K.O. II · guide

The EP-133 K.O. II workflow, end to end

The EP-133 K.O. II has a clear hierarchy that turns raw samples into a finished song. Once you understand how sounds, pads, groups, patterns, scenes, and projects nest together, the whole workflow clicks. This guide walks the chain end to end so you always know where you are.

Understand the structure first

Everything on the K.O. II nests inside something larger. Learn this hierarchy once and the rest of the workflow makes sense.

Sound = one sample in a slot (1-999), your raw audio material.
Pad = one of 12 keys in a group, each pad plays one sound.
Group (A, B, C, D) = 12 pads with their sounds plus the pattern recorded for them. Think of each group as one instrument or voice.
Pattern = the recorded sequence of notes within one group. Each group has its own pattern.
Scene = a snapshot of all 4 groups playing together, equal to one section of your song.
Project = your entire workspace with up to 99 scenes plus all your sounds. The K.O. II holds 9 projects.

A simple analogy: project = album, scene = song section, group = one instrument, pattern = what that instrument plays, sound = the actual sample.

tip

Read this hierarchy top to bottom, then bottom to top. The basic workflow is just moving up the chain: load sounds, assign to pads, record patterns into groups, combine groups into scenes, arrange scenes into a project.

Load sounds and assign them to pads

Start at the bottom of the hierarchy by getting samples onto pads. Sounds are organized by slot range so you can browse by type.

1
Hold MAIN and a pad 1-9 to select a project (slots 6-9 are empty on a new unit).
2
Press SOUND to enter sound mode and load samples.
3
Select Group A, choose a pad, then use minus or plus to scroll through sounds (kicks 1-99, snares 100-199, hi-hats 200-299, percussion 300-399).

tip

Use the slot ranges as a map: bass lives at 400-499 and melody at 500-599, so you can audition the right family of sounds for each group without hunting.

Record patterns into groups

Each group records its own pattern, so build one voice at a time. A typical layout is Group A drums, Group B bass, Group C melody, Group D loops or samples.

1
Press MAIN to enter main mode.
2
Tap RECORD, then PLAY for a count-in.
3
Hit pads to play your beat, then press PLAY to stop recording.
4
Switch to Group B, load a bass sound, and record the same way. Repeat for Groups C and D.

tip

Hold RECORD and PLUS to extend the pattern beyond one bar before you record longer parts.

Add effects, then commit groups into scenes

Once all four groups play together, sweeten with effects and commit the result as a scene. Stacking scenes is how a project becomes a full arrangement.

1
Press FX while playing, then move the fader up to add an effect and use minus or plus to switch between effects.
2
Press SHIFT and MAIN to commit. This saves the current state of all groups as one scene and creates a duplicate for further experimentation.

tip

Each commit is one section of your song. Build a verse, commit it, then keep editing the duplicate to make the chorus, and your project grows scene by scene.

questions

What is the difference between a pattern and a scene?

A pattern is the recorded sequence for a single group, so each of the four groups has its own. A scene is a snapshot of all four groups playing together, equal to one section of your song like a verse or chorus.

How many projects can the EP-133 K.O. II hold?

The K.O. II holds 9 projects. Each project is a full workspace with up to 99 scenes plus all of its sounds, so one project equals one complete song or beat.

How do I save my work as I go?

Press SHIFT and MAIN to commit. This saves the current state of all four groups as a scene and automatically creates a duplicate so you can keep experimenting without losing what you committed.

Which sound slots hold which instruments?

Sounds are grouped by range: kicks 1-99, snares 100-199, hi-hats 200-299, percussion 300-399, bass 400-499, and melody 500-599. Scroll with minus and plus in sound mode to browse a family.

What is a typical group layout?

A common setup is Group A for drums, Group B for bass, Group C for melody, and Group D for loops or samples. Each group is an independent voice with its own 12 pads and pattern.

How do I record a pattern longer than one bar?

Hold RECORD and press PLUS to extend the pattern length before you record. This gives you room for longer parts beyond the default single bar.

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