--- product_id: 26584830 title: "Teenage engineering pocket operator PO-28 robot, live synthesizer and sequencer, with parameter locks, glide control and punch-in effects" brand: "teenage engineering" price: "VT38693" currency: VUV in_stock: true reviews_count: 12 category: "Teenage Engineering" url: https://www.desertcart.vu/products/26584830-teenage-engineering-pocket-operator-po-28-robot-live-synthesizer-sequencer store_origin: VU region: Vanuatu --- # 16-key mini synth engine Stereo line out + built-in speaker 128 pattern chaining sequencer Teenage engineering pocket operator PO-28 robot, live synthesizer and sequencer, with parameter locks, glide control and punch-in effects **Brand:** teenage engineering **Price:** VT38693 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 🎛️ Lead the lo-fi revolution with the PO-28 Robot — your pocket-sized synth sidekick! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** Teenage engineering pocket operator PO-28 robot, live synthesizer and sequencer, with parameter locks, glide control and punch-in effects by teenage engineering - **How much does it cost?** VT38693 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.vu](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/26584830-teenage-engineering-pocket-operator-po-28-robot-live-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 - • **Ultimate Modular Jam:** Sync and stack with other Pocket Operators for a full electronic band experience—be the lead synth hero. - • **Endless Track Building:** Chain up to 128 patterns to compose complex, evolving tracks on the fly. - • **Pocket-Sized Powerhouse:** Carry a full 8-bit synth and micro drum kit in your pocket—create anywhere, anytime. - • **Studio-Quality Sound Output:** Built-in speaker or stereo line out ensures crisp sound whether solo or plugged into pro gear. - • **Seamless Live & Sequenced Play:** Combine live tweaks with a 16-step sequencer and punch-in effects for dynamic performances. ## Overview The Teenage Engineering PO-28 Robot is a compact, battery-powered 8-bit synthesizer and sequencer featuring 16 keys, 128 pattern chaining, and punch-in effects. Designed for live play and studio-quality output via built-in speaker or stereo line out, it excels as a lead synth in modular setups with other Pocket Operators. Ultra-portable and creatively versatile, it’s perfect for millennial pros seeking to elevate their music production on the go. ## Description Buy Teenage engineering pocket operator PO-28 robot, live synthesizer and sequencer, with parameter locks, glide control and punch-in effects: Tabletop Synthesizers - desertcart.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases Review: Lead on! - The PO-28 Robot is the lead guitarist among the Pocket Operator lineup. Its specialty is providing lead synthesizer over the top of the other units, although it is fully capable in its own right. What you get: Lo-fi lead synth goodness. Playing the 16 keys and twisting the knobs will get you the lo-fi equivalent of everything from a haunting guitar to soaring synth and bleep-bloop chiptune leads. Although 16 keys isn't a lot, the unit does let you tune up and down a decent amount to get some range. Great for simple live play. A fully-functional sequencer. The 16-step sequencer also makes use of the 16th sound key which provides 16 different drum sounds. Use some of the low synth lines for bass, the drum key for drums, and then rock out your lead with the high instruments. That's full song capability, onboard. Super cool, and so fun for freeform play. Song play. The sequencer can remember up to 128 patterns in sequence. At 80bpm, that's 6.4 minutes of recorded patterns. You can then use the FM and live play to jam over top of that. You can also punch in more patterns or sets of patterns on the fly, meaning you have almost unlimited play options within the confines of the unit. Connects to other POs. Since this is mostly a lead synth, you may want to immediately connect it to the PO-12 Rhythm or PO-32 Tonic which are more fully-featured drum machines. This will let you control the drum separate from lead, making for more complex song ideas. You can also add a PO-14 Sub for basslines, a PO-33 for samples, or a PO-35 speak for voice/vocoder samples. Or how about a PO-20 for more lo-fi 8-bit arcade sounds? So many options! The POs share clock using a simple stereo ("aux") cable, and the audio will be output by the final unit in the chain. The only downside: Teenage Engineering responded to the fact that at high volume the PO-1X series had distorted sound by lowering the volume on the PO-2X series. You will therefore want to look up some guides people have made for chaining the units- you may for instance want the volume on the Robot maxed out while your rhythm machine is set down to maybe half volume. It's a small oddity, and takes moments to fix. But the Robot is very quiet in use, you really need headphones to enjoy it in anything but a silent room. Overall: Love this thing. It's like the rest of the Pocket Operator line are an 80s electronic band and the Robot is the lead guitarist stepping onstage with a keytar. You can really make some rocking lead parts with this unit, as it has more options to fade in sound creating the sort of haunting guitar/synth sound that layers so well on top of the lo-fi drums and bass from the other units. This is a big recommendation for anyone who already owns another Pocket Operator- take your gigs to the next level. If you can only afford one: While the Robot is great, it's meant to sit alongside other units. The most complete unit for a kid to play with, or for an aspiring musician, is the PO-20 Arcade. The Arcade hits the best balance of rhythm and lead so you can make songs on the train. The other big recommendation is that the PO-32 Tonic, which has integration to the Microtonic software meaning professional music producers adore its added flexibility. Review: Great tiny synth for accompanying guitar. Excellent chainable sequencer. - I've had this just 1 day and am already thrilled. I carry around a Korg Monotron and play little tunes when I have free time but this is better in that it has a built-in sequencer. But what really makes it useful is that you can chain sequences together. So you can create a wonderfully variable chain. I play guitar also so am able to use this to accompany myself on guitar. I wish it could change key but I can work with Am/C just fine. I have a collection of small synths and will see which works best with this one. I bought the Robot as it can also do lead lines but right away see that is not an important feature as the buttons are hard to play compared to a small keyboard as with a Volca. So with the PO-14 and maybe a Volca Bass and a decent amp, I can have a very cool tiny rig. So far I have not been able to figure everything out about this cool tiny synth but I just got it yesterday. Plenty more fun I can see. The sequencer alone makes this synth worth the money, though for what I use it for, I may have to get the PO-14 Submarine bass synth as well. ## Features - pocket-sized sound – discover a real 8-bit synthesizer engines for making live and sequenced melodies and leads, as well as micro drum, all in one tiny pocket synthesizer. - sequence and live play – sequence your beats. the nano sized PO-28 also includes live play and sequencer combo, as well as punch-in effects. get creative and tweak your compositions in any direction. use 128 pattern chaining to put them together and build your track. - studio quality sound – use the built-in speaker or the 3.5 mm line out to connect your headphones, like M-1, or plug into an external speaker like OB–4, to hear your tracks and in full stereo. - a wall of sound in your pocket – pocket operators are small and ultra-portable music devices that can be used individually, together, or with other compatible gear. each edition is battery powered (2xAAA) with 1 month battery life and 2 year standby time. you'll also find a folding stand, clock and alarm clock function. ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | ASIN | B01BKO3GQO | | Best Sellers Rank | #18,200 in Musical Instruments ( See Top 100 in Musical Instruments ) #24 in Tabletop Synthesizers | | Body Material | Plastic" or "Engineered Wood | | Brand Name | Teenage Engineering | | Color | Multicolor | | Connector Type | Auxiliary | | Customer Reviews | 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (173) | | Global Trade Identification Number | 07350073030828 | | Included Components | AAA batteries, possibly an optional silicone pro case | | Item Dimensions | 7 x 3.5 x 0.2 inches | | Item Weight | 59 Grams | | Manufacturer | Teenage Engineering | | Material | Plastik | | Model Name | 1 | | Model Number | TE010AS028A | | Part Number | PO-28 Robot | | UPC | 663185956526 714573521250 | | Warranty Description | 1 year limited manufacturer warranty. | ## Product Details - **Brand:** Teenage Engineering - **Color:** Multicolor - **Item dimensions L x W x H:** 7 x 3.5 x 0.2 inches - **Material:** Plastik - **Model Name:** 1 ## Images ![Teenage engineering pocket operator PO-28 robot, live synthesizer and sequencer, with parameter locks, glide control and punch-in effects - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/7170BIpYlSL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lead on! *by P***L on March 5, 2018* The PO-28 Robot is the lead guitarist among the Pocket Operator lineup. Its specialty is providing lead synthesizer over the top of the other units, although it is fully capable in its own right. What you get: Lo-fi lead synth goodness. Playing the 16 keys and twisting the knobs will get you the lo-fi equivalent of everything from a haunting guitar to soaring synth and bleep-bloop chiptune leads. Although 16 keys isn't a lot, the unit does let you tune up and down a decent amount to get some range. Great for simple live play. A fully-functional sequencer. The 16-step sequencer also makes use of the 16th sound key which provides 16 different drum sounds. Use some of the low synth lines for bass, the drum key for drums, and then rock out your lead with the high instruments. That's full song capability, onboard. Super cool, and so fun for freeform play. Song play. The sequencer can remember up to 128 patterns in sequence. At 80bpm, that's 6.4 minutes of recorded patterns. You can then use the FM and live play to jam over top of that. You can also punch in more patterns or sets of patterns on the fly, meaning you have almost unlimited play options within the confines of the unit. Connects to other POs. Since this is mostly a lead synth, you may want to immediately connect it to the PO-12 Rhythm or PO-32 Tonic which are more fully-featured drum machines. This will let you control the drum separate from lead, making for more complex song ideas. You can also add a PO-14 Sub for basslines, a PO-33 for samples, or a PO-35 speak for voice/vocoder samples. Or how about a PO-20 for more lo-fi 8-bit arcade sounds? So many options! The POs share clock using a simple stereo ("aux") cable, and the audio will be output by the final unit in the chain. The only downside: Teenage Engineering responded to the fact that at high volume the PO-1X series had distorted sound by lowering the volume on the PO-2X series. You will therefore want to look up some guides people have made for chaining the units- you may for instance want the volume on the Robot maxed out while your rhythm machine is set down to maybe half volume. It's a small oddity, and takes moments to fix. But the Robot is very quiet in use, you really need headphones to enjoy it in anything but a silent room. Overall: Love this thing. It's like the rest of the Pocket Operator line are an 80s electronic band and the Robot is the lead guitarist stepping onstage with a keytar. You can really make some rocking lead parts with this unit, as it has more options to fade in sound creating the sort of haunting guitar/synth sound that layers so well on top of the lo-fi drums and bass from the other units. This is a big recommendation for anyone who already owns another Pocket Operator- take your gigs to the next level. If you can only afford one: While the Robot is great, it's meant to sit alongside other units. The most complete unit for a kid to play with, or for an aspiring musician, is the PO-20 Arcade. The Arcade hits the best balance of rhythm and lead so you can make songs on the train. The other big recommendation is that the PO-32 Tonic, which has integration to the Microtonic software meaning professional music producers adore its added flexibility. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great tiny synth for accompanying guitar. Excellent chainable sequencer. *by G***Y on May 9, 2025* I've had this just 1 day and am already thrilled. I carry around a Korg Monotron and play little tunes when I have free time but this is better in that it has a built-in sequencer. But what really makes it useful is that you can chain sequences together. So you can create a wonderfully variable chain. I play guitar also so am able to use this to accompany myself on guitar. I wish it could change key but I can work with Am/C just fine. I have a collection of small synths and will see which works best with this one. I bought the Robot as it can also do lead lines but right away see that is not an important feature as the buttons are hard to play compared to a small keyboard as with a Volca. So with the PO-14 and maybe a Volca Bass and a decent amp, I can have a very cool tiny rig. So far I have not been able to figure everything out about this cool tiny synth but I just got it yesterday. Plenty more fun I can see. The sequencer alone makes this synth worth the money, though for what I use it for, I may have to get the PO-14 Submarine bass synth as well. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Affordable, Minimalist, Helps You Channel Your Creativity *by C***N on August 16, 2016* When using DAWs like Fruity Loops or Ableton, it's easy to get overwhelmed with options. Once you figure out the initially intimidating interface of the Pocket Operator (youtube videos were / continue to be a lifesaver!), it becomes a great tool to help you concentrate your energies and focus on creating rather than choosing. The PO-28 specifically can work well as a standalone device, coming with a rather capable mini drum-machine along with a myriad of digital instruments to play around with. The display shows a love story between two robots in a factory, which is, if you'll excuse me, absolutely one of the cutest things ever, making the synthesizer even more fun to use. Throw in the fact that it's only $60 and, well, wow. You'd be hard pressed to find a synth basically anywhere for that price. This little guy is perfect for playing around with on the bus and prototyping new ideas, as well as recording your own arcadey, synthy, lo-fi beats and melodies. I'd recommend PO-28 to anyone I know who's a creative type and into music, especially with such a low cost of entry. ## Frequently Bought Together - Teenage engineering pocket operator PO-28 robot, live synthesizer and sequencer, with parameter locks, glide control and punch-in effects - 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) --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.vu/products/26584830-teenage-engineering-pocket-operator-po-28-robot-live-synthesizer-sequencer](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/26584830-teenage-engineering-pocket-operator-po-28-robot-live-synthesizer-sequencer) --- *Product available on Desertcart Vanuatu* *Store origin: VU* *Last updated: 2026-05-06*