Bad Gear - Teenage Engineering OP-1 - Modern Vintage???

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Welcome to Bad Gear, the show about the world's most hated audio tools. Today we are going to talk about the Teenage Engineering OP-1. Is this iconic synthesizer, sampler, virtual tape recorder, effects unit and milestone of scandinavian design the definition of modern vintage? Is it the ultimate portable groovebox for on the go?
Chapters:
00:00 Intro tune
01:21 Overview Teenage Engineering OP-1
02:02 Synth section
02:54 Drum section
03:18 Tape section
04:20 Sequencers
05:17 FX section & LFOs
05:36 What else???
06:06 Pricing
06:23 Hate
06:50 Jam 1
07:40 Jam 2
08:39 Finale
09:14 Verdict

[@AudioPilz]

Audiopilz: *slaps roof of YT channel* Full Tracks, Extended Jams, Sample Packs: www.patreon.com/audiopilz

[@Whiskeyklone]

Were the wheels supposed to fall of like that?

[@777wisdom7]

Please stop talking like DJ academics other wise great video use your own voice and cadence please

[@dansaber4427]

I was always expecting the price to drop.

[@vjrei]

In your Patreon, you are saving for a BKE Beat Thang which you already reviewed.

[@Purrevill]

@@777wisdom7 he has the sound of an a..

[@AlexBallMusic]

I did some engineering as a teenager. Numerous custom levels for Duke Nukem 3D.

[@AudioPilz]

It's time to play synths and chew bubble gum.

[@AlexBallMusic]

@@AudioPilz Mmm. Don't have time to play with my self-oscillating filter.

[@ChrisHopkinsBass]

@@AlexBallMusic Ken Danger can drink Earl Grey and chew bubblegum at the same time

[@portaltechnology32]

@@AudioPilz and I'm all out of bubble gum

[@sinistar99]

Me too! What are you waitin' for? Christmas?

[@MasterpieceTheatreDM]

This product was the answer to the question a lot of young non-musician types were asking themselves a year into making music on their computer, the question being: "does my music suck because I use a DAW? maybe it will get better if I have more limitations with a slightly more tactile interface?" Buying the OP-1 you get the answer, which is no, it doesn't.

[@AudioPilz]

...but it looks great on social media;)

[@MasterpieceTheatreDM]

@@AudioPilz gotta respect their understanding of who their market is

[@gustavolara9919]

Are you a keys player? If not, then I can see why, but the OP-1's strength is that is has a keyboard and is super portable. The MC-101 beats it dollar for dollar but playing on the MC-101 pads is awkward.

[@lyh1]

@@gustavolara9919 The 101 is a good drum machine. But to play notes pair it with a circuit will help a lot. Page switching to step record note is no fun too

[@auxlen]

iT IS AN AWFUL BIT OF KIT FOR A CERTAIN TYPE OF USER (SORRY CAPS)

[@operatorcity4149]

I love that you included so many plants in the first jam, as is customary when showing off the op-1 and pocket operators.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@bagoftrix]

And sp404s 😂

[@stefan1024]

It's mandatory by law :)

[@YouTubeSupportTeams]

certified hipster synth table decor.

[@NullFX]

@@bagoftrix facts. My SPs and bonsai are just do chill looking together.

[@NineFourOneMedia]

I bought one, sold it, instantly regretted it then got another one. I often like to use it as a hipster prop while in line at Starbucks, or while just walking around the local Restoration Hardware store. People are impressed.

[@AudioPilz]

I'll have a soy decaf pumpkin latte, please. Grande!

[@BuddhaPhi]

Your, sir, are living the dream.

[@kaarefestvog6540]

Another reason not to get one. I'm not looking to get into random conversations about yurt camping and beard oil.

[@foreverseethe]

Buy a $1000 watch instead.

[@wellurban]

Surely, hipsters wouldn’t be seen dead in Starbucks! The only people I ever see in those are tourists and suburban teenagers.

[@MoraFermi]

Every time I see OP-1 in action, I can't shake a feeling that 90% of the development time was spent on these cutsey animations, 30% on making them fit in the firmware, 20% on coming up with features and only 10% on making sure the whole thing was actually usable.

[@AudioPilz]

The animations are truly nice! Time well spent;)

[@bagoftrix]

Nope, it’s actually a very well thought out device with limitations most of us simply don’t accept anymore. But it’s a complete concept, not just a look. I hate it and love it at the same time. The animations are very basic btw my guess is they barely use any memory

[@randommcranderson5155]

I think it would be an amazing but expensive device at its original price point. At its current price point the sample time and keyboard are a joke. It's a $700 groovebox with a $1200 price tag.

[@RaverOperatorGeeza]

@ghost mall that's fine if you have the bank balance to be whimsical about it! Value versus cost brings this device back to earth with a bump, but I do agree it looks nice and is fun to use for a bit... (I've only had a very quick go on it myself and not even a full hour with I've to take be able to give a better opinion)

[@RaverOperatorGeeza]

@@randommcranderson5155 💯☑️✔️

[@ChrisSmout]

Come for bad gear, stay for awesome jams, constructive criticism and fair assessment. Not one for me or my wallet but glad it got the Audio Pilz treatment

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks Chris!!!

[@petedako]

I watch these for all the laughs… the equipment is beside the point

[@zweizy504]

Literally laugh out loud almost every time you get to the demo section because you are just so god damn good at making beats! Your “just figuring it out” phase is incredible

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@lairdkilbarchan]

When I came across the OP1 in a music shop I declared "This looks like a nice toy.." poke poke...squeak squelch. Dude behind the counter: "It's NOT A TOY", I swear his bottom lip was trembling. What I meant was...oh forget it...😁

[@AudioPilz]

Lol

[@sinewaymusic]

Your videos are as important to me as the Friday evening beer. Thanks for the laughs hidden as quick image flashes throughout your videos, I need to pause quite a bit but that's part of the fun. Cheers! 🍻

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much, have a nice Friday!!!

[@fauno-holoperma8261]

YES I WAITED LONG FOR THIS... had this, loved it and hated it.. perfect Bad Gear material!! Thanks!!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for your patience!!!

[@timbrechopper]

Excellent video! Pro-tip: Do not drop this thing. The input/output jacks break easily (*very* easily). The screws to replace the I/O board are apparently made out of pudding and will strip faster than GG Allin at a gig. Need the analog input for the FM tuner (and the nifty antenna accessory you get overcharged for). With that out of the way, I love the OP-1. It's expensive but you can also get a whole lot from it if you put in the time. Not sure the (kinda high) learning curve is worth it if you already use a lot of other gear. But if you don't, you can get a whole lot from this device. Also, the firmware update adding audio to the USB is a very nice addition (makes for a sweet addition to an aggregate device).

[@AudioPilz]

I did feel like a total noob for the first day;)

[@timbrechopper]

Oh, and the trick to quantizing is to do it before you record: Sequencer (Endless or Pattern for this purpose)/Shift key in 4-Track (skips to direct spots, set resolution for full bars to 1/8th notes, arm 4-track recording)

[@lo-firobotboy7112]

@@timbrechopper From your description and videos like this one, I feel like the OP-1 is basically a DAW crammed into a tiny MOMA-friendly case.

[@jandopandeiro]

"strip faster than GG Allin at a gig" LOL!

[@AlecArmbruster]

Does anybody else have an issue where their OP-1 defecates on stage and throws chairs?

[@skywatchernorth]

I'm waiting for the Behringer clone at those prices. Good video as always Florian.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Waiting for the ULI-1 too!!!

[@neuzethmusic131]

😂

[@YouTubeSupportTeams]

the behringer clone LOL.

[@ropeburn6684]

Behringer UL-1: Double the features (minus silly videogame animations), double the connectivity, full metal case, slightly better sound (no noise), a third of the price.

[@chickenpasta7359]

@@KZbinSupportTeams behringer's entire business is mostly making clones (which i dont mind. more affordable synths is always good)

[@arekhautaluoma4276]

I ran into a friend from ~jazz school~ when I was on the ferry...he had one of these and a microkorg on hand. we bought a 5-way mic splitter from the Best-Buy vending machine, and jammed. on the bus to Vancouver, we had all the headphone jacks filled with random bystanders...it was like a gosh dang commercial.

[@AudioPilz]

Got a video of that?;)

[@FreeBeat]

This stupid little thing changed my life, and I simply cannot figure out why no one has released a competing product. The "committing sounds to tape" workflow just clicks for me, and nothing else can really replicate it, at least not in a single, portable piece of gear. That being said, it is certainly not for everyone, and with that price tag, if you don't find yourself using almost every feature it offers, it becomes not worth it pretty quickly. That ending track was pretty sweet, great video as always!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! I almost failed my tape editing exam so that workflow is probably not for me;)

[@bagoftrix]

The resample workflow of the Roland sp’s comes close but I know what you mean. It takes me back to the 90s when I had a 4track tape, you have to get your performances down and also accept some minor flaws in an otherwise great take. It brings some humanity back into making electronic music. Why it recently stayed on the shelf more is some minor missing features which are a pretty big deal to me personally, but I’d still recommend it if you can afford it.

[@oldunclemick]

@FB it does seem to be a prime target for a competing product.

[@michaelkoehler8876]

There are the organelle and the m8

[@dillipphunbar7924]

@@oldunclemick i think sonicware are working on it; also, maybe that sampler/groovebox soon-to-be released. showcased on Ave Mcree's Traptendo channel

[@nathanpohl]

All your recent episodes have been genius because the sheer number of memes forces me to watch each episode twice. Once without pausing so I can make sense of what you're saying, and once again so I can see all the wonderful memes.

[@nashie16]

The amount of memes you put in each video is insane

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@sammortenson5667]

The Elvis one is gold

[@apoplexiamusic]

The fact that TE charge so much for a dinky mixer and severely limit features while bumping up the price make them the single best example of hipster culture. All very debatable style, not enough substance

[@AudioPilz]

...I still want to try the mixer;)

[@mrz80]

Honestly, given how much computer horsepower, memory, and really good DAC performance you can jam onto a tiny little circuit board for so little money these days (and face it, the OP1 is just a weirdly packaged computer, just like say a Steamdeck :D ), I'd have a really REALLY hard time liberating that many dead presidents for a handheld workstation with that cryptic a user interface.

[@apoplexiamusic]

@@mrz80 i think your comment puts the nail on the coffin of the OP-1. Well said!

[@stefanhennig]

The mixer is the most beautiful piece of technical design I have seen in a long time. I want to buy one just for looking at it.

[@mechantechatonne]

I bought one and it’s arriving tomorrow. I’ve honestly been thinking about it since it was announced; it’s just so lovely and there are so many little synths you can take anywhere now that it’s high time someone made a lil mixer and audio interface.

[@SynGirl32]

Now this was totally expected.

[@AudioPilz]

It was about time;)

[@barnabydixon]

Phenomenal presentation!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@88Fitzy88]

Best channel on youtube!!! Always hyped for your videos! I love my OP-1

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@PatrikLundh]

Florian: "I literally don't know what I'm doing" - Makes track that I could listen to for the whole evening. Thanks for a stunning video AGAIN! I'm still baffled how you manage to produce these videos in this short time. Awesome!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@callumalston5755]

It’s my favourite instrument… I know it’s got its limitations, I know it’s ludicrously expensive, but it’s the most important instrument that’s come into my life since I picked up a guitar at 12 years old…

[@AudioPilz]

Great if it fits your workflow!

[@JDDavid]

I love your style with these. Either there is a roomfull of comedy writers and ace video editors, or you are superhuman. honstely, though I have begun to watch them at 75 or even 50 % speed just to catch every meme, iconic image, warped cartoon, earnest tribute, name drop, droll riff, historical reference, sly understatement, onomatopoeia, absurdism, hyperbole, irony, fantastical musing, slam, jab, dig, neologism, genre-blend or knock-knock joke, and even the occasional pun, along with the steady stream of hard facts, insights, opinons and comparisons about gear I likely never knew existed that make me feel like I Really Learned Somethig New Today. Whew! Sure, it takes longer than the advertised video duration, but the time and effort are worth it. The tunes are usaully pretty good as well. Thank you!!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!! Not superhuman, I just drink a lot of espresso;)

[@JDDavid]

@@AudioPilz I bet you might have a few things to teach people about workflow and efficiency.

[@username888888]

I bought the hype on these and picked up a used one a while back. I traded it less than a year later for an Access Virus TI keyboard. I do not regret that decision at all.

[@combobreaker449]

Good man

[@AudioPilz]

Virusses are great (at least the Access ones;)

[@peacefulpigeon7254]

Great video and loads of true comments too - after working on music soundtracks on my computer I love to just have a quick jam on the OP 1 - relaxing, fun and a great piece of gear to just experiment with - often I come up with unexpected music ideas that I work on later - so an expensive notepad but also love the simplicity and limitations…

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@johnsterthemonster9181]

These were my favorite jams you've ever done on this channel. Pretty damn cool.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@MPHORROCKS]

I agree wholeheartedly with David. You're videos are ridiculously entertaining, and the tracks you make are brilliant! Amazing work! :)

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@Psychlist1972]

I like that you used the correct hipster Pine Planks & Potted Plants setup for your demos :)

[@AudioPilz]

😀

[@deandavictoreduardo]

Congrats to take on the myths of the OP-1 needed courage was required but your videos are a pleasure to watch

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@shaunmadison99]

This was amazing! I didn’t even get to scratch the surface when I had mine. Well done!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@wolfhlm]

Thx Mr.Audiopilz . This is more than a review. It is very fine entertainment. Waiting for your next show. Every gear will fit to your multimedia concept.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@theeightoclock]

You are really checking all the boxes - another item that I’ve always wanted to see on this channel! 👍

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!!

[@30h5]

This is the best synth show on YT. Succulents noted.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@LostStylus]

Finally! Thank you for this. Now waiting for the OPZ episode ;)

[@AudioPilz]

It's moving up my list! Thanks for the suggestion

[@IMNfilms]

A characteristically light-hearted yet gutsy review. Well done, sir. Well done.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@edgeof60]

Problem with the OP-1 is that even a critical demo still makes you want to get one. My resolve was finally broken just recently, picked up a used one at a somewhat reasonable price. And yes, everything in this video is totally accurate. This is definitely a fun, beautiful, and yet frustrating device.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@wesleyleigh4063]

So, it sucks but you can't admit that bc of how much you paid?

[@edgeof60]

@@wesleyleigh4063 "sucks" is in the eye of the beholder. I do enjoy playing around on it, but honestly I haven't had it long enough to draw that conclusion. As for what I paid, it was a lot less than new, and if I do decide it sucks I can probably sell it for the same or even more.

[@DoctorNemmo]

@@wesleyleigh4063 It sucks, it's expensive, but on the other hand you can get very musical results, so in that regard: it's like a violin, it's a tool. The extra 90% depends on your creativity. If you want to play drums, don't blame the violin.

[@wesleyleigh4063]

@@DoctorNemmo ok man link me your results would love to hear them

[@johnumm2472]

Excellent Video, perfect, Always wondered about this, your brilliant work throws a very useful light on this. Thanks so much, really enjoyed the video *hand on spacebar for the memes*

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@memorycurse1342]

I just discovered your channel and you have a great presentation style. I love how you try to see the good in the "bad gear" portion and love to hear each intro. Keep it up!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!

[@club882]

Been waiting for this one! Thanks!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@williambrown319]

It's okay. Not worth the asking price, but an okay "synth" (That you got such decent jams out of it speaks volumes about your musical talent)

[@AudioPilz]

I really liked the sounds!

[@williambrown319]

@@AudioPilz the sounds are great. The lack of midi to use those sounds to its full potential kneecaps the op1

[@jukesjointOG]

I wanted one when it came out. I still want one now. But the cost vs. benefit ratio has not moved enough in the benefit direction yet...

[@AboveEmAllProduction]

Dude, many many people have released many many albums on that thing.. Its not a synth either, it has synth engines but its much much much more. Damn bro

[@3vergiven]

@@AboveEmAllProduction Many many people have also released albums recording other shitty equipment, like Gibson guitars.

[@willdavidson3073]

Great episode 🏆 I'd love to see the Volca Modular getting Bad Gear treatment. It's great fun but it's the only synth I've never been able to do anything useful with.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Great suggestion!

[@DWatso]

Best BG I've watched for some time, nice work.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@pearsemacintyre1728]

once again, editing is splendid

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@SURCOlive]

Totally, completely, 100% share your opinion. Not at all for me and I sold it after less than 2 weeks. Thanks as always for the great videos!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@cooptrol]

You you you Elektron fanboy like me hehehe... I did the same with the op1...

[@SURCOlive]

@@cooptrol hahaha. I'm a fan of things that make music making more enjoyable. OP-1 did not do that for me. Elektron sequencers do. So does the Deluge, Quadrantid Swarm, 1010 Blackbox, Polybrute, and a lot of others. OP-1 doesn't even make the top 100 list for me.

[@dubbylabby6068]

Common sense.

[@cooptrol]

@@SURCOlive True! I dig your channel. Loved your Syntakt review.

[@unemployablegraduate]

I feel like the OP-1 was an attempt to design a music-making tool that Logan 5 from ‘Logan’s Run’ might have doodled away on in his spare time when he wasn’t shooting ‘runners’. I’ve always been curious about it because of the sheer novelty of its approach, but, as others have stated, at a price of over £1000 U.K. pounds new, I cannot justify buying what I strongly suspect is a cool recreational toy rather than a practical workhorse tool: especially not when there’s things like KORG Gadget around.

[@AudioPilz]

I've yet to try Gadget. Super interesting!

[@elqord.1118]

I don’t know who you are but goddamn what amazing production quality on this video. I’m not even in the market for this but had to watch it end to end. Respect

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@skarryprankhunter]

I love this video! I was expecting it!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@Yuzuki1337]

Just seeing the name "OP-1" makes my wallet hurt

[@AudioPilz]

Lol

[@chikapunk4340]

OP just stands for over priced

[@Yuzuki1337]

@@chikapunk4340 Spot on.

[@NEOROADER]

Never tried an OP-1 but wanted one real bad, seemed like a pumped up version of my Kaossilator Pro! Now I've settled into the Elektron ways an my kpro is gathering dust lol... While the pitchforks are out you might as well take on the OP-Z. Love the videos as always, hope you never run out of Bad Gear!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! Doesn't the Kaossilator have midi?;)

[@NEOROADER]

Sort of, but as you highlighted in your kpro video, syncing with other gear doesn't work so great

[@krudler406]

great review, very interesting! would love a video about how you arrange your finishing jams 🔥🔥🔥

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!! I'll try to squeeze that in!

[@Mogwaicracy]

the succulents on the table really make it feel authentic :D good job AudioPilz!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@MattGreerMusic]

I owned one for a while. Had a love/hate for it. Loved the sounds and the sampling, didn't like the tape track but regardless, I did manage to get a few really nice sounding grooves out of it. I sold mine when the value was pretty much the most reasonable and now I miss it but don't want to pay the inflated prices.

[@AudioPilz]

Prices are completely nutz!

[@meddle333]

Every Friday, every Audiopilz video requires 2 viewings. One to pay attention to the dialogue, and one to pause every 1.5 seconds and screenshot every 3 seconds for the memes.

[@meddle333]

...and then 2 days to watch the entire back catalogue on repeat.

[@AudioPilz]

That's the way of the Bad Gear;)

[@Tichooon]

Your editing and meme selection gets better every video I swear

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you so much!!!

[@256k_]

hey you did it! that's awesome! the jams you did sounded great!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@Koopakid917543]

I knew it was only a matter of time... The OP-1 was my first synth and I love it, it's extremely limited but at the same time quite versatile. it's definitely not for everyone though, workflow wise and price wise obviously.

[@AudioPilz]

Agreed!

[@banjoplayingbison2275]

Now do the OP-Z! (AKA the poor man’s OP-1)

[@AudioPilz]

Great suggestion, thanks!

[@dlawlis]

The only channel where I actually enjoy having to pause.

[@AudioPilz]

😀

[@noon_GhuNNa]

I was just rewatching the AKAI rhythm wolf episode and I loved the collaboration with a local artist to make a beat using the gear in focus, I'll love to see that again, maybe collaborating with other gear youtubers would be cool too. Thanks for all the amazing videos, favorite show on youtube!

[@AudioPilz]

Great input, thanks!

[@FreeThink1984]

I think you nailed this one. I never understood the hype. I would get one if it was $250 but any more….no way lmao.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@raulgorgulio9834]

I remember the first time I saw the video about OP-1 (I didn't know anything about grooveboxes or music production at that moment): Oh, what a cute little toy piano! I wonder how much does it cost... WAIT WHAT?!

[@AudioPilz]

I assume it was still much cheaper back then;)

[@beatchef]

I'm assuming now you've seen the price of the OP1 Field!

[@raulgorgulio9834]

@@beatchef oh yeah. and the price of their new Mixer too)

[@ColossusBall]

Fantastic work. Always refreshing to run into fellow gym playlist prog house EDM fans

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@SynthsandSounds]

Very interesting verdict. Sums up what I've always thought (without ever having played one) but never heard anywhere

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@containercore6832]

Great ep as usual. You completely nailed the backdrop for the synth jams lmao

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@MrRubyscube]

It's actually one of my all time favorite devices, but it's been a long journey to get here. Initially bought it for the "portable, all in one, make music in the park" thing. Ended up sampling ambient sounds with the built in mic, played with the synths and made some songs with the tape recorder. Fun for a bit then lost interest, resulting in it laying around collecting dust for quite a while. One evening I had it with me when jamming with a band, and wow the synths sounded really dirty and cool in the PA. Went on to use it purely as a synth with a band live at some gigs and it worked very well. So I though, ok.. it's a cool secret weapon for dirty lofi and interesting textures when you get into the routing and parameters. But when it really clicked for me was when I was playing with my other gear, like Octatrack, MPC Live and my modular and was thinking... hmm, wish I had some dirty effects to run this pattern through. Hey, the OP-1 has an input.. let's run it through and mess it up. And, this just kept happening again and again. Hmm, it had a preamp.. so plug a guitar in, crank the preamp and run through filter/effects. Hey, this actually works! Need a gritty polysynth over this pattern, heyyy OP-1 does the job. Need some inspiration.. make a quick beat with the tape machine, pitch it down with the tape speed parameter and sample it into the Octatrack. Instant effortless starting-point to work from. Hmm, lacking a generative random element to my modular patch. Heyy, plug OP-1 into modular via usb-midi host box... fire up tombola sequencer and send midi notes to modular. Heyy, works great too! Or any other of the strange little sequencers for some interesting results. Secretly recording arguments with my girlfriend with the built in mic so I can use it against her in a court of law at a later time when she accuses me of domestic abuse to take all my money and get me blacklisted in Hollywood. So many uses! This just kept happening, and now it's honestly a indispensable multi-tool with a gritty charm that has save my musical ass so many times that I can't even keep track. Probably not ment to be used this way, but it sure works for me! :D

[@dadjeanious1025]

I'm with you through the first part. Then stopped traveling. Then started to work it as an extreme pedal, then sold it to buy some other gear. For the price, I couldn't let it sit around and get used part time.

[@DigDugger-hg1xb]

Kinda making a point for me to sell all my synths, tape recorder EQ, rack gear and replace it with this. Hell, sounds like I could sell some guitar pedals too. Price-wise this feels like the Bitcoin of instruments to me. Same era, similar feels about missing out. Thanks.

[@dadjeanious1025]

Now I'm traveling again and wish I had it back. 😀

[@AudioPilz]

Interesting technique!!!

[@happyjessus]

So glad I read it to the end xD

[@daveakabluewater]

The 15 second intros are worth a Thumbs Up every time.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@user82938]

Using the mic as a modulation source is something I love.

[@AudioPilz]

True, should have put this in!

[@russelbuck]

I hope this video causes the OP-1 aftermarket value to crash so I can finally snag one and experience its workflow shortcomings first hand 😳

[@AudioPilz]

I'm afraid this won't happen any time soon...

[@ratchetdnb9554]

Dude youre hillarious, as a german myself your german humor really shines trough for me, keep up the good work

[@AudioPilz]

Danke! Bin allerdings Ösi;)

[@chedhead3278]

Cheers Florian, great video as usual. I have no comment about the OP-1, luckily lots of other people did which has made for an entertaining read. :)

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@matthewberger270]

good lord that first jam made my whole day

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@justjoeblow420]

The OP-1's notorious nature of not getting along to well with other hardware is part of why I've caught myself sitting on the fence about it more and more as time goes on, the price hike also didn't help. I mean that's literally starting to get in Sequential Take 5 territory price wise. I still would like to try one but the pricing is just frankly a tad nuts with every thing out there. EDIT: With the recently announced refresh my point is even more pointed now, 2K for what amounts to a fucking refresh, I've officially lost all faith in TE at this point between the TX-6 and the OP-1 Field they can go on my shit list from here on out.

[@AudioPilz]

I agree, it's basically useless for my workflow - maybe if I was travelling again...

[@superchroma]

Things like the Polyend Tracker or Digitakt seem a lot more appealing for a comparable price imo.

[@meddle333]

@@superchroma Absolutely! Except you could almost buy BOTH for the price of an OP1!

[@DeathTrapProductions]

Get an organelle and run orac.

[@elekktrikk_home_video]

@@superchroma You mean (Polyend Tracker + Digitakt) for a comparable price? ;) In that case I'd suggest considering (Polyend Tracker + Digitone). :D

[@aptudo]

Well done. I like how the thing sounds. What's really inexcusable is poor durability in a product that commands such a premium price.

[@AudioPilz]

Build quality is an issue

[@RabRabNZ]

I agree, after returning two I asked for a refund when the third one arrived with manufacturing defects. Now this company is dead to me after I entrusted them with huge money for a piece of art.

[@WHATISPOLITICS69]

haha, love the surprise ending!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@Owoshima_]

Fantastic as always.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@melonenstrauch1306]

My problem with this thing is that while you absolutely can make proper music with it, it was clearly designed more as a toy than an actual instrument.

[@AudioPilz]

True that!

[@joegrant413]

Loved the review AND I still love my OP-1, which I’ve owned for about 5 years. It’s fun, and typically something good and unexpected comes from using it. And it’s actually a blessing the tape only lasts 6 minutes. Any longer and you’d go crazy trying to jump around without an easy way to navigate. This unusual instrument plays best on it’s own. Accept the limitations, learn to love the Tape, and then peace with OP-1 can be yours.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@mcshafty1]

Came for the review - stayed for the review! Ha. Awl love bad gear man. Your vids are top shelf 😊

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@demokid2000]

As usual great video, great songs. :)

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@cedwards427]

This review is going to save me many universal credits. The hardware design is really good, but I don't think I could make it work with my workflow (or what passes as one). As always, I enjoyed the jams.

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@enochroot9438]

I always wondered if the OP stood for Over Priced?...

[@AudioPilz]

Oh Please!!!;)

[@shupoe5167]

this is what i was waiting since the first video

[@AudioPilz]

Took me a while, I know;)

[@hoobastank118]

Thank you Florian!

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks for watching!

[@SexyEarHole]

I played around with an OP-1 once. But I had already been exposed to Elektron gear and their sequencer paradigm. It didn't take much time playing with the OP to realize that it was an easy "nope" for me, and never felt like I was missing out on anything special.

[@AudioPilz]

Caught the Elektron bug as well!

[@qjames0077]

I've been waiting for this video since I realized I'd never buy one because they cost a months rent

[@AudioPilz]

Current prices are quite hefty

[@kirillbelotserkovsky7305]

Kinda same feelings about it. If you stay at home better buy microfreak!

[@cooptrol]

Wow that's an expensive rent!!!

[@Kuronoichig01]

Really like that bass in the first jam! 👌🏽

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!

[@taylorcashman6071]

I always new this day would come.

[@AudioPilz]

...and it was about time;)

[@seanspartan2023]

I bought one and had a lot of fun with it, but I haven't used it much since.

[@AudioPilz]

Maybe see it as an investment;)

[@officialloner88]

I’ve always wanted one of these but the price kept me away. Also, being an OP-1 owner seems like a lifestyle choice and not a gear choice lol

[@AudioPilz]

A decaf soy latte on that!

[@ElGuatequero]

Love the Loopop´s desk cameo

[@AudioPilz]

That's actually red means recording;)

[@JohnnyTronny19841]

That Cozy Powell video is one of the best omg

[@AudioPilz]

The man, the legend!

[@RaverOperatorGeeza]

My friend has one of these and I was impressed at the old Skool Ravey sounds that could be generated from this device, but in the end I'm glad I opted for an MPC one instead... Although I'd love to borrow his for the weekend and sample the synth sounds I make in there for future use! If I had cash to splash of think about it but these are very pricey and have a lot of problems with their battery and the plastic casing warping. You'd think at the price tag it comes with it should have a metal case to house it instead, and maybe some better outputs too. My verdict, I like it, but it's at least twice the price it should be...

[@AudioPilz]

Definitely a bit too pricey for my taste;)

[@danhectic5629]

one of the most interesting pieces of gear that i have no desire to ever touch. i just wish TE would make higher-grade pocket operators- maybe $250 with more stuff crammed in.

[@AudioPilz]

You mean, like a Volca?;)

[@sonixivous]

Jam 1 is seriously so good! I had to play it back 5 times!

[@AudioPilz]

Thank you!!!

[@MrEMann]

This is one piece of gear that has never peaked my interest in the least. Watching you roast it is the most time I've ever thought about it and I won't think about it again. 😂 😝

[@AudioPilz]

I'm pretty sure it won't play that much of a role in my life either;)

[@torysciacca6907]

I remember getting an OP-1 ages ago and had so much fun. Ultimately I sold it (for a profit which was nice) because I couldn’t justify the price for how useful it was. Crazy how expensive it is, id say bad gear purely on price. Fun as fuck to goof around on

[@AudioPilz]

Prices of these have become crazy!

[@KiR_3d]

I've didn't knew that it's not polyphonic! The price was the main show stopper to me :) I'm very seldom making music while tripping somewhere. So that could be used only as a "sketcher unit". But for that aim I use Caustic on my Android tablet sometimes.

[@AudioPilz]

It does have some polyphony but it's not multitimbral

[@KiR_3d]

@@AudioPilz So it's not even possible to mix all parts in realtime? Being not multitembral for that price is very odd.

[@filmhaltig]

I really appreciate the sense of meaning you imbue with your intonation of „tHe wORkfLow“

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks!!!

[@thankfully_wokelocd-n-load3691]

Audiopilz I absolutely love this channel and the work you do. I have some of the gear you've reviewed. Please put the Studiologic Sledge Black Edition on your hopefully to be reviewed list. It has gotten a bum rap that I don't understand but it also has tremendous potential. I know you can squeeze all the juice out of it. Thanks.

[@AudioPilz]

Thanks! The Sledge is moving up my list!