--- product_id: 48577876 title: "PO-20 Arcade Pocket Operator - 8-bit Arcade Synthesizer/Sequencer, perfect for chiptune" brand: "teenage engineering" price: "2917 DH" currency: MAD in_stock: true reviews_count: 9 url: https://www.desertcart.ma/products/48577876-po-20-arcade-pocket-operator-8-bit-arcade-synthesizer-sequencer store_origin: MA region: Morocco --- # 16-bit retro synth tones Built-in Knowles speaker & high-quality DAC 16-step sequencer + 128-pattern chaining PO-20 Arcade Pocket Operator - 8-bit Arcade Synthesizer/Sequencer, perfect for chiptune **Brand:** teenage engineering **Price:** 2917 DH **Availability:** βœ… In Stock ## Summary > 🎢 Pocket-sized arcade magic for the synth-savvy millennial! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** PO-20 Arcade Pocket Operator - 8-bit Arcade Synthesizer/Sequencer, perfect for chiptune by teenage engineering - **How much does it cost?** 2917 DH with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.ma](https://www.desertcart.ma/products/48577876-po-20-arcade-pocket-operator-8-bit-arcade-synthesizer-sequencer) ## Best For - teenage engineering enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted teenage engineering brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - β€’ **Seamless Syncing:** Effortlessly sync with your favorite gear like Korg Volcas for a pro-level jam session. - β€’ **Retro Meets Modern:** Dive into 16 authentic 8-bit chiptune sounds that blend nostalgia with fresh synth vibes. - β€’ **Limitless Songcraft:** Harness the power of a 16-step sequencer and chain up to 128 patterns for epic, complex tracks. - β€’ **Plug & Play Freedom:** Built-in speaker means no extra gear neededβ€”create and perform anywhere, anytime. - β€’ **Pocket-Sized Powerhouse:** Ultra-lightweight and compact design fits your creative lifestyle on the go. ## Overview The Teenage Engineering PO-20 Arcade is a compact 8-bit synthesizer and sequencer delivering 16 retro-inspired chiptune sounds. Featuring a 16-step sequencer with 128-pattern chaining, it enables complex song creation. Equipped with a high-quality Cirrus Logic DAC and built-in Knowles speaker, it offers standalone playability and syncs seamlessly with external devices, making it a versatile tool for both beginners and seasoned electronic musicians. ## Description Teenage Engineering PO-20 Arcade Pocket Operator - 8-bit Arcade Synthesizer/Sequencer, perfect for chiptune : desertcart.co.uk: Musical Instruments & DJ Review: PO-20 Arcade: Most fun I have had with electronic music in ages - This review is about the PO-20 Arcade. They may look a bit odd and minimalist, but they sound incredible and provide a lot of fun for the creatively minded. If you are a beginner to electronic music, the PO may somewhat puzzle you, but in the hands of someone with even a little bit of experience, these provide hours of fun and even some serious musical capability. The PO-20 totally takes me back to my youth when I used to own an Atari. The rich 8-bit quality of the square wave arps superbly re-create the atmosphere of that era, but with a modern twist. The chord sequencing is inspired. Very clever indeed, hats of to Jesper Kouthoofd and his team for producing something remarkable. I love the way the chord sequence changes the arps and baseline, even without turning up the drone. The side chain compression simulation on the drone sound is a very cool sounding modern twist. I am also astounded by the very expansive sequencing capability. You can store 16 x 16 step sequences and link them into a chain of up to 128 patterns, that is whopping 2048 steps! The chord sequence of up to 128 "bars" (from a choice of 16 cleverly chosen chords) is independent from this so the options are virtually limitless. Each sound has two parameters that can be sequenced too. I love the fact that I can sync my PO to my Korg Volcas and other synths. Very easy to set up, plug in and select SY2, that's all there is to it! The only bit of criticism I have is about the packaging. I get that this is all part of the overall minimalist design of the product, but does not protect it enough when sent. Especially the knobs are vulnerable as they stick out of the packaging. My first one arrived with one of the knobs smashed in. This is partly because desertcart did not properly packaged it (just stuffed it into an envelope, which got crushed between heavier boxes). The replacement came in the same rubbish packaging, but all works fine. I disagree that the unit is vulnerable to damage. Of course there are always those that treat their kit like Casey Neistat, but then of course nothing is safe from damage. Highly recommended, seriously thinking which one I want next! Review: Very very very fun - I have quite a few drum machines from a maschine plus, novation circuit, kolg volva beats and the pocket operator so I I have a pretty good idea about where this fits into the mix. It's way more powerful than it looks. It's really possible to do some quite complex things on this with only the few settings that you have. For example, yes it's a 16 step sequencer so it's quantized but if you way to have something non quantized you could shift where you trim the same at for example to get it to a microstep. The storage space on it is a bit limiting so it makes you really conserve the space you have. Longer samples for example may be hard to work with. There is a way to back it up to a sound file if you want to though which is nice to have. Recording in it is very easy. The build in mic is ok but record from line in for much better results. The battery life is great so expect a few weeks of continuous use out if 2 battering. The only negative thing I have to say is that the dials are really terrible. It makes it so hard to trim a clip for donfine adjustments. Some people have soldered different ones on that are better quality but I've bit tried it. Get the outrageously expensive case to go with it since it will save your fingers if you use it a lot. Sound quality is good but don't expect high end audio. I've found that if you get a good recording of a sample on it the quality is quite good but this just lends it's self to the type of music it can create. For comparison you can do more on this than a Kirk volca beats and it fits in your pocket. It's actually really good for just jamming and playing live ## Features - PRODUCES RETRO AND MODERN SYNTHS - The Teenage Engineering PO-20 Arcade offers 16 synthesized 8bit video game-style tones like chiptune-style sounds - ALLOWS YOU TO CREATE A WHOLE SONG - The 16-step sequencer enables you to create sophisticated arrangements and make an entire song with the help of the 128-pattern chaining function - DELIVERS HIGH-QUALITY SOUNDS - The Pocket Operator Arcade uses Silicon Labs EFM32 Gecko MCU and Cirrus Logic DAC chip to produce excellent sound quality The built-in Knowles Speakers lets you play with PO-20 without using external devices - WORKS AS STANDALONE - You can use the PO-20 Arcade alone with the use of the onboard Knowles speaker No need for external gear - EASILY INTEGRATES WITH OTHER GEAR - The audio-pulse-based sync of PO-20 enables you to sync it with external devices such as computers, volca, or SyncKontrol ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B01BKO0HKW | | Best Sellers Rank | 1,014 in Musical Instruments & DJ ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments & DJ ) 2 in Tabletop Synthesizers | | Body material | FR4 | | Colour Screen | No | | Connector | Auxiliary | | Country Produced In | China | | Customer Reviews | 4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars (5,789) | | Date First Available | 8 Feb. 2016 | | Global Trade Identification Number | 07350073030804 | | Included components | pcs Mini cables | | Item Weight | 59 g | | Item model number | TE010AS020 | | Item weight | 0.13 Pounds | | Manufacturer | Teenage Engineering | | Material Type | Plastic Metal Rubber | | Number of Keyboard Keys | 23 | | Product Dimensions | 17.78 x 8.89 x 0.51 cm; 58.97 g | | Set Name | Pocket Operator | | Size | PO-20 | | Speaker Count | 1 | | UPC | 714573521236 714573520789 | ## Product Details - **Brand:** Teenage Engineering - **Colour:** black/purple - **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 17.8 x 8.9 x 0.5 centimetres - **Material:** Plastic Metal Rubber - **Model name:** PO-20 Arcade ## Images ![PO-20 Arcade Pocket Operator - 8-bit Arcade Synthesizer/Sequencer, perfect for chiptune - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71cuWtwtNuL.jpg) ![PO-20 Arcade Pocket Operator - 8-bit Arcade Synthesizer/Sequencer, perfect for chiptune - Image 2](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71EaP+qTMvL.jpg) ![PO-20 Arcade Pocket Operator - 8-bit Arcade Synthesizer/Sequencer, perfect for chiptune - Image 3](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61k7FqF4YVL.jpg) ![PO-20 Arcade Pocket Operator - 8-bit Arcade Synthesizer/Sequencer, perfect for chiptune - Image 4](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81wXV+7B-dL.jpg) ![PO-20 Arcade Pocket Operator - 8-bit Arcade Synthesizer/Sequencer, perfect for chiptune - Image 5](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71vm2AmjMHL.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Style** options. ## Questions & Answers **Q: Which batteries does it use, how many, and how long can it last?** A: Using the including batteries and frequently building loops and carrying the my po16 around in a bag (where it would frequently get turned on by being jostled) I got about 5 months. At the end, I thought that seeing it die meant I would lose all of my saved loops. That is not the case. Your patterns stay in memory unless you hold 2 buttons while replacing the batteries for a factory reset. Which is great because, swear to God, I made some str8 bangers. I'm buying a second one and can't decide between the KO! and the Arcade. **Q: Is there a case for the arcade? i see them for the others, but not po-20.** A: I searched for one on the net and on amazon when I purchased this and I did not see one available as yet. There are 3D printer case designs out there much much much cheaper... **Q: What chord/cable do I need to plug into my computer to record from the pocket operator?** A: I believe L and R are identical unless you're moving clock information. In that case L is clock and R is your audio. From what I've read, the POs are dual mono, which makes sense because there is a mono speaker. So, to answer the question, you need to plug a 3.5mm trs in your operator's right side (which is sending two signals and ground) and you can pick up either side (tip/ring or tip/sleeve) and send it into a single channel on your interface. Most interfaces are 1/4"ts, so a 3.5mmTRS stereo to dual 1/4" mono y cable m/m will work. If you're using your computer's onboard soundcard, 3.5mm trs to 3.5mm trs m/m will work. If your interface takes xlr, 3.5mm trs to male xlr. **Q: What is the advantage of using something like this over just looking up loops like "Drums Only" on a streaming service?** A: The advantage of using this is that you can quickly create the exact loops you want, instead of searching for something similar on the internet. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ PO-20 Arcade: Most fun I have had with electronic music in ages *by M***N on 22 December 2020* This review is about the PO-20 Arcade. They may look a bit odd and minimalist, but they sound incredible and provide a lot of fun for the creatively minded. If you are a beginner to electronic music, the PO may somewhat puzzle you, but in the hands of someone with even a little bit of experience, these provide hours of fun and even some serious musical capability. The PO-20 totally takes me back to my youth when I used to own an Atari. The rich 8-bit quality of the square wave arps superbly re-create the atmosphere of that era, but with a modern twist. The chord sequencing is inspired. Very clever indeed, hats of to Jesper Kouthoofd and his team for producing something remarkable. I love the way the chord sequence changes the arps and baseline, even without turning up the drone. The side chain compression simulation on the drone sound is a very cool sounding modern twist. I am also astounded by the very expansive sequencing capability. You can store 16 x 16 step sequences and link them into a chain of up to 128 patterns, that is whopping 2048 steps! The chord sequence of up to 128 "bars" (from a choice of 16 cleverly chosen chords) is independent from this so the options are virtually limitless. Each sound has two parameters that can be sequenced too. I love the fact that I can sync my PO to my Korg Volcas and other synths. Very easy to set up, plug in and select SY2, that's all there is to it! The only bit of criticism I have is about the packaging. I get that this is all part of the overall minimalist design of the product, but does not protect it enough when sent. Especially the knobs are vulnerable as they stick out of the packaging. My first one arrived with one of the knobs smashed in. This is partly because Amazon did not properly packaged it (just stuffed it into an envelope, which got crushed between heavier boxes). The replacement came in the same rubbish packaging, but all works fine. I disagree that the unit is vulnerable to damage. Of course there are always those that treat their kit like Casey Neistat, but then of course nothing is safe from damage. Highly recommended, seriously thinking which one I want next! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Very very very fun *by G***O on 6 May 2023* I have quite a few drum machines from a maschine plus, novation circuit, kolg volva beats and the pocket operator so I I have a pretty good idea about where this fits into the mix. It's way more powerful than it looks. It's really possible to do some quite complex things on this with only the few settings that you have. For example, yes it's a 16 step sequencer so it's quantized but if you way to have something non quantized you could shift where you trim the same at for example to get it to a microstep. The storage space on it is a bit limiting so it makes you really conserve the space you have. Longer samples for example may be hard to work with. There is a way to back it up to a sound file if you want to though which is nice to have. Recording in it is very easy. The build in mic is ok but record from line in for much better results. The battery life is great so expect a few weeks of continuous use out if 2 battering. The only negative thing I have to say is that the dials are really terrible. It makes it so hard to trim a clip for donfine adjustments. Some people have soldered different ones on that are better quality but I've bit tried it. Get the outrageously expensive case to go with it since it will save your fingers if you use it a lot. Sound quality is good but don't expect high end audio. I've found that if you get a good recording of a sample on it the quality is quite good but this just lends it's self to the type of music it can create. For comparison you can do more on this than a Kirk volca beats and it fits in your pocket. It's actually really good for just jamming and playing live ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars *by A***. on 7 December 2025* Very cool little gadget, slightly damaged packaging ## Frequently Bought Together - Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-20 Arcade, Synthesizer and Sequencer, with Parameter Locks, Chord Control and Punch-in Effects - teenage engineering CA-X Silicon pro-case for Pocket Operators with Built-in Battery Protection and Anti-Slip feet (Black) - Teenage Engineering Pocket Operator PO-33 K.O.! Micro Sampler and Drum Machine with Built-in Microphone, Sequencer and Effects --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - πŸ›’ **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** β€” Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** β€” Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - πŸ’° **No Hidden Fees** β€” All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - πŸ”„ **15-Day Free Returns** β€” Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - πŸ”’ **Secure Payments** β€” Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** β€” Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.ma/products/48577876-po-20-arcade-pocket-operator-8-bit-arcade-synthesizer-sequencer](https://www.desertcart.ma/products/48577876-po-20-arcade-pocket-operator-8-bit-arcade-synthesizer-sequencer) --- *Product available on Desertcart Morocco* *Store origin: MA* *Last updated: 2026-04-24*