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Average Price: $81
Budget/Beginner
$249
$700+
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Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-14 Sub". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Dive into the sonic depths with the Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-14 Sub, a compact powerpack that redefines portable sound synthesis. This nifty gadget transforms any environment into a music studio, offering 15 synth bass sounds and an integrated drum machine to lay down your beats. Whether you're sketching out a new song on the subway or adding the final touches in your bedroom, the PO-14 Sub's versatility and range of sounds make it an indispensable tool for the modern musician. With its 16-step sequencer and pattern chaining, you're equipped to create complex basslines and rhythms that punch well above their weight. The PO-14 Sub isn't just a synthesizer; it's your pocket-sized studio companion, ready to bring your musical ideas to life wherever inspiration strikes.
Key Features:
- 15 tweakable synth bass sounds, including a drum machine for comprehensive beat production.
- 16 onboard effects, such as delay and bit crush, for dynamic sound manipulation.
- 16-step sequencer with pattern chaining for intricate basslines and rhythms.
- Compact and portable design, perfect for music creation on the go.
Owner's manual
Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-14 Sub User ManualProduct specs
| Available since | April 2015 |
| Number Of Keys | 16 |
| Touch-Sensitive | No |
| Aftertouch | No |
| Split Zones | No |
| Modulation Wheel | No |
| Number of simultaneous Voices | 16 |
| Sound Engine | FM Synthesis |
| MIDI interface | None |
| Storage Medium | Internal |
| USB-port | No |
| Effects | Multieffect processor |
| Arpeggiator | Yes |
| Number of Analog Outputs | 1 |
| Digital Output | No |
| Display | Yes |
| Pedal Connections | None |
| Dimensions | 124 x 60 x 28 mm |
| Weight | 0,1 kg |
FAQs
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What type of synthesis does the Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-14 Sub use?
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The Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-14 Sub utilizes FM synthesis, which is known for creating rich, complex bass tones ideal for electronic music production.
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How many voices can the PO-14 Sub synthesize simultaneously?
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The PO-14 Sub can handle up to 16 simultaneous voices, allowing for layered and textured bass sounds.
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Does the Pocket Operator PO-14 Sub have a built-in arpeggiator?
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Yes, the PO-14 Sub includes a built-in arpeggiator, which adds rhythmic complexity and movement to your bass lines.
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Is the Teenage Engineering PO-14 Sub compatible with MIDI devices?
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No, the PO-14 Sub does not have a MIDI interface, so it cannot connect directly to MIDI devices.
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What are the dimensions and weight of the PO-14 Sub?
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The PO-14 Sub measures 124 x 60 x 28 mm and weighs only 0.1 kg, making it highly portable and easy to integrate into any setup.
Videos
teenage engineering
PO-14 sub
Reviews
PROS
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Excels in producing unique, gritty bass sounds
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Affordable and offers great value for money
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Easy syncing with other devices for enhanced musical creativity
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Highly portable with long battery life
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Versatile with a wide range of tweakable parameters
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Strong, clear bass tones when connected to amplification
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Includes 16 sounds, arpeggios, effects, drum sounds, and patterns
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Fun and engaging for users at any skill level
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Durable design, described as fairly indestructible
CONS
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Limited to the C major scale, though pitch shifting is possible with effects
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Lack of a guide for the actual notes producible by the synth
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Some volume issues when syncing multiple units
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Old software revisions lack a factory reset option
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Learning curve for sequencing and getting the most out of its features
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Sound quality not on par with the greatest analog synths
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-14 Sub.
Features and functionality
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The guide covers everything from basic sound playing to pattern chaining and creating performances, emphasizing a deep understanding of the PO-14 Sub's capabilities.
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The PO-14 Sub can create a continuous musical pattern by using parameter locking and effects, even if only one step is active.
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The PO-14 has 16 different effects that allow for creative sound manipulation, expanding its musical possibilities.
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The PO-14 Sub's automatic recording of effects, even with Write mode off, is considered an unintended limitation by users.
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The device supports only two channels of polyphony: one for sounds 1-15 and another for the drum sound (Sound 16).
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Adjusting drum pitches requires pausing the sequence, which users find cumbersome and disruptive to workflow.
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Users highlight the chain pattern limit of 16, restricting the ability to sequence more complex compositions without manual intervention.
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Other
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A creative filming setup for tutorials involves using a webcam attached to an articulated desk lamp to avoid shake, offering a budget-friendly alternative to specialized equipment.
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User experience
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Owners appreciate the deep dive guides for uncovering elusive techniques not readily found elsewhere, enhancing their use of the PO-14 Sub.
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Owners express frustration with the glitchy sequencing, like needing to avoid overlapping notes when holding Write, which doesn't occur in other Pocket Operators.
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Newer Pocket Operator generations are seen as more polished, but the PO-14 Sub is still appreciated for its unique charm and sound.
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Use cases and applications
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Users have successfully crafted industrial metal tracks using the PO-14 Sub by focusing on effects and minimal note input.
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A DAW can enhance PO-14's raw outputs with EQ and cuts, while keeping all sounds originally from the PO-14.
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The Sub is better suited for live performance and improvisation rather than composing full songs, due to its quirks and limitations.
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Critic Reviews
4.0 out of 5
Based on 6 Reviews and 35 Ratings
1086
Lot of bass from not a lot of sequencer
Really strong bass sequencer with a wide array of sounds and play styles. A lot of people complain it's limited to the C major scale, but thats not the case. If you use the effects you can pitch shift notes up by a half step! I've had great fun with this and I recommend getting multiple pocket operators for the best experience!
Not Perfect
5 stars for not being perfectly programed, and giving different results every time the pattern repeats. The bass finds different ways to scream and because of this to me it is always entertaining. Plus, for some reason, being able to play ripping saw wave to the point that it shuts down is rewarding. Its almost like theres too much power in this little guy.
458
Powerful bass synthesizer in pocket size.
This is fun to work with, with push button controls and knobs that give you a great sound in a novel device that sounds bigger than it looks.
189
Amazing little machine
Oh my god. This thing is incredible! It even sounds better then my Korg Volca Bass in some respects. What really sucks about it is it can only play in C Major, thus not a full five stars.
214
Great sound, great price, great size =)
Has 16 internal sounds that can be changed, sequenced, and played with headphones or soundsystem =)
Artist usage
Add artist
Deep bass line synthesizer with sequencer, parameter locks, play styles and punch-in effects. Multiple real synthesizer engines 15 sounds + micro drum 16 punch-in effects 16 punch-in bass oriented play styles 16 pattern chaining. No serial information. In very lightly used condition. Used on The New Regime recordings.
Leftfield is shown using the Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-14 Sub in a post on their official Facebook page.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-14 Sub, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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