OP-Z Mega Tutorial - Level 1

The OP-Z is finally here! How does it work? After hanging out with me in this video you will get the workflow into your backbone. There's SOOOO MUCH you can do with this tiny device, so I don't want to stress it. If you're really interested in learning how to manoeuvre this machine, let's take our time. So make yourself a cup of tea, and let's get going.
Get your own OP-Z through my affiliate link:
teenage.engineering/store/op-...
Support me here: / cuckoomusic
My online store: store.truecuckoo.com
My T-shirt store: t-shirts.truecuckoo.com
André Roligheten, the sax player behind my sax pack on the OP-Z: / andreenden

[@MartinYamMoller]

*Clickable chapter index* 04:15 Tutorial starts 04:31 OPZ vs pencil 04:56 OP-Z presentation of structure on iPad 09:32 User interface zones 11:54 Creating your first track using the timeline 12:43 Erase track / Erase pattern 13:47 Editing trigs 14:20 Creating trigs “endless style” 14:58 Parameter page 1: Synth + Filter 17:20 Shift button changes parameter page 18:38 Parameter page 2: ADSR Envelope 19:14 + - Octave shift 19:30 Parameter page 3: LFO 22:04 Parameter page 4: Mixing 23:56 Making a good bass sound 24:33 Metronome 25:20 Live recording a sequence 25:48 Nudging micro timing 26:52 Gradually quantising a track 28:12 Swing/Shuffle 28:50 Recording Chords 29:29 Track Length + playback speed 30:28 Live record up to 4 notes per trig 31:48 Quantising adapts to the track playback speed 32:50 Selecting the sound “plug” 34:35 Making a kick track 35:05 A subtle introduction to Step Components 39:13 Arpeggio Track 42:02 A word on OP-1 sample patch compatibility 43:26 Nailing that arpeggio track 44:44 Adding a snare 45:20 Fine tuning the mix 45:45 Exploring the lead track 47:01 Polyphone and glide setting of a track 49:45 Copy Patch and pattern and track settings 50:30 Save and recall a project backup 51:55 The No Save mode 52:55 FX tracks 54:56 Muting 55:24 Sequencing and FX track 56:36 Mute groups 58:02 Tape track 1:02:00 Tape track pitch bend = Tape stop 1:03:02 Master track transposing 1:06:40 Master track filter 1:07:01 Performance track, punch in FX 1:07:40 A quick glance at the app 1:11:10 Switching pattern, queue, chains, performing 1:18:22 A few words on the modules 1:19:39 A few words on the DMX light tracks 1:20:00 A few words on t he Motion 3D track 1:22:00 Managing sound plugs from the app 1:23:58 Don’t worry, it’ll play YOUR genre too 1:25:17 Outtro - Thanks to Lead Developer Jonas 1:26:04 Like Subscribe Patreon 1:29:00 OP-1 packs are compatible with OPZ 1:29:40 Cuckoos T-shirts Thanks Cuckoo for making this tutorial :-) I look forward to the next level (almost as much as the Opz)

[@truecuckoo]

Legend

[@MartinYamMoller]

cuckoomusic thanks for the tutorials and vids. Lemme me know if you're gonna play gig in Copenhagen. 😉 kunne være fedt at høre dig spille en koncert

[@truecuckoo]

Jee, skal sei frå viss eg kjem meg over! Hadde vore feitt å spele der.

[@hammercanttouchthis]

Champion, thank you! 🤖✌️

[@riverfx]

Not all heroes wear capes

[@thefrankly]

4 years ago you made the very best OP-Z video, I received my OP-Zed today and proceeded to watch this video. I am now completely competent on the device with or without the phone, thanks to you. Best 1 hour, 32 minutes and 3 seconds of learning a new instrument I have personally experienced. I want to express my personal gratitude for doing this.

[@truecuckoo]

❤️🙏🏼 thank you!

[@RedMeansRecording]

I am in love with your powerpoint.

[@truecuckoo]

❤️🤣

[@SamO.780]

I'm in love with your videos

[@tjsoulsurfer45]

😂 😂

[@timvommeer9660]

I am in love with all of you!!! ... Wait, what?!

[@Srcsqwrn]

The whole thing is just so comprehensive and awesome! I can't wait to see all of your videos too, Jeremy. I want to get an OP-1 and want to be versed in it once I do too!

[@nikearth]

I just watched you press buttons for 92 minutes...and I enjoyed myself

[@truecuckoo]

Pleasure hanging out, mate! :)

[@FabiCruzArt]

Dear Cuckoo, you really have a pedagogical talent, besides ALL your other talents. You've inspired me to pick up music again, and any time I need a cheer up, I come see you. Thank you for being an inspiration and sharing your talent and knowledge with us. Cheers from Paris.

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you so much, Imaginary friend ❤️ Knowing that, helps me keeping up with what I do. I’ll keep it close to heart. Keep it up! High five!

[@Blackeyedangel]

I have to back up Imaginary instruments. I used to play music about ten years ago, but gave it up as visual art is my profession and I wanted to focus on that. Last year the itch became too bad not to scratch and when I started researching current tech, I found your videos and you got me completely obsessed and addicted to music once again. Thanks for making a dent in my savings Cuckoo :D

[@truecuckoo]

Vitorre Carpaccio perhaps you could research the Unity engine and 3D, and make some really great visual arts with this little system!?

[@FabiCruzArt]

That's exactly why I'm so excited for this little friend!. Never delved into Unity, but this is the best time to do so. Coupled with video mapping, this could be REALLY powerful. I love your animations, I'd be excited to see what you come up with ^_^

[@amdclx4635]

Pedagogical? You know who Paulo Friere is?

[@ctrlaltchris]

I don’t know where you came from, you beautiful, wonderful man but you’ve made me very happy and informed. Now I just need an OP-Z, about a week to myself and big groovy beard. Thanks for making this!

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you sir for your lovely words 🙏🏼

[@whatisthis70]

Because of your extreme devotion to the love of electronic instruments, music and teaching, I have spent more time on KZbin than I would've ever thought possible. Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge and doing it with such a beautiful enthusiasm.

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you so much Frank!! Makes it feel so much worth it, all the hard work I put into this stuff. So, thank you! ❤️

[@plantfan2739]

So glad you’re using the circles to show how long each section is, super handy and looks really nice!

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks for noticing, mate!

[@ExtendGamer]

Give this man a medal. I bought an OP-Z and learned using it after 2 days. Thanks cuckoomusic

[@StonepostInstitute]

Cuckoo - you are dearly loved and greatly appreciated. Thank you for your videos and for sharing your love with tech and music.

[@cheeseandegg]

this is all so beautiful, i'm new to op-z and cuckoo, what a combo! the art of teaching without teaching. bless you for you.

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you so much Neil!

[@Xenious]

I wasn't convinced that the OP-Z was the right evolution of the OP-1 until I watched this tutorial. Definitely well done to both parties!

[@MichaalHell]

There is some brilliant sequencing solutions on this little device. The master transpose track is simply brilliant for instance. This is going to be a joy to use!

[@ovihaliuc5405]

I could listen to him talk for hours. It's so relaxing.

[@friederikestricker7261]

I love the way and energy how you present this tool - so fun, easy, chilly - this makes it so easy for me to follow your step by step explanations!! Thank you so much!

[@tblue_theyinvade]

This tutorial has been so incredibly helpful for me my dude. Thank you so much. There are so many things and ideas I can't wait to explore on this bad boy. Just hope I'm able to access all features in the future by being able to use the app

[@bijoudrains2896]

You took your time and it really made this effective for me. I loved this little box, but couldn't really make sense of it. Now I can. I feel someone from outer space who was given a pencil and didn't know how to sharpen it. Now I have a handy, small, sequencer, I really can communicate with. You're a kind man!!! Kudos. Respect.

[@truecuckoo]

So happy for you, friend! Glad you found my video helpful! I am sitting here in my studio just now, thinking about making a followup video right now. :)

[@wilmerparis2202]

once more people like cuckoo show what this machine is capable of, more people will realize how massive the lil op-z is

[@birdsiview6845]

I love your videos my brother, You’re a Good Dude! I love how care free and happy you are . I started using drum machines, well me and my small group of friends, back when we were teenagers in the mid 80’s. We had several bands back then, most of us play multiple instruments and do artistic stuff. You’re like a carbon copy and you’d fit in with us like an old friend .

[@oneuniversemusic]

Cuckoo you are the really best boss on OP-1 & OP-Z. Thank you for your tutorial video. I have bought all your OP-1 patches. Everything sounds good! Thank you!

[@two_hum8489]

I had to preorder one, I couldn’t help myself. Your videos are always super helpful, this will be a great primer for when I get it in the mail. Thanks!

[@bobbyhalick]

This device impressed me a LOT more than I expected it to!!! It's amazing without the app integration, but the app integration makes it such a powerful platform!

[@KevinMcDougall]

Brilliant! Really really great introduction to this amazing device which I admired from afar but now definitely must have. Thank you.

[@petri..]

Thank you @True Cuckoo for this great tutorial, I just ordered this machine, there's just something about portable small devices that makes me want to start tinkering immediately, feel the same about small portable gaming consoles! Just a couple of days wait and the OP-Z is mine, the itch is real! 😂👍🏻

[@brianbjur4796]

Thank you for taking the time to do this and doing so in an engaging way

[@yannih682]

Thanks for another incredible video Cuckoo! I was excited for the OP-Z and pre-ordered without even realizing some of the additional capabilities that come out. It makes a lot of sense that there are power-moves when operating it. One of the things that make the PO so amazing. Giving the basic buttons, but then making them also advanced. Keep up the great work man! Always love seeing the content :)

[@cameronlemons5104]

You’re amazing Cuckoo!! My musical adventure has just began and you are my sensei. Thank you 🙏

[@NALTOdeluxe]

Cuckoo, your videos are so playful and fun. As a fan of teenage engineering products, I definitely give your content my seal of approval. Will be diving into pocket ops first, then the OP-Z, and FINALLY, the big kahuna, the OP-1.

[@co101]

You Channel has evergreen content and is a go-to resource. You're a talented fellow and your generosity of time and ideas are immense. I'm going to check out your store and Patreon to both support your work and because I'm convinced they're tremendous value. Thanks for the Gifts!

[@MikeGomeztheDMG]

Mother of Pearl!! I just sat through this whole video and I feel much, much better about what I'm doing! Thank you, thank you, thank you Cuckoo for making this, it is literally THE best tutorial on ANY product on YT I've ever seen. I wish something like this existed for the OP-1 when I bought that!! Now to check out those shirts you were talking about 8)

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you so much. It means a lot to me to hear that. ❤️

[@killzekat]

And as always : soothing voice, great tutorial, you made me buy AND understand the milestone that the OP-Z is. Thanks a lot! Greetings from France.

[@DocGeraud]

Thank you for this amazing tutorial. I watch the entire video before AND after buying the OP-Z. Still learning a lot with it!

[@MaxineTheHoromone]

Just got my OP-Z, what a brilliant video, I'm learning it so fast! Thanks for creating this guide!

[@Jesiahjesiah]

Great tutorial! I'm ready for LEVEL 2! Thanks for doing what you do!

[@robthomas8680]

I would not even be embarrassed for you to hear my first sequence thanks to your really great tutorial!! What was a black box(hole) is now a shining sun!! Thank you!

[@lit3work]

What a great review. Supposed to get mine tomorrow (not holding my breath) and this tutorial will be first thing I turn to. I've already watched it once but will be back many times more. I'm one of the free that didn't really like the OP-1 so I sold it, but this littler guy has me really excited.

[@gianlucacali2635]

Another astonishing Cuckoorial... Thank you for your incredible work!

[@Blackeyedangel]

I seriously love your videos Cuckoo. You are such a good guy.

[@truecuckoo]

❤️✋🏼

[@llllllllllllllllllll]

1:01:15 - 1:01:33 you say "it doesn't make any sense", but i hear some JUICY breakcore opportunities. almost 2 years later and this video is still the el dorado of info on the op-z. you helped me a lot with the op-1 before i had even bought one and it looks like you're gonna be doing the same thing for me with this device as well. hope all is well with you too btw. never stop vibing.

[@MaxMineur]

Incredible video, thank you so much for this! Now I can jam right away when my pre-ordered OP-Z arrives! :D Congrats on getting your own preset banks man! 3 for life!

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you!! Yeah it’s been great to contribute to the OP-Z! I’m sure we’ll see some really great content for it over the years to come!

[@rubbersoul2841]

I love this guy, can watch him for hours!

[@jacobshillingburg1372]

Thank you sir. I’ve been waiting for something like this!

[@commentingpausedtoprotectus]

I've decide to finally learn my OPZ who has been sat here for too long and intactly came back to your video - in fact, making notes and shortcuts on the back of my OPZ with a permanent marker and it looks pretty cool 😜

[@YoDaBec]

This video is as long as a feature length movie, and I’ve watched it at least 8 times.

[@truecuckoo]

Beware Hollywood! I should put this up on cinemas 🤣 Thanks ❤️

[@beattherapydotcom]

Thank you so much for this video Cuckoo... Was getting a bit spooked by this device, but you've helped very much to relieve any 'buyer's remorse' I might have been feeling initially 😅💙 Looking forward to more tutorials! 💙

[@Sarahbuildsstepsequencers]

Best listened to through headphones. This has great sounds.

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you Sarah!

[@leonkimenyi]

SWEET CHRISTMAS! cant wait to get my hands on one

[@coolerdood9158]

Thank you Cuckoo! This will really help me doing my first steps on the op-z.

[@mikodesignMob555]

You are an incredible teacher. Great delivery and very inspirational.

[@shnflzrd8004]

i finally freaking understand !!! this was really like a maze to me before

[@ethanhermsey]

I've watched the whole thing.. not because i'm even thinking of buying this thing (how ever amazing it is). Just to listen to you talk and to see what this thing can do. saw the video in my subscription list, knew i had to see this :D

[@AndyTanguay]

This is amazing! Thank you for making it. REALLY really helpful. This thing is DEEP.

[@JoeyBelville]

Absolutely fantastic. The way you explain things is PERFECT for me!! Subscribing for life now.

[@DavidDeLuge]

Awesome tutorial! Thank you, I will so much. I can't wait for my OP-Z to arrive.

[@corpclarke]

Amazing video. I'm a total beginner getting into this stuff. So helpful! Jumped straight on the patron.

[@philipneilsen5721]

Amazing tutorial as always Cuckoo, you sure do know how to work the hype! Just 2 weeks to go :D

[@andis2]

I really enjoyed watching even though I „only“ have the OP-1. Such a great product and a great presentation!!

[@peterhammel3799]

this workflow is so incredibly smooth!

[@bastiaananthonie]

@cuckoo i have so much respect for your dedicated high value tutorials. Even this OPz what actually never touched based with me..(as the OP1 did) .now after watching your tutorials on the OPz...you got me sold on becoming very interessted to try one out. Thank you and have a great evening. Greetings from out of Finland. Baatiaan Anthonie Baaij

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you for your kind words Bastiaan 🙏🏼 Truly appreciate it.

[@MattGreerMusic]

Thank you so much for this excellent tutorial. I picked up my OP-Z yesterday and have already fallen deeply in love with it but I was a bit confused on how to access some of the deeper functions.

[@pshearduk]

what a ledge, Cuckoo you rock bro x

[@capvargas210]

Awesome tutorial can’t wait to make some music in it, thanks cuckoo keep it on 🔥 your music is awesome and your videos always super helpful.

[@thebeastbrothers]

Amazing job with the tutorial, hope to see more soon

[@interpassivity]

Great video, convinced me to get one. These are so cool!!!

[@peacefulpigeon7254]

Thank you so much for such a detailed and really enjoyable video I love your music too!

[@truecuckoo]

Thank you, Malara! Very happy to hear ❤️

[@ProckGnosis]

Hats off to TE for the realization of this and tusen takk for diving into this and providing the tutorial. Love any effort like this that is creative and thinks outside of the box regarding the design and interface. For the persistent and creative, some seriously cool music will be made with this thing.

[@sethpueschner8919]

super helpful. I've went back to this vid bout 6 times. thanks

[@marekstora]

It's got to be a first time I see a piece of hardware with built in option to make odd time signature sequences. Amazing.

[@Ca11mero]

Wow, just found your channel through this video. Finally someone with a soothing voice and goes in depth on a beginner level. A plus for being a fellow swede ;)

[@truecuckoo]

🙏🏼 thanks! Glad you found me 😁

[@samaBR333]

this presentation should be bundled with the product. GREAT WORK!

[@leakim971]

I don't have a lot of talent, but one is to recognize a genius and you're one !

[@User173]

thank you so much for this Cuckoo! I'm a longtime fan and just got myself one of these. Happy to watch this instead of read the instructions :D

[@truecuckoo]

❤️

[@jszack]

Another awesome mega-tutorial, and now I had to order an OP-Z today... It'll be a long month until it arrives!

[@pgnfrsh]

I’m not sure if this video will be making the wait better or worse. But I have been waiting for this video :)

[@truecuckoo]

🤣

[@pgnfrsh]

cuckoomusic the video made the wait worse, but when I got this beast it really helped me enjoy the op-z even more! Looking forward to more content!

[@xsxdog155]

You really are the most chilling and educated guy I haver seen. Nice talent too of course :) And again thanks for your samples!

[@JarlHelin]

Out of phase, but like a therapist for people with no budget. Keep on spreading the magic!

[@bwest6275]

I love the features of the OP-Z. Great tutorial. I am frustrated with TE though. If they could only add quantize to the OP-1, that would make me love my OP-1 so much more. If the OP-1 will continue to be their flagship product, I really hope they will add quantize to it in future FW.

[@chrfit1]

Thank you so much for this, really shows the depth of this device :)

[@domeniquexander_]

Damn. Great Infos about the op z. Lovely presented. I know i‘m late in the game but finally i got the op 1 yesterday and absolutely love it. I have a lot of synths but i have to say the op 1 is my fave now. Maybe the op z is the next one. Great videos. Full support, thank you 👊🏼🔥😎

[@odessamusic]

Great video! This is now bookmarked as my op-z manual :D

[@DontFeedTheTrolls]

Great video, amazing little synth!!

[@nullcircuit]

You deserve so many more followers. Your little mapping you made on the iPad was so cute???

[@gaga1812]

what a nice guy. so mellow and cool. love your content bro

[@paulburkhart2619]

Thx so much for helping learn how to use this AND Analog Rytm mki, Digitone, and Analog Keys!

[@spicewitch9115]

Absolutely incredible, you deserve all the praise you musical jesus

[@xoxxoxoxoxoxx]

screaming at "musical jesus"

[@MGCaverly]

Great intro for an awesome bit of gear. Well done ✅

[@floatingsuburbia]

"Don't worry, it''l play your genre too" Exactly what I needed to hear. :)

Yessss we've been waiting for this :D Thanks Cuckoo !

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks! ✋🏼

[@markidm5111]

Awesome first tutorial Cuckoo, many thx, I always enjoy watching you videos and my Op 1 is waiting voor his new friend Op Z which is currently in preorder. Thanks again and I am looking forward to your next video. by the way very very nice first Op z live set in Berlin to. greetz from the Netherlands. Mark

[@chikapunk4340]

Great work, Keep it up!

[@ConvergentAssembIy]

Thank you Cockoo! Got a good grasp on My Z on day 1. Cheers

[@truecuckoo]

Awesome!

[@ildafons]

I'm starting to realize that I underrate OP-Z. It is really a powerhouse! How durable the unit is? How reliable buttons are after years of use? Tiny buttons of such a compact devices are prone to fail as tiny microswitches have tiny components in them.

[@ildarkinildarkin]

I'm waiting for my OP-Z to come to me and watching this video to get prepared in advance. Thanks for this tutorial!

[@TheTeekayes]

Great tutorial. You are the BEST! I just got my OPZZZZZ and am still getting comfy! My only complaint so far.... I wish they would make the arpeggiator more like other instruments where you can arpeggiate any sound you're playing. I love arpeggiating drums!

[@NightCabbage]

Still such a good tutorial - this video is what made me decide to buy an OP-Z.

[@WeirdMedicine]

Thank you for this. Made learning my op-z much easier!

[@LayneHarris]

Thanks for the great tutorial. Really helpful!

[@cwehden]

I had an OP-1 and sold it after a few weeks, the OPZ is a keeper though I much prefer it.

[@videolabcreators]

I think we’ve all learned how to use the op-z from this video, an amazing resource🙌

[@truecuckoo]

Thanks mate! 🙏🏼

[@OptiVids]

Hey Cuckoo, this OP-Z tutorial is the no. 1 resource online to properly understand and learn the full potential of this instant legendary device. I just received mine today, and your work is essential for me. Your presentation, content, phase and passion is superb! I have a request and/or suggestion. Would you consider making a tutorial with the main focus on what/how/when to use the “shift” key?