OP1 vs OPZ | Does one Perform better than the Other?

[@LiamKillen]

Enter to win a Pocket Operator Modular 170. Winner is announced July 12th 2020. ►bit.ly/2BbdK7U

[@lucasmusgrave4667]

Most people update phone at around a a grand every 2-3 years. No way this is an “insane” price point. Investment in your own creativity. Or don’t , but don’t bitch like these aren’t products you’d pay 10x as much just a decade ago.

[@LiamKillen]

Now that i call passion

[@LiamKillen]

thx for watching

[@sodiumlights]

i own both so i can tell you what they both have in common; insane price point.

[@LiamKillen]

They’re not cheap- thts for sure

[@K_man217]

People try to justify it saying the versatility of either leads to years of use and companionship, you get your monies worth, but how can I if I can't afford the damn thing?? I am going to buy an OP-Z tho, and honestly probably both at some point.

[@LiamKillen]

Highly recommended!

[@sodiumlights]

@@K_man217 if the op-z was well built as well as being an amazing machine I wouldn't`t hesitate to recommend it. But it's not. Just compare it to a PS5 and the joke becomes even funnier.

[@LiamKillen]

lol

[@mikenoface]

Minor critique: You only showed the "drum sampling" style on the OP-1, there is also the "Synth" style that allows you to play one sample chromatically up and down the keys like an ASR-10 etc. Some other OP-1 workflow tricks: 1. Create 4 layers (voices) of synth sounds on the 4-track, resample the whole thing to create a new more advanced sounding preset synth of your own. Lay that back to tape or sequence it. You can also use the cut n paste from the Tape and then "drop" the sound into a sample (resampling a whole mix with effects for example). 2. Similarly, you can bounce 3 tracks down to track 4, just like an old school 4-track and then erase/record onto tracks 1-3 again. 3. You can create a drum beat in the "Finger" sequencer (Donkey Kong drummers), record that to a track, bounce it to a sampler, and then replay it live to give a more humanized / glitchy / chopped up feel. Same for synths or using the Finger or Tombola sequencer. 4. Record vocal phrases or ideas via the onboard mic into a sampler, then chop those over a beat or song on the 4-track to create a rough draft of song structure or just capture a vocal idea when you're out and about.

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks for the addition!

[@MikeGomeztheDMG]

4:17 - there actually is a way to avoid this problem. I used to pull my hair out bc of it lol. You don’t have to re-record anything. Start by setting your loop in point where you’re working (advise cutting the track right there), next lift your track (and immediately drop back into place) and roll a take. If you’re not happy, hit stop (takes you back to the in point) and the drop key again. Viola, the op drops the lift from a moment ago back into place. Be warned tho, if you execute another lift your original lift goes bye bye. So edit at will, but lift & drop again at your in point if you plan on a few more takes. Cheers!

[@LiamKillen]

Risky but also insightful. Thank you!

[@theW01F]

I think the OP-Z has one of the best sequencers out there, on par with the Elektron stuff. At the beginning I often used it as a standalone device - but I realised that it is one of the best tools to sequence my other gear.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah it’s really really solid. Only con is that the keyboard is so tiny

[@savnac]

I’ve bought, and sold, then bought again, then sold once more.. and once again just purchased another OP-1. I just keep missing how beautifully creative it’s synth modeling is. I tried to use it as a DAW, but That’s probably why I kept getting let down. This time, I plan to use it as a music instrument with some recording features, but not the heart for creating my music. Soooo, hopefully I can appreciate it for what it is this time.

[@LiamKillen]

hold onto it!!

[@reazallykhan]

It’s a piece of jewellery

[@savnac]

@reaz allykhan it is absolutely visually beautiful, I’d say it’s a piece of functional art.

[@savnac]

@Liam Killen 6 months later I’ve held onto it for longer than I did my previous ones, it’s gotten so much more use than the previous ones and it’s going to continue its place here until it dies :’) haha

[@kathleencoveny3860]

Super thorough .. thanks for all the detailing ... look forward to the next two of your series .. cheers !

[@LiamKillen]

Wahoo!!

[@MrPeety11]

I have the OP-Z and 4 of the pocket operators for sound design and live performance! I’ve always thought the OP-1 wasn’t something I’d look at getting but you’ve certainly given me a much clearer idea of how to really utilise the OP-1 in a way that would be immensely powerful in my workflow!! That depth of sound design in the OP-1 you demonstrated has really pushed me to think hard about picking one up....hmmmmm..!! Thanks again dude!! Keep it coming!

[@MrPeety11]

Speeding up the sampling workflow is hard to ignore when you add that level of sound design...oh god, it’s happening...I think I need it....haha....

[@LiamKillen]

My pleasure! Yeah they’re all beasts in their own regard. I’ve been living all of em.

[@LiamKillen]

Do it! I’m glad that i helped...push you over the edge. lol i’m evil.

[@VTiCSi]

After much deliberation, I think I'm sold on the OPZ. Your dead right about the live set-ability with the OPZ and augmenting one with the other is such an awesome thing to do. One negative about the OP1, though, is its price point. I almost bankrupted myself when I bought it but it is most definitely worth eating ramen for a month to afford it. The tune at the end of the video, Liam, fresh AF!

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah sequencing is way easier on the OPZ but i think OP1 just has more diverse sounds and is timeless! It is so expensive haha. As always thanks so much for watching!

[@edgarm6017]

i was getting ready to sell my op-1, and then randomly needed something to record on. then ran my sampler, and 2 synths onto one of the op-1’s tracks. reconsidering selling it now

[@james.a]

The video I really needed. Thank you!

[@LiamKillen]

Cheers

[@daily_pocket_review]

10:59 How do you make the synths pulse/bounce like that? Is it a filter?

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah i'm using one of the LFOs to create that side chain FX - here's a full video explanation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnrVgqegh7eogbssi=xb74b8zAzSaLNvm4

[@SerpentLightDrums]

I get the feeling the OP-1 is more like a beautiful toy than a professionally sounding machine? Im a total noob and am considering picking one up to make music and have fun. The other option would be a keyboard and a daw for ipad pro, and then some vst synths. Probably end up paying more or less the same price, but what will be more fun and sound better?

[@LiamKillen]

I disagree! There are many mainstream artists that swear by the OP-1. Those synth sounds are pro

[@SerpentLightDrums]

@@LiamKillen Thats cool to hear, Im just watching allot of you-tubes about it and trying to grasp if its something I can fall in love with or not. Would you say its a good start for someone like myself? All I did in the past is make some electronic tracks in Reason. Also do u integrate the OP-1 stuff u do in DAW or mostly make stand alone tracks? Thnx

[@ZOgrameMusic]

Excellent video, thanks dude that helped so much

[@LiamKillen]

Mission accomplished!! 🤜🤛

[@edgarm6017]

I’ve noticed a lot of artifacts while I play the string synth on op-1, specifically while playing it live through the sequencer. Have you noticed this on the op-z’s bow engine?

[@LiamKillen]

OP1 is def more artifact-ey than the opz, which is quite clean.

[@MattGreerMusic]

I've owned both. The OP-Z remains and I use it all the time. The OP-1 is very powerful but in the end that 4 track tape thing just annoyed me so I sold it. I sometimes think about getting another but the prices have just gone crazy since then so... meh. Nice video.

[@LiamKillen]

I feel you- yeah they’re very pricey for sure. Thank you!

[@GradyNickel]

I think you do get 12 seconds of sampling on the op-z drum tracks (1-4). And the synth tracks are 6 or 7 seconds, just like the op-1. Enjoyed the video. Can't wait for the next one!

[@LiamKillen]

I think it’s the other way around, no? 12 for synth 6 for drums.

[@LiamKillen]

Ah damn you're right! i got mixed up! I'll see if I can cut that part out of the video. My mistake and thanks for your correction! ** Correction has been made it should be properly processed in a few hours. Thanks again!

[@GradyNickel]

@@LiamKillen Enjoying your videos. Trying to make some myself. It's not easy. Check my latest one out if you get a chance. Could definitely use some professional advice.

[@escre]

The OP-1 gets named and I crawl out of my cave.

[@LiamKillen]

lol!

[@SuaveCityGear]

Great video as always!!! I love these OP1 videos, always informative and cool!!!

[@LiamKillen]

Thank you for watching! :-)

[@SuaveCityGear]

Liam Killen WE ALL APPRECIATE YOU!

[@LiamKillen]

Haha i hope so! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@Khordmaster]

Bro just discovered your content and as a fellow content creator making stuff on the OP-Z amongst other diverse stuff, I'm really enjoying what you're doing! I'm locked into this video. I have the z and not the 1 and it's really interesting how you're going about breaking both of them down. Now, back to my tea, apple cider donut and this great video! 🙌🏾

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks so much!!

[@Hollgerd]

The ending of this video is the most motivating part to buy both devices. Thank you.

[@LiamKillen]

my pleasure.

[@mark_midmark]

excellent video, ty

[@LiamKillen]

Cheers

[@ZetaReticulian]

everything you explained about the OP-1 is exactly why i feel i just cant make anything on mine.... it hinders my creativity TOO much. I wish i just got the OP-z. :(

[@LiamKillen]

Sell it and buy an opz and have money left over!

[@uniworkhorse]

God why can't they just add an undo function to the OP-1, at least for the last action or so 😔

[@LiamKillen]

I know right!?

[@therealbububaba]

This sold the OP-Z for me, thank you!

[@LiamKillen]

My pleasure!

[@MrNamaikisaru]

Never tried the OPz but I feel like the took ideas from the PO series and decided to see what would happen if they expanded them into a more serious instrument.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah it’s def an expansion of that. Sequencing powerhouse!

[@DNYLNY]

Great video! Wow I had no idea the OP1 didn’t have an undo button.

[@LiamKillen]

Blessing and a curse!

[@tapemode8247]

might have to get an OP-Z. looks like fun.

[@LiamKillen]

Insane amounts of fun

[@bimesy6557]

As always my friend.. Wonderful!!

[@LiamKillen]

Thank you so much! 🙂

[@Tenderado]

Great video!! I have the impression that OPZ sounds are more relaxing. The OP1 sounds like small casios to me. Could it be?

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah I would say so- but the op1 covers much more ground than the opz sonically

[@Tenderado]

@@LiamKillen ok thank you!!

[@jbustamante850]

this might be an stupid question but for the last performance bit did you just dialed in the same tempo in each device or you did like a world clock or any of the sort work around to get them to pair up? thanks in advanced, really really helpful and informative videos !!

[@LiamKillen]

Syncing these two is a bitch! I did it manual 😊

[@reazallykhan]

Undo button would be nice... I’m gonna get a ob4 instead of opz to accompany my op1

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah that'll be the OP-2 lol

[@briaredpath9386]

Great videos ! one question, do they have the induce the mashed headache feel from the radio waves that the pocket operators do? had to stop using mine 😫 Thanks in advance 🙌

[@LiamKillen]

I’m not sure what you mean. Thank you for watching! 🙂

[@alannahniruairc5113]

Which is easier to transition to from pocket operators?

[@LiamKillen]

Opz for sure

[@alannahniruairc5113]

That's handy because it's way cheaper 😂

[@LiamKillen]

there’s that too lol

[@otagoransome9270]

Hi Liam, what if you do a track with the two synced together? Ever tried that?

[@LiamKillen]

Not yet i haven’t picked up the proper gear for that yet. Just jammed with the PO cocktail though...SO fun!

[@otagoransome9270]

Liam Killen Hey! TE say in their website that, if you get a sub C to USB mini they do sync OP-1 with OPZ. No need of oplab module!

[@christianschmid8058]

how uncomfortable is the opz compares to the op1 interfece? its got so little buttons

[@LiamKillen]

I have no issues with it in that respect!

[@christianschmid8058]

i am a bigger fan of the op1, but i am not so sure if its the better device, for making music for my videos. Money does not matter that much, i just want the right device.

[@LiamKillen]

I hope that this video informed you a little more!

[@0z33y]

Would love to compare them myself ....

[@LiamKillen]

I wonder if there’s a way to rent em...

[@SerpentLightDrums]

That song in the end was bad ass

[@LiamKillen]

Dan...you are the MAN

[@r-e-s-o-n-a-n-t]

Hi Liam, what is quantizing and how does it work exactly on the OPZ?

[@LiamKillen]

Quantizing is when you correct a part that you play on the opz and line it up metronomically- after you play something hit shift and then spin the third knob until it’s fully white- that’s it!

[@r-e-s-o-n-a-n-t]

Liam Killen thank you kind sir. That makes sense. I believe when I had my Volca it did that automatically. Nice to have this option with the OPZ. Will pull the trigger.

[@LiamKillen]

It’s a game changer!

[@maxpowers2908]

I just ordered my opz for 400$ 417$ if you include tax and shipping. I can't wait. My learning curve is bad. Its going to take me forever to learn how to use it. Is it bad that I bought it because I wanted something that I could record vocals on.....it bed.

[@LiamKillen]

Great deal!

[@LooseOrangeJuice]

Your channel is criminally undersubscribed.

[@LiamKillen]

lol! In due time

[@Equalibeats]

Op1 best to use as sketch pad rather than composing full tracks. However it is cool to make a really good loop and then jam out with it and record yourself right to the record player on it. It's an easy way to take a simple loop and make a track out of it really quick. Just play the loop and jam out with the mute buttons and the effects to record the whole performance right on it which is awesome. for the most part though I like using it as a scratch pad. I get about 8-10 ideas per six min tape. Then I bring them over to the PC to finish. Best portable sketch pad ever. Eternal battery life. I call it the happy accident machine. I love mine. People say it's overpriced but there really is nothing like it on the market. I think it's worth every penny. I actually want to get a second one. Owned many pieces of gear and pick one is definitely my favorite out of all of them. I'll never sell it.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah it's a piece of the puzzle rather than the whole thing IMO

[@Equalibeats]

@@LiamKillenyeah perfect for fueling inspiration get you out of your daw mindset for a little bit and approach things a little bit differently... Then you take it all back to the DAW and wrap it up. Perfect for that. 404mk2 perfect for that as well. 404mk2 vs OP1 would be a good video too. Though both at different price points I feel like they are very similar machines to come up with awesome happy accidents that you would not have done using a daw. I think they are both very similar.

[@davidbcg286]

Is it a sensory percussion kit behind you?

[@LiamKillen]

It sure is!

[@davidbcg286]

@@LiamKillen Would be cool to see what you are doing with it :p

[@LiamKillen]

I’m not using it at all right now but maybe sometime in the future. I like don’t have space for it rn lol

[@r-e-s-o-n-a-n-t]

Liam, my favourite moustached KZbinr, I have a question. I have the OP-1 and I’m very well versed in it and super comfortable. Learned very fast on it. I love it to death. I want the OPZ to extend my live sets with more layers and drums. I mainly focus on ambient synth sounds with the OP-1. I used to have the Volca sample and it was really simple and fun. My question is, the OPZ seems kind of overwhelming and I’ve been hesitating to buy it. Is it something you can easily become an expert with?

[@LiamKillen]

Haha! 🙂 It def takes some time but I would say yes! Totally worth it for the sequencing abilities alone.

[@r-e-s-o-n-a-n-t]

Liam Killen pulled the trigger 😬

[@LiamKillen]

Ouuuu exciting moment congrats!

[@r-e-s-o-n-a-n-t]

Liam Killen ai caramba. This thing is amazing. Why did I get the op-1 first hahaha 😅

[@LiamKillen]

2 different beasts!

[@dush79]

Which Mixer are you using on that last shot ?

[@LiamKillen]

I’m not sure this was filmed a while ago but probably either zoom h1n (if it’s the white one) otherwise it’s the zoom h5

[@dush79]

@@LiamKillen Hey Liam. The h5 is a recorder. Which I meant was that stylish Mixing Desc on the last Pic.

[@LiamKillen]

That’s the Tasman Portastudio 424 mk ii

[@olecranonrebellion9976]

You do not have to re record the whole track.

[@LiamKillen]

it's been a while since I filmed this...which part are you talking about?

[@crookedrain771]

Damn dude I’m obsessing over the Op1.. I use a old casino keyboard, pedals and guitar for ambient.. but this thing looks sooo damn fun. I just bought that KO pocket sampler, so I will be buying this once I get that money. 👌😁. Teenage Engineering has its own world, I love this shit.

[@LiamKillen]

It definitely is in its own world! 🌎

[@XanderEwald]

I was obsessing over OP-1 too and bought it...twice! Ended up frustratedly selling it both times. It’s annoyingly limited and makes the simplest production tasks unnecessarily complicated and clumsy. It’s fun to have around as a design piece and music toy, but if you want to „seriously“ make music with it, you’ll need a lot of patience.

[@LiamKillen]

I disagree dude some of the biggest names in the game use the op1. Diplo swears by it for example- Kevin Parker from Tame Impala uses it- Bon Iver- Beck...the list goes on.

[@XanderEwald]

@@LiamKillen I am just speaking for myself. Of course OP-1 works great for many people, otherwise it wouldn’t be so highly popular. But for many other people (myself included) it doesn’t work at all. And it’s not for a lack of trying, I had both OPs and used them for around a year until eventually getting rid of them. Ultimately you have to try to find if it works for you.

[@XanderEwald]

Love your content by the way, no matter what gear! 🤟🏼

[@nahrky]

Oof the "channel changer" comment on the OP-Z... my partner straight up thought it was a TV remote when I left it on the coffee table lmao As someone who is a happy owner of both, I think the tl;dr for me is: OP-1 = standalone instrument with (super powerful) built-in performance options OP-Z = groovebox for jamming out on (also super powerful for that)

[@LiamKillen]

That’s pretty much my exact conclusion as well!

[@anton-uw6ld]

Man, I find the OP 1 really interesting, but I thinking about buying an OP Z, because I simply can't afford an OP 1

[@anton-uw6ld]

Actually, I think I can only afford a pocket operator lol

[@anton-uw6ld]

Brazil is in a bad situation

[@LiamKillen]

That's where I was at when I started-

[@LiamKillen]

They're pretty dope too though!

[@LiamKillen]

I heard about that man...hope you're alright.

[@markQ08]

It's good you have same picture 🧐

[@LiamKillen]

🧐 🧐 🧐

[@Srcsqwrn]

Well, I think based on this information I should save for an OP-1. Also, dang. A bit late for such a nice give away.

[@LiamKillen]

Always a good option

[@chateautemp]

How 'bout a t-shirt with your catchphrase on it?

[@LiamKillen]

Which catch phrase!? I have a few of them haha

[@XanderEwald]

My OP-1 got sold way faster on eBay than my OP-Z, so I guess it’s better :)

[@LiamKillen]

More in demand that’s for sure!

[@slingshotmaster99]

What did it sell for? Considering selling mine

[@LiamKillen]

Check reverb for prices

[@hasan7786]

Waaay too many great OP-1 videos to not be in the OP-1 Field guild. I have yet to see a good OP-1 field video, thos guys must not be that awesome at marketing. Had to dig into the manul to find out whats what. Either way, just wanted to shout you out, your video are cran-tastic, hopefully we'll see you with an OP-1 field soon, if not ill let you borrow mine when it gets here.

[@LiamKillen]

Wow that’s really nice of you. I’d love to get my hands on one…the price though is outrageous.

[@osoperezoso2608]

Available for Android now? Ok. Now I'll buy it.

[@LiamKillen]

😉😉😉

[@dragonfly_bry]

cool groove mon

[@LiamKillen]

Thanks Mikroooo! ⚡️

[@oliverlovekin]

Hey Liam - If you have trouble recording (like making a mistake on a recording) Red Means Recording actually has a video that describes a way around this, an undo button of sorts. (kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJCbkqOtbJZpfqM) the idea of lifting, and then dropping it.

[@LiamKillen]

Yeah it’s not quite the same though- still quite inconvenient

[@DJbace1]

OPZ sounds like PO SUB or SUB sounds like OPZ

[@LiamKillen]

They’re def similar for sure

[@sofnaji]

Very useful video but why are u wearing a hat indoors

[@LiamKillen]

Why not?

[@StephenMcLeod]

Eughhhh don't make me get one.

[@LiamKillen]

😈 😈😈

[@ZesuZevera]

"delay" :l

[@LiamKillen]

Say wha?

[@MarcellsWorldJjr]

So if I have an op1 no need to get an opz

[@LiamKillen]

it rwally depends on what you're trying to do.

[@lundsweden]

OP-1 looks a lot better!

[@LiamKillen]

Depends what you're looking for!

[@LiamKillenShorts]

It iz I Twitch Leeum

[@LiamKillen]

Greetingz

[@kyju7093]

lmao the "marx was right" graphic is so ironic considering this little device is the embodiment of the worst aspect of capitalism charging over $1200 for something that probably cost the company under 500 to actually make and manufacture 😂

[@LiamKillen]

🤔 🤔 🤔

[@julienborrelli4614]

You can draw a masterpiece with a 2€ pencil

[@adblau1]

Eh I dunno, the designers and programmers and engineers who made these incredible machines probably deserve to be compensated for their efforts, in addition to what the machines cost to manufacture. Gotta keep them working to come up with the next cool doohickey.

[@LiamKillen]

That’s true! They’ve changed up their game completely for their latest product- that’s for sure.

[@espacemaxim]

@@adblau1 Damn right, dude commenting doesn't know what he's talking about

[@lemonrain2741]

OP-Z > OP-1

[@LiamKillen]

Depends!

[@LiamKillen]

Whatever works though

[@lemonrain2741]

@@LiamKillen The op1 is great, but so limited in comparison. The main way I would point out is that you can only turn so many knobs on op1 as you record on to the tape in a kind of performance. But on OP-Z, you can take your time and record yourself changing one parameter at a time. You could record changes to all 16 parameters for each synth if you wanted to. And then go back and tweak some more, endlessly. It doesn’t sound great the way I am explaining it, but it is mind blowing when you see the possibilities. I feel like TE broke down all the limitations the op1 had when they made the OP-Z. It may not look it, but it is so much more powerful. They are both great though, but OP-Z feels like the evolution to me. Glad to have both, but I think for the price, you are getting so much more with OP-Z for so much less. The op1 was half the price it is today in my currency when I bought it in 2012.

[@CinzettisItalianFeast]

opz = bigger and more polished pocket operator

[@LiamKillen]

Pretty much- a little more than that though

[@TockTockTock]

Marx was right though

[@LiamKillen]

🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@sharkus3329]

Wowowowowowowowow

[@LiamKillen]

🤝🤝🤝🤝🤝

[@guidelineuk4876]

Both over price lol

[@LiamKillen]

fair.

[@annother3350]

Marxist!!

[@LiamKillen]

That could not be farther from the truth lol.

[@Keessette]

@@LiamKillen Anarchist?

[@LiamKillen]

@@Keessette Social Capitalist baby. (Canada)