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Teenage Engineering
Teenage Engineering PO-32
The PO-32 is a versatile and portable drum machine. It runs on 2 AAA batteries and is capable of creating impressive drum sequences. Equipped with a punch-in FX rack, as well as the ability to chain patterns up to 64 times allows for a lot of expression. FX and Live input recording are available. To top it off, paired with the microtonic software you can create your own sounds for the PO-32
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Teenage Engineering PO-33
The PO-33 is one of my favorite pieces of music gear. It encompasses everything that is simplicity and depth about making music and I find myself making something new every time I use it. This is basically a tiny full blown sampler that has a very capable microphone. You can record anything from the sound of a spoon dropping to real synths and play them back in a pattern chain. There are punch-in FX as well as melodic sample play back. Overall, I believe this is the most powerful pocket operator in the series.
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Teenage Engineering PO-35
The PO-35 is a niche device. It is a speech synthesis machine meaning it can record vocals and play them back with interesting results. There are multiple different styles to play back and recorded samples can be played back chromatically. This pocket operator can be very fun when paired with a PO-32 or 33.
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Pocket Operators Pack
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Pocket Operator Short Connectors
Link to Purchase: Amazon
OP-1
This is the big boy. Buying this you will not be disappointed. Built-in Drum machine, Synthesizer, sampler, FM radio, Tape mixer, FX, LFOs, creative music designer’s…. etc. The OP-1 is a flagship and staple in many professional producer studio’s.
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Akai
MPX8 & MPX16
This line of samplers have been around from Akai for a while now and they still work fantastic! Load up any samples to an SD card and throw it in for endless amounts of fun jamming on these pads. The MPX has the ability to manipulate samples after they are imported so you do not have to worry about them being perfect. Many artists have started bringing these to shows as main stage sample additions or as a backup. Great for anyone looking for a simple and quick sampler.
The differences between the MPX8 and 16 are number of pads and faders. The 16 has a couple more sample manipulation features, but both are essentially the same.
Link to Purchase: Amazon
MPC Series
The MPC series has been around since the 90s and has been used in almost all facets of music. Their latest machines (MPC One and MPC Live II) push the envelope on what is possible with standalone hardware music production. The MPC One is a great starting point for anyone looking to try the MPC setup. You can get from start to finish with the ONE and it has most of the features that the other MPC have in the line up. Many musician’s use the MPC as their main control unit for live performances and studio production. The main draw back to the MPC One is that it is powered only. There is no battery. If you are looking for something more powerful and portable look at the MPC Live. The 2nd generation of Live was just released and the original Live can be found for much cheaper. Ebay is your friend 😉
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Mixers
Maker Hart Loop 8
I have been using this mixer as my go-to portable mixer and my main mixer for recording desktop modules/Pocket Operators. I can’t say enough about this box. It’s tiny, powerful, and it just works. Read my review on it here: Loop 8 Review
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Behringer Micromix MX400
This is another good mixer option for on the go setups. Throw it in any bag and go to a show or jam session. The main downside to this mixer is it is only mono. In 99% of live situations this will be perfectly fine because the house isn’t running stereo. Great for playing with portable gear or mono synths.
Link to Purchase: Amazon
FX Pedals
Empress Effects ZOIA
Hands down the best pedal for any synth setup. The Empress has every effect in the book, supports patterns and automation. Not enough good things can be said about this pedal.
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Zoom MS-70CDR
This pedal is a classic and has been around for years. It is powered via dc or with batteries, supports stereo in+out, and has a great community. There are a number of patches available throughout the internet and on the reddit forums for this pedal. Great addition to any setup looking for a multi-fx.
*This pedal can also be reprogrammed to run any of the zoom MS series fx.Take a look: GitHub
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Arturia
Arturia MiniLab MkII
Great midi controller for any studio setup. I have personally used it with both Ableton and FL studio and was able to map all the functions without issues.
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Arturia MiniFreak 37-key
Brand new synth from Arturia. For the price this is a hot competitor to the hyrda synth and has some really nice poly synth features.
Link to Purchase: Amazon
Arturia MicroFreak
The little brother to the new 37-key. Unique sounds if you want to add something spicy to your setup.
Link to Purchase: Amazon
