Teenage Engineering PO modular400
Teenage Engineering PO modular400 Synthesizer Kit User Manual
Model: PO modular400
1. Introducció
Welcome to the user manual for your Teenage Engineering PO modular400 analog synthesizer kit. The PO modular400 is a powerful and versatile modular synthesizer designed for creative sound exploration. This kit includes a built-in speaker and battery pack, making it a portable and self-contained instrument. This manual will guide you through the assembly, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new synthesizer.
2. Què hi ha a la caixa
Upon unboxing your PO modular400 kit, please ensure all the following components are present:
- 1 x Assembled Chassis
- 14 x Modules
- 1 x paquet de bateries
- 1 x Power Splitter
- 37 x Trim Knobs
- 13 x Value Knobs
- 15 x Patch Cables
- 14 x Chassis Screws
3. Producte acabatview
The PO modular400 is an analog synthesizer featuring a comprehensive set of modules for sound generation and manipulation. It includes a step sequencer, mixer, various oscillators (square wave, sawtooth wave, sine wave), a sample & hold module, LFO, envelope generators, voltagcontrolat electrònicament amplifiers (VCAs), a noise generator, and a filter. It operates on 8 AA batteries or an optional external power adapter.

Figura 3.1: Frontal view of the PO modular400, showcasing its modular layout with various knobs, jacks, and the integrated speaker.
Key Modules:
- Oscillators (VCOs): Generate the primary sound waves (square, sawtooth, sine).
- Mesclador: Combines audio signals from different sources.
- Seqüenciador de passos: Creates rhythmic patterns and melodies.
- Sample & Hold: Generates random or stepped voltages.
- LFO (Low-Frequency Oscillator): Produces slow oscillations for modulation effects.
- Envelope Generators (EG): Dona forma al amplitude or other parameters of a sound over time.
- VCA (VoltagControlat electrònic Ampmés viu): Controls the volume of a signal using a control voltage.
- Noise Generator: Produces white noise for percussive sounds or effects.
- Filtre: Shapes the tonal characteristics of a sound by removing certain frequencies.
- Ponent: Integrated speaker for direct audio output.
4. Configuració
4.1 Muntatge
The PO modular400 comes as a kit requiring assembly. Follow the included visual instructions for attaching the modules to the chassis and securing them with the provided screws. Ensure all connections are firm before proceeding.

Figura 4.1: lateral view illustrating the assembled chassis and the battery compartment.

Figura 4.2: posterior view showing the stand mechanism and the battery pack installation.
4.2 Alimentació del dispositiu
The PO modular400 can be powered by 8 AA batteries or an optional external power adapter (sold separately). Insert the batteries into the battery compartment located at the base of the unit, ensuring correct polarity. If using an external adapter, connect it to the designated power input jack.
4.3 Connexions inicials
Before creating complex patches, familiarize yourself with the basic signal flow. A common starting point is to connect an oscillator's output to a VCA's input, then the VCA's output to the mixer, and finally the mixer's output to the speaker or an external audio interface.
5. Instruccions de funcionament
5.1 Module Functions
Each module has specific inputs and outputs (jacks) and controls (knobs). Understanding their individual functions is key to creating sounds.
- Oscillators (Square, Saw, Sine): Utilitza el afinar knob to adjust pitch and nivell to control output volume. The clau de control input allows for pitch modulation.
- Mesclador: Features multiple inputs (1, 2, 3) and a single output. Use the individual nivell knobs to blend signals.
- Seqüenciador: Controls include ritme, clock in, restablir, and individual step outputs (D1-D4).
- LFO: Generates low-frequency waveforms (square, triangle) for modulation. Adjust taxa to change speed.
- Filtre: Shapes the timbre. Freqüència controls the cutoff point, and ressonància adds emphasis at the cutoff.
- Envelope (ENV): Generates a voltage contour. Typically used to control the VCA's gain over time.
- VCA: Acts as a voltage-controlled volume knob. The guany knob sets the maximum level, and the control input modulates it.
- Soroll: Provides white noise output.
- Ponent: Connecteu un senyal d'àudio al fora jack to hear sound directly from the built-in speaker.

Figure 5.1: Detail of the mixer module, illustrating its inputs and output.

Figure 5.2: Detail of the oscillator section and a patch cable connection.
5.2 Pedaços
Patching involves connecting modules using the provided patch cables to create signal paths. Experiment with different connections to understand how modules interact. For example, an LFO output can be patched to an oscillator's control key input for vibrato, or to a filter's control input for wah-like effects.
5.3 Connexions externes
The PO modular400 can be integrated with other modular systems or semi-modular synthesizers. You can connect additional envelopes or other modules from external systems to expand its capabilities. Ensure voltage compatibility when connecting to external gear.
6. Manteniment
6.1 Neteja i emmagatzematge
To maintain your PO modular400, wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents. Store the unit in a dry, dust-free environment away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
6.2 Substitució de la bateria
When the sound quality degrades or the unit fails to power on, it's likely time to replace the batteries. Open the battery compartment at the base of the unit and replace all 8 AA batteries with new ones, ensuring correct polarity. Dispose of old batteries responsibly.
7. Solució De Problemes
If you encounter issues with your PO modular400, refer to the table below for common problems and their solutions.
| Problema | Causa possible | Solució |
|---|---|---|
| Sense sortida de so. | Incorrect patching; low batteries; speaker volume too low; external output not connected correctly. | Check all patch cable connections. Replace batteries. Increase speaker volume. Ensure external audio device is properly connected and powered. |
| So distorsionat. | Signal levels too high; faulty patch cable. | Reduce module output levels or mixer input levels. Try a different patch cable. |
| La unitat no s'encén. | Dead batteries; incorrect battery insertion; power adapter issue. | Replace batteries, ensuring correct polarity. Check power adapter connection and functionality. |
| Knobs are stiff or difficult to turn. | Manufacturing tolerance; dust accumulation. | This can be a characteristic of the design. Gentle, consistent use may ease them. Avoid forcing. |
8. Especificacions
| Característica | Detall |
|---|---|
| Marca | Teenage Engineering |
| Model | PO modular400 |
| Tipus | Analog Modular Synthesizer Kit |
| Material | Metall |
| Font d'alimentació | 8 x AA Batteries (or optional external power adapter) |
| Components inclosos | Synthesizer modules, chassis, battery pack, power splitter, knobs, patch cables, screws. |
9. Informació de la garantia
Teenage Engineering products are covered by a limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Please refer to the official Teenage Engineering weblloc web o la documentació de compra per conèixer els termes i condicions específics de la garantia. Conserveu el comprovant de compra per a les reclamacions de garantia.
10. Atenció al client
For technical assistance, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty inquiries, please visit the official Teenage Engineering support website or contact their customer service department. Contact information can typically be found on their official weblloc web o a l'embalatge del producte.
Oficial Weblloc: adolescent.enginyeria
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