LEAKED: Teenage Engineering EP-35 K.O.-AMP Specs Revealed

Recently, Teenage Engineering founder and CEO Jesper Kouthoofd dropped a bombshell: the company plans to step away from making synthesizers. However, they didn't say anything about stopping audio gear entirely. Thanks to a recent FCC filing that surfaced on Reddit—complete with a user manual and photos—we now have our first look at what the Swedish design house has cooking: the Teenage Engineering EP-35 K.O.-AMP.

Teenage Engineering EP-35 K.O.-AMP Leaked

This compact, battery-powered portable amplifier shares the beloved angular plastic aesthetic of the EP-133 K.O. II sampler, but it packs a surprisingly robust set of I/O, built-in effects, and a few quirky design choices that are distinctly Teenage Engineering.

Built for the Great Outdoors

The EP-35 K.O.-AMP sits in a rugged, angular plastic chassis with a convenient built-in top handle for easy transport. Inside, the speaker configuration boasts a 30-watt woofer and a 25-watt tweeter, pushing a frequency response of 50Hz-20Khz.

The enclosure is splash-proof, making it ideal for field use, backyard jams, and outdoor parties. The leaked manual notes, "Enjoy it outdoors," but humorously warns, "Still, do not drop K.O.-AMP in a lake or a pool." The unit is entirely portable, powered by an integrated 20.1W Lithium-ion battery (though official battery life and charging times haven't been confirmed yet).

A Connectivity Powerhouse

In a first for Teenage Engineering, the K.O.-AMP embraces full-sized analog connections alongside modern digital ports, all conveniently located on the top panel:

• XLR Microphone Input: For vocals and acoustic instruments.
• 1/4" Guitar Input: A full-size jack specifically for electric guitars and basses.
• 3.5mm Stereo Line In & Out: Perfect for routing smaller synths or the EP-136 K.O. Sidekick mixer.
• Dual USB-C Ports: One port acts as an audio interface to connect directly to a computer/phone or for firmware updates. The second port can pull audio from synths with USB-C audio out, like the OP-1 Field or K.O. II.
• EP-Plug Port: Designed for connecting USB thumb drives and potentially other upcoming EP accessories.

Top Panel Controls and Built-in Effects

The top panel handles your primary performance tools. Alongside the main power switch and master volume dial, you get dedicated knobs for microphone and guitar effects. While the exact effects list isn't confirmed, the dials control both effect selection and the "amount" of the effect applied (early speculation suggests amp modeling and an envelope filter/wah-wah for the guitar).

There is also a multi-function "Mode" button. Pressing it allows you to pause, play, and skip between songs on a connected USB thumb drive, stream from a Bluetooth device, or, uniquely, cycle through stations on an internal FM radio.

The Hidden "Camp Light" Storage Compartment

This wouldn't be a Teenage Engineering product without a polarizing design quirk. Removing the rear grille reveals an illuminated storage compartment for stashing your cables and accessories. Opening this flap automatically engages a built-in "camp light" (which can be turned off or switched to a "disco mode").

Inside this hidden compartment, you'll find the amp's secondary controls:

• Input Gain Knobs: Dedicated gain controls for the microphone, guitar, and line inputs.
• 48V Phantom Power Switch: To run condenser microphones.
• Hi-Z Button: Matches impedance for electric guitars.
• Global Tone Knob: Adjust the speaker's overall EQ.
• Mute Button.

Having to open the back panel to tweak mic gain or toggle phantom power won't appeal to everyone, but the brand prioritizes sleek exterior design over immediate utilitarian access.

Next-Gen Bluetooth Syncing

The K.O.-AMP doesn't just receive Bluetooth audio from your smartphone—it broadcasts it, too. Utilizing bidirectional Bluetooth, the amp features an Auracast Mode. This allows you to pair your K.O.-AMP with multiple other K.O.-AMP units in the vicinity, instantly syncing them together to create a massive, multi-speaker wireless setup.

No official release date or pricing details have been leaked just yet, but given the detailed manual and FCC certification, an official announcement from Teenage Engineering seems imminent.

Our Thoughts

So, is the EP-35 K.O.-AMP a serious tool for gigging guitarists, or just another highly Instagrammable desk accessory for the Teenage Engineering faithful?

At 30 watts on the woofer and 25 on the tweeter, it actually packs enough punch for a backyard jam. The inclusion of full-size 1/4" and XLR jacks, plus built-in amp modeling and effects, proves the designers are actively courting real musicians. But let’s be honest—forcing players to unlatch a hidden back panel just to tweak their input gain is the exact kind of form-over-function quirk that drives traditionalists up the wall.

It probably won't replace a trusty stage amp anytime soon. But if you're looking for a portable, battery-powered practice rig that also doubles as a splash-proof, disco-lit FM radio for your next picnic? It might just be the most brilliantly executed gimmick they've ever made.

Leaked FCC files

Reddit post

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