Review: OP-1 FIELD vs. a laptop, the OG OP-1, and MPC/Maschine/etc

Hi! A quick update, TE has released quite a few updates addressing some of the cons in my video (not the price though...), including the time/memory limits on cut (lift) and paste, per tape mixer settings (though not all settings), the hiccups when swapping tracks during playback and a few others
You know what is worth it? A whole bunch of electronic music ideas, tips and tricks in my In-Complete Book on Patreon:
► Patreon: / loopop
Check Teenage Engineering OP-1 prices here (affiliate links help the channel regardless of what you buy):
USED:
► OG-OP-1 on reverb: reverb.grsm.io/op-1-og
► OP-1 Field on reverb: reverb.grsm.io/OP-1-Field
NEW:
► Amazon: amzn.to/3wqO4NY
► Perfect Circuit: OG OP-1: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
► Perfect Circuit: OP-1 Field: link.perfectcircuit.com/t/v1/...
► Thomann: www.thomann.de/intl/teenage_e...
Other gear in the video:
► XKEY Air 37
Other places I hang out:
► Instagram: / loopopmusic
► Tiktok: / loopopmusic
► Facebook: / loopopmusic
► Twitter: / loopopmusic
► Web: loopopmusic.com
My music:
► Bandcamp: loopop.bandcamp.com
► Spotify: bit.ly/LoopopOnSpotify
► Apple Music: bit.ly/LoopopOnAppleMusic
TIMELINE:
0:00 Intro
1:10 vs laptop
2:50 vs OG OP-1
4:00 Storage
7:00 Stereo
9:30 New in samples
11:30 New synth
12:30 New reverb
13:05 Screen & UX
16:00 Audio quality
20:50 Tape styles
26:00 Hold “sequencer”
26:45 Connectivity
28:55 Velocity “LFO”
29:35 Speakers
30:45 Misc
31:20 vs MPC/etc
31:55 No MIDI tracks
34:20 Only 4 tracks
34:30 Multitimbrality
35:20 Power v simplicity
36:30 Summary
37:30 My wishlist
40:25 Outro
Submit review and video ideas here (sorry I don’t offer 1x1 sessions/setup/purchasing advice):
► Ziv (at) loopopmusic.com
NOTE: Occasionally I’ll try out affiliate marketing and include affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission when you click on or make purchases via affiliate links to stores like Amazon, Sweetwater, Thomann and others. The content of this clip is entirely my opinion, and was not paid for or dictated in any way by the company creating the gear. Without addressing the particulars of products shown here as they might be under NDA, gear shown on this channel may be either sent by the manufacturer, on loan for review or bought at a discount.

[@loopop]

Hi! A quick update, TE has released quite a few updates addressing some of the cons in my video (not the price though...), including the time/memory limits on cut (lift) and paste, per tape mixer settings (though not all settings), the hiccups when swapping tracks during playback and a few others

[@P-S-T]

What do you think of the latest update?

[@Aiimy]

Did they fix the issue of file playback when swapping between different files? It would be nice if they fixed that for live performance purposes

[@sebastienbarre]

@@Aiimywhat do you mean by “file”?

[@ScottWozniak]

I feel like Casio could make a product like this, call it the SK-40 (the SK-1 will be 40 years old in 2025) price it at $349 and it would sell like hotcakes. There's a lot of love for the SK series. They need to celebrate it! ❤

[@ScottWozniak]

@@defcreator187 Pass on my suggestion!

[@jackpijjin4088]

The OP-1 is inspired by the VL-1 design-wise, and Casio shouldn't have a problem bringing the VL moniker back... ;)

[@tron944]

8bit sampling

[@mikenoface]

@@defcreator187 I have designs for this I'd love to share with execs at Casio.

[@Goettel]

@@defcreator187 calculators and vibrators make the world.

[@ToyKeeper]

I spent years trying to make songs with my OP-1, and eventually had to admit it just doesn't do what I need. It's good at quick rough sketches, but the farther I tried to go past that point, the more it got in my way instead of helping. So I'd end up filling the tape with short ideas, dump them to a computer to free up space, and then never touch them again. Over time it turned into a whole graveyard of tape dumps. So eventually, for about the same price as an OP-1f with TE leather case, I got an Akai Force _and_ a Sequential Pro 3... and both have been fantastic -- for the entire musical process from a rough idea to a finished song.

[@GreenHoleSun]

I can give you an (unrequested) hint. With the latest firmware update you can export the 4 tracks of the op-1 as separare audio files to your DAW. If you need them converted in midi files (as I do), you can use the appropriate function (in ableton live, tipically, right click on the audio clip and choose "convert harmony or melody to new midi track". Then you can start to work seriously on the sketches that you have taken on the go.

[@ToyKeeper]

@@GreenHoleSun Yes, those track exports are the tape dumps I was referring to. I'm aware of how to use them in a DAW... but then I'm not using the OP-1 any more, I'm using a computer -- which is precisely the problem. I got into hardware so I could get away from the computer... but the OP-1 kept pushing me to go back to the computer. So I stopped using my OP-1, and bought hardware which doesn't have that problem.

[@GreenHoleSun]

@@ToyKeeper I understand your point of view. I don't want to defend the op-1 and the op1-field least of all: I only want to point out that the op-1 has 3 pros: the portability, the intuitive ergonomics and even its limitations that, in a world that is becoming more and more complex, may help to focus on the essential. It's not meant to be a professional tool (even if somebody have used it in this way)...as you said, it is a sketchbook. At the end, it's all about the personal workflow that each of us develop. Personally I tend to prefer a good mini midi keyboard (oxygen pro mini, in my case) coupled with a12 inch laptop with ableton live...everything accomodate in a backpack and nothing more is necessary.

[@ToyKeeper]

@@GreenHoleSun Yup, a notebook and a midi keyboard are a fantastic way to make music, for people who like it. Very powerful, and also relatively cheap. What I was saying, though, is that what you proposed as a solution was ... exactly the problem I was trying to get away from. It's like, imagine I said I don't like the city because it's so noisy that I need earplugs, so I moved somewhere quiet where I'm much happier. Then someone gives me a helpful hint that earplugs exist.

[@mikemeengs5720]

I feel the same way about my Keystep Pro.

[@nielshulgard3722]

Thanks a lot for the video and for adressing such a multitude of questions, much appreciated!

[@gz625]

I WAS WAITING SO LONG AND NOW IT'S HERE. THANK YOU LOOPOP!

[@darwiniandude]

By far thge best overview I've seen so far. Well done.

[@Hexxedtone]

Genuine and honest review and good information for once. Hard to find a good channel about all these toys. Thanks!

[@visisydandthevoid]

For 800$,.. I would possibly buy one. They're beyond ridiculous with their pricing on these. Great review as always sir

[@jackpijjin4088]

For real though. The original should have been no more than $500 as it was. I love the idea of the device, but the 'limitations' (tape sequencer, limited saved params) and fact that it's basically an Apple keyboard with a Raspberry Pi inside just make the pricing absolutely asinine. TE's haughty elitist demeanor also sours things but for different reasons.

[@opart]

@@jackpijjin4088 this comes up over and over... TE is a tiny company that produces smaller batches of custom produced devices. They have a cheap stuff too - PO series are fantastic. It is what it is, but they cannot compete in prices with huge companies that use already existing components.

[@AveragePicker]

@@opart There are a lot of tiny companies out there with small batch runs but the price doesn't jump so dramatically. 1010music is...less than 25 people? (More or less from what I info I could pull up.) TE listed at 71 as of 2021. It is very aesthetically pleasing, though it feels a bit like they've taken heavy inspiration from Apple, but for what it is...the "small company" or "it's boutique" just doesn't hold up for the price. Maybe they are going for exclusivity, which is fine, but that's about the only way you can really explain their pricing. . ...Now it did get me into looking at DIY raspberry pi options, so I guess that's something.

[@Kdkjdjewerdnxa]

@@jackpijjin4088 it launched at 799 and people said it was overpriced, 2000 is definitely overpriced.

[@opart]

​@@AveragePicker you are comparing cnc machined aluminium case with injection molding plastic case, and generic simple knobs with custom knobs w/ multiple parts. Every little thing counts, so its pretty easy to see where the price is coming from. Just a bit tiring to hear people bashing the price - clearly then the product is good, since everybody is talking about it ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ . Also, you just partially answered your question - it's easier to have cheaper prices with 25 people on staff, VS 70+ people. I imagine their inspiration is more from Dieter Rams, looking at the decks and the ikea collab they did.

[@hovermotion]

What a great comparison superb video and production, as always a Pleasure to watch ..

[@SynthD]

2 grand?! That’s a punch in the gut. Edit: Honestly at this price point get a MacBook Air M2 and a Midi controller. Garage band is free.

[@loopop]

yep I mention this option in the video, and way less than an M2 Air will do

[@hans5077]

So you dig Garage Band?

[@SynthD]

@@loopop yes, I use a Mac Mini and it does just fine. A MacBook Air M1 would suffice if you want better portability. However, if you’re willing to blow $2000 MacBook Air M2 has a DAC built in.

[@TheNormalUniverse]

I agree so strongly about seeing the waveforms! Thanks for the awesome video

[@P-S-T]

Thanks for the video! I agree with you with the Undo and the Tape icon takes up to much space. I would also add better management of snapshots (overwrite/delete) and ability to save sequences.

[@pcuimac]

I sold my OP-1 a long time ago for 650€. I bought a mint MC-707 for 750€. I am happy. The End.

[@phelper4554]

At this price tag I will wait for the Behringer Op-1 😅

[@elsantoproductora]

It would be great to be able to choose between 4 stereo and 8 mono tracks. Undo is a must in 2022. I would also love a simple step sequencer with quantizable live recording

[@vurnt22]

The OP-1 has always been more a piece of Industrial Audio Art than a “practical” “tool”. I have found a place for it in my music making. I generally find it a great way to create weird layered loops, sound design bits and ambiences that I export as cells for longer pieces I work on in Ableton. I don’t think they sound identical- the Field sounds are much cleaner & have more headroom than the original. I hope that Teenage Engineering implement Loopop’s thoughtful suggestions in coming updates. OP-1 has never been for everyone. Nothing is.

[@davidjazay9248]

I use my iPad and iPhone in that fashion. Personally, I could not justify the price point of an OP-1. But they sure look nice and are probably fun to use.

[@pommedapi3847]

David which Apps on iPad can you recommend to have fun with ? Thanks!

[@The_Eldest_Millenial]

The OP-1, from any sort of production standpoint, is a terrible product. It has awful design, awful UI, terrible team management on it's continuing development, non-existent marketing...I could go on but why? I've never understood why we support companies like this... This product is, and always has been, 100% hype. If KZbin didn't exist, nether would the OP-1, for all intents and purposes.

[@vinniethechin5230]

@@pommedapi3847 Try korg gadget

[@truthbydesign5146]

@@vinniethechin5230 or standalone Drambo, hosting Loopy Pro, Sugar Bytes, Tal-U-No-Lx, Unfiltered Audio and Zeeon AUV3 plugins. I love Gadget but that collection will get you further than nearly any standalone hardware on the market .... especially the Elektrons or OP1 .. Sugar Bytes plugins remind me of the playful OP1 device interfaces, but 100x more powerful -- and Drambo is simply the best software groove box on the planet, running circles around Elektron sequencers. . Loopy Pro to emulate the experience of OP1s tape machines, with Unfiltered Audio plugins added for realistic tape/vinyl noise/compression.

[@Frakaphoto]

there is no better tool on earth you can put in your bag and have fun to build something in hollidays. Deluge is big, computer are ugly boring, Rolland stop after 3 hours and you need 3. It look like art, build like dream and it is just unique like fun on earth. TE build a fun tool you can carry everywhere and play during 24h…. thanks TE

[@edwinjack]

My christmas gift ....Can't wait !!!!

[@joegrant413]

Great review, and really appreciate how you compared the platforms. Sometime the biggest question is WHAT did you actually end up using? And I agree it's more appealing to grab my OG OP-1 for a few minutes in the car or other random places, than it is my iPhone, iPad, or certainly my laptop. Fun is a key "feature". FWIW, once you get past the overall learning curve and thoroughly learn the Tape, you'll know if the OP1 suits your style for quick creative sketches.

[@pupation]

Terrific video, as always. I'm sure there are people that are super excited for the OP-1 FIELD. It's cool, fun, and highly portable. Personally, the price point is a killer. It's just that for the same money, you could get so much more bang for your buck. When I travel, generally I take a laptop and a small keyboard. That setup is enough for sketching out ideas, and when I get back to the studio, I already have the tracks in my DAW of choice.

[@MRunar007]

the price at 400§ is ok ish, more than that is just silly

[@666cheme]

Your videos are awesome. Thanks for doin what you do

[@donit.]

i mean if it wasnt for that price it would be cool, but since it costs more than my computer, laptop, headphones, audio interface, midi controller, microphone and guitar together i mean oof. even the 15$ fl studio mobile is more capable than this

[@RikMaxSpeed]

Great video, much appreciated, and the OP-1 has clearly been much improved, but i’ll wait for the price to drop by at least 50% first! 😜

[@mauadachi]

Oh no, the swapping tracks hiccup still there, thats totally a let down on both versions and always caught me when using it live. The way the different tapes behave just on recorded material doesn't make sense at all IMO. And your wishlist is spot on! Great content as usual ✌️

[@darwiniandude]

The 'hiccup' is actually the solo function. Holding a track button solos that track. If you're playing tracks 1-3 live and you want to record to track 4, just press 123 all together - no hiccup. Then while holding also press track 4. No hiccup. Track 4 is now selected. And release. There is a knack to it and it's easier if you don't have 4 tracks playing already, but in a live situation you may want to silence a couple of tracks for a break down by soloing before adding somehting else anyway, just hold in the most important tracks eg drums and lead then tap your new track to select it.

[@ryanjones5803]

The GAS was real for this but having recently got myself a M8 Tracker, I think that should be more than enough for my portable music fun box requirements! And at a fraction of the cost too…

[@noisehead]

ye was thinking the same!

[@droussel7359]

I played with headless for the past 3 months and just received my real M8 yesterday. The workflow is totally different but it is totally awesome and very powerful. I'd still want to try out an OP-1 because I think I'd love it, but there is just no way I'll pay this much for one. My MacBook with Logic cost me about the same, it's just insane.

[@ryanjones5803]

@@droussel7359 I tried out the headless briefly and oddly didn’t get on with it! But I knew I liked trackers having had the Polyend for a while and so far the M8 is clicking nicely. I’ve owned the OP1 a couple of times. A lot of my gripes have been “fixed” but it’s def bars o see past the asking price. It can be found for c20% off RRP in the UK but even at £1,600 it’s a tough sell. Wonderful hardware though and you can get a great vibe off the workflow for sure.

[@kostoglotow]

@@droussel7359 actually a great comparison. price of a macbook incl. logic pro x. let that sink in. - "bUt iT CAn sAMplE tH3 raD!o" smh...

[@rorz999]

The M8 is king!

[@Randuski]

For me the biggest thing is the new synth and the reverb. Obviously many other things are important, but the op1 has always been an experiment kinda thing. Where you don't sit down with a sound in mind, and then make the sound. The controls make it kind of a weird exploration and you create something you couldn't imagine. But the new synth is a standard synth that's easy to understand, so if you need a specific synth sound, you can make it pretty easily in the new synth engine. That, and a more standard reverb is really helpful.

[@Usul]

I chose to get a Dirtywave M8 and OMX-27. I find these two more engaging, interesting, and fun than the OP-1. Total price? $735. Added Elektron Syntakt for home jamming, total: $1,734. Took SO out for sushi to apologize for spending all our money on more synths, grand total: $1,884. Figure I saved about $100 over the OP-1 Field.

[@rorz999]

Dirtywave M8 is like a thousand times better than the OP-1 (field version or otherwise). Good choice, fellow M8 owner 👊🏻

[@robinr22]

How do you use the OMX-7? I'm struggling to see how I'd incorporate a midi controller into my M8 workflow.

[@pthex_]

proper setup

[@Usul]

@@pthex_ Best part was that I didn't have to sleep on the couch for a weekend. I've given Teenage Engineering my last dollar. The OP-1 Field probably looks great on the table at GNAR in Telluride while sharing organic tacos with Toby Maguire. At least, that was before they got shut down by the pandemic people when they suddenly became allergic to mountain towns. Or tacos. Or Toby Maguire. Maybe all three. Either way, I'm pretty sure they pitched in with the roomies to fund a full line-up of TE gear and fashion trends. Gotta show off the new tat and beard trim. Don't forget the almond milk.

[@pthex_]

@@Usul ryan you legend, this made my day:D

[@davidallred991]

Amazing review as always. You really have perfected your craft and I enjoy watching them even on gear I have no intention of owning. I personally feel the OP1 field is way over priced when compared to other gear, but then again I buy Strymon pedals, so to each their own on where to overpay for music gear. The form factor is still by far its biggest selling point. I have an MPC Live 2 and while yes it is portable, it is a big item to lug around and not something I wouldn't ever use as "portable". just something I can take to use at destinations. While I will never buy one of these, it still is cool, and if someone ever gave me one, I am sure I would love it, I just wouldn't buy one.

[@Steril707]

Had the first one for a year. Cost me 700 Euros back then, bought it in the black friday sale of 2011 if I remember correctly. Sold it again because basically I could do everything I did with that thing with my Octatrack and a JX Sound module, a setup I already owned. Plus being usable over Midi, so I could integrate everything in studio setup. Which you cannot do with the OP-1. It was a fun ride, but in the end I was fine with selling it. It just didn't have enough to offer for the price. And with a frigging 2000 Euros as a price, this is completely in crazy territory now.

[@uhu4677]

I can totally understand the appeal of such a device. However I expected something around 300€, not 2000€. It's just way too expensive. I would much rather buy a Dirtywave M8 for a quarter of that price.

[@dep1001]

True! Or a Synthstrom Deluge for half the price.

[@neuzethmusic131]

Already spent 2K Euros in the last 2 months... Plot twist: On a full 6U/84HP Eurorack modular, an Erica Synths case included. 4 VCOs, 3 VCFs and some utility and effects modules from nameable brands like Make Noise and Mutable Instruments and others. And I have the best of times making music with it. But I don't hate TE for their products.

[@Ipsissimus]

The OP stands for Over Priced.

[@robertjamesonmusic]

Nah, they’re incredible

[@TSHGTheStrawHatGhost]

@@robertjamesonmusic still overpriced

[@Robinho5611]

price is defined by supply and demand folks

[@Salvolama]

😄😄😄

[@kitespongan]

Y’all remember when the original OP-1 retailed around $799 when it first came out??! People thought that was overpriced! I think I’ll always have an OP-1… till the day I die! 😂

[@novicabozunovich]

Great video!

[@dankeplace]

It's a lot of money for what I consider very little in return. People will still buy it though and that's all that matters, is it for me? Well I never bought the 1st one so no. Doing a break down like this helps people who are considering one or already have the older one and want to upgrade or just want to see a comparison. Thx for your efforts. xD

[@surrealchemist]

I wish elektron would make a little device with built in battery that you can cart around and jam on. I keep browsing for used old models and they cost more than it used to sell for new, which is crazy. They increased the retail on the old model instead of making it more affordable. I guess they want to keep selling the OP-Z which I might also be interested if they just dropped the price a bit.

[@paulburkhart2619]

Great overview! Excited to see whether any of y(our) wishlist items make it to the next firmware update. The OP-1 is my favorite tool for sketching out ideas anywhere. To me, it feels much better than an iPad and is infinitely more inspiring. I have a MPC One for more complex sequencing and layering, the difference is I ALWAYS feel compelled to use the OP-1.

[@j4s0n67]

Ngl the thing I loveeeee about thee op1 is the keys feels satisfying af

[@the_cursor]

That display is so much better than I first thought but I'll stick with my OG since I got it new for almost half the price of the OP-1 field. Great review, though.

[@krazywabbit]

This is not for me and that is ok. I am not a professional and would fail hard and needing to redo takes. I can also do what I need on the iPad. But it is for someone else and they will enjoy it. End of the day, if the gear helps you put out content that makes you happy, that is the biggest pro.

[@earlsfield]

OG OP1 came out in a time of plugin and computer saturation, endless sessions with zillion channels and sends, plugs synths and samplers, that would never be mixed. People were hoarding plugins, just to have VST/AU folder loaded with plugs they will never use. And in that climate, TE saw a chance. Already, stuff like NI Maschine and similar were made to kinda cut down options and try to make portable workstations affordable, and the appeal was obvious - you commit to 4 tracks, you can bring it anywhere, you can sketch tracks on train or plane, or in a park (although I never did that, too much of a studio rat nd not a hypster). So, instead of understanding that it is a new age, TE comes up with minor upgrades - sorry, these are all minor, there is nothing fundamentally different except maybe stereo. Memory, battery, 10 years later, this is just mandatory upgrade ofhardware. And as far as I am concerned, I never felt so differently about the two incarnations of the same/similar machine - i loved original OP, as when I got it, it really inspired me, I already was trying to work on my Maschine without using a computer - at least not to look at the screen, but focus on the workstation (at least when working on my own music, clients still needed multi screens). I think the way these machines work, limitations, everything feels so lazy. When you add T6 to it, for 3 k pounds, you can buy a killer poly synth, or whatever you want. I cant justify this except for the hipster wallet. Oh btw, "no one should pay 1000£ for their op", right, TE?

[@xorshidjomjomeh80]

dear loopop great demo/tutorial as always the OG op-1 and the op-1 field are just great instruments, I love my OG op-1 I've been using it for about 6 years now, and It has never been anything but a joyful experience, I believe that many people mistake the playful UI design of the TE instruments with them being toys nothing could be further from the truth in my opinion I've used the op-1 and the op-z both for many serious projects throughout the years to the extent that the people who I was working for couldn't believe that the sounds they were hearing were coming from the op-1 tbh if I had the money to buy the field products (TX-6 & OP-1f) I would buy them both thank you again for your honest reviews 🙏😊✌

[@dans.8198]

I think the biggest limitation has always been the lack of expression due to switch keys (no velocity and no aftertouch).

[@P-S-T]

Did you see/try the latest firmware that gives OP1F velocity sensivity?

[@dans.8198]

@@P-S-T No, I only have the first OP-1 version (the “cheap” one) which has not been updated with this feature. I have seen a few videos and velocity seems to work nicely. Great news. Are they using the accelerometer?

[@P-S-T]

@@dans.8198 I believe so. It’s great!

[@anthonytalley55]

Thanks Buddy 😎

[@henninghoefer]

40:10 The OG OP-1 does the same: It's because pressing a track button during playback solos that track (while the button is pressed).

[@Goettel]

The question for me is if either is worth it for my lifestyle. I rarely fly, take public transport or feel the need to make music away from the home studio other than actually playing an instrument. So at either price, for such a limiting tool, it's a hard no.

[@GO-tq6hs]

If you play live a lot it can be worth it (for an original one around $800), but yeah if you don't travel a lot it's definitely not worth it.

[@tubeMonger]

I like watching these videos. Both definitely look and sound good. Thanks for thoroughly comparing these two devices. I wonder how well the battery still holds on the older OP-1s and can a new battery be installed if needed? But but but... I know I would feel guilty buying more gear without being able to arrange more time so I will choose to have the new display retrofitted for my Deluge.

[@zbsfm]

Most of the old op-1s batteries are still fine, and yes they can be replaced.

[@nvrmor023]

Deluge isnt that much bigger, just as portable, half the price, does x100 times more.

[@JohnTrasher]

Deluge is my main brain as well

[@ildafons]

Yeah I was about to say that. Deluge is really small in reality.

[@alamunez]

The issue with the Deluge for me is that they only sell it out of New Zealand. I’ve been tempted to buy one for years, but I don’t want to have to ship it halfway across the globe to have it fixed if there happens to be anything wrong with it.

[@alamunez]

@@stephanrewind Yes, that’s what I mean. The hassle of having to send a package back and forth across the world, with all the shipping fees, waiting times, import taxes, etc. I find it hard to believe Synthstrom is unable to find any resellers across the globe, so I don’t understand why they insist on being the only seller. I would own a Deluge if I could buy one on my own continent.

[@LordoftheBadgers]

@@alamunez second hand market. But in all honesty the shipping thing is no problem. That said I got mine from a place an hour from me by car. I did well seeing how the prices have gone. Wonderful machine

[@rayderrich]

Fantastic review, thank you. I would probably pay 599/699 Euro but not more for this feature set and form factor. This means I will sometimes enjoy videos but never play with this machine myself.

[@DanielStepp]

Why is it so hard for people to understand the value proposition of the OP-1? I truly don't understand. They whine on social media non-stop, that it's a toy, that it's unworthy of the price...ad infinitum. Tell me, if it were really so unimpressive then somebody would surely have copied it by now (at a more affordable price and with better features) considering how insanely popular it is. I mean it's been over a decade now. And money talks. But that hasn't happened. Not really. The Deluges and MPC Lives and M8 Trackers of the world are not true replacements for what the OP-1 offers. So why hasn't it been replicated, or bettered, at a cheaper price? It's because design and UX is extremely hard to do well, making everything work together in a harmonious way, intuitively. That has an enormous value that transcends a simple summation of the feature list. Ask Apple. It's not hype. Hype doesn't last over ten years! Is the price inflated? Sure, it could be cheaper. The Field is stupid expensive. No getting around that. But another way to look at it is TE is smart to realize they have created something unique that strikes a chord with people, and decided to price it according to what people will pay. I’m okay with that. Better that than a world where the OP-1 doesn’t exist.

[@Jerewalch]

New update released yesterday! You should be happy :)

[@atuanoiniin]

I used to have the original OP-1 and although it had a real premium product feel to it as a synth/sampler it really felt like a toy. Now this new version is even more ridiculously priced and has only some very minor improvements. It's nowhere near worth it lol.

[@pthex_]

yeah its a toy

[@atuanoiniin]

@@pthex_ So many ridiculous limitations still in this new version. Appalling. Most of these new additions are the kind of stuff that should have been a fw update for the old OP.

[@pthex_]

@@atuanoiniin 100% true

[@pthex_]

@@stephanrewind dirtywave keeping it real. same with novation and bass station. been really happy with elektron for the ”recent” firmware updates too. Thats a how you build a loyal customer base

[@GO-tq6hs]

@@stephanrewind As someone who bought the original OP-1 near launch and thought it barely justified its $800 price tag I gotta say I've liked TE less and less every year as they come out with weird gimmicky products that don't even come close to the OP-1. Then they drop the new field series at ridiculous prices after like many years of no significant updates for the OP-1 and it's like a swift kick in the balls. I legit hate this company now and hope they go out of business for basically scalping their own fans.

[@stateazure]

Got rid of my original OP-1 and bought a Dirtywave M8, best decision ever. The Field has some nice improvements, but gtfo with that price! This has nothing on the M8, except for coming with a built-in keyboard and the pretty cool Tape machine.

[@loopop]

yours are some of the best tracks I've heard made with the M8 for sure

[@stateazure]

@@loopop Thanks! I do rely on the sampler pretty heavily to get the best out of it, but it's such a great little machine.

[@MichaalHell]

worth noting is that Disc mini brings aliasing. this is especially audible if you record something high pitched and slow the tape down. Which can be a cool effect imo.

[@dmomcilovic9185]

at this price ???? I am still laughing that a handful of people may buy one.

[@hans5077]

Sold out everywhere...

[@RabRabNZ]

The main issue aside from the build quality was the lack of a decent sequencer and ability to edit anything you've recorded . And no velocity is a major wtf at that price. A great video that shows what an utter design blunder the field was.

[@elek-trick]

I may check again if Teenage Engineering ever becomes Adult Engineering (Thankfully, I'm in no hurry...).

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

It says it's capable of 'hi resolution audio' .. what does that mean? Is it PCM or FM

[@danielprovder]

Still can’t believe that bpm isn’t saved on per reel… The drum sequencing is kinda fiddly and needs a more performance oriented algo, something more immediate like Euclidean rhythms. And I agree with the undo for sure, you’re not the only one who’s overdubbed on the wrong track!

[@loopop]

I do mention this in the video - the BPM (and other tape settings) ARE saved with the reel. Glad to know I'm not the only one with the unintentional overdubs...

[@m1nnefr3d]

Holy COW! Two grand for a sort-of nineties computer keyboard (my first birds-eye view impression of the OP-1 OG) on steroids? Curious about your conclusions, mate! I'll take a closer look in the evening and update my comment later.

[@EGDmitry]

This little device is priceless if it makes you explore / make music where you normally wouldn't. For that reason I prefer guitars over pianos because I can play it while on the couch. It's exhausting to sit behind a desk.

[@ahtapotband]

Thanks for the nice review. May I ask, Without thinking the price, would you change your OG with Field?

[@loopop]

My pleasure. I mention it right at the beginning of the video - yes. But obviously it doesn't mean the ways in which it's better are worth the price difference - that's why I made this video

[@donaldpriola1807]

For $1k, I'd be all over this. But my original OP-1 cost me $722 new back in 2013. While I love the stereo capability, better tape functions, and new synth engines, it's just not worth paying nearly $1200 more. A disadvantage with the Field, and this sounds weird, is that it spells out more parameters, which takes away some of the weird randomness of the original. Good for them if they sell them--if they don't, they'll drop the price.

[@gz625]

Everyone is complaining about price but not consider inflation, covid and chip shortage.

[@donaldpriola1807]

@@gz625 I get it, for sure. But it's quite an increase from the original price. Again, I hope they do well with it.

[@MasDouc]

@@gz625 Yes that's all true but this thing is $500 masquerading as a $1300 synth

[@GO-tq6hs]

@@gz625 inflation even greatly over exaggerating it would be something like 10%, the chips they use in these aren't ones that are really in high demand, and only cost about $20 for the main CPU. Covid? I guess maybe shipping price would be a bit? That doesn't justify more than double the price, neither do the new features. Almost everything aside from the increased storage and stereo that was added here could have been a software update for the original. Storage and Stereo are definitely the two biggest selling points, but for that price? It's a joke. Not only that but the original one never dropped in price, they could have scaled up manufacturing and made it more accessible, instead they stopped making it and people scalped it up to almost $1400 to the point where TE re-released it again, but generously charging $1200 instead of the original $800. It's just exclusionary pricing, they only want customers who are rich or famous.

[@heffe4257]

@@gz625 Oh really? Because the maschine plus dropped in price.

[@mattdonald]

22:40 You can preview the tape's characteristics by press SHIFT + REC.

[@zbsfm]

he goes over that at the end of the section

[@ethermod307]

Great job as always. I would have preferred to see a comparison with an iPad which is also quite portable, and also a Digitakt. The fact that no one can ignore is that pros use an octatrack while the OP1 is on the "expensive toy" category. Portability and fun are not really serious arguments for the price point.

[@loopop]

Thanks! Not justifying the price point, but I certainly wouldn't call OP-1 and expensive toy. I indeed mention an iPad in the beginning as a viable alternative.

[@harveytherobot]

But people buy all kinds of ridiculously expensive things just for fun. Why should music equipment be any different?

[@ethermod307]

@@loopop I do think that a 10min video with making a similar track on ipad and on op1 would be a smash hit.

[@ethermod307]

@@harveytherobot Because music is an Art and people talking about equipment instead of inspiration is a shame. A waste of time really. You can be creative with 0$.

[@loopop]

@@ethermod307 you indeed can be creative with $0, but some people prefer to use instruments or tools that cost $10, $100 or $1000, not because of the cost, but because they are inspired by the environment created by their developers, and those developers deserve to be paid for their time.

[@shogunai]

They should have called themselves delusional engineering.

[@vladv5126]

I mean aren't most teenagers delusional anyway?

[@pthex_]

how they get people to buy this is impressive

[@noahsgenetics1157]

I mean It's really cool though. But damn that's 2 gas stations I have to rob.

[@briaredpath9386]

@@noahsgenetics1157Nesara/Gesara coming fairly soon,after the storm (Trafficking horror revealed )

[@paulb1953]

@@briaredpath9386 makes more sense than paying almost 2k for this toy

[@varunvarma1104]

Love the intro/outro song! Is it available on spotify?

[@loopop]

Thanks! No sorry

[@tz4601]

I just can't get over the fact that for about the same price, I could have an entire Macbook Pro. I get the attraction of hardware restraints encouraging creativity, but software restraints (no undo, no true projects, really sharp limits to things like number of FX live at one time, sequencer step counts, etc) very rarely encourage creativity in the same way. Unfortunately all these software restraints just end up making this feel more like a toy to me than a serious piece of musical gear. That's not necessarily bad, toys encourage play and hence creativity. But it's not priced like a toy. Something with the exact same feature set as the OP-1F but made by someone like Casio would probably come in at under $500 -- it just wouldn't have the Apple-style design.

[@lancepage1914]

I have a poor man's OP1. It's a Korg Microsampler. I use it mainly for lo-fi one shots, stabs, voice samples. It's even CD quality stereo sampling with 12 voice polyphony. But it's great if you don't need a synth engine.

[@LostStylus]

40:10 - this "hiccup" is a tradeoff for soloing tracks. If you hold the track button, it will solo. You can hold multiple buttons at the same time. It's been like that since 0G-1

[@loopop]

right, they should change soloing to shift + track, especially since you can use the click encoders to mute

[@a_nick_t]

Nice job @loopop

[@MarcellJjr]

Just getting the SP404 MK2 and having the original OP one I am so good with my MPC and computer Which most people have these days.

[@LostStylus]

36:52 - the only thing that beats it in a form factor is DirtyWave m8 ;) It basically made my op-1 sit on my desk most of the time

[@skipculture]

Excellent non-biased review on what is probably the most divisive piece of audio gear on the market today. In the end, it’s what the market will bear, as well as what suits an individual’s needs (such as ultra-portability). If anything, this should just serve to highly encourage competition in those markets.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Well, the market as a whole seems pretty put off by TE, at the moment … !

[@KyoshoVintageBuggys]

Can you please explain to me why such a children's keyboard with rudimentary functions costs twice as much as an Akai MPC, which can do much more?

[@alexisduffo3922]

Txs ! i'm waiting 4 the blasphemy me 2 :))

[@tendingtropic7778]

Funny how all the hate comments seem to be from people that don't own the op-1 field. Trust me, once you have it (and if you love the original), its great, and to me it worth it.

[@grapevinegrave]

I have recently purchased the Field and have no prior experience with the OG-1. It is a really capable device with cons that will kill it for a lot of folks. The major cons for me are the price, quality of keys, and lack of velocity in said keys. Really the main con here is the price because there is really no way to justify it. The device is still great for making music. With the slight exception of the M8, there is nothing on the market that comes close to what it does in such a portable package. It is really fun to use and I use it almost every day. However, this still does not justify the price. If you're new to producing music, $2000 should be going towards the essentials like headphones/monitors, a laptop, etc. Please don't blow that money on this unless you already own all that other stuff lol Edit: speaking of the Dirtywave M8, I highly suggest looking into that before considering either OP-1. I absolutely love the M8 and learning the tracker workflow isn't as difficult as it may seem.

[@noodlessoul8356]

OP-1 Field keys are velocity sensitive now with the OS update. Are the M8 keys though? (Genuine question)

[@grapevinegrave]

@@noodlessoul8356 No, the M8 keys are not velocity sensitive. However, the M8 is a fraction of the cost and you can get a velocity sensitive MIDI keyboard along with it and still spend less money than on an OP-1 field.

[@Algoritmarte]

Nice overview! ... if external direct audio recording is not needed, the MC-101 seems (I don't have an op-1) a good, and for many aspects far superior, portable alternative ...

[@droussel7359]

I had an MC-101 for a while and I personally hated it. It is very portable indeed and there are a TON of great sounds in it. But I somehow was never able to gel with it. It required a lot of menu diving on the tiny 2 lines screen and it just killed the flow for me. With that said it is very powerful and someone more dedicated and patient than me could probably do miracles with it. With all that said, at least the price is palatable and I was willing to give it a chance.

[@Algoritmarte]

@@droussel7359 yes it has a lot of menu diving, but for sketching tracks it also has a lot of quick shorcuts. In my YT channel I published some examples of its capabilities in genres other than techno/trance. Did you buy an op-1 after selling the mc? It would be interesting to hear the opinion of people that used both devices in a non superficial way.

[@droussel7359]

@@Algoritmarte I didn't buy an OP-1 as it is above what I am willing to spend for a groove box at this point. I am in Canada so the price is even crazier than in USD. I might bite the bullet in the future because I am much more productive on devices I can bring on the train or quickly grab on the couch. I just don't have enough free time or energy to deal with a big complicated setup and the OP-1, just like my M8, seems to fit the bill. But again, that price point is hard to stomach... I have an MPC One that I don't use that much though 🤔 Will check your channel though!

[@Algoritmarte]

@@droussel7359 Same feeling about the MPC-One, I have one and use it only attached to the digital piano for exercises and/or playback and recording. I have more fun with the mc. What about the M8, is it more simple/quick to sketch tracks on it, than the mc-101?

[@droussel7359]

@@Algoritmarte Well, that would depend if you gel with the tracker workflow I guess. My main gripe with the MC is that I found it pretty hard to make "songs" instead of only loops. I play guitar and studied the cello as a kid so I somehow have to "unlearn" stuff as I progress in my electronic music journey and embrace the "loop., Not sure if that makes sense! Anyway, the M8 is kind of always in song mode if you will. There is no bar limit per say and you can pile on phrases one after the other, which I find fits really well with how my brain wants to work. It is a bit like writing music in excel but I just love it. One thing I found difficult at first was coming up with melodies. I tend to need to noodle around on a keyboard to come up with something and it's not really possible to do so with the M8 only as you need to input notes one by one. It is however possible to plug a midi keyboard in and play the synth and even record the notes you play (monophonic-only). I am fine with doing things that way. Otherwise I noodle on the garageband keyboard on my phone and once I have an idea, I jump on the M8. The only other thing I find more difficult is you can't really do chords. Well, you can using the 4-OP FM synth but that kind of limit the sounds available. You can also resample internally to a new wav file and people have came up with various tips and tricks, but it will never be as simple as playing a polyphonic synth. With that said, it is definitively the box with which I have the most fun and make the most music (even if it's still crappy stuff). I got myself a Teensy 4.1 for 30 CAD and played with the free headless version for a while before ordering the real thing. That's what I'd suggest anyone who's on the fence and I'd wish it was possible to do such "try before you buy" with all devices out there. If T.E. would do a VST version of the full OP-1, I'd try it for sure and it could possibly convince me to buy it. I also have an MPC One with which I have a love-hate relationship. My main gripe with it is all my fault: I tend not to use it that much because I need to be plugged in. That's how I finally clicked that I needed a device I could grab and play with on the spot without any fuss. Basically something I can grab and play with instead of reaching out for my phone! I have kids, work, other hobbies, and I have to make do with the time I have. Anyway, very long-winded reply but hopefully it answers your question!

[@ManCalledMif]

Is there any technical reason why op1 can’t be upgraded to stereo by firmware update?

[@DoctorNemmo]

That would mean that Teenage Engineering would have to work.

[@philb9550]

They should definitely let presets and settings store by tape. That’d be great.

[@alexandrepiel]

From the portability perspective, I think the MC-101 can be comparable, with a good amount of feature as well.

[@kevinbirge2130]

If you dig it, and it inspires you-well, yeah. I would love to have one.

[@jona_KardCiv1]

This makes want a Push 3. Yes I know it doesn't exist. But one can dream.

[@EVILJAMARR]

Everyone has the same ol’ complaints about this synth and it’s so dull. It’s an amazing bit of kit and I’m very happy to have one. I get it. It’s expensive. Can we talk about something else , guys?

[@sketchaudio]

Are the Phone effects the same on both units?

[@gooneybird808]

The op 1 was my favorite thing until I got better at the daw...still want the field though

[@HOLODECK-MUSIC-PROJECT]

The Op-1 field is ridiculous (in terms of limitations, performance and price)

[@VoltageMaze]

Yes, there it is. Thanks loopop! Time to build an evidence-based op1nion. 🤠

[@Shirikatsu]

I wonder if the limitation of only being able to overdub audio as opposed to MIDI is the lack of constant computation the synth would have to do across the time span of the track length. Every playthrough would have to pass midi through the synth and effects over the entire length of the track. Either they would have to reduce the tape-length to accommodate MIDI, which would be a devastating trade-off, or they would have to vastly increase the power of the on-board processing unit. The OP-Z solves this problem because its just a single looped sequence of 1 bar (you can simulate extensions I know) which specialises itself in a reduction of computation because whatever you sequence is what you hear. This also becomes the limitation as you can't vary your inputs over time like you can with the OP-1. I doubt that TE would ever introduce MIDI recording to the OP-1 for 2 reasons: 1. It would be prohibitive on size to add that level of computational power (they would not sacrifice the compact form factor) 2. It would make the OP-Z redundant

[@bllinstruments]

Do you know how many sample synth presets we can store on the op-1 field?

[@loopop]

No unfortunately. Their site says 500 but I don't know how that's broken down between synth sample and kits

[@Doctor-en8dj]

I do not mean to sound disrespectful, as I appreciate the work you put in, but the price makes everything about this review seem irrelevant to me. But thank you for doing it - I learned heaps about it. I just can't get past the fact that in Australia (where I am), for the same price, I could buy an MPC One, a Digitone and a TR6S, or perhaps every single Korg Volca and a Mixer, or maybe an Octatrack and a Minilogue XD, or perhaps even an SSL Six and SM7B and a heap of high quality cables, or an American Ultra Telecaster. I mean it looks like a great bit of fun, but the price is absolutely crazy for a portable sketch pad. I have no idea who would pay this and why, other than those fortunate enough to have a bit of spare cash I guess.

[@loopop]

Not offended at all - not all the videos I make are for everyone, and certainly neither is the price of OP-1 Field

[@bllinstruments]

What about clicks and pops on the tape loop ? with the OG i get some clicks and pop AFTER erase a tape, like a glitch stuck on a track, do you had any of this, on the OG or the field?

[@loopop]

I never noticed clicks and pops after erasing a tape on the OG or Field. I did notice fewer clicks on Field when looping - but it's only been with me for a few weeks

[@bllinstruments]

@@loopop thank you ! I am very surprised about the synth sampling, I thought the field was much better in terms of pitch, I remember a short video since deleted, where the sound of the OG was very bad on + or - two octaves

[@loopop]

@@bllinstruments yes that’s why I tried it - doesn’t sound bad on the OG at all

[@mattytrane]

That hiccup on changing tracks is really strange. Any idea why it works that way? Does a detriment to my primary use case for the product. Keep up the great content.

[@loopop]

Thanks! Yes, the hiccups happen because pressing a track button solos it - so it's a "feature" not a bug. For this to stop they'd need to reassign the solo to something else (like shift + track, and have the encoders mute)

[@owenfrank]

I received mine yesterday. Overpriced, but I love it. Very intuitive & a lot of fun. The only gripe I have is that the volume knob is wonky. Anyone else had this issue? It’s strange as the build quality is solid, I feel the knobs were very much an afterthought.

[@NealCaen]

the volume knob i can assure you is the same on every unit i’ve been on multiple forums that have discussed this … the volume knob is sturdy as can be and won’t have any issues.

[@nedimruacan1482]

hello, i think on 26, hold seq is not transposing but rather inverting the chord maybe.

[@dleonardrandom3416]

It’s always fascinating how people try to come up with sophisticated ways on why this device is worth the cost. This device is like Jordan’s or any other hyped shoes. It’s all hype. Now if this tiny device had the abilities of that of mpc live 2, maschine plus, Akai force etc, meaning sample time, ram, track count, poly, now you could probably justify the price. A pocket full of hype with a 100 updates, like a case, price, screen? Blah blah. I know we all sometimes get caught up in the hype, like I did with a iPhone 12. But I can honestly say, I can create better recordings, video and music with a iPhone than a op-1, field . A few plug ins and FaceTime, you’re on your way.

[@BigBadWolf..............]

Someone should make an op-1 like app for iOS. There are some that are similar but we need one that’s very close.

[@RockwellAIM65]

Mygosh the last synth I played was a white-faced Arp Odyssey. Yeah I've been busy. I should take a look at some of the newer equipment seems it's really accelerated massively the last decade or so!

[@CargoShorts7]

Hey great video! Would you recommend either of these for a guitar player who is looking to get into an all-in-one synth/portable workstation? I like the idea of the compact footprint and with the OG OP-1 being pretty reasonably priced on the used market, I'm tempted to grab one, but are the improvements of the field worth the extra $ for someone who isn't primarily a synth/keys player? Or should I not even be considering an OP at all? Thanks!

[@loopop]

Thanks for the kind words! No one can answer what would be right for you or if it's worth it - I make these long videos to help people decide but ultimately it's a personal choice of what gets you creating music

[@NealCaen]

I’m on the same boat as you, I can whole heartedly say it’s worth it … B&H has a $511 discount… order from them as I did! You have the option for stereo input as well as mono for guitars and guitar basses, using the vocoder on fully try you can record with real time effects within the Op1 field… You have the option to easily process the op1 synths with your pedals, i have multiple CBA pedals and Fairfield pedals… You can record the output of your phone straight to it if you have an iphone!!! Any sounds from the phone can be sampled with ease … It is worth it … let’s not forget … it’s extremely PORTABLE

[@CargoShorts7]

@@NealCaen Man you are seriously tempting me to spring for the Field lol. I checked B&H and didn't see that discount tho. Maybe it has ended? Do you have any experience with the original OP-1? It seems like a used one in like-new condition can be scored for around $650-$800. For that price, I think I can jump on it, but I don't want to miss out on all the features of the Field and hope I wouldn't regret going for the original. On the flip side tho, I wonder if the Field would be overkill for me as someone who has little no experience with synths? Hard to decide for sure haha

[@NealCaen]

@@CargoShorts7 If you contact support, they will give it to you trust me. But if you’re thinking about it too much i would suggest not to get it! I have no experience with the Og op-1

I don’t think anything can beat a blackbox(for 1/3rd price) for recording complex ideas on the go (or on the couch).

[@coronelsakura2841]

Or when plane is falling into the ocean

@@coronelsakura2841 this device is literally black though. But might work.