RECORD→PLAY
Start recording after a 4-beat count-in
RECORD+PLAY
Start recording immediately (no count-in)
RECORD→SHIFT+PLAY
Record from pattern start, not the current bar
PLAY(while recording)
Stop recording and pause playback completely
RECORD(while recording)
Stop recording but keep playback running
−/+(while playing)
Temporarily nudge playback slower or faster; release to return to the set BPM
RECORD+−/+
Change pattern length on the fly while playing
RECORD→−/+(while stopped)
Set pattern length while record-armed
RECORD→SHIFT++
Double the pattern length and duplicate all existing notes
RECORD+#(while playing)
Overdub: punch new notes into existing pattern
RECORD+ERASE++
Start overwrite recording: clear the existing pattern and record from scratch
−/+(while stopped)
Move backward or forward through sequencer steps
RECORD+#(while stopped)
Write that pad to the current step: tap for a short note or hold for a longer one
ERASE+#(while stopped)
Erase that pad's note at the current step
ERASE+#(while stopped)
Erase every note for that pad in the pattern; hold until TRK blinks
ERASE+#(while playing)
Live-erase that pad’s notes as the pattern plays; hold multiple pads to erase several tracks at once, including notes recorded in Keys mode
SHIFT+#+−/+
Nudge the note by steps in quantize mode or ticks in free-time mode
SHIFT+turnKNOB X
Set the playback velocity (strength) of every note at the current step
SHIFT+turnKNOB Y
Set how long every note at the current step is held
A–D+−/+
Select the previous or next pattern; type a pattern number on the pads to jump directly
A+B+−/+
Hold multiple groups to move their patterns together while preserving their relative offsets
SHIFT+A
Jump to the next empty pattern
MAIN+TEMPO→turnKNOB X/KNOB Y
Set the current pattern’s time signature: X changes the beats per bar (numerator); Y changes the beat unit (denominator)
MAIN+−/+
Select scene 01–99
MAIN+numpad
Jump directly to a scene by number
MAIN+#(1–9)
Switch projects: 1–5 are populated and 6–9 are empty by default
SHIFT+MAIN
Commit the scene, duplicate it into the next scene, and keep editing
ERASE+MAIN(2s)
Clear scene contents, or delete if empty and not in song
MAIN+ENTER
Enter Song Mode to arrange committed scenes into a song
−/+
Move to the previous or next song position
SHIFT+A
Add the current scene to the song list at this position
SHIFT+−/+
Change which scene plays at the current position
SHIFT+C
Cut scene from current song position to clipboard
SHIFT+D
Insert or paste a scene at the current song position
PLAY
Play from the current song position and exit the song editor
SHIFT+PLAY
Play the song from the beginning
SHIFT+C
Copy the current bar; press twice to copy the full pattern
SHIFT+D
Paste the copied bar or pattern at the current position
SHIFT+B
Undo the last action; the umbrella icon lights when undo is available
SHIFT+−/+(while copying)
Navigate to a different bar before copying
#→SHIFT+C
Copy only this pad's notes
2.5
#→SHIFT+D
Paste notes to only this pad
2.5
ERASE+A–D
Erase the current pattern; hold until PTN blinks
ERASE+SOUND
permanentPermanently delete the selected sample; hold until SND blinks
ERASE+FADER(2s, while stopped)
Erase all fader automation; the fader resets to the position where it was held
ERASE+FADER(while playing)
Erase fader automation live while playing
ERASE+FADER+#
Erase one fader assignment's automation only
2.5
KEYS
Enter Keys mode and play the selected sound chromatically across all 12 pads
KEYS+−/+
Shift the keyboard layout up or down by one octave
KEYS+#
Transpose the current scale from that pad
KEYS+turnKNOB X
Choose the root note (tonic) for the scale played across the pads; this replaces the old pad → key menu
2.5
KEYS+turnKNOB Y
Choose the scale mapped across the pads, including blues, harmonic minor, and melodic minor; the scale and root note are saved per project
2.5
KEYS→TIMING+##…
Play an arpeggio with oneshot or legato sounds
2.5
RECORD→PLAY
Record pitched notes live into the pattern
TIMING
Enter Timing mode (X: note interval · Y: swing)
turnKNOB X
Set the note interval from 1/1 to 1/32, including triplets
turnKNOB Y
Set swing amount (applies only to 1/8 and 1/16 intervals)
−
Select quantized recording; new notes snap to the displayed interval
+
Select free-time recording; new notes retain the timing you played
TIMING+#
Repeat that pad while held at the displayed interval. With pad velocity enabled, pressure controls the repeated-note velocity
TIMING→SHIFT+#
Latch hands-free note repeat on that pad at the displayed interval; repeat the same combination on that pad to stop
SHIFT+TIMING
Enter Timing Correct
turnKNOB X
Choose the grid interval that corrected notes snap to
turnKNOB Y
Set the swing amount for corrected notes when the interval is 1/8 or 1/16
#(while stopped)
Quantize every note on that pad to the selected interval
#(while playing)
Live-quantize notes on that pad while held
#+−/+
Nudge all notes on that pad earlier or later by one step
2.5
FADER+#
Assign the fader function shown above that pad
FADER
Show the current fader assignments; assignments with active automation blink
RECORD+moveFADER
Record continuous fader movement during playback; while step sequencing, latch the current fader position onto the current step
SHIFT+FADER
Reset every virtual fader assignment in the current group (RES); press again to restore them (SET). Disabled during playback
A–D+moveFADER
Adjust that group's project-wide volume; this spans all patterns and cannot be automated
SHIFT+moveFADER
Fine-tune fader position with higher precision
FX
Enter FX mode and choose delay, reverb, distortion, chorus, filter, or compressor
how it works
−/+
Choose the one shared master effect used by every group’s FX send and the live-input send
−/+→OFF
Turn off the shared master effect
DLYturnKNOB X/KNOB Y
Delay: X changes the time between repeats; Y changes how many times the delay repeats
RVBturnKNOB X/KNOB Y
Reverb: X changes the apparent room size; Y filters the reverb from darker to brighter
DSTturnKNOB X/KNOB Y
Distortion: X changes the amount of overdrive; Y filters and resonates different frequencies
CHOturnKNOB X/KNOB Y
Chorus: X changes how quickly the sound is modulated; Y changes the effect’s intensity through feedback
FLTturnKNOB X/KNOB Y
Filter: X sets the cutoff (left removes highs; right removes lows); Y emphasizes frequencies around the cutoff
CMPturnKNOB X/KNOB Y
Compressor: X drives more signal into the compressor for a stronger effect; Y changes how quickly it responds
selectA–D→moveFADER
Adjust that group’s independent send to the selected master effect
MAIN→turnKNOB X/KNOB Y
With something connected to the line input, X adjusts its volume and Y adjusts how much is sent to the selected master effect
FX+#(while playing)
Temporarily apply a pressure-sensitive punch-in FX; combine pads to layer them. These performance effects are separate from the selected master effect and group sends
FX+2(while playing)
Apply tape stop; the slowdown also affects outgoing MIDI clock, so synchronized gear follows it
FX+A–D(while playing)
Momentarily solo that group and make it the selected group for editing; hold multiple groups to solo them together
SHIFT+FX
Enter Output Settings. X adjusts drive and Y adjusts response speed for the final master compressor, which processes the summed mix and is separate from the Compressor effect selectable in FX mode
+
Open Sidechain settings for note-triggered ducking, separate from both compressor effects
S.Chsidechain
A–D+select#
Add that sound as a sidechain trigger source; its notes trigger ducking even when the sound itself is silent
SHIFT+A–D
Add that group as a sidechain destination whose level will be ducked
turnKNOB X/KNOB Y
X sets how long each source note ducks the destination; Y changes the shape of the volume dip
SHIFT+TEMPO
Create a loop at the current playhead
SHIFT+TEMPO
Set loop length: the loop starts on press and ends on release
turnKNOB X
Slide the entire loop backward or forward while keeping it locked to the tempo; the display shows its position
turnKNOB Y
Shorten or lengthen the active loop
TEMPO
Exit loop immediately
MAIN
Exit loop gracefully at end of next bar
TEMPO
Enter Tempo mode; the display shows the current BPM
tapTEMPO
Tap to set tempo
turnKNOB X
Adjust BPM from 60–180 with the knob (type a value for the full 40–399 range)
turnKNOB Y
Adjust how loud the metronome is while recording; System Settings controls whether it also plays during playback
TEMPO+numpad
Type an exact BPM; use the decimal key for values such as 120.51
SAMPLE+TEMPO
Match tempo by listening to the audio input and setting BPM
SOUND
Enter Sound mode to browse and assign samples to pads
tap#
Select that pad for editing; the last pad tapped remains selected, indicated by the light above it
#
Show the selected pad’s sample name on screen
−/+
Change the sample on the selected pad
SHIFT+−/+
Move through the sample library in increments of ten
numpad→ENTER
Type a sample number and assign that library slot directly to the selected pad
turnKNOB X
Set the selected pad's level relative to the other pads (AMP); the edited sound plays as you turn
turnKNOB Y
Raise or lower the selected pad's pitch (PTC); the edited sound plays as you turn
SHIFT+C→select pad→SHIFT+D
Copy/paste a single sound from one pad to another
SHIFT+C×2→→SHIFT+D
Copy/paste all sounds in a group to another group
SHIFT+SOUND
Enter Sound Edit; use −/+ to move through Sound, Trim, Envelope, Time, MIDI, and Mute Group
SHIFT+SOUND(2s)
Save sound edits permanently to disk
−/+
Move to the previous or next Sound Edit page
SNDsound
turnKNOB X/KNOB Y
X chooses playback behavior: oneshot plays the full sample monophonically, key allows overlapping voices, and legato continues from the current position; Y places the sound left, center, or right
TRItrim
turnKNOB X/KNOB Y
X moves where playback begins; Y changes the playback length from that start point
#
Show the sample’s current playback position in seconds while it plays
2.5
SHIFT+SOUND
permanentCrop to the current trim points; this overwrites the sample file and cannot be undone
2.5
ENVenvelope
turnKNOB X/KNOB Y
X sets how gradually the sample fades in; Y sets how long it continues after you release the pad
TIMtime
turnKNOB X/KNOB Y
X chooses BPM, BAR, or reverse mode; Y sets the sample’s source BPM in BPM mode or its target length in BAR mode
turnKNOB Xto REV
Reverse sample playback
2.5
MIDmidi
turnKNOB X/KNOB Y
X chooses the MIDI channel this pad sends and receives on; Y aligns the pad’s MIDI note with the sample’s musical root
GRPmute group
tap#
Toggle that pad in the current A–D group's single mute group. Members light up; when none are assigned, all pads flash. The last-played member cuts off the others
SAMPLE
Enter Sample mode; only unassigned pads blink. Choose a blinking pad to avoid changing an existing sound assignment or pattern playback
#
reassigns padRecord audio to that pad; hold to capture, then release to stop and auto-trim. The recording is saved in the next available library slot and assigned to that pad. If the pad already has a sound, its assignment is replaced and existing pattern notes on that pad play the new sample; the previous library sample is not deleted. Choose a blinking unassigned pad, switching to another group if needed; some users reserve Group D for new recordings and resamples. The library has up to 999 numbered slots, subject to available storage
#(after capture)
Audition the sample you just recorded
−/+
Choose the recording source and, where available, mono or stereo capture. Screen icons indicate whether the selected source records mono or stereo; compare the options below
−/+→MIC
input Use the built-in microphone; no cable is required.
channels Records mono.
maximum Up to 40 seconds per sample
channels Records mono.
maximum Up to 40 seconds per sample
−/+→IN/L.IN/R.IN
connect Use the 3.5 mm stereo input; these source choices appear only while something is connected to the input jack.
choose IN mono or stereo, L.IN for left-only, or R.IN for right-only.
maximum Mono captures up to 40 seconds; stereo captures up to 20 seconds
choose IN mono or stereo, L.IN for left-only, or R.IN for right-only.
maximum Mono captures up to 40 seconds; stereo captures up to 20 seconds
−/+→RSP
input Capture K.O. II playback internally; no cable is required.
choose Resample in mono or stereo.
maximum Mono captures up to 40 seconds; stereo captures up to 20 seconds.
record Hold a destination pad to capture manually and release it to stop; use the hands-free and pattern shortcuts below when you need both hands.
use for Combine sounds or chords, or capture the current pattern as a new sample
choose Resample in mono or stereo.
maximum Mono captures up to 40 seconds; stereo captures up to 20 seconds.
record Hold a destination pad to capture manually and release it to stop; use the hands-free and pattern shortcuts below when you need both hands.
use for Combine sounds or chords, or capture the current pattern as a new sample
−/+→USB
connect Use USB-C with a class-compliant phone or computer host, then select the K.O. II as that host’s audio output before choosing USB as the sample source.
choose Capture USB audio in mono or stereo.
maximum Mono captures up to 40 seconds; stereo captures up to 20 seconds.
monitoring System code 510 sends USB audio only to the sampler; 511 also monitors it live
choose Capture USB audio in mono or stereo.
maximum Mono captures up to 40 seconds; stereo captures up to 20 seconds.
monitoring System code 510 sends USB audio only to the sampler; 511 also monitors it live
2.5
turnKNOB X
Raise or lower the incoming audio level before it is recorded
turnKNOB Y
Set how loud the input must be before recording starts
SAMPLE(after capture)
Discard that take and record the sample again
SAMPLE(while hands-free recording)
Stop recording
MAIN
Exit Sample mode
SHIFT+#
Start hands-free sampling; K.O. II holds the pad for you
RSP→SHIFT+#→PLAY
Capture the current pattern's full length to that destination pad, hands-free
FX+turnKNOB X/KNOB Y(latched resampling)
Adjust the selected effect live while the hands-free resample is being captured
2.5
−/+(hands-free sampling)
Select the number of bars to resample per capture
SHIFT+SAMPLE→CHOP
Enter Chop mode to slice a sample across a group's pads
A–D
overwrites padsSelect the destination group. This resets its pad assignments, so use an empty group or one you are willing to overwrite
A–D+−/+
Switch between equal-length slices and attack detection
2.5
−/+(equal-length)
Set the number of equal-length slices per group
#(live mode)
Live Chop: tap pads as the sample plays; each slice spans the time between consecutive taps
turnKNOB X/KNOB Y(pad selected)
X moves the selected slice's start point; Y moves its end point. Hold SHIFT for finer control
SHIFT+ERASE
codes Open System Settings, then type any three-digit setting below.
clock Choose one path: USB/TRS MIDI carries clock and transport; SYNC carries analog pulses and start/stop
clock Choose one path: USB/TRS MIDI carries clock and transport; SYNC carries analog pulses and start/stop
↔K.O. II
connect Connect the K.O. II directly to the computer with USB-C.
clock Use 101 when the K.O. II should follow the DAW, 102 when it should lead, or 100 to disable MIDI clock.
DAW Enable MIDI clock and transport for the K.O. II port in the DAW’s MIDI settings.
USB audio The same connection sends stereo audio to and from the K.O. II and carries MIDI transport messages such as play and stop
clock Use 101 when the K.O. II should follow the DAW, 102 when it should lead, or 100 to disable MIDI clock.
DAW Enable MIDI clock and transport for the K.O. II port in the DAW’s MIDI settings.
USB audio The same connection sends stereo audio to and from the K.O. II and carries MIDI transport messages such as play and stop
→K.O. II
connect Connect the keyboard’s MIDI OUT to the K.O. II MIDI IN with a Type A TRS-compatible cable or DIN adapter. A USB-only controller requires a computer or USB MIDI host between the devices.
channel Use 110 to receive on every MIDI channel, or 111–126 to receive on one matching channel.
play Press KEYS to play the selected K.O. II sound chromatically from the keyboard
channel Use 110 to receive on every MIDI channel, or 111–126 to receive on one matching channel.
play Press KEYS to play the selected K.O. II sound chromatically from the keyboard
K.O. II→
connect Connect the K.O. II MIDI OUT to the instrument’s MIDI IN, or connect a compatible USB MIDI device over USB-C.
channel Assign the pad’s channel in Sound Edit → MIDI, then set the receiving instrument to that same channel.
MIDI-only pad Assign sample 000 so the pad sends MIDI without playing a K.O. II voice.
clock Use 102 if the K.O. II should also provide MIDI clock
channel Assign the pad’s channel in Sound Edit → MIDI, then set the receiving instrument to that same channel.
MIDI-only pad Assign sample 000 so the pad sends MIDI without playing a K.O. II voice.
clock Use 102 if the K.O. II should also provide MIDI clock
→K.O. II→MIDI gear
connect Connect the controller’s MIDI OUT to the K.O. II MIDI IN, then connect the K.O. II MIDI OUT to the next instrument’s MIDI IN.
thru Use 131 to forward incoming MIDI to MIDI OUT and USB, or 130 to stop forwarding it.
clock MIDI Thru does not choose the clock source; set that separately with 101 or 102
thru Use 131 to forward incoming MIDI to MIDI OUT and USB, or 130 to stop forwarding it.
clock MIDI Thru does not choose the clock source; set that separately with 101 or 102
K.O. II→K.O. II
connect Connect the first unit’s SYNC OUT to the second unit’s SYNC IN with a 3.5 mm cable.
set Set both units to 1/16 sync: use 211 on the leader and 201 on the follower
set Set both units to 1/16 sync: use 211 on the leader and 201 on the follower
K.O. II→
connect Connect K.O. II SYNC OUT to the Pocket Operator’s left input with a 3.5 mm cable.
set Use 210 on the K.O. II and set the Pocket Operator to SY2.
start Press play on the Pocket Operator first, then press PLAY on the K.O. II
set Use 210 on the K.O. II and set the Pocket Operator to SY2.
start Press play on the Pocket Operator first, then press PLAY on the K.O. II
→K.O. II
connect Use a stereo-to-dual-mono breakout cable: connect the tip channel to K.O. II SYNC IN and the ring channel to its audio input.
set Set the Pocket Operator to SY1 and use 200 on the K.O. II.
start Press play on the Pocket Operator first, then press PLAY on the K.O. II
set Set the Pocket Operator to SY1 and use 200 on the K.O. II.
start Press play on the Pocket Operator first, then press PLAY on the K.O. II
SHIFT+ERASE
Enter System Settings; navigate with −/+, confirm with ENTER, go back with SHIFT+ENTER, or exit with MAIN
code
path
setting
midi
mid→clk→off
Use the internal clock with no external sync (default)
100
mid→clk→in
Sync to incoming external MIDI clock
101
mid→clk→out
Send MIDI clock to external gear
102
mid→chn→all
Receive on all channels, send on ch.1 (default)
110
mid→chn→ch.1–16
Lock send + receive to a specific MIDI channel
111–126
mid→chn→off
Send MIDI only when a channel is assigned per pad in Sound Edit
127
mid→thr→off
Disable MIDI Thru (default)
130
mid→thr→on
Enable MIDI Thru and forward incoming MIDI through MIDI out
131
mid→rst→off
Do not reset MIDI controllers on stop (default)
140
mid→rst→on
Reset all MIDI controllers on stop
141
sync
syn→in→16
Sync in: 1/16-note pulse (default)
201
syn→in→8
Sync in: 1/8-note pulse for Pocket Operator SY2
200
syn→in→24
Sync in: 24 PPQ for vintage drum machines
202
syn→out→16
Sync out: 1/16-note pulse (default)
211
syn→out→8
Sync out: 1/8-note pulse for Pocket Operator SY1
210
syn→out→24
Sync out: 24 PPQ
212
pads
pad→vel→off
Fixed full velocity on all pads (default)
300
pad→vel→hi
Enable pressure sensitivity for a soft touch
301
pad→vel→lo
Enable pressure sensitivity for vigorous playing
302
pad→sca→12t
Use 12-tone equal temperament (default). This is the only scale code in 2.5+; scale selection moved to hold KEYS + turn Y, while X sets the root
310
pad→sca→maj…mi.p
Major, minor, dorian, phrygian, lydian, mixolydian, locrian, major pentatonic, minor pentatonic
311–319
<2.5
pad→key→c(thru b)
Set the scale root from C through B (removed in 2.5)
320–331
<2.5
pad→led→lo
Set low LED brightness
320
2.5
pad→led→mid
Set medium LED brightness
321
2.5
pad→led→high
Set high LED brightness
322
2.5
pad→pot→sca
Scaling takeover (default): responds immediately without jumping by mapping the control's remaining travel from the stored value toward the end of the parameter range
330
2.5
pad→pot→cat
Catch takeover: ignores movement until the physical control reaches the stored value, then tracks it directly
331
2.5
sequencer
seq→met→rec
Enable the metronome during recording only (default)
401
seq→met→on
Enable the metronome during recording and playback
400
seq→met→cnt
Enable the metronome for the count-in only
402
seq→scn→tic
Change scenes immediately when pressed (default); the screen shows TIC
410
seq→scn→bar
Wait until the current bar ends before changing scenes; the screen shows BAR
411
seq→scn→ptn
Wait until the current pattern ends before changing scenes
412
seq→lop→off
Disable song looping (default); playback stops at the end of the song list
420
seq→lop→on
Enable song looping; the song list returns to its first position after the end
421
seq→ply→bar
Resume playback from the selected bar when PLAY is pressed
430
seq→ply→ptn
Restart playback from the pattern beginning whenever PLAY is pressed
431
sampling
smp→rec→lo
Record samples at 26.250 kHz (low)
500
smp→rec→mid
Record samples at 32 kHz (medium)
501
smp→rec→high
Record samples at 46.875 kHz (high, default)
502
smp→usb→rec
Send USB audio to the sampler only (default)
510
smp→usb→mon
Send USB audio to the sampler with live monitoring
511