# Playful Two-Channel DJ Mixers The Teenage Engineering EP-136 KO Sidekick Works with Two Samplers By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-05-10 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teenage-engineering-ep136-ko-sidekick References: [theverge](https://www.theverge.com/tech/926898/teenage-engineerings-ko-sidekick-is-a-mixer-with-fun-performance-effects) & [teenage.engineering](https://teenage.engineering/products/ep-136?srsltid=AfmBOor6vjbf7y-JuAofy158DjWRdh_KwQczvn-chx4n0TVsV6tQQeqH)  The [Teenage Engineering](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ep-133-ko-ii) EP-136 KO Sidekick has been debuted as a [two-channel mixer](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rane-system-one) from the brand engineered to let users create a high-quality setup that matches their audio performance needs. The unit can be used with two of the brand's KO-II samplers for [live performances, DJ sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-rane-one-mkii) and more, while also being compatible with any two audio sources beyond the brand's hardware. The unit maintains a compact design that will fit virtually anywhere in a setup and can be used as a standalone mixer, a studio companion, a desktop audio interface and beyond. The Teenage Engineering EP-136 KO Sidekick can be purchased on its own, in a two-pack or three-pack, or even with the brand's samplers to accommodate music makers of all kinds. Image Credit: Teenage Engineering ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 8.7/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 96% | Freshness: 71% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Compact Modular Live DJ Hardware:** Smaller, stackable mixers and samplers create possibilities for scalable, portable performance rigs that blur the line between DJ gear and desktop studio tools. - **Multi-device Synchronization:** Tight integration between multiple samplers and mixers allows synchronized workflows that could redefine collaborative live sets and hybrid hardware-software performances. - **Consumer-grade Pro Audio Bundling:** Offering mixers and samplers in customizable packs signals a shift toward accessible pro-quality ecosystems tailored to different skill levels and budgets. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Live Music Performance:** Stage setups can become more flexible as compact two-channel systems support intimate venue needs and facilitate spontaneous, hardware-driven performances. - **Electronic Music Production:** Desktop producers may adopt integrated mini-rigs that combine sampling and mixing to streamline sound design and hands-on experimentation. - **Music Hardware Retail:** Retailers face opportunities to reconfigure merchandising around modular bundles and cross-promoted sampler-mixer kits targeting beginners through professionals. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Ai-Assisted Music Sampler](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tm4.md) - [Modular Dual Dj Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twin-dj-concept.md) - [Ultra-Portable Music Samplers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/casio-sxc1.md) - [Portable Sampling Workstations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/akai-pro.md) - [Portable Standalone Samplers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sxc1.md) - [Chromatic Outfit-Matching Microphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dji-mic-mini-2.md) - [Portable Music Samplers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-music-sampler.md) - [Portable Music Controllers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-midi-controller.md) - [Affordable Audio Engineer Mixers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roland-gomixer-studio.md)