PO-32 Pocket Operator Tonic Drum Synth

Product is what I ordered but, arrived partially defective because of horrible packaging. It should've been shipped in a box and NOT an envelope. And of course there are no refunds. Rather frustrated as it is not exactly the cheapest little gadget.

I have the PO-12 Rhythm and a few of the other melodic Pocket Operators from this series. The PO-32 Tonic is just better than those other devices. What makes this unit interesting (and arguably worth the $30 higher starting price) is that it's not sample player, but more like a stripped-down version of an analog drum machine stuffed into a microcomputer the size of a credit card. For some background, the "full" version of this sound engine is MicroTonic - a PC and Mac-based drum machine plug in first released in December of 2003. Not only does the PO-32 Tonic operate a simpler version of MicroTonic, but the designers of that program collaborated on the production of the PO-32, and it is capable of loading sound patches and pattern data if you have the full paid desktop version (costing $100). MicroTonic actually looks like a great program, but I didn't much interest in buying a $100 VST to use with a $89 drum machine. But as it turns out, I don't think you have to be a MicroTonic owner to appreciate what the Tonic does. It ships with 16 different instrument sounds, and as with the other Pocket Operators, these actually can be pitched and morphed with both the A/B modifier knobs and an even-more-awesome collection of 16 effects that can be applied live or on a per-step basis. The performative aspects of the Pocket Operators and implementation of effects are arguably the strong point of these devices, and the Tonic is the best example yet of that. Along with distortion, bit crush, and filter sweeps, there are several time based "delay" and stutter effects, including a crazy accelerating delay that sounds like a bouncing rubber ball. However, since the patch transfer is accomplished by fax-style data bursts (either through a built in mic or direct line transfer), you can back up your own data as 30-second data bursts, or grab other data bursts off of YouTube or SoundCloud. So, while you won't have the ability to customize your own sounds, you can still expand the palette of the PO-32 with a surprisingly effective transfer method (I tried it a few dozen times without reading the instructions too closely and it worked every time - both from PC and from smartphone). The Tonic sound engine seems impressively powerful and varied. I've heard patches that run the full range from classic analog drum machines (808/909/etc), to more driven, electro-style kicks and blips, to almost acoustic-sounding drum sets. All the normal caveats for Pocket Operators apply - these things are small and they are FRAGILE. The failure point that concerns me the most are the super thing metal tabs that hold the AAA batteries in place. If those begin to fatigue and no longer hold pressure, I assume my PO's will be done. The PO-32 has a workflow that isn't necessarily intuitive from the instructions, but there's actually quite a bit of depth there and you pick it up over time. Same goes for the pulse/CV synchronization with other hardware. It took a bit of trial and error and watching some YouTube videos to get each device in the proper mode, but it did work well after that (except for the problem that devices earlier in the chain are significantly more quite than those closer to the output). Minor gripes aside, there are some seriously great sounds in the PO-32 Tonic. I think the melodic Pocket Operators are more limited because they really suffer from limited scaling and no MIDI or external note sequencing capabilities. But the PO-32, like the PO-12 before, is a self-contained drum machine, and an extremely fun one at that.

I already owned the other two PO's from the "Metal Series" PO-33 KO (Sampler) and a PO-35 Speak, so I knew what I was ordering. Pro's: - Portability - Sound(s) - Easy to learn (which is valid for all PO's). - A great first "drum machine" for beginnings, who "just want to see" if they like programming patterns on, without breaking the bank. - Can by synced to other PO's, Volca's, etc - Can "interact" with Microtonic VST Plugin (Needs to be purchased separately but it's worth it) --> You may actually get a discount if you send an e-mail with your PO-33 serial and copy of the invoice to the developper Con's - Due to it's "circuit board" style, it can break pretty easily if not protected during transportation (I have seen several units with smashed screens, etc. - No MIDI - Price is almost equal to the ones of the Volca's or even used Elektron Model:Cycles/Model:Samples. (Especially the latter ones are fully fledged machines, which can do much more but they won't fit into your pocket, so it always depends on what exactly you are looking for). Verdict: I already had a PO-35 Speak and a PO-33 K.O and wanted to complete the Pocket Operator "Metal series" by adding the PO-32. Here is a short overview/verdict about all 3: PO-33 (K.O.!): It's a sampler (with integrated mic) and I adore it! There are no limitations whatever! You can record whatever you want and then tweak the sound(s). If there is one Pocket Operator which is clearly above all others, then it is that one. You can also get the "Street Fighter" edition, which has different graphics but does the same. From me the PO-33 K.O. get's a 5+ star rating! PO-35 (Speak): Is a vocal synthesizer and sequencer. Like the PO-33, it has a built-in microphone. It let's you record phrases and then you can apply 8 different voice characters, do formant shifting, etc. It's fun but it's use is rather limited. (I also bought a "PO-137 - Rick and Morty Edition" just for the looks). I would give the regular one a 4-star rating due to it's limited use and the "Rick and Morty Edition" a 4.5-star rating cause I think it looks cool... but that's only a matter of personal taste! ;-) PO-32 (Tonic): Great little drum machine. Much more versatile than PO-12 Rhythm (which also is a drum machine) cause this one allows you to back-up and exchange sounds, through the separately available Microtonic VST Plugin. That one is also highly recommended! I give the PO-32 a 5-star rating cause it does what is supposed to do and it does it well. Especially in combination with the VST (which let's you sculpt sounds and program patterns, which you can then "upload" into the PO) it's a powerful package... and certainly the best drum machine in that tiny form factor! (Maybe I should highlight that Microtonic can also be used as a regular VST in DAW's, without the need of owning the PO-32... and it's great!) :)

5 out of 5. The deep tones from this little machine is worth more than the price. Once you figure out to use the PO, the interface never changes from one to the other. The pros of the tonic is easy drum modulation, you can get whatever sound you are looking for on it. The swing is clutch. You can do cool break, melodic, or uptempo beats. Program sixteen patterns with endless combinations. The only con I have is that it is a little tricky to put different sounds on it. The microphone on it is only used as a way to transfer different drums made in micro tonic which is an additional 99. Although there are many different drum packs that can be downloaded and ran on your speaker online. Another con would be the durability , I would suggest buying or 3D printing a case I personally use this with a PO-33 KO for sampling, and the PO-20 arcade for chromatic chord progressions

Al enchufarlo a la mesa impresiona su sonido. Ya llevo unos años con él y sigue estando perfectamente.