Okay, first question is: what the hell is Pocket Operator 33? Scroll below, find my one and only PO-33 KO photo below. A bit lo-fi photo, but please deal with it. I created this article away from the PO-33 on a business trip.
In short Pocket Operator 33 is a budget sampler offering 40 seconds of record time. Available both for sampling as melodic instrument and as a drum.
What are the features of the Pocket Operator 33?
The pocket operators are all designed with three buttons on top. Each one for a function. You can use them as a sequencer, a mixer, or even a drum machine quite easily. It will take some days to crack how things are working, but luckily I will share some videos and links below.
Why should I buy one?
I’m not saying you should. Nor try to promote the brand. This is not a paid article, I am not associated with the company. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a new toy, the pocket operator is perfect for you.
It’s small enough to fit into any bag or pocket, so you can take it anywhere. You can record your beats with your phone easily and if you add a notebook, you can write down the notes if you wish to work on the beat later. Furthermore you can record field noise to add some ambience to your songs.
How do you use a Pocket Operator 33?
There are tons of different uses for these pocket operators. You can:
– Play along with songs by using the buttons to trigger notes
– Make beats by triggering drums – perfect for lo-fi jamming
– Create loops by triggering samples – mind the tempo, though
– Record vocals – if you are in a quite environment
And much more. Let me show a video below how I am recording my beats.
If you got into the vibe, check my complete guide on how to use Pocket Operator 33.
How much does it cost?
Generally 99 USD on Amazon. Probably the safest place to grab your first one. Or check local instrument shops around you, they might have a few on stock.
Where can I find more information about PO-33?
If you liked this little article, do not miss my in-depth review and ultimate user guide here.
I also created a playlist with my Pocket Operator 33 songs. All were recorded live, so check my performances here.
Furthermore check my Discography, I have tons of releases already that were (partially or fully) produced on the legendary Pocket Operator 33.
Stock Stories was my first ever PO-33 KO beat. A fully experimental release, while I was learning about the gadget.
My first full album on Pocket Operator 33
Wabi-Sabi, the best way to express and embrace imperfection. Set of easy to listen lo-fi beats with a hint of oriental chill.
Taking the Pocket Operator 33 with me on a trip
Aka Travellers album. An album with 3 years of production time, tons of B-side songs and much more.
A coffee in Tokyo?
Café Tokyo is a true lo-fi EP sampling lots of chill vibe samples to offer the listener a true Far East vibe.
Pokémon and Pocket Operator 33
If I am not travelling physically, I do travel in my bed. I play a lot with Pokémon and travel to those magnificent places such as Kanto or Alola. Sometimes I compose beats inspired by the game. And there were some cases when I used my PO-33 KO: Ruby, Sapphire, Ultra Moon and Ultra Sun.
Misc. EPs with PO-33
Lastly, I wish to mention some releases I worked on with PO-33. Urban Lo-fi, my first lo-fi house release. City Lo-fi, the second one. Finally, Cowboy Gospel. A space ambient but lo-fi chill EP inspired by Cowboy Bebop series first episode.
Hint: more to come~
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