OP-XY vs OP-1 field // Which one is BETTER?

[@SONWU]

my new sample pack LØST WU is available here: 🔥🔥 ko-fi.com/s/2263e8b936 🔥🔥

[@RafaelGrigorian]

I bought my OP1 Field almost a year ago (thanks to your videos!) and I’m still loving it! I don’t record full songs and I mostly use it for sound exploration and meditation in my spare time. I paired it with Oxi One and wow that’s a one beastly combo. OP XY didn’t speak with me at all, it doesn’t have that “magic” which is okay I guess. It’s a pity though that TE kept saying that OP1 Field is the OP1 for next 10 years yet the last update we’ve seen was in May of 2024 :/

[@SONWU]

Yeah, I wonder when the OP-1 field will get an update…I assume they are busy bugfixing the OP-XY now :D

[@michaelevan9184]

This is the BEST explanation I’ve found and been looking for on both of these devices… thank you.

[@SONWU]

Thank you so much!

[@WoodyPianoShack]

Correct answer is op-z 😮

[@SONWU]

Hey, nice to see you here :) If you only need to sequence, it’s a good option…but as a sampler junkie, it’s not enough!

[@aronsin7777]

Great video! What would you say is the « reasonable » upgrade path for an OP-Z owner (with the line module)? I am hesitating between going straight to the XY or first getting a used OP-1 and replacing the OP-Z later 🤔 I do play drums, piano and guitar… So the longform is interesting to me. I could also keep the Z and splurge on the OP-1 Field. So many choices 😂

[@WoodyPianoShack]

@ i am always here, love your videos, this is surely the best comparison of these two beasts, fully agree with your analysis! nice job mate!

[@SONWU]

@@WoodyPianoShack Thank you very much 🙏

[@SONWU]

@@aronsin7777 That's a difficult one…I really am a fan of the XY, and maybe you would find it is enough on its own when you get it. However, if you want an OP-1 anyway, maybe it's best to get that one first (as used prices are already cheaper)…and then wait for the OP-XY to become a little cheaper. But that's just one way to look at it.

[@christophs.3869]

Top video man. This is something that I have been looking for in order to understand at a high level the differences in workflow between then two. ✌

[@SONWU]

Thanks!

[@LimeBath]

I like pairing it with my OG-OP1. If you click with OP-1/OP-Z/OP-XY, I find getting the sound I want to be a breeze, maybe even just because the buttons and knobs are in similar places and make sense across the line. I also appreciate how each is also standalone. So when I am working on a song, I can pick up any one of them, and play. But then they connect together with minimal fuss. People complain that TE is more a design company than anything else, but good design makes it easier to capture fleeting ideas before they disappear. Worth it for me!

[@SONWU]

Yeah, I think OG-1 + XY could be a cool combo…I was considering rebuying the OG😔

[@jasons.8125]

As someone who had only ever worked w/ drum machines or keyboard sequencers, I got the OP-1Field - without grasping, ahead of time, its tape-centric, "natural" recording concept; and it wasn't until THIS video that I FINALLY understood exactly what the -1 Field actually is! Now I get it lol! I had no idea the -XY was on the way, but now I really wish I had waited for it; because I prefer "robotic" for sure! Thanks Son Wu - I'll probably pull the -1 Field out the box and try it again; this time, with much better understanding of how to use it - and what to expect!

[@SONWU]

Thanks, glad this video helped you…even if it may have caused GAS :D

[@Modularmayhemm]

Yes, they’re both amazing. It’d be nice to see a tutorial on all the different ways you can sync the two up.

[@SONWU]

Will keep it in mind! Feel free to check my live-streams I combined them…at least a litte.

[@MRTUNA]

My thoughts after owning the field and then drooling over the xy…….. I have always loved my op-1 and I really came to terms with the tape style interface (although I still use a sequencer with it most of the time)… the XY is MUCH more the style of music I create with but I have so many interesting sequencers and gadgets to feed into the op-1 it almost seems redundant…… I still feel the XY is calling my name but it’s just for glorious bragging rights

[@SONWU]

If you already have sequencers you like, then there may not be a need for the XY. For me, it's THE sequencer.

[@Scoober222]

Thanks for the video. Both great devices. Like many of the other comments, I'd also love to see a video on some fresh and creative ways to use them both together. There are just a couple videos on KZbin showing this and they leave a lot to be desired and to me there is a lot more to explored on this front.

[@SONWU]

Will keep it in mind! Feel free to check my live-streams I combined them…at least a litte.

[@pianobryguy]

OP-1 Field’s pattern sequencer needs to support 4 or 8 bars.. that would be such a welcome improvement!

[@RambleRecordings]

I agree but it's not that hard to record Pattern 1 and then record Pattern two for a 4 bar sequence.

[@gregoryhutto1963]

For me the main difference between the two is the inspirational sound design of OP-1F. XY is just too limited for me. It’s conventional yet limited. At that point, I’d sacrifice the form factor for Digitone and Digitakt for a bit less money. Yeah, there’s no battery, and they’re bigger. But until XY gets better at being weird, it’s just way too expensive.

[@Imetalman2000]

The OP-1 is ideal for people who like to perform vs XY is more for people who like to arrange their music.

[@marquee-moon]

Fun and pithy, but ultimately too narrow a summary. For a detailed refutation of this argument, see basically the entirety of the video.

[@SONWU]

Depends what you mean by perform…playing & recording piano, then yes. If you mean live-gigs then maybe XY.

[@samprock]

Of course OP-XY for the dream sequencer! But, yes, TE, sell me OP-1f synths on OP-XY for some $$$! ❤

[@SONWU]

I wonder which engines will get added…Surely no 1:1 copies though , right? ;)

[@samprock]

@ I count for MORE new and exciting engines! I think they implied with the honey moon promise somewhere. And was joking around TE giving us 1f on XY, but it’s unlikely even for premium upgrade. But I don’t want two chocolate bars, just give me all the nuts in one 🤣

[@emillammnielsen8255]

I think there's something about music that has been created on the OP-1 that generally sounds better and more original than music that was created on the OP-XY. I theorize it's because limitations spark creativity. But It could also just be because the OP-XY has been around for less time.

[@Sinesquares]

Awesome video! I’m currently working on the same video lol! I feel like they feel the same instrument up to one point and after that they’re totally different.. Each one with its strengths 💪🤍

[@SONWU]

Haha, I have been asked one too many times and finally had to make the video. Exactly each one has its strengths!

[@NicolasMelis]

great video! thanks for the info ✌️

[@SONWU]

🙏 thanks!

[@tColorsinspacerecordings]

Have both and love both equally.

[@SONWU]

Sweet, that's good to hear!👌

[@dustyaudio]

I’d really like more sample based synth engines. Granular please! I’m sure they are busy with the XY but I hope some interesting updates come for the op1f one day

[@RambleRecordings]

Man, a granular engine on the field would be incredible. You get close by modulating the Loop In/Loop Out points on a sample to get that glitchy granular effect. But you're still working wihin a single sample instead of live, which is very limiting.

[@dustyaudio]

@@RambleRecordings ​​⁠ yes! I have tried that w/random LFO set to all for sample & loop points & some delay usually. Cool workaround but a dedicated engine would be amazing

[@Frakaphoto]

one is a performance synth, a performance instrument… the other one is a sequencer , so depending of the level of musician you are … a bit like film camera and digital one, old and new way of enjoying life, mp3 or disk…I am op1-field because I am a piano player. I will buy a XY to replace my opZ and my deluge…. Thanks TE to bring this problem: wich one ? love you ❤❤❤❤❤

[@SONWU]

I agree with you! 🙏

[@MyNameJeff..]

I love my op-1 field. And I loved the op-z, but couldn’t put up with the many I got that were warped or had other issues. Plus the synths are just not up to par. I was patiently waiting for them to release the xy, but was immediately disappointed once it dropped. It has nothing of what made the op-z magical. And it is very overpriced. I’m sick of te fan boys who have never had other gear try to justify its cost. Regardless, you have the best videos for te gear man, and you actually make dope music unlike 99% of the other youtubers that show te stuff.

[@SONWU]

Thanks! And despite disagreeing in our little discussion, I always appreciate your input :) I can understand being underwhelmed about its current state. Coming from the OP-Z I also disliked some changes they had made, but overall I am happy with it…I like finally being away from these stupid drum-kits. The encoders are one thing that I liked i. The OP-Z they felt more natural and immediate.

[@ChrisMichaelMusic]

I have been trying to identify which device is the one for me and I'm completely torn. I love the flexibility of the XY in terms of sequencing and editing (and the Brain seems like it would be amazing), but the sampling and audio recording ability of the OP1-F seems like they're too good to ignore and would be so useful in the long run. Apologies if you said this in the video, but do you feel one is a clear winner when it comes to live performances?

[@SONWU]

Live performance, I would say the XY is more powerful!

[@Gonzophysicist82]

How do they work together?

[@SONWU]

Feel free to check my live-streams I combined them…at least a litte.

[@michaeledwards4569]

So basically if you can’t perform or play an instrument get the one that does it for you?

[@SONWU]

I assume this is sarcasm?

[@michaeledwards4569]

@@SONWUnot really. Seems like the difference between a musician and someone who is good at fruity loops

[@SONWU]

@ Some people can play instruments at professional level, but have never written an original song themselves. Others create songs as their profession, but can't play an instrument… I think there is a space for both of them, and both require skill in different areas.

[@michaeledwards4569]

@@SONWUthat’s a great point. Enjoy your videos

[@SONWU]

@ Thank you very much! 🙏

[@aravartanian7578]

It needs serious firmware love. I have the latest and there are still some wild glitches and crashes. It's way too difficult to put kits together. Loading multisamples is very slow and takes you out of flow: at the very least put out some tips on how to optimize multisamples to load efficiently. At that price point you really want to be able to export stems. I doubt we'll ever get more than two effects but since EVERY composition uses delay and reverb somewhere and it's unlikely from the UI that we are getting a third, the other effects will go very underused, so that's something of a weakness.

[@SONWU]

I agree, the firmware is pretty weak so far. There needs to be improvement. The Op-1 field is more polished in that regard, and has been since launch.

[@michaelevan9184]

Combine the 2 with an NVMe swappable drive would be awesome…. They’ll never do it though.

[@SONWU]

nope

[@RobertRieser]

can the XY output Audio to an DAC over USB-C? i have not managed it

[@SONWU]

I haven't tried yet, but it should!

[@chachte]

D.h. das ein ep133 ko2 eher wie ein op xy ist als zu einem Field? Und wie groß ist dann der Unterschied zu einem opz?

[@SONWU]

KOII ist eher wie der XY (oder der OP-Z) da er auch auf einem Sequencer basiert. Allerdings ist der KO nur ein Sampler, kein Synth.

[@chachte]

Dachte ich mir. Super danke dir. Top Videos. Dann übe ich mal weiter mit meinem KO2

[@ruudvincent6078]

The design and visuals are much better and helpfull and beatiful on the OP1

[@SONWU]

TRUE!

[@fromcodex]

Read my mind with this post.

[@SONWU]

🙏

[@PSILOPHL]

BOTH !

[@SONWU]

👌

[@matthewdavis473]

Op1’s limitations are it’s strength

[@SONWU]

True

[@PSILOPHL]

wait also do you have two wives?

[@SONWU]

No, but I do have one :) (The other ring is my granddad's wedding ring)

[@davidlynch4338]

It would be amazing if TE released a box that included all the features of both these machines without all the goofy graphics and an unlimited memory…. Oh wait… Synthstrom already did. The Deluge does everything better than both these boxes put together for around $1300. Way deeper sequencer that rivals the Elektron sequencers and offers unlimited steps. It is an amazing sampler with the only sampling limitations dictated by size of the SD card. Way more I/O, stereo in/out, full size midi, cv, gate, 2 usb ports and a very good battery life. Better build quality and customer support, open source firmware and did I say $1300? Yeah… $1300. It would be great to see a comparison video between these two in a tag team match against the Deluge solo.

[@davidlynch4338]

I forgot multisample support and it is simply the best midi hardware sequencer on the market. I can’t believe the OP1 and OPXY even exist for $4000 in the same reality as the Deluge for $1300. It is almost like a bad joke.

[@boxprogramming13]

@@davidlynch4338 tried the Deluge and found it lacking. Battery life, speaker and workflow just did not work for me. To each their own.

[@christophs.3869]

@@davidlynch4338 Would you buy this combination (OPxy + OP-field) if it was $1300?

[@MRTUNA]

I get this….. **but**…. Built in mic, built in battery, built in speaker, built in fm transmitter, built in Bluetooth, and really impressive build quality and materials really do add up to something more

[@aravartanian7578]

Welcome back, Mr. Lynch from the White Lodge. I have all three and I will say I use the OP-XY the most. The tape style recording of the OP1 is too difficult, the sequencers all workarounds for what the OP XY just does naturally. As far as comparisons with the Deluge, (a) for portability, the TE little keyboards can't be beat. You can noodle and play on them much better than you can do the same on the Deluge. (b) gonna say it. The Deluge doesn't sound good. This has been endlessly litigated and speculated on, from something in the filter implementations to something in the DACs but there's a reason so much Deluge content is drowning in reverb and delay and saturation. The TE synths just sound much better.

[@el9delcielo]

Op1 all day long

[@maxxmix58]

Why not both 😊

[@SONWU]

economics 😅

[@maxxmix58]

That sound you love, priceless 🥰

[@SmallWorldBigThings]

From these two? Of course Deluge is better!

[@samprock]

are you delugeonal? 😂

[@SmallWorldBigThings]

@@samprock Absolutely!

[@aravartanian7578]

I have all three and I will say I use the OP-XY the most. The tape style recording of the OP1 is too difficult, the sequencers all workarounds for what the OP XY just does naturally. As far as comparisons with the Deluge, (a) for portability, the TE little keyboards can't be beat. You can noodle and play on them much better than you can do the same on the Deluge. (b) gonna say it. The Deluge doesn't sound good. This has been endlessly litigated and speculated on, from something in the filter implementations to something in the DACs but there's a reason so much Deluge content is drowning in reverb and delay and saturation. The TE synths just sound much better. Reply

[@SmallWorldBigThings]

@@aravartanian7578 If Deluge doesn't sound good then I would say definitely you should use XY. Stay with it. You will not find anything better for you.

[@aravartanian7578]

@@SmallWorldBigThings I've had the Deluge since the OLED update, about 3 yrs now?

[@paolofanin]

My personal opinion as an ex OP-1 FIELD user and now owner of an OP-XY. Personally I prefer the OP-XY because the tape recording workflow is not my cup you tea. What I miss is the possibility to export full songs. That said I think that the choice between the two instruments is very personal, but your video helps in getting things clear.

[@SONWU]

Yup OP-XY for too!

[@cirisirpula152]

Neither

[@SchalkerFW]

Völlig überteuert. Für das Geld bekomme ich bessere Geräte; u.a. die von Elektron

[@SONWU]

Besser, das liegt im Auge des Betrachters…aber ja, es gibt viele Optionen!

[@lastminute3668]

Dirtywave m8 is great and portable for wayyyyyy cheaper

[@SONWU]

It’s awesome! But has a very different way of operating that doesn’t suit everybody.

[@Imetalman2000]

Sorry, but some of us don’t live in the Matrix and are not fans of arranging music on tracker.

[@aravartanian7578]

Tracker's not for everyone and it will wear out your thumbs. However, it sounds GREAT.

[@lebronsinclair8012]

Neither. Dirtywave M8.

[@SONWU]

If you like the workflow on the M8, I completely agree! Functionality and design-wise it is impeccable. I just can't commit to the type of input method.

[@lebronsinclair8012]

@@SONWU I get it but it literally the easiest to use and UI just makes it so easy to navigate. I wish I knew how to get audio and video together, I’d be able to make you believe real quick. What hip hop heads don’t realize is the power of the groove tables. You can really get some “dilla time” with that thing so easily.

[@slaidmasta]

op-1 or xy price 2000-2300 , with this money you can buy digitakt2 + digitone2 and you have perfect sampler and synth ... 32 chanels

[@SONWU]

Different horses…neither of them is truly portable. And although they are both great, I prefer the OP-XY sequencer.

[@pianobryguy]

Digitakt 2 is still lacking proper sample chopping though

[@expander3710]

People always miss the most important thing about these units: best-in-class battery life. Truly portable, and no other products really compete with them in this regard.

[@curtisthacreator2231]

People always saying weird stuff do u have an opxy man i am making some amazing stuff using the opxy it’s really really good and better than the op1 imo because of the sequencer alone

[@vm1974-irkutsk]

@@SONWU sure you do, cause TE pays you

[@horaziohorazio]

I've just sold mine (XY). I will never ever buy a TE device again.

[@alexkurkin7371]

why?

[@horaziohorazio]

@@alexkurkin7371 Well... I'm not a hater. But I lost trust in the company. I feel sick having this bugy and not very deep instrument in front of me and remembering the TE guy (who wrote the manual and who should have seen all the flaws) who presented the XY on the Anderton-youtube channel. The device is funny but not for me. For what it is it's not worth the mony. It's not even worth half the money. The portability is for nothing. You will not take it with you because you're afraid you could damage it. The MPC X SE I just received is not portable. But for the price of one OP-XY (with not even ONE midi cable in the box) I got a stunning machine. I was into MPC a few years ago and now with version 3.4.1 and the X with the 16 Q-links and the large display AND the cool NI plugins I'm absolutely blown away. I once turned my back to MPC because I thought everything would be better on a PC. But I was so wrong. Funny thing: Many people are talking about how great the step sequencer of the XY is or the Elektron boxes. But I had them all and I have to say: Building a sequence with the 16 pads AND 16 qlinks of the MPC X is totally underrated. It's the best step-sequencing experience I ever had last night and I will make a video of that asap. Btw.: The MPC can export your project ;)

[@vm1974-irkutsk]

@@alexkurkin7371 overpriced stuff, half-baked firmware, quality is not good. It's a toy, not a serious device

[@LimeBath]

so dramatic about it

[@horaziohorazio]

I had a long answer to this but somebody deleted it?

[@DJchrismiller1]

Neither! It’s overpriced BS.

[@SONWU]

🥇 I was wondering when the first one would comment this :)

[@LimeBath]

And how much have you spent on your gear in total, mr. DJudge?

[@marquee-moon]

Boy it’s too bad that purchasing them was made mandatory.

[@MyNameJeff..]

@@SONWUSon son, they are absolutely overpriced. I fricken love my op-1 field, but can admit it is wayy overpriced. I will never understand why te fanboys get their women’s panties in a bunch when you legit speak the truth. Not saying you, but there are ‘dudes’ online that will have an adrenaline rush if you say te gear is overpriced.

[@MyNameJeff..]

@@marquee-moonlooking at your picture and reading some of your responses… Get your t checked. You seem like you are very high in estrogen. Like if you were 50 more pounds you would be the face for reddit.