Workflow

1. Record a sample

Press and hold REC, tap a step button (1–8 for drum slots, 9–16 for melodic slots), and the firmware starts capturing mic input into that slot's PSRAM region. Press REC again to stop.

2. Trim and slice

Each slot has a start and end point. Use the SOUND + step buttons combo to nudge the start/end markers, or send raw commands over UART.

Drum loops can be auto-sliced into 16 equal parts; melodic slots play as a single sample with chromatic pitch shifting.

3. Sequence

Press step buttons to drop the recorded sample onto a step. Press PLAY to start the sequencer. The 2.4″ TFT shows the playhead.

4. Apply punch-in FX

Hold FX, then press one of the 16 effect buttons. The active effect name shows on the OLED. Some highlights:

• Loop 16/12/Short/Shorter — different loop lengths
• Octave Up/Down — pitch shift by ±12 semitones
• Stutter 4/3 — granular repeat
• Reverse — plays the slot backwards
• Bitcrush — 4-bit downsample distortion
• Filter Sweep — automated low-pass cutoff

5. Save patterns + samples

Patterns are saved to flash via the LittleFS partition. Samples stay in PSRAM and reload after a reboot.

6. Sync & chain

Pulse OUT fires on every 16th note for syncing with other Pocket Operators or analog gear. Use the shell to chain patterns into full songs (up to 128 patterns in sequence).