OP-1 Tutorial by Cuckoo (2016 new firmware update)

Hello. Here's an allround tutorial for the OP-1 from Teenage Engineering. I'm trying to go through as many functions as possible, and also get a sort of understanding for the overall workflow. Also present in the video is the new functionality introduced in the 2016 firmware update. Such as sync to Pocket Operators, the ARP sequencer, and the new Voltage synth.
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If you like this. Please consider throwing in a few dollars here and there to support me over at my Patreon site. Everyone who supports me gets access to my growing library of patches, samples and downloads.
/ cuckoomusic
Cheers everyone!
CUCKOO

[@Hunderworld]

You're like the op1 legend master , you are OP-1 Kenobi

[@leevileino5897]

Hunderworld I love you

[@syed.f2885]

Hunderworld lol i like this one

[@driftshifu4606]

Best comment on the internet hands down.

[@stjamestheproducer]

Lol

[@lau_dhondt]

haha, HQ wordplay

[@TheCrafsMan]

When I discovered the OP-1 exists, THIS is the video I watched to try and comprehend why in the world it is so expensive. The functionality blew my tiny mind. After much deliberation, I ordered one, and have never enjoyed a piece of music-producing gear so much. Now this is the video I return to as I learn more and more about the unit. You've packed a lot of information into this video, and I thank you for that.

[@truecuckoo]

Cool to hear mate! 🙏🏼

[@playingforghosts]

I’m in the same boat rn

[@landonewts]

It IS fun, isn't it? And surprisingly deep. I love that TE is STILL issuing OP-1 updates - the latest update, which adds USB audio out, is game-changing. I bought one the year it came out, got broke and had to sell it, and just bought another one used a few months ago. I am so glad to have it back. And I came back to this tutorial as a refresher. Cuckoo is the best!

[@coolintentions1455]

i watch this every night just for the satisfied "yeah"

[@NutritionalZero]

This is the first video that has made me want an OP-1.

[@yungfuccboi6132]

For me it was the 100th+ video that made me want one... but also the last one because today is the day :^)

[@truecuckoo]

+Yung Fuccboi ❤️

[@cabbycabby1770]

Then you need to check out Red Means Recording.

[@power3279]

So badly want one

[@Vishnu-xn4vx]

Masterclass

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks Wil!

[@oliverbiss2747]

Cukoo man u are so cool bro

[@mesdimo3]

Wil Wingates w

[@Khordmaster]

Masterclass indeed

[@averydeloach]

"It's a bit strange, but I like it" So heartwarming.

[@adsr-]

Late 2023, still an amazing creative gear & still learning from your tutorial, thanks a lot bro 🎄🙏🏻

[@kunstbanause]

Even after 3 years with the OP-1 I can learn some new tricks from you. Thanks and love from Germany.

[@AndreaGaetani93]

Saw the video, fell in love. Saw the price, fell in depression. What an amazing piece of fine work this machine is, dayum.

[@henlolimbo5088]

Man... This machine has so much functionality. I understand why it's so expensive. I want it so bad.

[@samaBR333]

Another tip: if you want to keep the FX and LFO parameters and try that with other synths you can go SHIFT+1 while on synth mode

[@samaBR333]

works with drum engine too!

[@arbo6850]

I watched this whole video back in 2016 before I had any music equipment, and I'm so excited to watch it again when my OP-1 comes in the mail next week

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

same here

[@AveMcree]

I had to post this on the blog because its too helpful not to share with the world... thanks again

[@truecuckoo]

+Ave Mcree thanks mate! That's nice of you!

[@AveMcree]

my pleasure

[@oliverbiss2747]

Cuckoo how to auto tune on it

[@truecuckoo]

+Ave Mcree did I forget to thank you for the share? It means a lot to me. ✊🏼

[@AveMcree]

oliver biss he didn't forget.. he demonstrated that when he showed off the radio and how to sample from it.

[@shiladityaray3137]

Never played any musical instrument in my life.....Not even properly understood 1% of the terms you told.....But thoroughly enjoyed the video.....Seems you have covered the basics of this machine......

[@VioletGiraffe]

Being a novice (very-very novice) piano learner, I'm amazed by how easily you're able to play meaningful chords on these tiny, cramped together keys. Respect.

[@truecuckoo]

+VioletGiraffe thanks! You gotta like them buttons ;)

[@StephenMcLeod]

Just got an OP-1 on the way. Finally decided to go for it after years... this video is helpful.

[@nadly21]

I love the way you say "yeah". So smooth.

[@dauna86]

and again.... Cuckoo made me understand a device much much better than any detailed manual could do! great- thanks for that.

[@junglsmor]

its insane the amount of things possible on this and how fast it all works

[@_s_p_a_r_k_e_s_7615]

My OP-1 gets delivered tomorrow and this video has made even more excited about it!

[@zaneaustin22]

_ s_p_a_r_k_e_s _ I got mine in the mail yesterday, It’s amazing. It feels so Hefty and sturdy in the hands like a real piece of hardware

[@Hailexx]

I still watch this every so often and learn something new. You're amazing Cuckoo, true talent and creativity. I bought the OP-1 a while back because of the insipiration you and Red Means Recording gave me. Thanks for getting me into it, it's been a blessing :)

[@truecuckoo]

🙏🏼❤️

[@russellm6584]

+Cuckoo , I have had my OP1 a while. I basically have never played any sort of musical instrument before now but love interesting, complex, engaging, electronic music and am determined to make some of my own - This tutorial has been amazingly helpful, has leap frogged my learning curve totally as I can find nothing else suited for me anywhere. Before this tutorial, watching you had inspired me to expand my synth collection and I now make noises (but not really music) with my Voyager, Microkorg, OP1, OP12's, Sylophone S2 and Electribe 2 Sampler (all of which have no idea how to really play - but have fun trying) Long and short is, please keep the videos and tutorials coming as without them I would have a room full of kit and no inspiration to play it :) - cheers (sorry for sounding like a fanboy :) ) And advice on how to connect some of the above together would be welcomed.

[@johnghadimi]

This video is pure gold. New OP-1 owner, and this was exactly what I needed. Thank you. :)

[@nrmn7783]

I've been working with my op1 for almost a year, can't stop working with it. amazing little beast

[@DanTheMiddleagedMan]

just got my op-1 today, perfect timing, cuckoo! :D

[@samaBR333]

you'll love it, it'll be your best friend!

[@AveMcree]

can't wait to hear some stuff you do with it!

[@Seymour101]

It's now been 6 months since you acquired an OP-1 How would you rate it in terms of Difficulty compared to other synths ?

[@DanTheMiddleagedMan]

Seymour definitely easy and fun to just turn on and play with, but since the signal path and the different parameters are not as straightforward as on more usual synths its harder to program a sound that you have planned beforehand in your mind.

[@bluemeanie7425]

Solo are there loops?

[@brianobush]

Also added that wasn't covered was the new waveforms in the LFO section. Thanks Cuckoo, awesome as usual.

[@Autotross]

I'd somehow forgotten about pitchbend, even after owning the OP for a couple years. Awesome vid!

[@truecuckoo]

+Autotross I love that pitch bend 😆 Thanks!

[@whiletr]

Lol that door opening sound at 11:30 scared me out as hell, I thought someone was trying to enter my flat at 4am

[@truecuckoo]

+Азис Мразиш ha ha. Yeah I remember when it happened, my studio neighbour opened his door really close. I thought for a brief moment that I should do a retake just there, but just let it slide ;-)

[@craftedworkshop]

Man, thank you for this video. This is the best tutorial video I've seen on the OP-1, such a nice way to show off the features. Will definitely be checking you out on Patreon once my OP-1 arrives. Also, if you ever want any cool wooden pieces to use in your videos, let me know! A collaboration would be super fun.

[@truecuckoo]

+Crafted Workshop hey mate! Thanks! I love wooden pieces :) Let's catch up in some sort of chat or something? Send me a message on Facebook.com/cuckoomusic

[@PRWPhotography]

is it weird that I've fallen asleep to this video like 5 times?

[@op-z]

The awesome part about Cuckoos videos is that even if you know most of the things there are little tricks and tips there that are just awesome... high hat volume trick - thank you :-)

[@crieverytim]

had no idea about the gyroscope. nice. still learning lots via this tutorial. chunks at a time

[@alexandrerenaud7449]

Just got my OP-1 yesterday. Thanks for this great tutorial. It's one of lot of videos that has made me want an OP-1. However, it's unfortunate that you did not talk about the pattern part. Thanks again

[@2mbst1]

Watched it, though I don't have an OP-1. Yet. Promised myself to create 10 Videos with my PO-20. 7 to go. Will have to watch it again in a few weeks. Probably the best OP-1 guide that exists!

[@vincente8489]

This is exactly what i was looking for to overview all the features of the op-1. Now I want it even more. Thank you!

[@floodo1]

my parents already thought my OP-1 is cool but the demo I gave them can't compare to this ... they're going to love this video! Thanks Cuckoo!

[@jm8849]

Only a little ways in and 11:33 sounds so amazing! Thank you for the vid!

[@ZacOnBothSides]

Sitting here with my OP-1 playing along with you!! Thanks man, I've learned a great deal from you!!

[@bwest6275]

Thank you thank you thank you Cucko for this tutorial. I'm now immensely enjoying my op-1 after understanding how to fully work the instrument. TE owes you much for helping their user base!

[@truecuckoo]

+Brian Westfield I'm especially happy to hear this! Thanks so much! I've been thinking of making a proper OP-1 tutorial for so long, so I'm happy to hear it's being out to good use :)

[@hakonsoreide]

Brilliant video, showing a mix of basics and advanced features, making it a good starting point for further exploration. And, as I've come to expect from a Cuckoo video, it is also very musical and fun, making it even easier to remember the learning points. I'm expecting an OP-1 in the post tomorrow, and, as I am sure many others would have told you before, your videos amongst the ones that convinced me it is one of the most amazing and fun musical instruments ever.

[@jieelyuu]

This is the most detailed turotial on OP-1 I found on youtube! And I feel like I had as much fun as Cuckoo had just by watching it!

[@edgerecordingstudio4898]

A brilliant demo. Loved this. Perfect way to show how it works. Now I must get me one of these. Thanks Cuckoomusic.

[@TimShoebridge]

Fantastic tutorial. I keep coming back to it. Stop making me want this thing!!!

[@truecuckoo]

+Tim Shoebridge ❤️🤣

[@RodgerColeman]

Hello, Cuckoo! My wife gave me an OP-1 for Christmas and this video has been really, really helpful. Thank you so much! I am very pleased to support you on Patreon! Much love from Nashville, Tennessee.

[@truecuckoo]

+Rodger Coleman what a lovely Christmas present!! Thanks a million for your support! It means so much for me!

[@flatCOIN2012]

hey cuckoo, thanks for the video .. your videos inspired me to buy a OP-1 2 years ago and I never regreted it. it's a very unique machine and soo much fun. it's a very serious musicinstrument, but manages it somehow to have the feeling of toy, what I mean I always have fun playing and it never feels like "work". have a good time and enjoy the weekend :) PS: I love that a lot of your music has a touch of "bit / nes / mega drive" music .. fits perfect for the OP 1

[@evam2650]

flatCOIN I agree. I always used think making music was work, and I really struggled to find the motivation until I got my op1

[@flatCOIN2012]

Evan - great to hear that you feel the same. have a good time :)

[@hzzz363]

Do you still use it today?

[@88Fitzy88]

Mine's ordered and coming in this tuesday hopefully. Damn HEFFTY price tag, but I doubt I'll regret it in the long run. Great video, ill definitely come back to it.

[@lumrejington]

Jamie Fitzpatrick just got one myself and i can 100% say that it is well worth the price tag. you’re gonna love it. if you don’t mind me asking, where did you buy it from? i had a lot of trouble getting mine

[@88Fitzy88]

@@lumrejington I got it from moogaudio.com ,got the antenna too. But ya hopefully it shows up haha

[@88Fitzy88]

got it early! in perfect condition too, w radio antenna

[@devin5052]

The most beautiful table.

[@urwholefamilydied]

I wouldn't exactly say I was confused by the OP-1, but I remember it being a bit less intuitive than I thought it would be. When I used to smoke weed in my early 20's I would have devoured this machine... when I bought it though in my early 30's... ehhh, just didn't dedicate the time it deserved. And also figured it didn't do anything I couldn't do with a midi keyboard on logic. But I do regret not putting more time into it. Very beautiful machine.

[@BarbatrucoProduccionesNetlabel]

now I really really really want this machine

[@Chris-ny5eb]

I just found this thing, and I am in love with the product.

[@dailyhabitz]

This thing always looks so fun to use

[@XxDjWDutchmanxX]

I bought this brilliant device today and thanks to you I can not wait for it to arrive! Thank you so much!

[@truecuckoo]

+- THEDD - that's great! I hope you'll be good friends :)

[@XxDjWDutchmanxX]

I am convinced of that ;-)

[@EricksonSoundLabs]

As always, just brilliant! Thanks for your ongoing efforts. Patreon S for over six months. Love your journey... Always love more continum vids. I'm saving up!

[@JeffRolka]

Truly brilliant work. Thank you for making this video. I got one of these a few months ago and I'm still grappling with it. Just using a few of your practices has made working with the device so much better for me! I'll be back here frequently as I go deeper. Thank you. Jeff

[@truecuckoo]

That’s great to hear Jeff! Keep it up!

[@MitchGurowitz]

Thanks +Cuckoomusic for the great tutorial.

[@otepsia1697]

The best video about the OP-1 so far. Great job, once again !

[@truecuckoo]

+Otepsia Thanks! I was watching through my own op-1 videos some time ago, and I found this kind of video was really missing. Finally made one!!

[@otepsia1697]

I bought an OP-1 three weeks ago and didn't have much time to spend on. I really needed a video like this one. Thank you very much for all the nice tips you're giving to us !

[@Riipleyette]

Love your Op1 videos, such a playful machine, so so glad i have one.

[@LaymensLament]

This thing has the best interface design i ever saw. Great video, cool hardware.

[@nebpublic]

Legendary OP-1 tutorial. Mr. CUCKOO covers so much ground so quickly and clearly. Superb. Really helped be get more out of my OP-1. Thx!.

[@Ultima2876]

You need to get in touch with Teenage Engineering and ask them about a commission. I can't imagine how many of these things you have sold single handedly. Love the video :)

[@ian84]

outstanding video - this is the kind of succinct video about features + 'build a song' the OP-1 has sorely needed over the years...this is perfectly concise and shows just how easy the synth is to work with once you get a really GOOD overview/walkthrough of the features.

[@marcelsmoorenburg]

Congratulations with this huge step! I didn't notice you moved to Berlin. What a great place for artists. Enjoy life there with your family and good luck with learning and making progress! Greetings from the Netherlands

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks. I wish I could visit Berlin more often. Never lived there though.

[@marcelsmoorenburg]

@@truecuckoo I am sorry, this message was ment for OoraMusic, but I appreciate your work also very much. 😉

[@loic6083]

Hey Cuckoo! I just got mine today :D I'm so excited! I'm gonna rewatch this vid and be able to practice in the meantime so huge thanks to you

[@truecuckoo]

Awesome! I hope you’ll have a great time with your op-1!

[@loic6083]

Thanks a lot! This instrument has so much possibilities... That one could easily find himself lost in space or others mazy dimensions! Especially when you discover the electronic kind of sound, so again, thank you for this awesome video ;)

[@WillKlein]

Ordered one today, already enjoyed one of your other videos showcasing how it works. This is fantastic, thanks for sharing!

[@Christopher-pq6zl]

you have a knack for these types of videos, your songs are also well done, I like your style!

[@andrewstanek3160]

This is great. Bought one as a fun creative outlet and this video has been a great jumpstart to using the machine! Thanks!

[@truecuckoo]

+Andrew Stanek thanks mate! Super happy to hear it!

[@juxtapoza]

37:00 beautifully explained.. quite a gem.

[@sumosound7190]

those skills are pure beauty

[@philipps4322]

Finally got my own OP-1 and can't wait to jam on it. Your tutorials on it are really helpful and fun to watch. Thanks man! :D

[@svenkund234]

I had such a bad day yesterday but at least I ordered a Op-1 now and I'm excited for it to arrive :D thanks for the great video :)

[@driftshifu4606]

36:48 i love the way you said this for some reason. honestly you explained this whole video very well. Your word choice was perfect for somebody who knows nothing about this instrument. Thank you so much for your time. You have saved me months of fiddling.

[@mathiasjohansson3292]

You are truly one of a kind, loving your videos! Very informative. Saving up to an OP-1 and a couple of Pocket Operators myself.

[@MaceOjala]

Wow I don't know much about synths or music making, but this is somehow just captivating to look at, thanks for sharing. Also, nice to see someone put so much modern design: HCI, UI design, plus just fun (the cow 😄) to a synth thing. Big up on TE 😊

[@digitaltrix]

I dunno who the f you are but you are blessed mate! I was already considering the OP-1 but watching you work thru it like a hot knife to butter really helped me think of spending that dosh! Definitely going to be contributing to your site and hope to have personal correspondence as I am a new starter in your world of music & looking for some mentors to guide me along the way! Thank you for your work, much love from Dallas, TX!

[@truecuckoo]

Cool mate! I'm glad you found it helpful. I've made quite a few videos where I'm showing different aspects of the OP-1. They're all scattered and I think this is the most "focused" one. So it's a good place to start :)

[@AveMcree]

amazing video.... Can't wait to get the update

[@LukeHoersten]

Excellent video. Thank you for taking the time to make it!

[@bijoudrains2896]

Doing a refresher.... and there you are! No one really does it better. Pete Townshend

[@stockholm1752]

Really helpful demo. Way better than TE’s crappy online manual. Still, I wish you would break this down into shorter, more specific tutorials. I learned some things, but others were way over my head. Thanks, Cuckoo.

[@guthyrenker]

great video! mine arrives next week and now I'll have some idea of how to use it. Thank you Cuckoo :)

[@CarlGontheBeat]

Sound Effects are Great! im going to Buy one !!

[@JeffCfreeradiorevolution]

Thanks Cuckoo! Learning the ropes... excellent tutorial!

[@hermestrismegistus3417]

Thank you, amazing demo! Wish I could see more of your OP1 stuff

[@TalNadav247]

as always ... your tuts and reviews are worth gold!!!!

[@JuanHerrerajsignature]

I just realized you look like my nephew....lol Anyhoo nice to see your back on the OP1. Respect amigo...J.

[@Chevytravelleruk]

Holy crap.. I thought the OP-1 was expensive and a bit "meh" when it first came out.. I hadn't realised they had added so much cool stuff.. makes me want one now Great Video Cuckoo!

[@truecuckoo]

+Chevytravelleruk thanks chev! It's one of these little machines that will go down in modern history as a unique little classic, in my opinion.

[@pongtrometer]

Excellent Tutorial Cuckoo... I finally got an OP1 2019 new batch.... this has made operating this sonic object of desire, even more of a delight to to jump into... more inspired to read the manual too... I hope teenage engineering introduce more effects, like chromatic pitch shifting 🎹 ...granular synthesis...this is the artisan, cottage industry wholesome meal of micro synth workstations.

[@astasuleo]

I need to say something. Everyone tried to review OP-1 just failed. This is a real review. Thanks for your time and share. I believe that this is an over ...really over priced item. I cannot afford to buy one, but in case they had it for 500 Euros, i think more and more people could take the decision to spend that amount and try it out.

[@MotherSmuckers]

I feel like the main word you use is... "yeah". But, when defininineing this instrument... "yeah" is all you really need. Amazing stuff.

[@PoorlySoup]

Yes!! Love your OP-1 tutorials man. Also, you seem like a really fun dude in general. Keep at it man!

[@PoorlySoup]

Also, this tutorial was really useful to watch. I'd have no problem geeking out and watching endless in depth OP-1 tutorials

[@sams_sekai]

I love your new voice sound effect intros, so fun! :)

[@AccurateBeats]

Really great video! Thanks for sharing it! The new OS really brings out some fine functions :)

[@truecuckoo]

+Accurate Beats yeah the new OS is nice isn't it!

[@AccurateBeats]

cuckoomusic It is! Now I really want some PO's and some more Volcas to really use the po sync to its fullest. There will always be more gear lust i guess.

[@FountainheadHAL]

You make this all look so incredibly easy -- thank you for the refresher course!

[@malaxlimpan]

The Bob Ross of synths

[@cursedsound]

Jesus making a tutorial on the op-1 what could you want more in life ? instantly subbed and liked :D

[@6020fsk]

awesome, thank you cuckoo

[@Ponchy]

Just got an OP-1 so super helpful! Thanks Cuckoo!

[@ueleBassPlayer]

Best video ever about this funtastic machine, really inspiring, thanks Cuckoo!

[@tiouip]

19:10 "It's a bit strange but i like it" ... Me too!!! Thanx Cuckoo! Ure da Master! Keep on Rockin'/ Doodlin'/whatever!

[@kaizze8777]

Learnt a few new things on this, subbed + Like thanks cuckoo!

[@TheReptileRevolution]

Stunning! If i had the money, i would buy one asap. Awesome demo