Teenage Engineering PO-12 Rhythm Pocket Operator

The Teenage Engineering PO-12 Rhythm is a pocket-sized drum machine that combines synthesised and sampled percussion. It puts a focused set of musical tools into a small, battery-powered instrument, making it easy to develop ideas on a desk, while travelling or alongside other hardware.

A distinctive sound in a direct workflow

Build a beat from its drum sounds, then use the step multiplier to introduce rolls and faster repeated hits. The mix of sound sources gives you room to move between a simple, direct rhythm and a more animated electronic pattern.

The step sequencer gives the idea a repeating structure, while the two rotary controls and performance buttons let you change the result as it plays. Record parameter movement, vary the feel with timing and swing, and use the available effects to introduce fills or transitions. This encourages a practical cycle of playing, listening and making small changes.

Start alone and connect when needed

A built-in speaker lets you hear an idea immediately. Use the 3.5mm output for headphones, a mixer or a recording input, and choose the appropriate sync mode when connecting other Pocket Operators or compatible equipment. Audio and sync share the compact connection system, so cable choice and sync settings matter when building a larger setup.

Two AAA batteries keep the instrument portable. The exposed circuit-board design is part of its compact format, and the optional CA-X case adds protection for carrying and handling. PO-12 Rhythm can be a first standalone electronic instrument, a focused addition to a more developed rig or a small source of ideas that you later record into a larger production. This listing is for the Pocket Operator; cases and connection cables are sold separately.