Cut It Down To Size
DIY records with Teenage Engineering’s PO-80.
3 October 2022
Teenage Engineering’s new PO-80 Record Factory is a compact and portable record cutter, made in collaboration with Yuri Suzuki. With it, users will be able to engrave and play back 5-inch discs with an ultra-analog, lo-fi sound. Plug in any audio device to the 3.5mm audio input to cut records from WAV or MP3 files in realtime.
The Record Factory is the next product in Teenage Engineering’s Pocket Operator range, and is designed to allow a continuation of the workflow from those devices, meaning computer-free music production is possible. The built-in speakers even allow users to listen directly from the PO-80 without any further outboard gear. Alternatively, external speakers can be connected via the 3.5mm audio plug.
Designed to be assembled by the user, the PO-80 kit includes everything needed to build the machine, from needle to disks. Replacement cutting heads are available for use with the PO-80 Record Factory cutting arm. For better results, each cutting needle is recommended to be replaced after every ten 5-inch discs.
Teenage Engineering also offers an online mastering service, The Mastering Machine. This prepares and adjusts audio to the specific requirements of cutting, including the handling of the RIAA EQ curve to ensure playback is possible on all standard turntables. The feature is powered by Klevgrand — a creative studio and software company in Stockholm run by film makers, musicians, software developers, producers, and sound designers.
The turntable also comes with an adaptor to allow for the playback of commercially produced 7-inch records.
TECHNICAL SPECS
Record Cutting & Playback: Monaural
Assembly Time: 60 minutes
Recording Time (Per Side): 4 minutes at 33⅓ RPM or 3 minutes at 45 RPM
Motor: Belt driven
Power: USB
Input: 3.5mm mono T/S jacks
Output: 3.5mm mono T/S jacks and built-in speaker
Dimensions: 19cm × 16cm × 15cm
Weight: 570g
RESPONSES