Teenage Engineering PO‑12 Rhythm – Pocket drum machine for beats anywhere
The PO‑12 Rhythm is a credit-card-sized drum machine built for quick beat sketches and DAWless jam sessions. It combines 16 synthesized and sampled drum sounds with a 16-step sequencer, parameter locks, and punch-in effects, all running from two AAA batteries. Whether you are programming patterns on a commute or syncing it with other Pocket Operators in a live setup, it keeps the workflow immediate and fun. Available at Soundium.
Key Features
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16 drum sounds: mix of real synthesized and sampled percussion voices
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16-step sequencer: 16 patterns with pattern chaining for longer arrangements
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Parameter locks: automate two parameters per sound per step
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16 punch-in effects: stutter, bit crush, delay, filters, and more
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Audio sync I/O: 3.5 mm in/out for linking Pocket Operators, Volcas, or DAW click
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Built-in speaker + animated LCD: make beats without headphones or extra gear
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Battery powered: runs on 2× AAA batteries
Customer Benefits
The PO‑12 removes the setup friction that kills inspiration. No cables, no boot time, no menu diving—just batteries and a pattern. The sequencer is fast enough to lay down a beat in seconds, parameter locks add motion, and the effects let you twist the pattern live. It is small enough to live in a pocket, loud enough through the built-in speaker to jam with a friend, and happy to slot into a bigger rig when you get home.
Quick Specs
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Sounds: 16 synthesized and sampled drum/percussion voices
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Sequencer: 16-step, 16 patterns, pattern chaining
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Effects: 16 punch-in effects (delay, bit crush, filters, stutter, and more)
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Sync: 3.5 mm audio in/out with audio-sync modes
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Display: animated LCD
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Power: 2× AAA batteries (not included)
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Dimensions: 12.5 × 6.4 × 1.8 cm
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Weight: approx. 100 g
In the Box
- Teenage Engineering PO‑12 Rhythm
- Fold-out user guide
Ideal For
Commuting beatmakers, DAWless setups, Pocket Operator chains, live jams.
Compatibility
Syncs with other Pocket Operators, Korg Volca devices, and any gear that can send or receive audio click-track sync.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Genuine drum synth + samples in a pocket-sized package
- Immediate, no-fuss workflow with parameter locks and punch-in FX
- Built-in speaker and battery power for anywhere jamming
⚠️ Cons:
- Exposed circuit board needs care; no protective case included
- Two AAA cells not included; pattern memory relies on batteries
If you want a drum machine that fits in your pocket and still sounds like a real instrument, the PO‑12 Rhythm is hard to beat. Pick it up at Soundium.
