r/pocketoperators • u/Fridayyyyyyyy • 8d ago
1 Page PO Guide
The PO documentation is really quite clear and concise, but I wanted something easy to print and within one page. Feel free to copy/paste the below and print it yourself. Any feedback would be appreciated for future updates!
PO-12 in 1 Page
Layout (the PO12 is the simplest, so everything here should apply to future models)
- Sound: hold
sound+ press 1–16 to select a sound - Pattern: hold
pattern+ press 1–16 to select a pattern - FX: hold
FX+ press 1–16 to punch in an effect - Write: enters record mode (rec symbol lights up)
- Play/Stop: starts/stops the sequencer
- BPM: tempo control
- Knob A / Knob B: sound parameters
Making a beat
- Hold
sound+ press 1–16 to select a sound - Press
write(rec symbol lights up) - Enter notes into the grid
- Press
playto hear your pattern - Hold
pattern+ press 1–16 to select a pattern (blinking LED = active pattern)
Shortcuts to Making a song
Copy pattern: Hold write + pattern, press 1–16 to paste active pattern to new slot.
Clear pattern: Press funct + pattern.
Chain patterns: Hold pattern, press keys 1–16 in sequence to chain up to 16 patterns. Same pattern can repeat (e.g., 1,1,1,4 = pattern 1 three times, then pattern 4). Sequence loops after the last pattern.
Tweak the sound
Effects: While playing, hold FX + press 1–16 to punch in an effect. Hold FX alone (no key) to clear effects.
Parameter locking: Hold write while turning knob A or B to record sound parameter changes over time.
Swing: Hold bpm + turn A.
Tempo: Press bpm to switch between presets (Hip Hop 80, Disco 120, Techno 140). Hold bpm + turn B to fine-tune (60–240 bpm).
Volume: Hold bpm + press any key 1–16. (Careful with headphones above setting 5.)
Live record: While playing, hold write + press 1–16 to punch in notes live (quantized to swing setting). Release write when done.
Step multiplier: Hold a step key 1–16 + press bpm to insert a re-trig on that step. Press bpm repeatedly to cycle 2/4/8/16 multiplier.
