Glad you put this out there, we need more people showing off the actual potential of PO's. Such an awesome way to get into electronic music, or music in general!
Here I am. I was looking for something cheap and dawless where I could jam and have fun while learning basis and finding my style. I got the PO12 first and then the 14, which sound insane
Ricky I really want to just say thank you man. You are such a intelligent, positive, and caring person and you truly never fail in turning one of my days around or putting a smile on my face. I cant help but get groovy during countless videos. I can't wait to see what great things life has in store for you brother. Hope we can Jam out some day.
Iook up the ansmann 1001 charger and AAA batteries. Just awesome rechargeables. There’s also Lenink battery adapters: plug in to the wall and plug in the “battery” plus the dummies in whatever position. Only catch is you have to buy an adapter for a specific battery size and count but then you’re set for never changing batteries
Dude! On top of all the top notch content your produce, I have to say your videos are so therapeutic. I watch every single one of them, even if I am not interested in said piece of gear. It's has become a spiritual ritual at this point. Thanks for all the heart :D
Best use I can think of for these; A musician buys a buncha different ones for their musician friends as gifts and uses them when together to make collab jams, and when apart, they can solo practice and make their own song hooks to later share. I can see this being a good instrument for band kids wanting to break tradition a little. Woulda loved something like this as a kid.
I kind of see me getting my kids each one. Small enough for their book bag , they can fiddle with it when they have to kill a few minutes. I could see these catching on. People would gain relationships with people with that in common. Just a break at work with a coworker making music
Thoughts while watching (because I love PO's): - I too wish there was a power supply option. I've been asking MyVolts to make us something - My PO-33 KO is always on my desk but the others I have to go find them when I need them - The silicone cases suck for ergonomics. The Dichstudios.com case is much better and improves usability - I never use the Speak - Wishing I saw L/R splitters between the POs so you could split the audio and sync signals and use a mixer (you'd have much better audio) - I like the jam - Random and maybe unpopular opinion: The KO is really all you need. I've owned all the PO's but I've made two complete albums on just the KO. I can't say that for the others in the line. - Great video. Good on ya for inspiring others to use modest and affordable tools
Incase you weren't already aware there are power supplys for the pocket operators, they are basically alligator clips that clip to the terminals, a little janky but they do work
Please somebody tell me Im not the only one who replayed him blowing his ear drums out... That "Jesus Christ" was epic! utterly blown away by his own doing...
It's so fun watching the process as you go. Sometimes getting the operators all working together, they can be quirky. At the same time, you can get really unusual and out there kind of jams you don't get the same way with other gear. I am definitely a fan, right now have the speak, office, & rhythm. They are great to throw into a live setup, and really punch through in the mix. Awesome jam!
Also the riser fx on the Speak is insane and the fact that 16 is a drum kit is just a mad experimentation that will get everyone scratching their heads as how did you get so much beef from such a tiny machine.
I feel the same way about the silicone cases. Now I'm buying a triple plastic case from Etsy...and 2 more Pocket Operators. The Street Fighter has been fun!
Every time I think about selling my PO’s, Ricky makes a banger with them. Making me realize that I’m trash and need to get better with them. Thanks for the inspiration!
Having slipped out of the world of synths for the best part of 15 years coming back to find things like the Pocket Operators exist just stun me. I would have given anything for this setup when I started out. I will get a KO one day but I have a few years of gear lust to catch up on first.
I think an easier way to deal with the volume/levels being all over the place is to hold bpm and press one of the steps 1-16 to set the overall volume on the PO. So bpm+4 on each would've knocked them way down to save resetting per-sample volumes. Inspiring content as always, thanks.
Just a tip on volume the lowest volume p.o you want should be first in chain.. The manual describes better but the last one i believe effects all in chain
That props for rocking the Pocket operators. I have four of them myself. The 33, the 35, the 16, And the 12 I think the Rhythm? I love to see you do more with the 35 "speak"?✌
Just buy AAA usb rechargeable batteries, you can charge them without pulling them out. The only cons is that they don't show the charge level on the KO screen when you press sound+bpm.
I have been hounding TE to please release an all in one drum machine sampler, using only the Pocket Operator engines... but imagine how cool it would be to have an all in one, utilizing the same chips, but bigger buttons, more organized OS with OLED display. One can only hope.
Very cool Ricky! Great video - Also just want to say that I found it rather dark and hard to see. Maybe could do with slighly lightening the picture or reducing the shadows a bit just to help make out the detail. All the best!
I really admire the ease with which you manage those little devilish beasts: I have to admit I bought 3 or 4 pocket operators a few years ago and immediately added the protective shell which hugely improves the usability. Anyway, past the novelty fun factor, they're now collecting dust. Korg Volcas are way better - even if I do prefer "real" machines with real knobs, real functions and real interfaces (one knob, one function, and a clearly defined one). Yep, am probably an analogue dinosaur. And proud of it.
Regardless i love these things and probably use them more than my thousands of dollars of synths and drum machines.. Go get some.. Tonic is amazing... K.O is great..
DON'T leave the ops sitting around with no case for a long period of time. They aren't static-protected and can be bricked from normal amounts of static. I learned that the hard way
The pocket operators are quite hackable. You dont need batteries at all. I have one in my modular synth running on a Doepfer power supply and synced by an LFO
Sickk you taught me how to recal or erase the effects on the KO! Just like the tonic with an automation running in sequence you can erase it by holding down the mix button. Cheers homie @Rickytinez
Hey ricky. Annoyed with the battery sitch with po's myself. Then found out theres something called 'battery eliminators' u can buy for just this type of situation. Currently shopping around for some. Nice vid btw.
Everyone seems to dislike the TE cases, I must be in the minority of people who prefer them on (I love that squishy texture). Dope video, the group of po's actually work well together to make great music.
@@TaxicletteSan It's definitely harder to see the light during the day unless the angle is right, but I actually prefer playing with the case on because I can roll my fingers to the left or right to play adjacent notes in a way I can't without the case.
Thanks Ricky, great vid as normal - very inspiring to get my backside off of the VSTs into the world of physical again! One problem on this video is the volume is a little low - just did 08:00 moment to myself switching to a different video! :O
Can you absolutely tear the house down with ONLY pocket operators? Ricky can
Glad you put this out there, we need more people showing off the actual potential of PO's. Such an awesome way to get into electronic music, or music in general!
Here I am. I was looking for something cheap and dawless where I could jam and have fun while learning basis and finding my style. I got the PO12 first and then the 14, which sound insane
@@Crypto2638 Same here!
Thanks @rickytinez, learning a lot from your videos!
You're a master🤹♀
I first found your channel searching for PO vids. The circle is now complete.
Same! :)
Me too originally. Moved onto on MPC One now but still have a lot of fun messing with POs ;)
Me too! Then ended up buying a monostation because he made it look so cool 😎
Me too! This man is responsible for my KO and Tonic. Nice jam!
Same!
Absolute beat
Restrictions breed creativity
I leave my PO Rhythm in my car whenever I'm bored waiting somewhere
19:35 is the energy I'm showing up to life with.
in before this comment gets 40 billion likes
Ricky I really want to just say thank you man. You are such a intelligent, positive, and caring person and you truly never fail in turning one of my days around or putting a smile on my face. I cant help but get groovy during countless videos. I can't wait to see what great things life has in store for you brother. Hope we can Jam out some day.
I would love to see a live performance of like a band of people all on their respective pocket operators all linked together and improvising som fire!
Finally a video where someone actually makes music with these little things
That desk and the little tigerhead are legendary
So good! That groove was tight! The bass tone on the Tonic was perfect for the jam. I gotta break mine out again!
Iook up the ansmann 1001 charger and AAA batteries. Just awesome rechargeables. There’s also Lenink battery adapters: plug in to the wall and plug in the “battery” plus the dummies in whatever position. Only catch is you have to buy an adapter for a specific battery size and count but then you’re set for never changing batteries
Dude! On top of all the top notch content your produce, I have to say your videos are so therapeutic. I watch every single one of them, even if I am not interested in said piece of gear. It's has become a spiritual ritual at this point. Thanks for all the heart :D
Best use I can think of for these;
A musician buys a buncha different ones for their musician friends as gifts and uses them when together to make collab jams, and when apart, they can solo practice and make their own song hooks to later share.
I can see this being a good instrument for band kids wanting to break tradition a little. Woulda loved something like this as a kid.
I kind of see me getting my kids each one. Small enough for their book bag , they can fiddle with it when they have to kill a few minutes. I could see these catching on. People would gain relationships with people with that in common. Just a break at work with a coworker making music
Thoughts while watching (because I love PO's):
- I too wish there was a power supply option. I've been asking MyVolts to make us something
- My PO-33 KO is always on my desk but the others I have to go find them when I need them
- The silicone cases suck for ergonomics. The Dichstudios.com case is much better and improves usability
- I never use the Speak
- Wishing I saw L/R splitters between the POs so you could split the audio and sync signals and use a mixer (you'd have much better audio)
- I like the jam
- Random and maybe unpopular opinion: The KO is really all you need. I've owned all the PO's but I've made two complete albums on just the KO. I can't say that for the others in the line.
- Great video. Good on ya for inspiring others to use modest and affordable tools
My fave is the Tonic, you can get pretty mad stuff out of it with rather minimal effort.
You can buy micro USB charging AAA batteries. They're very handy and will quickly save you money ✌🏻 Please consider them and save some waste ! :)
I'm running on the same set-up. The Amazon basics rechargeables are actually better than Duracell. I was surprised but it's true.
@@RaverOperatorGeeza I saw those and have wanted to pick some up, seems like the perfect way to not constantly buy new batteries and keep waste down.
@@myname_isblaine go for it! I have no complaints, in fact it's an improvement, and I'm always able to have spares in my box ready to go
@@Phoenix_2A agreed. Eneloop of pana is just awesome. Apple used their batteries too..(rechargeable for magic mouse etc)
If I had a dollar for everytime I've said "dont have stuff running while setting levels"
Incase you weren't already aware there are power supplys for the pocket operators, they are basically alligator clips that clip to the terminals, a little janky but they do work
"With only pocket operators"
proceeds to load up ableton ;)
the role it played in this video is the same as any other sample source...its not like there was any composition going on.
@@LdotSdot210 I know - it's meant as joke (hence the ;) and the
Hahaha I thought about that too. I’m like hmmm a sampler with no sounds.. how would that sound?
@@RickyTinez I think this was produced with such sampler first th-cam.com/video/Mr9YnBaZBgc/w-d-xo.html
@@LdotSdot210 y
Please somebody tell me Im not the only one who replayed him blowing his ear drums out... That "Jesus Christ" was epic! utterly blown away by his own doing...
I so enjoy watching your creative process, but more so your narration/explanation of it as you go. Just really chill and enjoyable.
Right on!
Short answer - yes.
My Rhythm and KO are essential to me.
For the arcade, you don't need to use the knob to change the pitch, you can simply just live record the melody you wanted into the sequence.
It's so fun watching the process as you go. Sometimes getting the operators all working together, they can be quirky. At the same time, you can get really unusual and out there kind of jams you don't get the same way with other gear. I am definitely a fan, right now have the speak, office, & rhythm. They are great to throw into a live setup, and really punch through in the mix.
Awesome jam!
Also the riser fx on the Speak is insane and the fact that 16 is a drum kit is just a mad experimentation that will get everyone scratching their heads as how did you get so much beef from such a tiny machine.
Sunday Morning : coffee, nature, sweatshirt and a new vid from Ricky.
the PO Sub bass is essential trust me! you feel that bass!!!
Love this! Definitely inspired me to dust my POs off tomorrow and have a go.
Funny, that first "AEIOU" sample sounds just like the PO-35 Speak when you mouth your own wavetables & scroll through the timbres 👍
I feel the same way about the silicone cases. Now I'm buying a triple plastic case from Etsy...and 2 more Pocket Operators. The Street Fighter has been fun!
Ricky I feel your pain with the whole slave/master sync issues. PO's are a life saver for songwriting underway. Keep up the great videos, man!
PO's great for keeping alzeimers at bay.
Every time I think about selling my PO’s, Ricky makes a banger with them. Making me realize that I’m trash and need to get better with them. Thanks for the inspiration!
Having slipped out of the world of synths for the best part of 15 years coming back to find things like the Pocket Operators exist just stun me. I would have given anything for this setup when I started out. I will get a KO one day but I have a few years of gear lust to catch up on first.
Use your Speak for the bass and fiddle with the formant for an insane filter modulation that does not use an actual filter.
I think an easier way to deal with the volume/levels being all over the place is to hold bpm and press one of the steps 1-16 to set the overall volume on the PO. So bpm+4 on each would've knocked them way down to save resetting per-sample volumes. Inspiring content as always, thanks.
Man this sound is dope! Needs a tonic now :)
Dude, the Tonic is instant fun! Do it!
Bro I was with you the whole time on all the PO order of operations, it's no joke.
Just a tip on volume the lowest volume p.o you want should be first in chain.. The manual describes better but the last one i believe effects all in chain
That props for rocking the Pocket operators. I have four of them myself. The 33, the 35, the 16, And the 12 I think the Rhythm? I love to see you do more with the 35 "speak"?✌
Imagine coming to a gig with only those 4 little things😁
and no batteries, oops
Literally peak hipster
Got my first pocket operator over the weekend. Can't wait to get the hang of it and pick up some more!
7:51 nice
You know how to do some pretty complex stuff on the pocket operators! 👏👏👏
Super fun, Ricky! Nice to see u jam with the POs again. You definitely have a characteristic style of synth:pad sample use! Have a great weekend!!
Brutal session
These PO’s have popped up all over my feed lately!
It's a sign
Si Hargreaves 😂 I think so
@@slowscape There are worse problems to have!
Glad to notice im not the only one jamming out like this lol it's kinda like a underground groovv
that sample was so nice
Just buy AAA usb rechargeable batteries, you can charge them without pulling them out. The only cons is that they don't show the charge level on the KO screen when you press sound+bpm.
You’re so talented! 😭👏🏾
Every week I'm looking forward to wednesday for my favourite podcast, and saturday for my tinez vids
Every other video Ricky blasts his ears off and promises to never do it again. 🤣❤ Dude, this is memes potential. Really nice beat tho. 🥳
You need to make a compilation of all your volume-too-loud reactions. That could be your new intro sequence!
Awesome vid!
Damn, those little guys slam. The Po-14 kick is nuts. May pair it up with the model cycles.
Brought it around in the end
It takes a while, especially with sampling it seems, but I enjoy PO’s because they are super fun!
I have been hounding TE to please release an all in one drum machine sampler, using only the Pocket Operator engines... but imagine how cool it would be to have an all in one, utilizing the same chips, but bigger buttons, more organized OS with OLED display. One can only hope.
OP-Z is kinda like that honestly
Serious Jam!
DudE!!! You make it look too easy!!! It looks like you're having a blast when you make beats. That's what I strive for!!! Great Vid!!!
'this swing is nar nar' - classic!
I need to get me a few of these "toys", with rechargeable batteries of course.
RueTheMaker I think they make ac adaptors for them. I hate using equipment with batteries.
@@wiidlbeetle3857 I agree, though I do enjoy using rechargable batteries for my SP-404SX.
RueTheMaker that sp404sx is a cool sampler. Looks like it would travel really well and has some good onboard features
@@wiidlbeetle3857 have you used an Akai MPC, if so, how do they compare? Thanks :) 🤗
Anybody know where I could get a good deal on SP404?...Any model is fine with me
I like how you showed your whole process. Keep the jams coming 🤘🏼
Thanks for this man! I've got the same Operators minus the Tonic, and this was really inspiring. Big fan of your channel. Keep it up for us!
This is making me want another p o I have a k.o and I synced it with the Yamaha DJx but this looks more fun
That's some very sharp and snappy drums!
4:55 reminded me of the H3 podcast theme progression aha. Great work as always!
Beautiful moment with that extra bass hit at 20:49... shame it didn't make the cut! Great jam my man, as always.
That little pop at the end of each measure really made the song for me. I guess it is literally a 16th note at the end of every measure.
I have done a couple of full albums where I only use a single pocket operator on my channel (no, not the KO!)
My favourite TH-cam channel. Thanks for the chill vibez!
Rechargeable batteries for the win! Definitely the best investment I've made for my Circuit and Volcas.
Very cool Ricky! Great video - Also just want to say that I found it rather dark and hard to see. Maybe could do with slighly lightening the picture or reducing the shadows a bit just to help make out the detail. All the best!
When that clap slotted in 👌
I really admire the ease with which you manage those little devilish beasts: I have to admit I bought 3 or 4 pocket operators a few years ago and immediately added the protective shell which hugely improves the usability. Anyway, past the novelty fun factor, they're now collecting dust. Korg Volcas are way better - even if I do prefer "real" machines with real knobs, real functions and real interfaces (one knob, one function, and a clearly defined one). Yep, am probably an analogue dinosaur. And proud of it.
There’s room for all the species.🙂
I hate changing the batteries in mine, as it feels like I'm going to break something or bend it. But I do like the POs, but PO-20 is my fav!
PO-20 is the only one I see as “standalone”... maybe the KO.
You are getting skinnier and skinnier. Do i habe worry about that or what’s wrong ?
Smooth house beat 👍🏽
Ricky Tinez: "Let's go bareback"
Hi Ricky! How about "Deckard's Dream snotty soulfull chords" samplepack ? Lol 19:21.
....mmmhaa....Ricky ? That ...would....be....pretty f...ing amazing ,-
Regardless i love these things and probably use them more than my thousands of dollars of synths and drum machines.. Go get some.. Tonic is amazing... K.O is great..
The tonic sounds really great.
DON'T leave the ops sitting around with no case for a long period of time. They aren't static-protected and can be bricked from normal amounts of static. I learned that the hard way
Haha. Great beat you made with those tiny kickin toys 👍😊
The pocket operators are quite hackable. You dont need batteries at all. I have one in my modular synth running on a Doepfer power supply and synced by an LFO
love this so much
You really need the “robot” po for some cool leads..
Loving this man! It's so cathartic! The KO is the shiiiiiii!!!
Sickk you taught me how to recal or erase the effects on the KO! Just like the tonic with an automation running in sequence you can erase it by holding down the mix button. Cheers homie @Rickytinez
Fun fun
...inspiring as allways. Thanx & greetz from Germany.
I realy like the mood & look of your vids!
Hey ricky. Annoyed with the battery sitch with po's myself. Then found out theres something called 'battery eliminators' u can buy for just this type of situation. Currently shopping around for some. Nice vid btw.
This was a cool project. Been interested in how far you can push the POs. Love your vids Ricky!
Meanwhile the Arcade one: :') Would have loved some arcade chords on that!
Everyone seems to dislike the TE cases, I must be in the minority of people who prefer them on (I love that squishy texture).
Dope video, the group of po's actually work well together to make great music.
I like the look and texture, but they do hinder the feeling of pushing the buttons, no? And in daylight it's harder to see the LEDs.
@@TaxicletteSan It's definitely harder to see the light during the day unless the angle is right, but I actually prefer playing with the case on because I can roll my fingers to the left or right to play adjacent notes in a way I can't without the case.
Love seeing the Pocket Operators.
Love the fun vibe on this. Thx for some inspiration.
Great video! I have a few POs that I don't use enough. Gonna have to get my jam on!
Great for kids in class who are bored and into making music...about it.
Your best PO-Set ever!
Thanks Ricky, great vid as normal - very inspiring to get my backside off of the VSTs into the world of physical again!
One problem on this video is the volume is a little low - just did 08:00 moment to myself switching to a different video! :O
i recently bought a rhythm and fair to say, that thing is amplified by the gods..
yes every time to compact creations! love it. might need to fix that video title fyi