How this DAWless Setup works // teenage engineering

Today we'll have a look at how this portable DAWless setup consisting of the teenage engineering OP-1 field, OP-Z, TX-6 and pocket operators works.
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00:00 intro
00:16 why?
00:44 OP-Z setup
01:10 OP-Z connections
01:38 OP-1 field: midi sync vs beat match
02:22 OP-1 field: midi settings
05:39 pocket operators and TX-6
08:08 audio connections
08:50 OP-Z drums routing
11:00 TX-6 aux out
11:28 processing OP-1 field through OP-Z
#teoperator #teenageengineering #OP1field
@teenage engineering ​

[@SONWU]

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[@edgeof60]

As one of those who specifically asked, huge thanks for this! Connecting and syncing TE devices isn't necessarily intuitive, so it's a great service to have it explained by a master explainer.

[@SONWU]

Haha, thanks :)

[@boringnation]

Great video! I now use the midi sync when connecting my OP1F and OPZ and it’s a much better experience. Basically, I can turn my OP1F into a huge OPZ with tapes 😀.

[@SONWU]

Yeah, that’s the way to go! Glad it’s working for you :)

[@TomSlemmons]

Love your videos. This makes me want a TX-6 so hard. Maybe my one year old wants one for Christmas…

[@SONWU]

Oh your one year old most definitely wants one :D

[@TsarNicholasII]

Really insightful! Thank you for making this vid. After seeing your past sick jams I really was looking forward to your video explaining how all the TE gear synced. TX-6 is looking spicier by the day 🔥

[@SONWU]

Yeah, TX-6 is actually really nice. I hope they’ll keep supporting it for a long time

[@MDWeezer]

Serious masterclass in all things audio and MIDI on the TE devices, thanks for sharing!

[@SONWU]

Thank you for watching!

[@CNTRRNDM]

Yeah! Thanks for walking us through you setup...super insightful!!!

[@SONWU]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!

[@JuanPabloMendiola]

A big Thank You. Great explanation . Clear and inspiring.

[@SONWU]

Thank YOU for watching!

[@Guacamole1000]

Hey this is really cool! I'm not super into Teenage Engineering stuff because I'm poor and can't afford any of it (except for maybe pocket operators) but you made it look really cool how you can seemlessly link everything up like that. And just as an English tip it's totally fine to say corresponds in that situation at 7:39. Great video!

[@SONWU]

Thanks for watching...and for the English tip ;) And don't worry. None of this stuff is necessary to make nice music. The pocket operators are really great and I have made full songs on them too!

[@RedHedDes]

Great overview. I've been wanting to hook my OP-Z up to the field.

[@SONWU]

Thanks, they are great together!

[@chadbechard1731]

very very helpful guide! thank you!!

[@SONWU]

Thanks!

[@FLAMBINO]

Lovely video and very clean set-up!

[@SONWU]

Thank you very much!

[@wiggesobk]

Sick Setup! The OP-Z seems to be pretty cool but there are so many Shortcuts you have to memorize. I think that would drive me crazy haha

[@SONWU]

It’s not too bad, once you have used it for a bit…but it’s super fast for that reason!

[@utlaxis]

Thank you so much Son! This has been so much useful!

[@SONWU]

My pleasure, glad to hear it!

[@chriskonsultant725]

I really like my OP-Z and find most TE stuff pretty good. The main drawback I find is the extensive combinations of buttons, complexity and functionality of these synths mean you need manuals at hand every time you use them.

[@SONWU]

Yes, that’s the problem with complex devices if…going back to the Octatrack after a while of not using it is the same :)

[@poorrichard1321]

Nice vid Son Wu. Opz is underrated.. I won't get rid of mine... I just want that OB-4 is all i know.. If it had line out I would of got it already..

[@SONWU]

Thanks. Yeah, the OP-Z is way more capable than a lot of other sequencers. I am hoping for a field version... The OB-4 seems nice, but I don't have radio reception where I live, so that's out :D

[@bjamminsincebirth3494]

I love my OP-1 Field. My next want is the TX-6. Would be amazing to see how you can record directly to the mixer if that is possible.

[@SONWU]

I haven’t tested that function yet…but will surely get to it!

[@242Gorch]

Thank you ❣️

[@SONWU]

My pleasure!

[@macadood]

You're a Teenage Engineering wizard!

[@SONWU]

Thank you 🧙‍♂️

[@DomDomPop]

Thanks a bunch for clarifying this setup for us and for covering all the details. Learned some interesting tricks there, especially with the prefader routing of the OP-1 track to the line module. That’s awesome. I do have a couple questions, if you don’t mind. 1st, I know the OP-Z clock was always preferable to the OP-1 clock originally, but did you find that it was still better than the field or TX-6? I have a Softpop 2 and some other gear I’d like to include in my chain, maybe in place of one of the POs, say, but I usually sync that out of the TX-6 Aux using the 1/16 note sync option. If the OP-Z is master clock and the TX-6 Aux is being used the way you use it for effects processing, could I then use something like an RK-006 to come off the line module and feed that to the SP2/Microgranny instead? Thanks!

[@SONWU]

I think the RK-006 should work in the way you described, but no promise, as I haven't used it before. I don't know which clock is more reliable...I would guess the OP-1 field's. But for me it just worked better in this configuration, since there are more sync ports available on the OP-Z. Hope this helps!

[@thijsschadevanwestrum1697]

Hey Son Wu, nice video! Looking for the same setup, but have 1 question. I would like to use the samples of the op-1 field (more space and better quality to my ears). Can I use all the sequencing goodness of the OP-Z with the sounds on the OP-1 field? So not using the sounds from op-z...

[@Cyndaqueer]

This is the setup that the rich kid gets after listening to MGMT for the first time.

[@tendingtropic7778]

aha, I understand now, you are using a module in the OP-z to be able to sync both the PO and OP-1! you could also use the TX-6 I believe for PO sync!

[@SONWU]

Yes indeed. I am using the OP-Z for sync, so the aux send of the TX-6 is free for other duties.

[@reneeschke]

Thanks a lot! Ive also asked for this and feel happy that it came so quickly :) - very interesting setup. You lost me though on the aux to op-z :D - even after muting track 1 the green LEDs still lit up when you played the field? Does the field have such significant noise? Never heard it. Also: by muting channel 1 but still sending the audio pre-fader through aux to the Z how is said noise being eliminated? Wouldnt it be still there?

[@SONWU]

My meters are showing the pre fader volume, so the sound that is coming from OP-1's synth....not noise. This sound is then sent to the OP-Z pre fader. But the track itself is muted on TX-6. Hope this helps!

[@kitespongan]

Great setup here! i'm sure everyones asked, but what cables are you using?

[@raychoi74]

I’m really gonna have to save up for the TX-6…. It really is the main star of the show…. A pocket sized, but fully fledged mixer with studio quality FX. But the price tag is fully fledged too !!! I’m just not used to put so much money into a piece of gear that small, and also that it doesn’t make any sound. It is so damn useful in a live setup, but so hard to get pass my personal psychological barrier, to put the hard earth cash on it…

[@SONWU]

Maybe also take a look at MOTU’s lineup? Ultralite AVB, or Mk4/5

[@raychoi74]

yeah the mk5 is definitely a great audio interface... it just doesn't have the physical mixer... that fits into a pocket :( but thanks for the recommendation ;)@@SONWU

[@SONWU]

That's true!@@raychoi74

[@s2a0s1h2]

Hey, thx for your nice and well done input 🙏 do you know if bluetooth clocking between tx6 and op1 is possible?

[@SONWU]

Thanks! From TX-6 to OP-1 yes...not the other way!

[@shiva007freephenix]

Thanks for your video and demonstration. I have a question I don't find answer anywhere even on T PDF... Regarding standalone recording on a usb c key or disk formatted apparently in FAT, connected to the TX-6, do you know if it records at a given instant when record is active all six tracks + the output mix, making then 7 different files, or if it just record the output ? Let' s say we have 3 synths on 3 channels coming in, each of them doing something...does the TX-6 record each synth as an distinct audio file, plus an audio file of the mix ? Thanks a lot if you can tell the answer.

[@SONWU]

Thanks! I believe so far it can only do stereo recording of the whole mix.

[@Fokfeesspecial]

thanks for the video because this is actually a bit complicated. Could you also explain in the description which mini jack cables you use?

[@SONWU]

Thanks! UGREEN cables...they have different types, this seems to be the slim type

[@Fokfeesspecial]

@@SONWU thanks man

[@thebestdavidpeters]

Just wondering if I'm alone in this. First, I'm very new to the OP-Z. I'm finding the output levels of the OP-Z to be far short of fantastic and I need a ton of gain. Far less output than my OP-1 and especially the OP-1F (haven't plugged a Pocket Operator in yet). Do you have to turn the gain up really high on the TX-6 to get it to play well with the others? I'm finding I do, but I'm wondering if it's just because I'm missing something on the OP-Z being so new to it.

[@SONWU]

Yes, the OP-Z has a lower output...but there are multiple places in which you can turn it up. In the mixer there's a main volume, as well as drum and synth-bus volume that can be turned up....and then there's a drive on the master track. Many places to pump up the volume ;)

[@miguelpichardo07]

Hey... Hope everyobody is doing great. Im having issues to sync my Og Op-1 to my Ep133. When I send midi out from the Ep133 using a TRS or USB cable, the Op-1 wouldn't receive it. When in Metronome I can't even see the EXT sign to link mode. What am I doing wrong? What can I do to fix it?? Thanks!!

[@asew1710]

Hey! Thank you for the great video, first off. It’s been a great help in getting the set-up done myself. However, do you face any issues with the sync between OP-Z and OP-1f drifting? It starts off decent for me, but quickly goes completely off beat (within a minute or so). Any suggestions?

[@SONWU]

Hey! So far I haven't had any issues, but I haven't used them synced for a long duration. Did you use Beat Match, or MIDI sync in the tempo menu?

[@asew1710]

@@SONWU Thanks for the reply! I mostly use MIDI sync.. When I start the OP-Z, curiously the OP-1 doesn't immediately latch onto the tempo, but takes a split second to - usually showing some close-but-not-quite tempo initially (e.g. when set at 90, the moment the clock starts it jumps to 95, then drops back to 90). Additionally, seems that monkey-syncing them together seems to be a more reliable way, somehow. I'm getting a feel that the OP-1f doesn't use the clock pulses as it should, but instead just sets its internal BPM to match the external tempo - and the slight delay at the start being the culprit. If you've got the time, give it a whirl and check how your Field reacts. I'm on the latest firmware - so I've got the new metronome screen design.

[@GoodHandsTV]

This is happening for me as well. Taking this advice! A really frustrating problem to have though!@@asew1710

[@g8610g]

Looks really cool but convoluted as well. I thought the charm of the pocket operators were it's simplicity 😅 Doesn't this defeat the purpose of that making making it more sense getting the laptop at that point?

[@tendingtropic7778]

thanks again for this. I currently do not own an op-z but I do have lots of other gear including the OP-1 field and TX-6 and 2 Pocket operators. You seem to know a lot about this; what would your way be to midi sync the TX-6 with OP-1 field, with a PO, and lets say an elektron syntakt or something like that (with midi DIN)

[@SONWU]

TX-6 aux sync to the POs....and I would probably connect the rest to a computer with to be honest and send MIDI through it to all the other devices. I believe Syntakt can receive MIDI via USB, right?

[@tendingtropic7778]

@@SONWU thanks, but ofcourse the goals is to make it a computerless setup. I'm afraid I'm gonna need a USB hub like the RK-006 then, to split the USB signal from the TX-6

[@SONWU]

@@tendingtropic7778 Maybe also connect everything to TX-6 using a USB hub...I know TX-6 recognizes HUBs...I just don't know, if MIDI can be passed to all devices this way.

[@NothingNowhereNoOne]

Can you loop tx-6 and op1. So, out of tx-6 into op1 and out of op1 to tx-6 ? I ask wondering if tx-6 could be used as an fx processor for vocals…that into op1 to loop said vocals, and then that out back into tx-6 so that could go out into monitors or venue.

[@SONWU]

Theoretically that should be possible…I think by using the aux output into the OP-1. But no promises, I haven't sufficiently tested that use case.

[@reneeschke]

I also hoped to hook up the Z to my field but was quite disappointed to learn that the Z does not send audio over usb to the Field. When I then swallowed the pill to have one more audio cable from Z Out to Field In, I heard a terrible hiss from the Z, which only occurrd when usb-C was also plugged in. But I need usb to sync the clocks. I didnt know that the Z can receive audio though over USB from the Field. Although my gut said the field needed to be the brain of the operation, now I‘m considering that setup again. Just to be sure though: Is it correct that the fields audio can be heard over Z out when plugged in JUST via USB-C? Wouldnt the fields speaker still play audio?

[@SONWU]

The OP-Z does send audio over USB to the field...try turning the OP-Z on, after plugging it into the OP-1. also: MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE AUDIO INPUT OVER USB DISABLED ON THE OP-Z!!! Otherwise you'll get a nasty feedback loop that can hurt your ears. When having noise issues, disable USB charging...and try to use a ground loop isolator And, yes to: the fields audio can be heard over Z out when plugged in JUST via USB-C!

[@reneeschke]

@@SONWU I dont get it. It's working now. I kid you not I tried everything with the unit I had bedore. Also took me some time to understand where the feedback loop was coming from, but makes perfect sense. It's working now and this setup is fricking incredible. Thanks for the help! Another odd thing: I just can't get disabled USB charge to work. Although I dont get noise, I just want the Z to not drain my field. The LEDs are yellow and still the Z is never below 100% battery when connected to field. Maybe the next Z unit will have this feature working properly aswell? 😂

[@shoshleopold9728]

Nice explanation. Made me think of getting the OP-Z as well - seems like a real potent device. Where do you get these thin cables for the TX-6? greets from germany, hamburg

[@SONWU]

The OP-Z is the best sequencer! I can only recommend it. Grüße zurück aus Japan :)

[@shoshleopold9728]

@@SONWU I completed my set-up with the op-z now, but I get (probabely ground) noise. I ordered a ground noise isolator, but I'm wondering, how your set-up hasn't the same issue, since I have almost exactly the same set-up. Did you had the same problem, but solved it somehow?

[@magnetoclash]

Does the OG OP-1 have this same midi capability to use together with the OP-Z? Thanks. Cool setup. So powerful in such a tiny space.

[@SONWU]

Not 100% sure, but I think so!

[@ceverett5972]

Yes but you have to use the original op-1 cable with an anker usb-c adaptor on the usb end of the OP-1 cable.

[@husssamo]

There are different varieties to USB-C tables. Are you using a special type of usb-c to connect Op-Z to Op-1F? the reason I ask is that for me even when there's no noise, there's always a reduction in the quality of the sound that is coming into the Op-1F from the Op-Z. Is that something that you have noticed and do you do anything to circumvent any such issues ? For example I noticed that you should have both instruments turned on when you are connecting with a USB-C otherwise if one or both are turned off the gain gets messed up and you get a lot of bad noise. Nice setup btw. Thank you.

[@SONWU]

You have to turn charging off on both devices…and most likely also use groundloop isolators. This is a problem with many USB devices I hae noticed.

[@GoodHandsTV]

How are you dealing with the drifting that happens on the op1? I have a similar setup and I can’t keep the opz and op1 in sync for longer than 8 bars before they start to differ.

[@SONWU]

To be honest I haven't really used it to work in larger chunks, just smaller loops. If I wanted a really stable clock, I probably wouldn't use these devices :)

[@IsraelFerrerCamacho]

Do you mind to share what cables are you using for the tx-6 inputs. Having a hard time finding ones that fit.

[@SONWU]

These are UGREEN cables from amazon. Just look for the type that looks similar. BUT: at their price, you might as well buy the TE cables, I think.

[@Frakaphoto]

we all need OP-Z field

[@poorrichard1321]

Id like Microtonic on the OPZ...

[@SONWU]

Yes to both requests!

[@Imetalman2000]

I could never figure out how to set up the midi on my OP-Z. I have a time trying to remember all the cheat codes.

[@SONWU]

It can be a bit of a pain sometimes...

[@musicalstatues73]

Tight! Have you tried the bluetooth midi between both op’s? Was wondering how that works especially for the clock ⏰

[@SONWU]

No clock over BLE, just MIDI notes and CC.

[@musicalstatues73]

@@SONWU damn, was hoping to clock them wirelessly. Nevertheless, lots of fun there between those two! Keep up the great work SON

[@jimicrumb3700]

I wonder if it is possible to use a sp404 as a sequencer instead of the OPz?

[@SONWU]

Should work, if the 404 is sending MIDI…

[@jimicrumb3700]

@@SONWU It works, I'll do a video on it. just have to learn more about midi. Love ya!

[@alexisazzo]

txs !!!

[@juanahrw4162]

The famous $10,000 DAWless setup 😎

[@stjohnmantle6219]

Nice. What brand are those slim cables?

[@tendingtropic7778]

Ugreen

[@SONWU]

www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/UGREEN-Headphone-Braided-Speaker-Acoustic/dp/B088D8SWTN/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3GV0T4CMMTHUX&keywords=ugreen+3.5&qid=1666785492&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI0LjI2IiwicXNhIjoiMy42OSIsInFzcCI6IjMuMzAifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=ugreen+3+%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-5

[@djcuvcuv]

@SONWU do you recall what brand those narrow cables are? thanks!

[@SONWU]

Yup, UGREEN from amazon…just make sure the picture looks the same and you should be good :)

[@djcuvcuv]

awesome thanks!!@@SONWU

[@giantmecha]

does anyone know if it's possible to send midi CC data from the op-1f? wondering about the knobs but also lfos, envelopes, etc...

[@SONWU]

Only when selecting the MIDI lfo…4 knobs with midi cc is all you get though

[@giantmecha]

@@SONWU Thanks for the reply! I only seem to be able to receive midi CC from an external source (whereas I would like to send midi CC from the op-1 to an external source). But maybe there's something I'm doing wrong?

[@SONWU]

@@giantmecha Have you checked the com menu to see if the OP-1 field is sending as well as receiving? Other than that, I gotta check my field later and see if it's sending midi CC. I don't think I've ever tried sending, only receiving.

[@giantmecha]

@@SONWU Yes I am sending and receiving! But still no luck. Seems maybe midi cc output isn’t possible yet…

[@nothingfancygaming]

@SON WU ever looked into the SP 404 MkII?

[@Stick4.4]

Elephant in the Room....We all saved our Pennys to BUY the OP-1 F....but we still got the OP-1 O still kickin' about...do we sell it? or maybe a Tutorial on Both OP-1;s instead of the OPZ? is this possible? as nobody (even the Manual ) talks about syncing both as a Setup

[@SONWU]

I don’t have the OG anymore…had to sell it for the field. I don’t really think there is a reason to keep it around…apart from it looking amazing!

[@LordAus123]

How did you learn this? Are you an engineer? Did you study midi standards? There are no manuals published by TE, so I’m just not sure how you learned how all of this works.

[@SONWU]

Lots of time invested :)

[@PSILOCYBINISTHEWAY]

a e s t h e t i c

[@RyderRipps]

what type of cables are these

[@SONWU]

UGREEN

[@RyderRipps]

@@SONWU thank u

[@enemdisk6628]

Can you record to the tape on the OP-1?

[@SONWU]

Sure!

[@enemdisk6628]

@@SONWU How?

[@SONWU]

@@enemdisk6628 plugging aux or main out from TX-6 back into OP-1 and recording to a track...but mute the track you are recording to...otherwise you'll get feedback

[@enemdisk6628]

@@SONWU Alright, I see. Thank you for the explanation. I love this setup. Do you recommend any sturdy, good sound quality recorder to go truly DAWless?

[@SONWU]

@@enemdisk6628 No worries. Actually TX-6 can record to USB...so no need for a recorder :)

[@Studio_4to1]

My GAS is salivating hard.

[@SONWU]

Haha…I understand what you are going through ;)

[@antoineauzillaud]

A million dollars A3 page 😂

[@DoctorNemmo]

How this works: with unlimited, ludicrous amounts of money

[@KRACHDUFE]

There's like $4000 worth of equipment here haha

[@SONWU]

True…

[@iansteel6403]

Hell yeah, now I can ditch my lousy DAW, I just need $3k plus tax

[@SONWU]

😂

[@SonicVibe]

Nice cheap setup lol

[@funky_nec]

Hahahaha

[@nathantharper]

Step 1: Rob a bank

[@GASH_one]

German?

[@SONWU]

Yup!

[@potensia_music]

no sound. just talk right here. why=?

[@SONWU]

I have plenty of videos with music :) this one is just meant to be a tutorial.