Teenage Engineering PO 170 £399

This stylish monosynth looks the part but, as Si Truss discovers, look closer and there are significant issues

- Si Truss

The mid-level offering in Teenage Engineering’s new DIY range of modular Pocket Operators, the PO 170 is a self contained instrument that combines the PO 16 sequencer with five modules that form a fairly straightforward monosynth.

As with its siblings, the 170 comes flat-packed, requiring a basic, if slightly longwinded, self-assembly. The metal chassis itself is folded into shape and the module elements are slotted and screwed into place. In theory, even those with no electronics experience should be able to handle the build.

We did have a few issues that slowed us down, including a few fiddly elements that didn’t seem to fit into place naturally and a certain amount of confusion caused by disjointed and at times unclear instructions. It’s also worth being aware of the fact that the build uses proprietary screws and tools, and there are no spares in case any of these go missing while you’re working. Despite taking a little longer than expected though, the whole process is ultimately satisfying, leaving a nice sense of achievement and ownership even before you turn the instrument on.