Ever considered something as the best gadget? Today, let’s know about the best gadget and to choose the best among the best. We are going to talk about How to choose the Best Pocket Operator? Before that, let’s understand what a pocket operator is.
A pocket operator is a small, calculator-like device that is often referred to as a ‘sound engineer in your pocket’. This device can be strange and confusing because it mostly just makes noises at different frequencies when it is turned on. There are many different kinds of pocket operators, like the PO 20 office, PO 12 rhythm and so on. It has a small screen on top and several different kinds of buttons all over it. Some of these buttons have numbers designated to them such as 1 to 16. Other buttons include designations like sound, chord and pattern.
Pocket operators can be considered significantly revolutionary in the industry of electrical music. They are affordable and can be used by professionals and beginners alike. They are manufactured by a brand called Teenage Engineering, named aptly as they cater to the sound engineering needs of the new generation.
Before you choose one, you have to keep certain things in mind. And out of the wide range of pocket operators, which are
- PO 12 Rhythm – Drum Machine
- PO 14 Sub – Bass Synth
- PO 16 Factory – Lead & Chord Synth
- PO 20 Arcade – Chiptune / Game Synth
- PO 24 Office – Noise / Groove Sequencer
- PO 28 Robot – Synth & Sequencer
- PO 32 Tonic – Advanced Drum Synth
- PO 33 KO – Sampler & Sequencer
- PO 35 Speak – Sampler & Sequencer
And they range between 49 pounds to 219 pounds with PO-24 pricing 49 pounds and ultimate pocket operator cocktail set pricing two hundred and nineteen pounds.
So, one important factor that you should consider while choosing a pocket operator is your budget. Based on your budget, you can explore various options of pocket operators.
Other important factors to consider while choosing
When there is no doubt that this device has become extremely popular since its release, there must be some benefits as to why people are using this device all the time! On top of that, all devices seem to have similar benefits but the best one is always the best one.
- Mobile synthesizer: mobile synthesizers are great for the same reason that all mobile devices are great; you can carry them anywhere and use them properly in any setting. The whole idea of the pocket operator is to make the entire process of synthesizing music as easy as possible. Therefore, look at which one suits you the best in this aspect.
- Simple technique: Another way in which the entire process of synthesizing music has been made extremely simple is by narrowing down the steps to synthesizing music into 16 sequences. This simple technique makes learning music engineering easy for beginners and time effective for professionals. Some operators have less sounds while the others have more. Therefore, be careful to observe if it is giving you all the sounds you need.
- Syncability: Many intermediate to advanced users prefer to pair operators with each other for the best effect. For example, you can pair KO, which is a sampler operator with Speak, Tonic or both. Most people use 3 to 4 operators together for the best effect. So it is important to ensure that the operator you choose is easily pairable with other devices.
- Great quality music: The most important factor which must influence the sale and popularity of these operators is how they will provide users with desired results. And it is safe to say that these operators produce music which is of professional quality. In fact, they match if not surpass the musical quality of traditional synthesizers. Yet, you have to find the best operator. All operators are said to provide exceptional quality of music but to find which suits you the best, you have to pay attention to the Bass & Drum effects it is giving to see if it is what you need.
- Creativity is the key: So many different sequences are possible when you are using these operators to synthesize music. Some operators like Speak can use your voice to tune one of their synthesizers. Most operators have around 7 to 8 synthesizers built within which means there are virtually endless possibilities which you can incorporate to synthesize music. Not all the operators have the same number of patterns. Some operators have 16 patterns while some have 128 patterns. You are the best judge to know what you need and how you can use it effectively.
- Extras: Although all the operators have the same basic minimal functioning, some offer additional features which give an edge to your music. Of all, PO 33 KO offers you a step multiplier that helps you repeat the music you want. The PO 35 has a micro drum built-in that adds percussion to your jams. And the PO 24 pauses your jam by isolating certain sounds using the solo control.
Any pocket operator can be the best. It all depends on what you need and how much is your budget. There are people who create exceptional music with their talent using a very basic one and others who create bad music even with the greatest operator. Therefore, if you believe in your talent, you know what you need and what options help you get better at your tune. You can choose the best one only when you know how to use the best features.
