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Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-32 Tonic

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Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-32 Tonic

^# 29

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$82.99 to $129.53 Price Tier: Budget

5.0 (26)

6 Critic Reviews

3 Reviews

Find out who is using Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic

1 community setup

15 wishlisted

112 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 5 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

4.0 (1)

$99.00

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4.6 (413)

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5.0 (6)

$82.99 15 available New

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4.4 (58)

$91.00

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£69.99

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Average Price: $101

Budget/Beginner

$150

$601+

Price Tier

In the Drum Machines category, Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-32 Tonic is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-32 Tonic". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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Unleash your rhythmic creativity on-the-go with the Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-32 Tonic. This compact powerhouse makes beat-making accessible anywhere, from the confines of your commute to the spontaneity of a park bench session. Experience the satisfaction of crafting your own beats with real synth engines and a seamless 16-step sequencer. The PO-32 Tonic isn't just pocket-sized; it's a full-blown musical revolution that fits in your hand.

Key Features:

Built-in microphone for transferring sounds and patterns
16-step sequencer for intricate beat programming
Integrated folding stand for easy setup and use
Unlimited sound potential with parameter locks
Comes with built-in speaker and 3.5mm audio I/O
Battery-operated for true portability

Product specs

Available since	May 2017
Sound Synthesis	FM Synthesis
Pads	16
Effects	Yes
Bass	No
Display	Yes
MIDI interface	No
Number of analog outputs	1
Headphone Connector	Yes
Mains Operation	No
Battery Operation	Yes
Footswitch connection	0
Extras	Sync
Shape	Desktop

FAQs

How do I transfer custom sounds to the Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic?: You can transfer custom sounds to the PO-32 Tonic using the Sonic Charge Microtonic VST. The transfer can be done wirelessly via the built-in microphone or through a cable connection.
Can the PO-32 Tonic be used with headphones?: Yes, the PO-32 Tonic has a headphone connector, allowing you to use headphones for private listening and practice.
Does the Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic support battery operation?: Yes, the PO-32 Tonic is battery-powered, requiring two AAA batteries, and offers approximately one month of battery life.
What type of synthesis does the PO-32 Tonic use?: The PO-32 Tonic utilizes FM synthesis, providing a range of customizable sounds and effects.
Is the PO-32 Tonic compatible with MIDI?: No, the PO-32 Tonic does not have a MIDI interface, but it features jam sync for synchronization with other devices.

Videos

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MusicRadar Tech

Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic - hands-on

MusicRadar Tech

Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic Pocket Operator

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Teenage Engineering - PO-32 Tonic (for Moog Audio)

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Teenage Engineering TONIC PO-32 deep dive tutorial guide

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Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator Tonic PO-32

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NAMM 2017 Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic Pocket Operator

Kraft Music

Reviews

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PROS

Highly portable and fun to play with
Offers a wide range of sound variation and effects
Allows for creative beat-making with gating and time-stretching effects
Compatible with Microtonic VST for sound sculpting and uploading
Syncs well with other pocket operators for complex setups
Encourages spontaneous creativity and flow in music creation
Affordable option with unique sound customization capabilities
Easy to learn with a bit of practice

CONS

Lacks MIDI output for capturing data in DAWs like Ableton
Limited to onboard sounds without purchasing Microtonic VST
Small buttons can be fiddly and challenging to use

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-32 Tonic.

Features and functionality

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The PO-32 Tonic allows patch swapping in under 30 seconds, offering versatility through numerous free patches available online.
Source
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The PO-32 can synthesize bass, keys, and effects if paired with the Microtonic software, expanding its versatility beyond just percussion sounds.
Source
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The PO-32’s sound data can be transferred via audio files from YouTube, leveraging the Microtonic engine for sound creation beyond its stock capabilities.
Source
0 0

The Patternarium, a random preset generator for Microtonic, aids in overcoming creative blocks and provides tweakable starting points for sound design.
Source

Software and compatibility

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The PO-32 is essentially a percussion synthesizer, not a sampler, with its knob 'B' functioning as a morph parameter similar to Microtonic.
Source
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While Microtonic is recommended for full feature access, many users find ample free patches online to enhance the PO-32 without additional costs.
Source
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Microtonic is the only software capable of generating new sounds for the PO-32, with a discount available for owners, even if purchased second-hand.
Source
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Attempts to decode the PO-32's audio dump format have been made, but full protocol decoding remains elusive, emphasizing reliance on Microtonic.
Source

Value and pricing

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Owners suggest a $50 price point as a good value for the PO-32, considering its fun and portability.
Source

Use cases and applications

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It's effective for creating quick, catchy beats and is highly portable for on-the-go sketching and creativity.
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Users often layer Microtonic drum sounds with acoustic drums to enhance snap and clarity, showcasing its capability for sound design.
Source

User experience

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Users note the built-in effects are strong, enhancing sound shaping capabilities when sequenced.
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Owners who have used the PO-32 for traveling appreciate its ease of mastery and diverse patch options, making it the preferred choice for portability.
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Some users create and share free sound patches for the PO-32 on platforms like Bandcamp, bypassing the need for Microtonic software.
Source

Comparisons

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The PO-33, while offering sampling capabilities, is criticized for a lo-fi sound and a less intuitive workflow compared to the PO-32.
Source
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The PO-35 contains a slimmed-down version of the PO-32's Microtonic engine, but with limited drum polyphony and lacking accented beats features.
Source

Critic Reviews

Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-32 Tonic is a compact, fun, and inspiring drum synth with unique features. Its standout is the MicroTonic compatibility, allowing for a broader sound palette than previous models. This integration lets users load new sounds via a quirky sound transfer process reminiscent of dial-up internet. While the PO-32's workflow can be fiddly and its screen mostly aesthetic, it compensates with a variety of characterful drum sounds and engaging performance effects. Its portability and price make it a worthy addition for those seeking a versatile noise-maker.

positive

Full Review

Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-32 Tonic

soundonsound.com

The Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-32 Tonic is a quirky yet capable drum machine that impresses with its synth-based engine and real-time performance effects. Its unique design and portability make it a fun gadget for beat-making on the go. However, its learning curve and the additional cost of the Microtonic software might deter some users. Despite these drawbacks, it offers a lot of creative potential, especially when synced with other gear. Overall, the PO-32 is more than just a novelty item; it's a genuinely useful tool for musicians looking to add a playful, tactile element to their sound.

positive

Full Review

Teenage Engineering PO-32 tonic Review - The Best Beats Around

musictech.com

The Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic is a standout in the Pocket Operator series, merging the beloved Microtonic software with a portable drum machine. This collaboration allows for seamless sound transfers from software to hardware via a built-in mic, offering endless sound possibilities. The interface is intuitive, with 16 buttons and rotary controls for easy pattern creation and sound manipulation. While the necessity to purchase the Microtonic software for full functionality might be a slight downside, the overall package delivers exceptional creativity and value. The PO-32 Tonic successfully bridges digital and analog, making it a must-have for beat enthusiasts.

positive

Full Review

Review: Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic : Ask.Audio

ask.audio

The Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic is a sonic powerhouse packed into a tiny, affordable package. Its hard-hitting drum sounds and new sound transfer capability with Microtonic elevate it above its Pocket Operator siblings. While the lack of a bundled Microtonic deal and the need for an optional protective case are minor downsides, the PO-32's fun, flexible workflow and impressive audio punch make it a must-have for both playful experimentation and serious production.

positive

Full Review

Teenage Engineering - PO-32 Tonic · Tech Review ⟋ RA

ra.co

The Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-32 Tonic is a remarkable blend of affordability and sound quality, offering a highly optimized, Microtonic-based drum synthesis engine. Its capability to load custom sounds over the air and integrate with Microtonic for pattern transmission makes it a standout in its price range. However, it struggles with certain limitations, such as the lack of a true mute function and the need to reset sync settings when connecting cables. Despite these quirks, the PO-32 delivers an impressive sonic output, making it a worthy addition to any budget-conscious musician's arsenal.

positive

Full Review

Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic Review | Performer Mag

performermag.com

The Teenage Engineering PO-32 Tonic is a compact powerhouse, marrying quirky design with impressive functionality. It's perfect for musicians seeking a fun, hands-on experience, offering 16 preset sounds and effects, and easy beat manipulation. The standout feature is its ability to connect with your computer for deeper editing, making it versatile for both live and studio settings. While the retro Lock tab feature is confusing, the PO-32's charm and affordability at $89 make it an irresistible tool for creative beat-making.

positive

Full Review

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 26 Ratings

5 star

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1 star

chapersdale

1086

over 2 years ago

Fantastic drum machine

Simple to understand and real good quality product. Can be a little fiddly with the small buttons, but once your used to them your flying. I throughly recommend getting others in the pocket operator series, they sync up perfectly and you can create some real interesting stuff!

Roles:

Guitarist

Genres:

Rock Indie rock Ambient

acrxsia

113

over 7 years ago

Great little pocket synthesizer.

I've had this little synthesizer for a while and it's really fun to play around with. Took me a while to learn how to use it but I caught on quickly. My only complaint is that you have to buy the Microtonic VST in order to change the sounds, but overall affordable and portable.

monstahouse

793

about 9 years ago

A cheap, versatile drum machine with impressive sounds

With flexible controls of decay and pitch, and easy-to-use programming of rhythm, coupled with endless sounds from the Microtonic VST, this little wonder is an affordable masterpiece.