OP-Z Ambient Music Tutorial - (Teenage Engineering)

[@RDiefenbach]

I have a full playlist of my OP-Z tutorials and free samples here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f56ukImigqaqq7M

[@no3rdw]

Great tutorial with a lot of awesome tips! Toward the end when you're using the performance track you mention you don't hit 'random' on the bass notes - you probably know this already but you can punch into the performance track from any of the individual tracks by holding shift and hitting keys while that track is selected. You can even record to the performance track that way. So you can get the 'random' effect on the lead track without it affecting all four synth tracks. To take this a step further, if you connect the OP-Z to a midi keyboard, the performance effects for every individual track are spread over all the octaves of the keyboard. SO GREAT!

[@RDiefenbach]

Hey mate! I am actually not sure that is the case. I thought my firmware was up to date but perhaps not. If you hold shift I know you get to set the track sends for tape and for the master track and midi channels on the module track but I don't believe that is so for the effects track, where the random effect lives.

[@no3rdw]

@@RDiefenbach It works a little differently - you have to be on the actual drum/synth track and hold shift while using the keyboard to get the punch-in effects normally found on the effects/performance track. (When recording is active, these record to the effects/performance track) Here's the part of the manual that probably explains it better than I did: teenage.engineering/guides/op-z/punch-in-effects

[@RDiefenbach]

@@no3rdw thanks!!

[@liaisons6227]

I love playing ambient music and i'm an op-z newbie so this helps a lot! Thanks and keep it up!

[@RDiefenbach]

Thank you! Makes it all worth it if it helps just one person :D

[@liaisons6227]

@@RDiefenbach I often try to find new ways to approach music for sparking creativity and achieving different results. The op-z seems to be a nice instrument for it! Cheers 😊

[@taroon873]

Great Video! Very informative, I might have to buy some candles and green tea :). Also good idea to use a pedal with the op z haven’t tried that yet.

[@RDiefenbach]

Thanks! Glad you found it informative :) Definitely try any pedals they are so much fun - especially in B sections of a song it fits really well to add texture. Plus you can take them out in nature without adding too much weight!

[@b4k4squared]

Hi, I think your tutorial is what finally made me look into step components on my OP-Z! Big thanks! At 5:05 you mention (5) for jump step component is random, but it wasn't random for me - looked at guides/op-z/step-components at teenage engineering website and apparently jump to random is (7)? Maybe they re-mapped it in some later firmwares. Just putting it out here for people like me :)

[@RDiefenbach]

Glad to hear and thanks for the update! I think it would be easier if they put random all on the same number 😅 but good to know!

[@howardanderson3061]

Hey Ryan, wow what a great tutorial as well as a guide into ambient music and how you can apply it to the OP-Z Co cool, as I played along on my OP-Z following you step by step (stoping and starting the video), I was amazed at what you can do. Awesome KZbin, thank you so much! You have a new fan...lol

[@RDiefenbach]

You're so welcome! The whole reason I do this is to share with others who also have a passion for the joy of music and creativity. Thanks so much for sharing that it was helpful! There are definitely more coming (hopefully this weekend) so I hope they can also provide some use or interest at least for you :D

[@howardanderson3061]

@@RDiefenbach Gert I'm looking forward to new ones and I'm going to check out your previous videos. I see that you play guitar....that is my main instrument.Thanks again

[@RDiefenbach]

@@howardanderson3061 cool to hear - I want to see more people using the Z and guitar together. I hope to combine them again in an upcoming video but I just have too many ideas I don't know where to begin sometimes 😅

[@howardanderson3061]

@@RDiefenbach Very Cool...really looking forward to it!

[@Solidahmed]

Great video. This is the video that led me to your channel. As I am researching on KZbin to see if the OP-Z will be fit for my preference. I am completely new to the synth world and music making and your videos helped shape my thoughts in which direction I am looking for in music as a hobby, and inspire. Thank you.

[@RDiefenbach]

The OP-Z is a great starting point for many but also not the only option. If you are new to music making and have a laptop I would recommend some basic version of Ableton live if possible as the UI is more intuitive. Roland has the MC 101 as a cheap entry level groovebox alternative as well. If you have the possibility to find something second hand in your area that is probably the best way to dip your toes without investing too much money from the beginning!

[@Solidahmed]

@@RDiefenbach Thank you again for taking the time to explain. Every bit of information helps a lot. Ok, you just introduced me to the MC 101. I checked few ambient demo on it and saw one overview video, and it does not disappoint. Now I am between those two, the OPZ and the MC101, I won't get them until December so I have time to look more in to it. My 1st tool/instrument is the Novation Launch key Mini MK2 and the Ableton lite it comes with it. They are great but the work flow is a bit slow, but maybe because I am new to it. I think I am going for the full Ableton version on November. As for OPZ or MC101, the price different is 100 USD. If the OPZ is easier to pick up and has more online tutorials and courses, I would go with it even if it is 100 more. I am getting older so I value time more than money as I start to feel I have less of it. Sadly I don't think I can get a used one in my area unless if I am too deep with the local music community network which currently I am not. Looking forward on more uploads from you and feel free to share any bit of information if you want to. I still havn't check every video in your channel yet. And later on today I will check your latest video of the new device (Elektron synthesizer).

[@alexanderjansson5121]

Such great content, excellent! You just earned a subscriber sir! Got really interested in the OP-Z now... Might order one very soon :)

[@RDiefenbach]

Thanks Alexander! I have been planning to do a video on the OP-Z as a 'review' of sorts. It provides different value to everyone but personally I have enjoyed it so much! Keeps me inspired and I always have something portable and powerful - so no excuses not to stay creative. Hope it works out for you whatever you end up deciding!

[@alexanderjansson5121]

That's awesome, can't wait! Sounds exactly like what one wants in a device like this. Like the fact that it's so small yet seem very powerful. Will probably end up buying one in no-time, Keep up the high quality content, you deserve more subscribers!

[@synthsbythesea4091]

OP-Z ordered, you should claim commission

[@RDiefenbach]

Hope you enjoy! That's all I want to get out of it! Have fun!!

[@MilesKvndra]

Duuude, although I'm not so much in the OP-Z (anymore) this was so inspiring to watch! Really appreciate the effort you put in your videos, that is awesome. Still thinking about trading my OP-Z for a DT but not sure yet 😁

[@RDiefenbach]

Haha - hoping I can talk you out of trading it one video at a time ;) But I totally understand that the Elektron workflow looks very incredible. That's why I'm hoping to get my Digitone soon - worried that if it's good enough I may also need a Digitakt

[@MilesKvndra]

@@RDiefenbach I think you don't need to worry too much, read from many people that are absolutely in love with the combo OP-Z + Digitone. Would be super happy to see how you use the combo! :)

[@samprock]

@@MilesKvndra one argument for OP-Z, it keep you creative on a toilet too :P. Pairing mine with Waldorf Iridium coming a day after tomorrow, to drive with OP-Z sequencing, drums and groove and as Ryan did, processing OP-Z thru audio in and Iridium FX, making a stand-alone combo :)

[@MilesKvndra]

@@samprock Dude, that sounds like a great setup! PS: the toilet argument is absolutely striking - TE should consider implementing this in their marketing campaign ;)

[@jonaseggen2230]

@@samprock So we had kitchen sink productions and bedroom music from before. So typical 2020 to introduce toilet jam

[@ndguardian]

Just now got around to seeing this, and it's very inspirational. Definitely going to reference this multiple times.

[@RDiefenbach]

Stoked! Cheers Derik

[@samprock]

Got it on simple and efficient thru-pedal dimension added :) inspiring indeed!

[@RDiefenbach]

Ah glad to see you found the tut haha :) hope it helped. have fun with it!

[@planktron]

Dude you were ambientin so hard you forgot to drink your tea! Cool video :D

[@RDiefenbach]

I end up drinking cold tea at least 50% of the time. And thanks!

[@raamsanghani9187]

Hey Ryan - where do you buy those cables? Also what types of cables are those? Love the video!

[@Khordmaster]

My man! definitely checking this video out later tonight! I just shot an OPZ video literally 5 minutes ago. Accessory unboxing :)

[@RDiefenbach]

Nice? What accessory? One of the modules?

[@Khordmaster]

@@RDiefenbach the rumble module, the punch pleather case, and the monitor headphones. Stay tuned 😎

[@Jebrald0]

Hey Ryan, Great Tutorial yet again! You’ve been killing it lately, nice work!

[@RDiefenbach]

Mate thanks so much. Really appreciate the supportive comments!

[@curiouspers]

This is really cool! Thank you very much! I know almost nothing about music production, but I got op-z, so this helps A LOT, if you have any other resources to recommend, I'd be super happy!

[@RDiefenbach]

Hey glad to hear it helps !! There are more tutorials on my channel in a playlist. I am not so active with the OP-Z specifically these days but check out SON WU on KZbin ☺️

[@curiouspers]

@@RDiefenbach I already watched all your videos, thank you so much, love your work! I will check out SON WU, appreciate you taking time to answer!

[@amphora8321]

Will peppermint tea do? If you use a Big Sky?

[@RDiefenbach]

Hahaha if you have a big sky you're already miles ahead - you can use whatever type of tea you like 😂

[@Sana-qm3qf]

Excellent work! I think your future wife has posted before me, congrats!

[@RDiefenbach]

😂 oh wow I just saw all of those spam comments. But thanks!

[@teniluchey]

Thanks! That was interesting

[@RDiefenbach]

Nice to hear! Thanks :)

[@Rooftopaccessorizer]

Still cant decide if should buy an opz, or replace my old op1

[@RDiefenbach]

Personally I really enjoy the sequencer on the OP-Z. The OP-1 is also powerful but not as flexible for writing and rearranging entire songs on the fly. Both are valid choices!

[@thelastpeacelord1584]

Is the song that was made up anywhere?

[@RDiefenbach]

Full live version of the track performance is here :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/fnqooatrjrKma7c

[@DaVeTheWaVe]

good tut, but switch to a stereo delay! =D

[@RDiefenbach]

Haha fair point! I am definitely looking to invest in some Strymon stereo effects at some point but this was just in the spirit of using what I have lying around from my old guitar kit and showing what you can do with a super cheap option!

[@DaVeTheWaVe]

@@RDiefenbach it sounds good indeed!

[@stefan.schlag]

This is big

[@RDiefenbach]

🙏 Enjoy!

[@leifg9050]

I want to like this video but don't want to break the 420 likes. Subscribed instead.

[@s.weyerhaeuser7000]

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