6 Reasons Why I Bought the OP1-Field + Tape Emulation Demo 

“When you find an instrument that resonates with you, that is priceless” 👏👏👏

I identify with your reasons for getting the OP-1 Field. Since it came out last year, I've bought and sold it three times! Previously, I would get inspired by reading or watching RU-vid videos, pull the trigger, create a few tracks, then started to feel guilty about the cost and sell it. But this last time I realized there's no other synth I own that generates new ideas like this machine. For me it's the alchemy of how all the parts fit together, where you can use a synth engine or sampler to come up with a cool sound, use the keyboard or sequencer to to play it, record a performance to tape, further manipulating it with effects, lfos, time-manipulation, layering on additional tracks...etc, with the added benefit of unbeaten portability and a long battery life. Plus it's my thirteen-year old son's favorite synth. Definitely keeping it this time around👍

Thank you for this tour. I liked how I could hear the high end aliasing artefacts on the slowed-down disc mini emulation. I wouldn't normally want that, but it's cool that it's there.

I've had friends buy a synth merely on the price. It seems to only encourage them to throw them aside. Especially when they didn't get what they wanted out of it with very little effort.The joy I have gotten out of my OP-1 will lead me to by the plus.

Thank you. Very informative and well thought out video.

Congratulations on getting your OP1Field my friend! Can’t wait to see what you do with it 🤟🏻 cheers!

It doesn't matter what your instrument is or how much it costs, as long as you love making music on it.

Great review ( : Love that pairing with night sky

thanks for this, can’t wait for mine to arrive in the US- bought it the day it was announced

Thanks for the great video! You convinced me to invest in the field for the sounds, really excited. Have you used Op1 Field midi usb with Elektron Rytm yet? I’m looking forward to connecting my Syntakt to OP1 Field when it arrives, using keyboard mode to sequence Op sounds. Do you know if the cable needed is USB c to USB b for elektron boxes? Would love to see a video of how you integrate into your live set. Much gratitude!

Hmmm… it seems some people love it, others hate it. Nothing in between.

This video made me realize that I need this instrument ☺️

Great video... subbed. Thx.

Très bonne vidéo merci 🙏

Why would you buy an OP-1 field? It’s easy. 1. You have 2000$ to spend. 2. You’re synth enthusiast and love hardware. 3. OP-1 is a great product and OP-1 Field is better than the OP-1 for sure. Simple as that. No any other facts or details need to be explained 😁. Thanks for such a comprehensive review!

That Portastudio cassette emulation was my favourite one. Instant character.

I sold my OP-1 to get a Digitone as I wanted lush delays and beautiful reverbs the OP-1 couldn’t do at all. With the OP-1 field we finally have a nice reverb but still no stereo delay? If they could at least tell us it’s coming in the future then I could maybe relax about the price.

The personal aspect of buying the OP1 and what you get out of it is really the only justification you need to overpay for an instrument. Myself I’ve spent way more than I probably should have on modular gear but it makes me happy, so I don’t care. On the other hand my own personal experience with TE is why I won’t buy the Field, based on their handling of the multiple issues with the OP-Z, I’m still waiting for a response a year and a half later..... so personally, nah.

Nice video; I appreciate your method for comparing the tape simulations. I was wondering something: do the tape tricks (stop, reverse and chop) behave differently for the different styles? I’m particularly wondering about the Disk Mini, because I think a more “digital” sounding skipping effect would be fun and thematically appropriate.

What's tough about these Field videos is everyone is making feature requests already. I get that TE updates their gear all the time, but it's all a guess what they will actually do. Hell they could go bankrupt in 5 years, who knows? My point is that I can't agree that investing in a platform justifies the price. I buy gear for what it does right now, and never put any hope on future updates. Especially if I'm dropping 2Gs. Just my opinion, loved the video.

this is just a fantastic instrument, I bought the original op-1 very early about 8 or maybe 9 years ago, it was my first hardware synth/sampler/sequencer...it really changed the way I was making music...and if I ever have the budget to buy the op-1 field, I am going to do it without any doubt, because I think you are absolutely right this is a long time investment

How is the drum envelope? I remember it was crap on the OG and they said it is improved now. Ordered one too. They fixed most of the gripes I had with the OG. It’s freaking expensive but yeah, it’s like 200$ per year. Good thinking. Also the new connectivity possibilities are awesome too. USB c, Bluetooth, fm transmitter which is darn cool. I used the OG in the car a lot and will probably buy a FM dongle to hook it up to my speakers.

superb video, thank you. I would like TE to announce that they will produce the OG-1 for a further year before retiring it. Then reduce the Field down to the £1,500 mark.

Great video! On the controversial price, something I haven't seen discussed... If TE is sure that chip shortages are the future, and they may very well be right about this, the company probably wants to remain in business, by pricing for lower volume of possible sales. Don't forget that post-pandemic, companies can not sell in the volume they want, but only in the volume they can get parts for. This seems to be the new reality, and businesses need to price for it. It's really not up to any of us whether it's fair, only whether we shell out the coin or not.. I am lucky to afford this, and never had the luxury of the original. Almost none of my gear is portable, and recently, the portability is becoming really important to me. This is the only product of it's kind (DAW/multi-instrument/field recorder/emulator/broadcaster/tiny package) so luxury or not, you will no doubt get to see videos of the OP-1 field on my channel once the delays pass and I have one in my hands 😅

Off topic, I know... What is the larger "mixer" looking device with all the white knobs? Great review of the TE O1, thanks for this!

I think the issue was the cost in the first place was a lot for what it does and now it’s more, but does more, but most companies add things and keep things the same price… the company makes more profit as production goes on… in value wars it’s the absolute loser, but in many other wars it wins quite a lot of them, especially portability… it’s just a bit of a item you have to love to buy as someone that might be spending this much on big synth’s and such… it loses the price war but is a super fun creative munchkin… take away to cost and the mixer they have where this can connect by usb c and then 6 stereo inputs, you could make such a unique music creation picnic setup… even a fun looking live setup… mini electronic band and singers… if you make music they will sell with it then that price won’t mater later on

Can anyone tell which lfo he used to make the patch with the moving waveforms in dimensions?

i can't wait to get my OP-1 field

Nice video as always. You convinced me to buy one but damn, you cant’t get one anywhere!

Hey great vid. Question for you, I’ve had some issues with zero-crossing snaps/pops at the end of loops on the original op1. Did you have that experience on the original? And have you experienced anything like that on the Field?

as a fan of the OGOP, field was an immediate yes. they had me at ‘disc mini’

If it had a full-sized keyboard, no one would complain about the price.

Great vid. I play experimental noise music. ( puce Mary , pharmakon, prurient, etc. ). Would you recommend this piece of gear ( I plan on only using it by itself. Maybe te mixer also and a mic )

Never watched any of you vids before (maybe one you did on your ambient workflow?). In any case I really enjoyed this. I'm fed up with people feeling they can comment on other people's buying choices but let's not go there... Just wanted to say that you can apparently lift sections from one tape emulation and place them into another tape emulation. The tape artefacts are 'added' on record not on playback so you can record at 4-track fidelity for your drums (for example) and then lift them onto Reel to Reel and still keep the 4-track fidelity on the drums, Not sure if that make sense (and perhaps you have already found that). I know it's not quite what you are looking for but it is a workaround... By the way - I didnt find this myself (I only have an Original OP1) but I saw it on another video.

Well I had 2 options. 1: Selling my old OP-1 and buying the field. 2: Keep my old OP-1 and grab the MPC live 2. So I grabbed the Mpc live 2 and keeping my old OP-1. 2K is definitely way to much for me but I respect everyone who grabbed the OP-1 field. Thanks for showing your way why you buy the field. Have a nice Sunday 🙋‍♂️

hmmm, interesting A/B/C/D comparison of the tapes. I find it curious why Mini Disk was included as an option. And if I didn't hear the difference I would have assumed it would be one of the clearest, most digital sounding, but actually it removes a lot of top end, makes the tune sound a bit more "removed"/quieter, like audio compressed. Almost similar to a 128kps MP3 file (in comparison to a 256kps MP3 file in its detail/calrity).

Thanks for the video! I always enjoy seeing how people use their gear. Even though the speaker on the original is small and "almost" useless, I used it once when I got to my hotel room and realized I left my headphones at home. Cheap speakers beat no speakers!! 🙂 BTW, not that it matters to me, but sometimes when you say the word 'fact' it sounds a lot like you're saying 'f****d'. Thought you might like to know that if you weren't aware 🙂

I'm curious about the FM transmitter. Seen a short video on it, but have not seen any real world reviews about that feature. Like, what is the range of the transmission, etc.?

Great video. I aassume there are people who will pay the money for this. This seems to make sense in your rig. The cost is a non starter for me, and it would bring nothing to my existing rig that would justify the price.

I am a complete novice. I want to play with music but have no prior experience, apart from drumming. Have decided on OP1 but am looking for a good intro guide to all the functions. Any ideas?

I'm definitely into the idea of this. Owned the OG OP-1 and did enjoy it but that thing was so fiddly and frustrating making a drum sequence. Didn't bond with the drum 'sequencers' so usually had to settle for sloppy live drumming. The screen was tiny for such a complex tape/track workflow and just found the tape setup unnecessarily esoteric so ultimately sold it. Shame its not got a bigger screen (touchscreen would be nice for the cash) and a proper sequencer. That would clinch the deal for me

I bought my OP-1 for $599, brand new. It hasn't always been this crazy, no. But the OP-1 Field is still worth it IMHO.

Finally a video on the Field that goes beyond blind hatred! I want to know more about the instrument beyond "the price is too high", which unfortunately most RU-vidrs won't engage in. I totally understand the issues people have, but that shouldn't stop those of us who are interested from being able to discuss it.

Your music is solid, if you like an instrument then I say save up and get it.

Man I wish I could afford one!

great to see something on the field beyond being mad about it-- I'm plenty mad about the price, but I don't get to see anyone talking about what it actually DOES. Would love to see the different tape styles added to the original OP1 via firmware update, but I'm guessing that isn't super likely

Good video and explanation. I don't think i'd buy it now as the lack of 'Undo' is a bit of a deal-breaker and I completely don't understand why this wasn't a function from day one. I'm guessing that 'reasons to buy' will depend on whether future updates start justifying the price. For now, I'm opting for the MPC One, it's a quarter of the price. I do miss my old OP-1, so I'm not on the hate train. The ability to undo a mistake, especially when layering tapes is fundamentally essential for workflow.

what about the Velcro, why is it? Does it feel justified, i.e. would you choose a non-velcro version if possible?

The op1 is a fantastic instrument. I got mine long ago for a great price. The field also looks like a fantastic instrument. It's great world we live in where you can find such inspirational pieces of gear. Teenage Engineering make great stuff. Even though I can afford it I won't buy it. There is a limit to what most people will spend on a hobby. It's a professional product that is not built with hobbyist in mind.I look forward to all the videos people put up especially people who make music that I can appreciate like yourself. I think the big disconnect is that some people make music for a living and some people make music for a hobby.

The real question is if you are going to get the $250 leather sleeve for it?

everyone as he likes. if you don't want to buy it, don't buy it then. my fav superbooth device: SOMA COSMOS

struggling to decide to either buy a used OP-1 or save for a couple months for the OP-1 Field

dude you have swedish accent can you tell me where can i buy the op1 field in sweden somewhere its everywhere sold out wtf from where did you get yours

Maybe I missed something - but is the tempo setting global - or per reel?

Are tracks 1-4 mono or stereo?

When did you get yours ..I am still waiting on tracking

Just my 2 cents. If you can afford one, your money, your business. Personally, even though I can afford it, it's just not for me. Instead I went with a DirtyWave M8. True, it's a bit more unconventional since it's a tracker, but I've always wanted to learn about trackers and have something to putz around with that is mobile and the M8 fits that.

Now that a year has passed, do You still feel like the OP-1 Field is worth the money?

What about the sequecers? No upgrades there?

I bought an OP-1 at the beginning of the pandemic and ended up selling it in favor of Korg Minilogue XD. While it was a neat machine, the price alongside of the many issues it had, like the spring reverb, made it next to useless for me. In order to actually record something of quality, you had to export your files to a PC anyways to get good compression, reverb, and delay. It seems like the Field fixes pretty much everything I had issue with minus pressure sensitive keys, BUT, the price point is WAY too high. For the same price, you could get an arguably just as portable Macbook air, great software with plugins, and a little midi controller. I think for the $2k price point, it needs a lot more to it. For starters, the ability to load your own synth models into it and not just samples. If they kept the same firmware and managed to get the price down to around $800, I think this would be a good deal. I’d even be willing to pay that with an ABS plastic chassis instead of the aluminum.

Personally, I’m still waiting for the link between the OB-4 and OP-Z. That was my justification for buying the OB-4 and they still haven’t provided that. 🤔…I’m a little skeptical about the 10 years updates they claim on this new device.

Did you sold the og op1? Im not sure

You know the accessories for the op1 like the crank and stuff, do they not work on this? Thats some bullshit man fir the people who already have the op1 and wanna upgrade to the field.

Hahaha "the internet" thinks something it to expensive. I can't believe you spend so much time justifying your purchase to these people. Keep creating and enjoy!

Sounds like any soft synth you can download cracked for free. :)

8 reels total, across all tape styles, not 8 per tape style (8x4).

😮👍

For 3 thousand dollar I can buy Buchla. What the reason to get this unit for 2k :(

Literally every feature available on the new OP-1 you can replicate using cheap FX pedals or plugins. So in my opinion there is only one convincing reason people will buy this instrument: simply for fun. And If you can afford it - that's totally ok.

The display is actually glass. Hardened glass.

Why keep the old OP-1 if you bought the new one? I'm guessing you won't be using the old one, since the new one can do everything better. Which leads me to think, can the new OP-1 sync with the old? Not in terms of technicality, but as in a coherent workflow kind of way that could justify keeping both instead of selling the old and just upgrading? Thanks!

Did you pay the full price?

A wonderfully curious and creative machine at a very high price point for many casual music makers. It's very sad for some people to bully creatives like you and comment garbage on friendly videos like this for no other reason than to shame the choice to buy any gear for whatever reason. Music can be made for free with handclaps and whistling all the way up to having a several millions in gear and instruments in a studio so create with what inspires you and what you can afford, don't berate and bully others for their choice of tools and inspiration. The field not a purchase I would make for myself but I'm sure going to come back to see how and what you create on it. ✌

the pleasure you get from op1-field value 5000€

Lol, hai davvero detto "quale strumento che avete dura 10 anni?!" Tipo tutti quelli che ho avuto.

No music. Can you play?

"when you find an instrument that resonates with you... it's priceless" I really felt this comment. There's a lot of truth behind this.

And as for your love towards tape, for 2 k you can buy real tape recorder (I know you have one) AND 3-4 top end artefact plugins, like Satin, RC20, etc. No one can tell me these modes in OP1 Field are worth it, they are just algos, like RC20. And for 2k you should not need to pair it with external effects to sound good. To me, it sounds like OP1, and has that squary- pad thing that defines the device. I love it, but should be much much more in there.

Yes, cannot attack "very very personal experience", so yeah have fun :-) Still, it is overpriced and that is part of the experience. It's on the edge of the luxury-market and that is where TE wants to be: A lifestyle brand, not a music-instrument manufacturer :-) Really, nothing wrong with that I like it and will buy it if it fits my mood

Why? do you know that you inspire musician all around the world? your setup is very personal with the model one, the vermona , few pedals…your revox…but make so much sens for the music you are creating. This small historical OP version 2 is exactly what you need : fun, original, powerful, and ready to deliver new sound under your master digits. fuck the price, it was allways an expensive machine.

Well, I appreciate the video. I assumed the only reason to buy one is because you have more money than brains, but I stand corrected. Sadly, I am lacking on both money and brains, so… I’ll have to take your word for it.

Calling the OP-1 field a "a full DAW on steroids in a portable package" is far from accurate imo. In fact it's a ridiculous hyperbole which was ironically meant literally. No DAW is limited by 4 tracks, not to mention you can't use plugins, record midi clips, or do the countless other things most DAWs (and even the free ones can do) on the OP-1 field. On the other hand we all have cellphones, which are capable of running DAW-ish software that is FAR more powerful and capable than the OP-1 field. You can buy the latest and greatest iphone for a lot LESS cheaper than the OP-1 field, connect as many apps and AUv3s through an app like AUM, and absolutely crush anything the OP-1 field can provide easily while you're sitting on the toilet and holding it with one hand. AND on the same device you can also browse the internet, call other people, and do a million other things since it's a tiny computer. And you already do carry it in your pocket most of the day anyway. It's far more powerful and portable than the OP-1 field. And it can record and sequence way more than 4 tracks at a time. Just saying...

I don't think anything in there jusrtifies the price of 2 k. 1.It is digital, it is not using any expensive analog circuitary, it should not be more than that Perfourmer next to you. 2. They are butique company. Strymon is too - lets compare for instance how much Big Sky or night Sky cost vs Eventide pedal (not a boutique copmpany). 3. It is selling you your love for OP 1 - and that is fine, but it is expensive love to pay. 4. Everybody does firmware updates nowdays, see Microfreak for instance. 5.Teenage Engineering : "No one is supposed to pay 2 k for their OP1". Also Teenage Engineering - placing price at 1.999 lol. Plus that little mixer, 3.5 k universal credits for the two of those? I would gladly fork out 3k for a great synth or a piece of gear but not this. I must say that the first one was a revolutionary machine, that made people get away from their DAW, stop hoarding plugins and actually work with what they were given. It was a time of portable recordings, little volcas, small factor synths (even NI Maschine Micro was a good entry back then). And it worked, it was a good time for a product like that. Couple of RU-vid channels made this synth HUUUGE, and now these people are not even mentioned in the promotion of the new one. Those 100 features - most are miniscule, except maybe for battery life. It will always sound - like it sounds, some kind of future pop/beat/wave, and it can't do anything else. For a huge price tag, it should be more versatile. Really poor act from TE, they had a loyal fanbase, totally ignored it and went for a hypster synth. This ofc does not defames your purchase, it is absolutely your prerogative, it is just my opinion. I am placing this money into new Oberheim fund.

You're crazy man..

I still can't justify the price tag..

I’m curious how people explain their OP-1 field purchase to their friends/family/partners etc? The average person would look at this and think it’s maybe $200-$500 because that’s what it looks like so I think buying this will be a lifetime of explanations and justifications to everyone that you show it to, which sounds like a lot of work. The difference with a Leica/Rolex etc is that they LOOK like expensive objects so you don’t need to explain the price to people, they just get it. But a plastic / aluminium / Velcro combo doesn’t scream luxury to anyone so naturally everyone’s reaction will be WTF you paid so much for THAT?!

With very few exceptions, nothing digital is an investment …

I find it ironic that you are losing subscribers on something that you paid FULL PRICE for!!!!! I would think the bigger issue for subscribers of "sponsored content" RU-vid creators would be THAT relationship. As a subscriber AND a patron of this channel, I'm much more sensitive to THAT!! And I'm not going anywhere Oora. I think so far you walk the walk admirably. But with every new "just got sent this new "product" the walk becomes more like a tight rope. That goes for all sponsored creators. And the thing is, I'm not sure anyone but RU-vid shareholders and the entities they sell OUR information to and MAYBE some gear manufacturers; are getting rich off of this. I personally think a once a year "what"s still in my rig and not in my closet and not listed on Reverb" upload would bring some transparency to the issue. Sorry for the rant Oora. I'm with you. But so help me god, if I see ONE "funny face Oora" thumbnail post.....I'm out!!!!! Lol...........

Something tells me that the original OP1's value will be a lot higher for collectors in the future....it's just iconic despite its limitations. The new one feels more like a new iPhone, bland design, great performance but heavily crippled for a 2022 device (no expandable memory, no undo button, etc.)

I'm getting the concept of OP-1 that's why I don't buy it :) No step sequencer and song mode is...very very niche...

LOL It's sounds like a Casio Keyboard, has only 4 Tracks and costs $2000, what a joke.

Nobody need justify making a purchase for this or anything.

For £2K grand you can most definitely buy something that at least looks like it’s worth the price or even more. I’m disappointed by the price. This product kind of reminds me of apple and their gadgets over priced. There’s a pattern. People that have these op1 fields all try to justify the price. If I buy one and give my opinion, it’ll be completely true. If I don’t think it’s worth it, I’ll say from the off.

Why are they ripping off their customer base though? 2G for that is a joke

the main reason, money isnt an issue for you....

7th reason, way too much cash on hand

Compared to other stand-alone grooveboxes the op-1 Field is a joke!

Definitely not worth it.

Nearly the price of a Polybrute... my god...

Just say you bought it to grow your channel.