Anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of sampling and drum machine programming for making beats will find the pocket operator po-33 k.o. a very appealing offering! It comes with a lot of features, including sound effects, data transfer functionality and an integrated microphone, all in a tiny, cheap package.
The learning curve is short compared to a full size sampling drum machine, which can be overwhelming to use for a beginner. The pocket operator po-33 k.o. is small enough to take field recording so, you can sketch ideas on the fly, which you can then later use on a digital audio workstation (DAW).
The pocket operator po-33 k.o. measures 12.5cm tall, 6cm wide, 2.5cm deep and weighs 75 grams (54 grams without batteries). The pocket operator po-33 k.o. has the look and feel of a bare-bone calculator circuit board and it's certainly modeled after one because of the SMD type momentary micro switches, which only engage while they are being depressed.
The pocket operator po-33 k.o. features a positive liquid crystal display (LCD) similar to the positive displays of old G-Shock watches where the background is light and the digits are dark. The po-33 k.o. LCD screen has functional parameter feedback so, it provides information about the changeable features such as LPF/HPF, volume, pitch, input level, playback level, pattern, sound, trim, etc. The animation of the two fighting boxers doesn't serve any functional purpose other than adding a fun touch to the machine.
The pocket operator po-33 k.o. is powered by two AAA batteries, which you can remove at any time since settings and samples are saved in real time. You can back up and restore all your settings and samples on and off of the po-33 k.o. via a linear PCM recorder (not included). To make removing the batteries easier, it's best using a plastic pry tool.
The memory onboard the po-33 k.o. gives you 40 seconds of total sample time. There a total of 23 momentary switches and two multifunctional knobs. The numbered switches (1 to 16) are designed to sample and record sounds into them. The numbered switches are divided into a drum sampler section (switches 9 to 16) and a melodic sampler section (switches 1 to 8), which transposes beats in a harmonic progression.
Samples can be copied and pasted between the sample engines (melodic and drum) by holding down the WRITE button, SOUND button and any numbered button (1 to 16). The sampler records from the line input or built-in microphone. Samples can be trimmed, filtered and their resonance volume adjusted to increase or decrease the volume of the audio output signal.
The pocket operator po-33 k.o. is also a basic 16 step sequencer that lets you write a beat pattern in sixteenth notes with one bar per pattern (up to 16 patterns) or write a beat in eighth notes with two bars per pattern.
If you want more bars, you cannot change the 16 step resolution of the po-33 k.o. but you can link 16 patterns together into a song (pattern chaining), as well as copy and paste them by holding down the WRITE button, PATTERN button and any numbered button (1 to 16). To link patterns into a song, you hold down the PATTERN button and the pattern sequence. Steps can be played live or programmed manually.
With 16 patterns, the pocket operator po-33 k.o. is able to produce a detailed song but because it is limited to only 16 patterns, you cannot make multiple songs unless you copy the data of the previous song off the pocket operator to start a new song. Aside from sequences and patterns, the pocket operator has 16 built-in effects that can be used during playback or recorded into a pattern. Effects include scratch, reverse, stutter, octave up/down, and loop. The number 16 sound effect switch is designed for disabling any sound effects that you apply.
By holding down the SOUND switch, you can select an instrument and play it. By holding down the PATTERN switch, you can select up to 16 patterns from the 16 numeric switches on the po-33 k.o. You can press switches in any sequence to create the pattern you want and then play it by pressing the Play switch, which also doubles as the Stop switch.
The pocket operator po-33 k.o. comes already pre-installed with sounds but, if you want to record a new sound into it, you simply hold down the record button and any button (1 to 16) and record a sound into it via the built-in microphone or line in.
If you record a sound in the melodic sampler section. The recorded sound is automatically matched to different notes on all 16 switches, giving the recorded sound 16 different tones to it. If you record a sound in the drum sampler section (buttons 9 to 16), the auto slicing feature on the pocket operator's drum sampler section automatically slices the sample into 16 slices based on the transient no matter how long your sample is.
If you don't want automatic slicing, you will need to set up a drum sample kit via a software music sequencer (i.e. Ableton) and then, sample it into the pocket operator or, you can sample a sound on the melodic section then, press a numbered button within the now selected drum group and the sound should be copied over into the drum section without being chopped into 16 parts. You can copy any individual slices this way as well.
You can raise and lower the pitch of the recorded sound (pitch shift) via the left knob, which doubles a pitch shifter, and you can volume up and down via the right knob. Both knobs are multifunctional, meaning they have several functions other than pitch shifter and volume control.
The left knob functions as a pitch shifter, as well as low pass (LPF) and high pass (HPF) filters and Trim tool so, you can edit the sample by setting the start and end times of the sample sound. To make the left knob function as low pass and high filter and Trim tool, you press the FX button each time to select.
The left button also controls the swing in real time when the BPM button is held down, while the right knob adjusts the BPM speed (tempo) when the BPM button is also held down. The BPM are the number of beats happening in a minute so, if you set the tempo to 60 BPM, the po-33 k.o. the beat pattern will beat once per second. If you raise it to 120 BPM, the beat pattern will beat twice per second; hence the beat pattern will be sped up.
The Swing function lets you space out the beat so, you can adjust the rhythm of a beat. The more swing you add, the greater the space before the beat and the less space after the beat. The po-33 k.o. adjusts the Swing consistently so, the song won't be be off-beat.

When creating a song, you can layer several drum instruments but you are limited to a maximum of four melodic voices being played at the same time. Aside from melodic sounds, drum instruments and beat patterns, there are also sound effects that you can add on to a song. You can create eight drum instruments by sampling via the microphone or via the line in.
By holding down the FX (sound effects) button and a numbered button, you can apply up to 16 sound effects on the po-33 k.o. You can also record sound effects as part of the beat pattern by pressing the Play button first and then holding down the FX button and pressing the numbered buttons. The recorded sound effect can be deactivated (or disabled) by pressing button 16.
Another limitation of the pocket operator po-33 k.o. is that you cannot use sound effects on incoming audio before it is sampled, meaning the sound effects are only usable on samples. There is a power-save mode feature that kicks in automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity (a sleeping zzz animation appears on screen).
If there is a cable connected in the line in, the po-33 k.o. will auto power off after 60 minutes of inactivity. During sleep mode, all patterns and settings are automatically saved, leaving only the LCD lit.
While a professional music maker will find the pocket operator po-33 k.o. useful, the pocket operator is something everyone will enjoy because not only you can sketch ideas, you can also sample sound effects from real instruments, thanks to a decent built-in microphone, which records surprisingly good.
It's worth keeping in mind though, that the pocket operator po-33 k.o. is a low-fidelity (lo-fi) sampler with lower bitrate than normal since the pocket operator po-33 k.o. can only transfer eight bits of data at the same time; hence 8-bit.
The Teenage Engineering pocket operator po-33 k.o. can be paired with multiple pocket operators, but you can adequately produce complete tracks with a single po-33 k.o., which could also be used as a standalone drum unit with a loop machine and guitar.
One of the best features of the pocket operator po-33 k.o is its portability as you can plug in a pair of headphones and rock along while sitting on a train or bus on the way to work.

When you need to pack heavy for a trip, a bag that gives you the ability to roll it and carry it on your back fits the perfect bill!
The Osprey Farpoint Wheels 65 is a convertible wheeled luggage backpack that literary transforms from rolling luggage to backpack in seconds, thanks to a deployable harness built-in to the bag.
The total weight of the Osprey Farpoint Wheels 65 is just under 3 kilos (2.8 kg), which is pretty lightweight, considering that the Farpoint Wheels 65 integrates a hard frame, comfortable rolling handle and two wheels.
The Farpoint Wheels 65 wheels are low-profile so, they stick out enough without digging on your back when wearing it on your back. There is a couple of inches clearance so, the wheels do not rub against your back at all.
The rubber wheels roll easily over all-terrain (smooth flooring and gravel dirt), thanks their off-road style thread pattern. The wheels are secured via an allen key bolt so, they can be removed. The wheels are built-in to the bottom of the Farpoint Wheels 65, which is completely rigid.
On the bottom of the bag, there is also two supportive rubber feet to keep the Farpoint Wheels 65 upright and prevent it from tipping over.
The feet are raised on a metal frame so have good height on them to the bottom of the bag away from the ground and prevent scuffs. The feet and metal support can actually be replaced entirely by simply undoing the velcro section securing it.
Spare rubber feet, wheels, etc can be obtained by opening a claim with Osprey, which is part of their Lifetime guarantee policy that also includes a 30-day return money back guarantee and replacement buckles repairs arising from manufacturing defects.
Osprey will also repair the bag for a fee if you accidentally damage the bag. To benefit from Lifetime policy, you have to register the Farpoint Wheels 65.
The Farpoint Wheels 65 is made with 210 denier high tenacity nylon yarn, making the bag more durable than conventional nylon yarn because the yarn is heavier and more tightly woven.
Due to the weight of the nylon yarn and weaving, the Farpoint Wheels 65 is naturally water resistant but thanks to an extra  DWR coating added to the bag at the factory, it is more resistant against water (but not waterproof).
A waterproof backpack has a plastic coating (also known as PU coating) that makes the bag 100% waterproof. Since the Farpoint Wheels 65 isn't waterproof, it won't survive under a downpour of torrential rain so, you cannot use the bag in really wet conditions.
If you want to use the Farpoint Wheels 65 in wet conditions, you can get a rain cover for it, use a very thick bin bag to cover the bag, or use drybags to store your gear inside the Farpoint Wheels 65.
While the Farpoint Wheels 65 can't withstand too much rain, it will withstand rough handling from baggage handlers, being dropped off buses and being dragged along the road, thanks to the 210 denier weight and high tenancy of the nylon used on the sides and on the back.
The front of the Farpoint Wheels 65 is not made of 210 denier. It seems to be made of a lighter nylon yarn, which is nice as it gives the bag a different tone, while keeping the weight of the bag down. The front also features two large mesh pockets for two large water bottles.
The front of the Farpoint Wheels 65 wheeled luggage backpack also integrates two compression straps with long webbing that are operated with both hands to tighten the load across the bag. The extra long webbing of the compression straps are also designed to function like "rear loading straps" but vertically. You simply extend out the compression straps so, you can fit things like a camping matt.
The small webbing loops on the front are designed to fit the Osprey daylight travel pack (not included) but can also be used for hanging gear that won't fit inside the backpack.
The front of the Farpoint Wheels 65 has a large zip top pocket that goes all the way down to the bottom, as well as shallow dash zip pocket to stash things and retrieve them easily. On either side of the top zip pockets, there is also a set of daisy chain strips.
The Farpoint Wheels 65 main compartment opens up via dual zips all the way around the bag like a suitcase, making packing  gear much easier than via top-loading access. The volume capacity is approximately 65 litres.
The main compartment features a wing compression system, consisting of fabric flaps and two velcro straps to secure and prevent the load from moving around. This compartment is very spacious and lined with bag fabric.
On the inside of the front cover that reveals the main compartment, there are two separate mesh zip pockets for storing bits and bobs.
The zip seams have a reverse coil design so, the teeth aren't exposed like regular coil zips, making them water resistant. All zips have thumb pull tabs attached to cords. The main compartment zips have eyelets to pass-through a padlock and lock the compartment.
As mentioned earlier, the Farpoint Wheels 65 is a rolling backpack luggage solution so, it integrates a a fully functional rucksack harness that is neatly packed away by a foldable cover, which stows away behind the internal mesh.
The foldable cover features zips on either side, a velcro strip and two buckle clips on the bottom, which you unclip and unzip all the way up to reveal the back system.
The back system consists of shoulder straps and a waist belt designed to fold flat and sit neatly and tidy against an internal elastic suspension mesh, which really does a great job at ventilating your backside, while providing a bouncy support system to suspend the load from your shoulders.
Having the internal mesh suspended between your back and the backside is thoughtful because it creates enough distance so, pointy objects won't dig into your back.
The top section of the shoulder straps integrate strap tensioners that let you adjust the straps high or low to accommodate tall and short users. The shoulder straps are fully padded with closed-cell foam and breathable mesh on the back. Closed-cell foam is comfortable but not as comfy as EVA foam padding, which is more desirable for heavy load backpacks.
Having a peripheral frame is also useful because as well as providing plenty of stability for the whole pack, it helps the waist belt transfer the weight down to the hips.
The Farpoint Wheels 65 waist belt has enough padding to be able to transfer a decent amount of weight from the shoulders to the waist. But, because the hip belt is slim profile and doesn't have an adjustable torso length, it won't fit longer torsos as comfortable.
When worn on your back, the Farpoint Wheels 65 is very comfy even on long distances (1-2 hours) without discomfort. The shoulder straps are adjustable from the bottom and top, thanks to the top tensioners, which provide more adjustment to get the right fit on your back.
The shoulder straps also feature a female fastex buckle on the front, that is designed to attach the Osprey daylight travel pack (not included) on the front of the Farpoint Wheels 65.
There is an ID pocket sleeve on the top, backside of the Farpoint Wheels 65 where the trolley T handle is located. The trolley T handle is built-in within the backpack and has a telescopic design so, it is retractable but it is not removable nor adjustable in height so, you cannot adjust the height of the handle bar.
There is a button that has to be pressed in order to lift up and push down the T handle bar. As you lift up the handle bar, there is a clicking mechanism, which automatically fixes the handle bar into position. You have to press the button again to unclick the mechanism so, the handle bar can be push down.
The trolley handle bar is made of aluminium and measures 40 cm tall, while the grab handle of the bar measures 15cm wide so, it is wide enough to accommodate large hands.
The padded grab handles, one on top and one on the side, make it easy to lift the bag with two hands. The side grab handle measures 21cm long, while the top grab handle measures 16cm long.