Review: OP-1 FIELD vs. a laptop, the OG OP-1, and MPC/Maschine/etc 

What do you think of the latest update?

Did they fix the issue of file playback when swapping between different files? It would be nice if they fixed that for live performance purposes

@@Aiimywhat do you mean by “file”?

@@defcreator187 Pass on my suggestion!

The OP-1 is inspired by the VL-1 design-wise, and Casio shouldn't have a problem bringing the VL moniker back... ;)

8bit sampling

@@defcreator187 I have designs for this I'd love to share with execs at Casio.

@@defcreator187 calculators and vibrators make the world.

For real though. The original should have been no more than $500 as it was. I love the idea of the device, but the 'limitations' (tape sequencer, limited saved params) and fact that it's basically an Apple keyboard with a Raspberry Pi inside just make the pricing absolutely asinine. TE's haughty elitist demeanor also sours things but for different reasons.

@@jackpijjin4088 this comes up over and over... TE is a tiny company that produces smaller batches of custom produced devices. They have a cheap stuff too - PO series are fantastic. It is what it is, but they cannot compete in prices with huge companies that use already existing components.

@@opart There are a lot of tiny companies out there with small batch runs but the price doesn't jump so dramatically. 1010music is...less than 25 people? (More or less from what I info I could pull up.) TE listed at 71 as of 2021. It is very aesthetically pleasing, though it feels a bit like they've taken heavy inspiration from Apple, but for what it is...the "small company" or "it's boutique" just doesn't hold up for the price. Maybe they are going for exclusivity, which is fine, but that's about the only way you can really explain their pricing. . ...Now it did get me into looking at DIY raspberry pi options, so I guess that's something.

@@jackpijjin4088 it launched at 799 and people said it was overpriced, 2000 is definitely overpriced.

​@@AveragePicker you are comparing cnc machined aluminium case with injection molding plastic case, and generic simple knobs with custom knobs w/ multiple parts. Every little thing counts, so its pretty easy to see where the price is coming from. Just a bit tiring to hear people bashing the price - clearly then the product is good, since everybody is talking about it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ . Also, you just partially answered your question - it's easier to have cheaper prices with 25 people on staff, VS 70+ people. I imagine their inspiration is more from Dieter Rams, looking at the decks and the ikea collab they did.

I can give you an (unrequested) hint. With the latest firmware update you can export the 4 tracks of the op-1 as separare audio files to your DAW. If you need them converted in midi files (as I do), you can use the appropriate function (in ableton live, tipically, right click on the audio clip and choose "convert harmony or melody to new midi track". Then you can start to work seriously on the sketches that you have taken on the go.

@@GreenHoleSun Yes, those track exports are the tape dumps I was referring to. I'm aware of how to use them in a DAW... but then I'm not using the OP-1 any more, I'm using a computer -- which is precisely the problem. I got into hardware so I could get away from the computer... but the OP-1 kept pushing me to go back to the computer. So I stopped using my OP-1, and bought hardware which doesn't have that problem.

@@ToyKeeper I understand your point of view. I don't want to defend the op-1 and the op1-field least of all: I only want to point out that the op-1 has 3 pros: the portability, the intuitive ergonomics and even its limitations that, in a world that is becoming more and more complex, may help to focus on the essential. It's not meant to be a professional tool (even if somebody have used it in this way)...as you said, it is a sketchbook. At the end, it's all about the personal workflow that each of us develop. Personally I tend to prefer a good mini midi keyboard (oxygen pro mini, in my case) coupled with a12 inch laptop with ableton live...everything accomodate in a backpack and nothing more is necessary.

@@GreenHoleSun Yup, a notebook and a midi keyboard are a fantastic way to make music, for people who like it. Very powerful, and also relatively cheap. What I was saying, though, is that what you proposed as a solution was ... exactly the problem I was trying to get away from. It's like, imagine I said I don't like the city because it's so noisy that I need earplugs, so I moved somewhere quiet where I'm much happier. Then someone gives me a helpful hint that earplugs exist.

I feel the same way about my Keystep Pro.

yep I mention this option in the video, and way less than an M2 Air will do

So you dig Garage Band?

@@loopop yes, I use a Mac Mini and it does just fine. A MacBook Air M1 would suffice if you want better portability. However, if you’re willing to blow $2000 MacBook Air M2 has a DAC built in.

I use my iPad and iPhone in that fashion. Personally, I could not justify the price point of an OP-1. But they sure look nice and are probably fun to use.

David which Apps on iPad can you recommend to have fun with ? Thanks!

The OP-1, from any sort of production standpoint, is a terrible product. It has awful design, awful UI, terrible team management on it's continuing development, non-existent marketing...I could go on but why? I've never understood why we support companies like this... This product is, and always has been, 100% hype. If RU-vid didn't exist, nether would the OP-1, for all intents and purposes.

@@pommedapi3847 Try korg gadget

@@vinniethechin5230 or standalone Drambo, hosting Loopy Pro, Sugar Bytes, Tal-U-No-Lx, Unfiltered Audio and Zeeon AUV3 plugins. I love Gadget but that collection will get you further than nearly any standalone hardware on the market .... especially the Elektrons or OP1 .. Sugar Bytes plugins remind me of the playful OP1 device interfaces, but 100x more powerful -- and Drambo is simply the best software groove box on the planet, running circles around Elektron sequencers. . Loopy Pro to emulate the experience of OP1s tape machines, with Unfiltered Audio plugins added for realistic tape/vinyl noise/compression.

Dirtywave M8 is like a thousand times better than the OP-1 (field version or otherwise). Good choice, fellow M8 owner 👊🏻

How do you use the OMX-7? I'm struggling to see how I'd incorporate a midi controller into my M8 workflow.

proper setup

@@pthex_ Best part was that I didn't have to sleep on the couch for a weekend. I've given Teenage Engineering my last dollar. The OP-1 Field probably looks great on the table at GNAR in Telluride while sharing organic tacos with Toby Maguire. At least, that was before they got shut down by the pandemic people when they suddenly became allergic to mountain towns. Or tacos. Or Toby Maguire. Maybe all three. Either way, I'm pretty sure they pitched in with the roomies to fund a full line-up of TE gear and fashion trends. Gotta show off the new tat and beard trim. Don't forget the almond milk.

@@Usul ryan you legend, this made my day:D

ye was thinking the same!

I played with headless for the past 3 months and just received my real M8 yesterday. The workflow is totally different but it is totally awesome and very powerful. I'd still want to try out an OP-1 because I think I'd love it, but there is just no way I'll pay this much for one. My MacBook with Logic cost me about the same, it's just insane.

@@droussel7359 I tried out the headless briefly and oddly didn’t get on with it! But I knew I liked trackers having had the Polyend for a while and so far the M8 is clicking nicely. I’ve owned the OP1 a couple of times. A lot of my gripes have been “fixed” but it’s def bars o see past the asking price. It can be found for c20% off RRP in the UK but even at £1,600 it’s a tough sell. Wonderful hardware though and you can get a great vibe off the workflow for sure.

@@droussel7359 actually a great comparison. price of a macbook incl. logic pro x. let that sink in. - "bUt iT CAn sAMplE tH3 raD!o" smh...

The M8 is king!

The 'hiccup' is actually the solo function. Holding a track button solos that track. If you're playing tracks 1-3 live and you want to record to track 4, just press 123 all together - no hiccup. Then while holding also press track 4. No hiccup. Track 4 is now selected. And release. There is a knack to it and it's easier if you don't have 4 tracks playing already, but in a live situation you may want to silence a couple of tracks for a break down by soloing before adding somehting else anyway, just hold in the most important tracks eg drums and lead then tap your new track to select it.

True! Or a Synthstrom Deluge for half the price.

yours are some of the best tracks I've heard made with the M8 for sure

@@loopop Thanks! I do rely on the sampler pretty heavily to get the best out of it, but it's such a great little machine.

Most of the old op-1s batteries are still fine, and yes they can be replaced.

Nah, they’re incredible

@@robertjamesonmusic still overpriced

price is defined by supply and demand folks

😄😄😄

Y’all remember when the original OP-1 retailed around $799 when it first came out??! People thought that was overpriced! I think I’ll always have an OP-1… till the day I die! 😂

Deluge is my main brain as well

Yeah I was about to say that. Deluge is really small in reality.

The issue with the Deluge for me is that they only sell it out of New Zealand. I’ve been tempted to buy one for years, but I don’t want to have to ship it halfway across the globe to have it fixed if there happens to be anything wrong with it.

@@stephanrewind Yes, that’s what I mean. The hassle of having to send a package back and forth across the world, with all the shipping fees, waiting times, import taxes, etc. I find it hard to believe Synthstrom is unable to find any resellers across the globe, so I don’t understand why they insist on being the only seller. I would own a Deluge if I could buy one on my own continent.

@@alamunez second hand market. But in all honesty the shipping thing is no problem. That said I got mine from a place an hour from me by car. I did well seeing how the prices have gone. Wonderful machine

Everyone is complaining about price but not consider inflation, covid and chip shortage.

@@gz625 I get it, for sure. But it's quite an increase from the original price. Again, I hope they do well with it.

@@gz625 Yes that's all true but this thing is $500 masquerading as a $1300 synth

@@gz625 inflation even greatly over exaggerating it would be something like 10%, the chips they use in these aren't ones that are really in high demand, and only cost about $20 for the main CPU. Covid? I guess maybe shipping price would be a bit? That doesn't justify more than double the price, neither do the new features. Almost everything aside from the increased storage and stereo that was added here could have been a software update for the original. Storage and Stereo are definitely the two biggest selling points, but for that price? It's a joke. Not only that but the original one never dropped in price, they could have scaled up manufacturing and made it more accessible, instead they stopped making it and people scalped it up to almost $1400 to the point where TE re-released it again, but generously charging $1200 instead of the original $800. It's just exclusionary pricing, they only want customers who are rich or famous.

@@gz625 Oh really? Because the maschine plus dropped in price.

Thanks! Not justifying the price point, but I certainly wouldn't call OP-1 and expensive toy. I indeed mention an iPad in the beginning as a viable alternative.

But people buy all kinds of ridiculously expensive things just for fun. Why should music equipment be any different?

@@loopop I do think that a 10min video with making a similar track on ipad and on op1 would be a smash hit.

@@harveytherobot Because music is an Art and people talking about equipment instead of inspiration is a shame. A waste of time really. You can be creative with 0$.

@@ethermod307 you indeed can be creative with $0, but some people prefer to use instruments or tools that cost $10, $100 or $1000, not because of the cost, but because they are inspired by the environment created by their developers, and those developers deserve to be paid for their time.

My pleasure. I mention it right at the beginning of the video - yes. But obviously it doesn't mean the ways in which it's better are worth the price difference - that's why I made this video

I do mention this in the video - the BPM (and other tape settings) ARE saved with the reel. Glad to know I'm not the only one with the unintentional overdubs...

If you play live a lot it can be worth it (for an original one around $800), but yeah if you don't travel a lot it's definitely not worth it.

Did you see/try the latest firmware that gives OP1F velocity sensivity?

@@P-S-T No, I only have the first OP-1 version (the “cheap” one) which has not been updated with this feature. I have seen a few videos and velocity seems to work nicely. Great news. Are they using the accelerometer?

@@dans.8198 I believe so. It’s great!

Well, the market as a whole seems pretty put off by TE, at the moment … !

Have you owned 1? Because I have and the opportunity cost for what this is, makes it a rip off. Price isn’t a cop-out when you realized you could’ve spent your money more wisely and bought something more useful without the absurd amount of limitations and crappy sound quality. But hey, to each their own…

Thanks for the kind words! No one can answer what would be right for you or if it's worth it - I make these long videos to help people decide but ultimately it's a personal choice of what gets you creating music

I’m on the same boat as you, I can whole heartedly say it’s worth it … B&H has a $511 discount… order from them as I did! You have the option for stereo input as well as mono for guitars and guitar basses, using the vocoder on fully try you can record with real time effects within the Op1 field… You have the option to easily process the op1 synths with your pedals, i have multiple CBA pedals and Fairfield pedals… You can record the output of your phone straight to it if you have an iphone!!! Any sounds from the phone can be sampled with ease … It is worth it … let’s not forget … it’s extremely PORTABLE

@@NealCaen Man you are seriously tempting me to spring for the Field lol. I checked B&H and didn't see that discount tho. Maybe it has ended? Do you have any experience with the original OP-1? It seems like a used one in like-new condition can be scored for around $650-$800. For that price, I think I can jump on it, but I don't want to miss out on all the features of the Field and hope I wouldn't regret going for the original. On the flip side tho, I wonder if the Field would be overkill for me as someone who has little no experience with synths? Hard to decide for sure haha

@@CargoShorts7 If you contact support, they will give it to you trust me. But if you’re thinking about it too much i would suggest not to get it! I have no experience with the Og op-1

Thanks! No sorry

he goes over that at the end of the section

Sold out everywhere...

I had an MC-101 for a while and I personally hated it. It is very portable indeed and there are a TON of great sounds in it. But I somehow was never able to gel with it. It required a lot of menu diving on the tiny 2 lines screen and it just killed the flow for me. With that said it is very powerful and someone more dedicated and patient than me could probably do miracles with it. With all that said, at least the price is palatable and I was willing to give it a chance.

@@droussel7359 yes it has a lot of menu diving, but for sketching tracks it also has a lot of quick shorcuts. In my YT channel I published some examples of its capabilities in genres other than techno/trance. Did you buy an op-1 after selling the mc? It would be interesting to hear the opinion of people that used both devices in a non superficial way.

@@Algoritmarte I didn't buy an OP-1 as it is above what I am willing to spend for a groove box at this point. I am in Canada so the price is even crazier than in USD. I might bite the bullet in the future because I am much more productive on devices I can bring on the train or quickly grab on the couch. I just don't have enough free time or energy to deal with a big complicated setup and the OP-1, just like my M8, seems to fit the bill. But again, that price point is hard to stomach... I have an MPC One that I don't use that much though 🤔 Will check your channel though!

@@droussel7359 Same feeling about the MPC-One, I have one and use it only attached to the digital piano for exercises and/or playback and recording. I have more fun with the mc. What about the M8, is it more simple/quick to sketch tracks on it, than the mc-101?

@@Algoritmarte Well, that would depend if you gel with the tracker workflow I guess. My main gripe with the MC is that I found it pretty hard to make "songs" instead of only loops. I play guitar and studied the cello as a kid so I somehow have to "unlearn" stuff as I progress in my electronic music journey and embrace the "loop., Not sure if that makes sense! Anyway, the M8 is kind of always in song mode if you will. There is no bar limit per say and you can pile on phrases one after the other, which I find fits really well with how my brain wants to work. It is a bit like writing music in excel but I just love it. One thing I found difficult at first was coming up with melodies. I tend to need to noodle around on a keyboard to come up with something and it's not really possible to do so with the M8 only as you need to input notes one by one. It is however possible to plug a midi keyboard in and play the synth and even record the notes you play (monophonic-only). I am fine with doing things that way. Otherwise I noodle on the garageband keyboard on my phone and once I have an idea, I jump on the M8. The only other thing I find more difficult is you can't really do chords. Well, you can using the 4-OP FM synth but that kind of limit the sounds available. You can also resample internally to a new wav file and people have came up with various tips and tricks, but it will never be as simple as playing a polyphonic synth. With that said, it is definitively the box with which I have the most fun and make the most music (even if it's still crappy stuff). I got myself a Teensy 4.1 for 30 CAD and played with the free headless version for a while before ordering the real thing. That's what I'd suggest anyone who's on the fence and I'd wish it was possible to do such "try before you buy" with all devices out there. If T.E. would do a VST version of the full OP-1, I'd try it for sure and it could possibly convince me to buy it. I also have an MPC One with which I have a love-hate relationship. My main gripe with it is all my fault: I tend not to use it that much because I need to be plugged in. That's how I finally clicked that I needed a device I could grab and play with on the spot without any fuss. Basically something I can grab and play with instead of reaching out for my phone! I have kids, work, other hobbies, and I have to make do with the time I have. Anyway, very long-winded reply but hopefully it answers your question!

OP-1 Field keys are velocity sensitive now with the OS update. Are the M8 keys though? (Genuine question)

@@noodlessoul8356 No, the M8 keys are not velocity sensitive. However, the M8 is a fraction of the cost and you can get a velocity sensitive MIDI keyboard along with it and still spend less money than on an OP-1 field.

yeah its a toy

@@pthex_ So many ridiculous limitations still in this new version. Appalling. Most of these new additions are the kind of stuff that should have been a fw update for the old OP.

@@atuanoiniin 100% true

@@stephanrewind dirtywave keeping it real. same with novation and bass station. been really happy with elektron for the ”recent” firmware updates too. Thats a how you build a loyal customer base

@@stephanrewind As someone who bought the original OP-1 near launch and thought it barely justified its $800 price tag I gotta say I've liked TE less and less every year as they come out with weird gimmicky products that don't even come close to the OP-1. Then they drop the new field series at ridiculous prices after like many years of no significant updates for the OP-1 and it's like a swift kick in the balls. I legit hate this company now and hope they go out of business for basically scalping their own fans.

Yeah! iPad with Korg Gadget 2 and an external bluetooth keybed from Korg aka Microkey-37 and you are good to go. There isn't even noticable latency.

I'd get an iPad over the OP-1 any day of the week. You can do WAY more with it

@@pcuimac Gadget 2 is my current "Go-To" too. :) But there are also other great Apps like Drambo, DM2, Waldorf Attack or the Electribe Wave. For more complex stuff, i have Genome MIDI, Audiobus 3 and quite some synth apps. If i wanted to take it even further, i could add Cubasis as a DAW at the end. I don't use a BT keyboard controller, because my playing isn't that great and i mostly use the sequencers to program my stuff anyways. For sound design the on screen keyboards are more than sufficient for me. I couldn't even use the tape emulation stuff on the OPs properly... So another reason not to get one.

right, they should change soloing to shift + track, especially since you can use the click encoders to mute

No unfortunately. Their site says 500 but I don't know how that's broken down between synth sample and kits

I have a poor man's OP1. It's a Korg Microsampler. I use it mainly for lo-fi one shots, stabs, voice samples. It's even CD quality stereo sampling with 12 voice polyphony. But it's great if you don't need a synth engine.

no just premiere

Not offended at all - not all the videos I make are for everyone, and certainly neither is the price of OP-1 Field

I never noticed clicks and pops after erasing a tape on the OG or Field. I did notice fewer clicks on Field when looping - but it's only been with me for a few weeks

@@loopop thank you ! I am very surprised about the synth sampling, I thought the field was much better in terms of pitch, I remember a short video since deleted, where the sound of the OG was very bad on + or - two octaves

@@bllinstruments yes that’s why I tried it - doesn’t sound bad on the OG at all

the volume knob i can assure you is the same on every unit i’ve been on multiple forums that have discussed this … the volume knob is sturdy as can be and won’t have any issues.

That would mean that Teenage Engineering would have to work.