engineering offers several separate accessories:
- Handy Mic: a compact XLR mic with push-to-talk button and coiled cable, for singing or speaking.
- AMPTENNA: an FM radio receiver to plug into the ep-plug port, turning the amp into a portable radio.
- USB DRIVE 16GB: a 16 GB key preloaded with instrumentals and rhythmic loops, so you can play along right away.
- GUITAR TEXTILE CABLE 3M: a 3 m 6.35 mm jack cable with a grey textile sheath.
- K.O. AMP ADD-ON BUNDLE: the Handy Mic, AMPTENNA, USB key and K.O. DOCK KIT all together in one pack.
If you get the K.O. AMP to play guitar outdoors, start with the amp alone: the effects and connectivity already cover rehearsal needs. The K.O. PEDAL becomes interesting as soon as you want to loop live. The accessory pack mainly targets those who want to sing, listen to the radio or attach an EP machine.
FAQ - Teenage Engineering K.O. AMP
Does the K.O. AMP run on battery?
Yes, it has a rechargeable battery via USB-C. It’s portable with its handle and plays far from mains power.
Can you plug a condenser mic into the K.O. AMP?
Yes. The XLR mic input provides 48 V phantom power, necessary for condenser mics. A dynamic mic also works.
How many sources can you mix at the same time?
Up to six simultaneous sources, including a guitar, a mic and electronic instruments. Bluetooth and USB audio add to the stereo line input.
Does the K.O. AMP serve as an audio interface?
Yes, it acts as a USB 2.0 audio interface via its USB-C port. It integrates into a computer production environment.
Is the K.O. PEDAL included?
No, the EP-127 K.O. PEDAL is sold separately. It adds foot control of effects, looper, metronome and audio playback, and also works as a wireless MIDI controller.
With its mix of amp, speaker and small PA, the K.O. AMP finds its place anywhere you play outside the rehearsal room: the beach, the park, a friend’s living room. You can easily picture it in the middle of a group heading out for the weekend, a guitar on one side, an EP machine on the other. And for what’s next, the pedal, mic and FM radio let you expand it accessory by accessory.
