Ricky Tinez is back, and this time he’s diving into the KO-2 update, serving up everything from hands-free recording to the new, slightly wild Song Mode. Expect the unexpected as Ricky navigates the good, the great, and the downright weird in Teenage Engineering’s latest. With his usual blend of honesty and wit, he helps you get to grips with all the new features.

20. April 2025
RILEY
Exploring the KO-2 Update with RickyTinez
A Box Full of Surprises
Ricky Tinez kicks things off with the KO-2 update and doesn’t hold back, describing it as good, great, and downright weird. Right away, he’s getting into the nitty-gritty, applauding the addition of hands-free recording and resampling. These features seem to address a lot of his initial gripes with the EP133, which is a welcome change. Ricky notes the ability to create scenes out of order as a quirky, yet useful addition. He’s as surprised as a cat confronted with a snowstorm when he learns about these developments, setting the stage for what’s to come. It’s clear Teenage Engineering pulled out the stops, including some unexpected features in their update arsenal.
The Great – Side Chaining
When it comes to the side chaining feature, Ricky’s excitement is as infectious as a summer jam. He delves into why he believes Teenage Engineering nailed this feature better than many others. It’s not just a sound modulation; it’s dynamic, allowing for a cleaner, more predictable effect by utilizing MIDI information. Ricky demonstrates setting the length and shape of the ducking effect, making it look as easy as ordering pizza online. His comparison with other manufacturers paints this implementation as superior. Cords and kicks never sounded so tight, showing how deep this box can go. Ricky’s clear it’s a game-changer, making significant improvements to his projects.

"Fixed length recording. It's dope. It's awesome."
© Screenshot/Quote: Rickytinez (YouTube)
Sound Edit Savings

"This is way more handy than you realize."
© Screenshot/Quote: Rickytinez (YouTube)
Saving sound edits might not sound revolutionary off the bat, but Ricky shines a light on why it matters. He recounts his experiences with other gear, like the Digitakt, to emphasize this KO-2 feature’s importance. He appreciates that he can make persistent sound tweaks instead of redoing each time, saving both energy and eardrums. This feature is all about efficiency, allowing him to fine-tune sounds across projects without hassle. Ricky even warns viewers to be mindful, theorizing about other impacts on sound slots. His insight into workflow improvement reflects a deeper understanding of what musicians need. In Ricky’s laid-back narrative, it’s yet another critical box checked for Teenage Engineering’s latest update.
Navigating the Weird – Song Mode
Song Mode is where things get trippy, and Ricky doesn’t shy away from calling it labyrinthine. As layers and scenes pile up, he guides viewers through the potential chaos with humor and patience. It’s compared to working a maze blindfolded, with his advice being to deal with Song Mode after crafting the rest of a track. By juggling layers and scenes, it becomes a delicate balancing act, like spinning vinyl on one hand while pouring a beer with the other. Ricky advises caution, suggesting users ignore Song Mode until tracks are fully built elsewhere. His approach towards this feature is practical, helping fellow musicians avoid the traps he himself stumbled upon. Ricky’s honesty and humor about his own confusions makes the navigation relatable and entertaining.

"Just ignore song mode completely until you are completely done making your song in normal mode."
© Screenshot/Quote: Rickytinez (YouTube)
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