OP-1 Tutorial: Making a Track

With NAMM 2012 coming I wanted to take inventory of the current OP-1 capabilities and to address some of the questions I have been getting from sharing my OP-1 videos here on KZbin. I take the "start from scratch" approach and show how to make a basic track loop. I make house music so you can expect some deep house vibes. It's a long video (30 mins) so here is a summary of what is included:
Erasing all 4 tape tracks
Making a drum sequence in Pattern sequencer
Setting up loop sections
Navigating loop sections
Recording sequences to tape (in time)
Chord memory techniques
Recording live keys to tape
Overdubbing to tape
Recording to different tracks
Sampling to the Synth sampler
Playing with sampled sounds
The OP-1 is a very capable tool for production. It is not a toy... it just looks like one to many people. Others see the simplistic interface as a refined means to an end. Whatever your stance may be, the OP-1 and the money I spent was worth it to me, by far. I am rejuvenated and want to to be creative again. It's kind of like my early set up with a Roland R8 drum machine, Roland JV-35 keyboard (borrowed) and Alesis MMT-8 Sequencer put down to DAT recorder (only a stereo pair of tracks! Oh my). Necessity can be inspiring! Limits to memory, space on tape, tracks are a test to me... a test I need to pass. This makes me think of really out og the box ways to get things done. I don't just pull a preset solution out of a 2 terabyte hard drive somewhere. I hope you find the tutorial interesting and that it may inform you on how to use your new OP-1, or that you now need to buy one, or that you are now sure it's not for you (perfectly okay too). Thanks for stopping by to check out another one of my videos.
Don't forget to check the unofficial (but best) OP-1 Forum for samples, user support and the latest TE rumors. Ohpeewon dot com
NOTE: This video is a tutorial and has a lot of talking. It's a balance of explanation and actions, and is not really meant for adapt OP-1 users. And, "yes", to the nitpickers I know I say "familiar" as "fur-miliar" LOL. My grandma says "warsh" instead of wash" so I guess it runs in the family. Sue me. It was 2:30am and the aged 18 year Scottish grain spirits were mellowing me out. Slàinte mhath! • [ slanj'-uh va' ] - ("Good Health" in English)
Link to Live DJ Performance OP-1 video: • Thomas White

[@zebrazilla01]

5 years later I’m actually really happy I found this video

[@SpecialSaws]

Who ever complains about price has no idea what they are paying for here or is either sour or can’t find a way to afford it. This little gem is far worth the cash. Timeless piece of gear here !!

[@CaidicusProductions]

Today's my first day owning an OP-1. After playing around with it for a while, I became worried that I wouldn't be able to figure out how to actually record things in step with itself. This video basically instructed me on how to write any and every song that might come into my head. Fantastic! Thanks for this video!

[@backclothbeats]

I'm not sure why so many people are talking smack about this thing. Its a tool, just like any other synth. Although i cannot afford one, i still think its a pretty dope way to express some ideas in a quick fashion - on the road, plane, car, wherever. Hopefully it will become more affordable in the future so people won't feel so left out. Thanks for the tutorial and a deeper insight to the world of OP-1.

[@ModularLanding]

Fantastic tutorial. I've had the OP-1 for a few months and have struggled to figure out how to use it. This has helped enormously!

[@DK-lu5wo]

Dude, you have single-handedly convinced me to hold onto my OP-1. I've been telling myself I was going to sell it but now I want to spend some quality time to learn it well. The OP-1 is one of the nicest toys to have on a long trans-Pacific flight. Thank you for taking the time to explain what you know for those of us who are allergic to manuals.

[@mizuko6132]

You’re incredible. I’m learning a lot about my op 1 your a really good teacher. Thank you

[@BAwesomeDesign]

I'm guessing many of the critics who dismiss the review as being "cookie cutter" or something really must not know much about music. I am a musician, and am flabbergasted I didn't know about this little device when it came out 5 years ago. This is perfect for getting ideas out and for just getting creative again. Got mine coming on Tuesday. Can't wait. This will be so much easier than flipping on my DAW and trying to figure out what all the plugins do and being overwhelmed with the sheer amount of stuff in Native Instruments Komplete, for example. The OP-1 seems to have a lot of interesting sound capabilities in it, and having a sampler on it really makes it a great deal.

[@iosmusicman]

I know it's eight years late but I only just got an OP-1. Fab tutorial. Thanks

[@DeanSegovis]

Excellent demo video! Very clear, very professionally done. I'm sold!

[@deelux5519]

+Dean Segovis WHY?!

[@DeanSegovis]

Because it's a nice neat portable package that's well laid out and easy to use.

[@deelux5519]

+Dean Segovis Ya, so's my sister but she doesn't change a GRAD! (Well I paid $640 haha).....(For the OP-1...Not to have sex with my sister).............(I'd never actually PAY to do that)

[@engstrom1337]

+Dee Lux WTF

[@deelux5519]

yes.....it was....exactly

[@mwmingram]

Extremely helpful. I couldn't figure out how you could skip back bars but then realised I needed Beat Match to be switched off to do that. Love the way you do the chords because as I now understand (after a few piano tutorials!) the only difference between Major/Minor/Diminshed/Augmented chords is that they have a set difference between the space between each component note on the keybooard - so it works really well to be able to transpose that relationship up and down the keyboard.

[@BenQdamnit]

Great video. Thanks for the instruction, you are really clear. Totally helpful. I got one yesterday, and I do not miss the money! I'm not a rich guy; some things are clearly just worth it.

[@THkaas]

They sure had some good interface designers.

[@jeffcon0]

Great video. Thanks for this. You're one of the uploaders who've convinced me to take a plunge on the OP-1. To all of the naysayers: Some of us grew up in the age of actual knobs and buttons and although you can run out and buy any DAW for less there's not much out to rival the OP-1 as a portable piece of all-in-one hardware.

[@VIDKID666]

7 years later and still the biz

[@pierretirheden1002]

Brilliant video - gave a whole lot of answers about this amazing product. Thanks a lot for making and sharing this vid! Teenage Engineering blows my mind, awesome!!

[@jamisbillson4872]

I'm English and I've never heard that oddness. Video really helps. Top man.cheers.

[@phantasyhero4435]

I'm saving up for this! So I'm using this tutorial to study up for when I get it. Thanks!

[@KORVEOS]

Phantasyhero4 you get one now?

[@phantasyhero4435]

I've had money for a while but it keeps going out of stock. =/

[@parasoldat66]

@@phantasyhero4435 How bout now?

[@phantasyhero4435]

@@parasoldat66 still don't have it I can't find it anywhere

[@parasoldat66]

@@phantasyhero4435 I just bought a second hand op-1 today for 850 euros.

[@seanr.8020]

I was struggling getting my loops to stay in time. Using shift arrow to set the end points was super helpful. TY!

[@TheRealSnubluck]

great video! Still learning this thing, but I love my op-1

[@KimStennabbCaesar]

Totally possible! If you make a drum pattern using the technique showed in the beginning of the video and record it to track, there's nothing that stops you to make a new pattern in the pattern editor and just record it after the first recorded 4-bar loop. You basically record the patterns you want to tape, then it's just a matter of cutting and pasting, since it's possible to lift/drop a looped section of just one of the four tracks instead of all of them. Same goes for bass and synth parts. :)

[@themheavypeople]

It may well be an intuitive instrument, but your tutorial saved me a ton of headache time and thanks for that!

[@CalvinWatkins]

Love the video.. It amazes me how some people is tripping over the price of the OP-1. The device justifies the cost and my take on it is if you want one bad enough, you'll shell out the cash... Again love the video..

[@RabbiSteve]

Calvin Watkins Totally agree. As I said in a comment replying to someone else, my favorite piece of electronic gear and among my favorite musical instruments including acoustic and electric.

[@jakebutler1095]

He really should be the one to write a new manual for the device the way he explains it is so much better then the manual and there little videos. I hope he makes a video explaining how some of the effects works because i'm still trying to figure out those.

[@officialpvt]

OP-1 looks so simple and so amazing. I'm trying to get my hands on one so badly. AWESOME and worth every penny.

[@bicza001]

dude ur amzing. best tutorial ive seen so far on the OP-1

[@RabbiSteve]

Thanks so much for this (and your other tutorial vids). This was so valuable for me working with my OP-1.

[@zaphyd]

Thank you so much for this video! The OP-1 is a joy to work with and a little workstation on it's own. Great fun(k) factor

[@op-1g.s]

I very very like your work flow and how you put stuff together. Very Detail.

[@Xenious]

Brilliant tutorial video. Cheers for taking the time to make it. I'd love to see more!

[@therealepirate]

Wow, I really like this thing. I could never really get into computer programs myself. This is a great Demo!

[@juhohamalainen5744]

OP-1 Kenobi

[@Kaff231]

LOL Just what I was thinking...perfect!

[@Mandingo_Cule]

jajajajajajaja

[@vikzillllla7541]

Damn it, dad

[@Qazkazu1111]

👍✨

[@darwiniandude]

This is an old video now, but still full of invaluable tips. I didn't know shift loop would loop the highlighted recording for example. Great stuff :)

[@alexisland3927]

cool blanket I like the organization of the colors

[@whatheshow]

Awesome tutorial! Thanks so much! -Joe

[@JimAward]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing.

[@ThefamousMrcroissant]

You're extremely musically gifted

[@TheBluehood23]

I like how you explain how you havent stop making music but stated doing things visually !!!!same apply to dj vs analog djing

[@Laotzsa]

Mine is on the way... great intro my friend 🙏

[@airatefac]

great vid thomas! especially the part of recording chords into a pattern!

[@ryanstratton1925]

I was interested in this video since it says you create a song on the OP-1. I would not call that a song. That is just a loop. I am curious if you could actually lay out a fairly complex song with a many different parts and vocals and put it all together on something like this?

[@beatchef]

I don't think so, it's just for ideas and sketches you would then export into a daw

[@deelux5519]

+R Stratton Yeah this is a VERY pain by numbers electronic music no disrespect to the OP................but what is supposed to be impressive here?

[@morganlak4337]

I dont think this was supposed to be an impressive song, hes just explaining the basics of working with the op-1. I'd love to see you explain everything about the device while making a song on the fly and have the song be """"impressive""""

[@hiabex]

Thanks for a great and informative video. Excellent for new users, like myself.

[@threalkrazyk8852]

I need to study tutorials and then get my lazy ass into work do some over time and save up for this it's a magic piece of kit

[@Alex-fr4hk]

Been looking around about this to no avail: In that loop "A" you made there, is it possible to get a wholly different "B" section made within that one six minute cassette mode that you were working in in the video -- as opposed to having to make each section separately and arrange elsewhere? That's the big question I'm wondering as to whether to try it out. Also curious about odd meter capability lol

[@RabbiSteve]

Doce Luna Yes, you can do sections or parts of a song all within the 6 minute tape. I forget the answer to your question about odd meters, but I'll look it up and try and remember to get back to you. But you may have found out by now elsewhere.

[@Lukree]

Really nice tutorial. Good tips and workflow advice! Just got my OP1 and hope to get something nice done. :)

[@michaelschunior2186]

Okay, so when you do the initial drum sequence.. is there a way to do variations of the loop with clap added.. then with no clap.. and then with any other variation of the kick or snare finely changed, to where you can mix or pick between these minute variations before you record to tape?? I hope this makes sense

[@stealingowls1228]

Though I currently cant afford this YET I am getting to my G roots with an Ipad, korg gadget and nanokey wireless keyboard,,Now I can write music anywhere ...its heaven.

[@BIG_PASTA]

Awesome tutorial, and what a nice seeming guy! Very informative/well constructed!

[@osio1r]

This video made me change my mind from not wanting it to really wanting it :D

[@Liltrevon1]

are the sounds built in it. or do u hve to hook it up with midi?

[@Swenglish]

Seems like a pretty fantastic groovebox. How is it with chopping up samples? And how much can be done with it without ever stopping the "tape"? Can it for example sample an external source while the tape is playing? (Does it even have a line input, or is it all radio and built in mic?)

[@alexnosek1066]

"house is the way to make your body move" - adorable.

[@TylerANDBABE]

lol

[@tristanhill8065]

With the resample freeing up tracks and making it possible to layer up samples with effects. My god, it's an mpc in your pocket!

[@ChritsianBucic]

2021, pffff I watched your video only now, and I discovered how this product is a little gem, ;-) I am not sur to find one now, anyway, interesting demo!

[@rexmundi1570]

Fun. I like its unique design and user-friendliness. It would be great if there was a cheaper basic version you could use as simply a four track recorder you can connect to a pc or synth, especially if you keep the LED screen with the tape-spools graphic, and buttons.

[@GB3770]

OP-1 looks great for long flights - on your track: the mini bline riff from 24.09 to 24.11 using the vocal sample sounded good...looped with some fx and repeated every other bar might add something...

[@DavideBertola]

Is it possible to record long singing parts and then add effects to the recorded audio ? Or even add effects live while recording? I wonder what’s the limit doing that.

[@eclipsedave]

Just curious to know what OS you're running. I haven't installed 12234 yet, so I'm still running the prior OS. I was getting concerned that TE might be at the stage where the OS could possibly get worse and buggy. I wanted to wait until 12234 and beyond had proved to be viable.

[@ProjectEvolWe]

Amazing innovative little box.

[@harryf_k]

hi, i know it's been a long time sisnce you uploaded this video but i wanna ask you something i am a 15 year old kid who loves music and tries to create some too so i am really interested in the OP-1 but i want to know if you still use it or you just left it in a shelf like 3 months ago after all this time, do you still make music on the op-1 or did you get bored using it? thnx and great vid btw

[@RabbiSteve]

Harry F. Karoussos check out other videos in his channel. Also check out Red Means Recording. He does a lot of videos all the time, and is often using this instrument.

[@AztecNinja89]

holy crap, i understood pretty much none of that, but this thing looks amazing....

[@2DiskK]

IMHO the OP1 can't really be compared with software : I like to use knobs instead of a mouse & keyboard, my laptop hasn't got the battery life the OP1 does (+/- 15 hours), the firmware is great and encourages creativity better than most softs (even the good ones, like NI stuff). In the end, it's just a matter of taste. I used to think the iPad was a useless toy until Gorillaz made The Fall with it ;) Personally, I have enough VSTs, I need more fun stuff ;) What soft do you recommend ?

[@dannyd1224]

Does it have a mic/aux input? (not internal) I think I'm just trying to find excuses to want to buy this thing lol its so cool.

[@RabbiSteve]

Daniel DeMayo Yes it does. 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) audio input. Which they also make an antenna for to boost the FM radio reception.

[@MattWarb2]

I've just been given an antenna for mine. Wasn't expecting it to actually do much but it actually works a treat

[@bashaenraets9156]

That was extremely helpful. Thank you sir!

[@SpacePasteMusic]

OP-1, you're my only hope

[@SuaveCityGear]

Time for another one bro, we miss the OP1 vids

[@sahmyyr]

hey man I learned quite a bit through this video it was awesome. I just have a question. do you have any tips for getting better at keyboarding ( I think this is the word for it)? I have an OP-1 and really want to start creating music but I’m having trouble putting my ideas down because I can never seem to make it mesh nicely. I haven’t ever had any sort of proper music training.

[@leonfasc2776]

Hello Thomas White ! thanks for this video and sorry for asking this but at 6.46 you push the Shift+arrow to set your loop bars. i keep doing the same manipulation on my OP-1 but nothing happens... is there something to set up or ? thanks alot

[@DannyPerski]

Would you recommend the OP-1 to someone who is very new to music creation?

[@rexmundi1570]

Yes I would. No more difficult than any other digital technology and easier than most. Hopefully more affordable as well.

[@moshpitman27]

Now knew are you talking about

[@moshpitman27]

*how

[@rexmundi1570]

Too expensive at the moment, wait for the price to come down.

[@ArtemKulakov]

+Danny Perski I would definitely recommend for one main reason. A tool like this is simple enough and fun to keep you motivated and engaged in learning. For beginners that is very important in getting through the initial learning curve. For someone who has been doing it for a while, this is a really cool tool to get inspired by and reinvent yourself. I got my OP1 last week and it has kept it plenty busy!

[@mascaria1]

Your video is very well put together good job I have been producing fore quite a while and own lots of analog gear Moog Dave smith roger Lynn exetra and the op-1 is a great piece and a fun piece I love it thanks fore your awesome video good Brotha...... Mascaria

[@TheNimasan]

do you need tht extra antenna for hearing or sampling the radio? radio. i cant get nothing hear only white noise

[@GreeenGiantt]

hey I am considering buying one of these but I was wondering , seeing as its a " 4 track recorder does that mean the op-1 one can only have 4 things playing at the same time as in , drums and three other synths ?

[@bestrickie2]

Very good little machine. How do you manage to get your fingers round such small keys & buttons. I record bits & bobs at home with Sonar using home keyboards/syths such as a Juno G roland. How much is this little device as I wouldn't mind something to record music when I'm traveling. You seem to have a nack for this. Is it just a case of getting it out the box & using it with out having to studdy it too much as I'm one of those folk who like to get going right away. Cheers.

[@WhereverIMayRoam369]

Hi there, i have a question. Around the 20 minute mark when you recorded the 'house' bit and sampled it, it made me wonder if you could set it to adjust the length of the sample whether you go sharp or flat. So, instead of the pitch of the sample just being altered, it would either slow down or speed up the sample as well. is that possible on this machine?

[@FuZZbaLLbee]

Zach Burger I think you mean time stretching kzbin.info/www/bejne/npCkaaWnn9V5g8k Sorry for the late comment :-p

[@MadelnMachines]

This is a really cool, quirky little piece of kit. Does it have quantize or can you edit the notes you played to shift their timing...or do you need to play it again, perfectly? I think i'll get an elektron A4 or Octactrack instead though. You've managed to produce a deep house classic already (they all sound like that don't they)?

[@GerbenGroeneveld]

Thanks for this demo, really helpful! :D

[@MichaelMrBaker]

So, how much of this "advanced technique" would you be able to do live without having to stop the song you're creating?

[@captainkremin1]

You are a great teacher!

[@rspteam12]

😱😱😱😱annoying lil things that ppl do but the op 1 is bomb so dope

[@leonfasc2776]

Alright i found out watching your video again, i had to set up the metronome green "Beat Match' thanks again :)

[@djthomaswhite]

Chemical- a black limited edition one would be ace!!! Still the white vibe is very "I", as in iPod, and other Apple products, but further back than that it screams Casio VL-Tone.

[@schallhouse]

really enjoyed this review and will order mine. thanks

[@AC-hj9tv]

Could this be useful for rock/experimental music? Thanks

[@djthomaswhite]

Thanks Jeffcon0, I am sitting here making beats with it while I read this. Such a fun machine! With NAMM right around the corner we may see some new features I hope.

[@djthomaswhite]

Flamixin- that is one awesome smartphone with midi, knobs, stereo in/out, fm radio and keys you can push with more than 1 finger! Some people just prefer dedicated music peripherals like the OP, nothing more than that.

[@danieldemayo6209]

man this is so damn cool i want one for no reason haha

[@DistantSkies]

Very informational. Thanks!

[@tricky1800]

Really helpful video. Thank you

[@fmaylinch]

21:26 It would be very convenient to be able drop all 4 tracks (that were lifted with shift 12:38) into just one track, already mixed without having to do this sampler trick. It could be easily added by T.E. via firmware update, e.g. by pressing shift + drop.

[@asnierkishcowboy]

Say,can you record your music through usb or do you need a audiointerface?

[@THEFLOORISYOURS]

Love the blanket !

[@ast_rsk]

That deep space patch for string engine is AMAZING. any chance for a video on making it or a way to download the patch?

[@fvazquez64]

Nice... thanks for sharing!

[@Tertium8]

What video should I watch as a complete beginner to the OP-1?

[@djbowlz2128]

the series that Teenage engineering put out themselves.

[@VestanPance2007]

This one, dude makes it look easy

[@davidramosstudent5204]

Can you plug a live instrument like electric guitar to the OP1 and record guitar licks?

[@repker]

that is a rad blanket

[@angledcoathanger]

Great stuff.

[@mokanin8894]

I am planning to buy the OP-1 in 2021. Is this tutorial still relevant?

[@sbfunkopops]

very sweet beat! does the op-1 come with those synth patches in it?

[@osands]

This thing just seems way too complex. Too many button combos to remember what stuff does. Maybe its really intuitive when you get into it but watching demos it seems a bit much. Need more knob per function type stuff personally. I bet its a fun little unit though.