Teenage Engineering PO-35 Speak Vocal Synthesizer

PRODUCT REVIEW

In-Depth U.S. Market Review

The Teenage Engineering PO-35 Speak Vocal Synthesizer is a highly specialized piece of gear within the Pocket Operator series, targeting the U.S. market of mobile music producers, sound designers, and minimalists. It occupies a unique space as a highly portable vocal synthesizer and sequencer , offering complex vocal manipulation in a delightfully simple, calculator-sized format.

Its primary appeal is its dedicated vocal synthesis and built-in microphone for immediate sampling. While other Pocket Operators focus on drums or melodic synthesis, the PO-35’s focus on speech and sound-mangling sets it apart as a true vocal-transformer. Compared to its siblings, you are getting an instrument focused on granular control over eight distinct voice characters, not general synthesis. It's the ideal budget sampler for creating catchy vocal hooks and experimental soundscapes for hip-hop, IDM, or electronic music producers on the go.

This device is a testament to clever design, packaging a robust sequence and effects engine into a device that fits in your pocket. For the American producer tired of carrying bulky gear, the PO-35 offers a refreshing, constraint-driven way to create original vocal content anywhere.

Technical Analysis

1. Vocal Synthesis and On-the-Go Sampling

The core of the PO-35 Speak Vocal Synthesizer is its eight unique vocal engines. These engines, ranging from a deep-pitched robot to a high-pitched child, allow you to instantly transform your sampled voice into a melodic instrument. This dedicated focus makes it incredibly powerful for creating unique and memorable vocal hooks.

The built-in microphone is a huge factor in its portability, allowing you to sample any sound or vocal snippet you hear in your environment instantly. This immediate access to sound-capture, combined with 120 seconds of sample memory, makes it a powerful creative tool for travel .

2. Advanced Sequencing and Parameter Locking

Despite its small size, the PO-35 features a deep 16-step sequencer with the ability to chain up to 16 patterns. This pattern chaining capability is essential for composing full verses or song structures directly on the device.

A standout feature is Parameter Locking (P-Lock), which allows you to record changes to synth parameters—such as the vocal character or pitch—on a per-step basis. This sophisticated feature is typically found in higher-end gear, enabling the creation of extremely complex, evolving, and dynamic vocal patterns.

3. Integration and Performance Features

The standard 3.5mm line input and output are key to its integration. The PO-35 uses this jack not only for audio but also for the Teenage Engineering SYNC protocol. This allows you to perfectly clock and sequence the PO-35 with other Pocket Operators, desktop synths, or a DAW via a simple audio cable.

The eight built-in effects are not just static—they are 'locking' effects, meaning you hold down the FX button to apply them in real-time. This hands-on, performance-oriented control makes the PO-35 a truly expressive tool for live looping or performance , encouraging improvisation and sound manipulation.

User Profiles

1. The Mobile Sound Designer

You are a U.S.-based audio professional or hobbyist who needs a quick, constraint-driven tool to create unique vocal snippets and sound effects for podcasts, video games, or commercial jingles. You travel often and need to work on the go.

• Use Case: You are sitting in an airport lounge and use the built-in microphone to sample a phrase, then manipulate it with the vocal engines to create a futuristic sound effect or an odd voice line. You then sync it to your other POs or export the audio loop later.

• The Fit: The built-in mic, small size, and dedicated vocal synthesis engines make it the ideal portable vocal processing tool . It's easy to pack, runs on standard AAA batteries, and requires no external components to start creating.

2. The Budget Electronic Musician

You are an aspiring electronic music producer (hip-hop, techno, glitch) looking for a cheap, powerful sequencer and sampler to add unique textures to your tracks, supplementing your software instruments.

• Use Case: You use the PO-35 Speak to craft a hyper-edited, rhythmic vocal chop that becomes the primary hook for a new song. You take advantage of the Parameter Lock feature to automate the stutter and delay effects for an evolving, complex texture that sounds professional.

• The Fit: It offers a level of sequencing and sound manipulation comparable to much more expensive dedicated hardware. It's the perfect entry-level sequencer with sampling capabilities, giving you authentic hardware sound without the investment.

3. The Minimalist Synth Enthusiast

You are a minimalist gear head in the U.S. who loves constraint-based creativity and creating entire songs using only a few pieces of compact gear. You value portability and the tangible experience of hardware sequencing.

• Use Case: You use the PO-35 as the primary melodic and vocal element in a multi-PO setup, clocking it perfectly with a PO-12 rhythm machine. You play a full, sequenced song loop entirely on these battery-powered pocket devices, demonstrating the power of tiny tech.

• The Fit: Its robust sequencing capabilities and dedicated audio sync make it a seamless addition to a small, all-hardware, battery-powered setup . It provides a unique voice that is essential for a diverse, minimal rig.

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