teenage engineering OP-1 Portable Synthesizer
MPN's:
A wonderful synthesizer
I am not a musician but I want to learn music and I am interested by electronic music. The OP-1 fulfill many prerequisite I had in mind. I used to own a keyboard controller; but that needed to be connected to a computer to make sound. Granted, the computer gives access for the same money to a wider range of virtual musical instruments. One of the biggest advantage is its power in a greatly mobile format. No need for a computer, power supply, desk... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Toy or Professional Music Machine? Both - and neither.
It's a testament to the success of the OP-1 that 4+ years after its release, it still holds its value on the used market and people are still flocking to it. So right off the bat, you know you're dealing with a special kind of instrument. First, the things I find frustrating. As many have stated, the output is very noisy when the USB connection is hooked up. There are ways to lessen that noise, but it is there, no doubt about it. Also, (and this ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Unique... and a lot of fun.
Ive had the OP-1 for about two weeks now, and Im still learning how to use it, but so far its been remarkable. Theres a lot you can do with this tiny piece of hardware. There are limitations, too. You really have to be open to accepting a totally different workflow for this. But the more you learn, the more your creative juices move in different directions. The sounds Im getting so far from just experimenting and noodling around are surprising an... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
very pliable
I originally scoffed at this instrument when a friend first showed it to me a year or two ago, but in the past two weeks since I have had it I am completely convinced that it is so much more than a toy. The interface is intuitive and logical. All of the functions are one or two button taps away, and almost everything is pliable. The limitations (4 record and playback tracks) are hardly noticeable, as almost every other parameter is adjustable - a... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great little synth if you can afford it
I love using the OP-1 to sketch out ideas, even if they don't pan out. The synths are interesting and somewhat force you to get creative. You'll find yourself making new styles of music and really enjoying where this thing takes you. What makes the OP-1 great is also a drawback, the synth engines aren't too deep so you have to make due with what you have. That is what inspires your creativity but also sometimes leaves you wanting a bit more. The ... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Far From a Toy
I've tried to get into digital music production many times over the years but ultimately couldn't stay engaged working with software DAWs. While this little unit has it's limitations, I feel that they help me stay focused on the creative process rather than spending time mucking about with finding the right sound for a melody or drum loop. The portability also lends itself to the creative process very nicely and I've found myself bringing it to w... Show More
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Flexibility within limits = creativity
The OP-1 and its tape metaphor allow you to work in a variety of genres: ambient, techno, experimental ... all are possible depending on how you use the machine. Several different sequencers give lots of flexibility about how you work with rhythm. Of course you can also play freely on the keyboard and record onto the tape. Tracks can be mixed on the OP-1 or lifted into a DAW for further polishing and production. An incredibly useful musical tool that's built like a tank.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
THE BEST OF THE WORST DEVICE
The in- and outputs aren't of the greatest quality, something that you especially notice when connecting some low-impedance headphones or when tracking out your OP-1 in a DAW. You can be confronted with an audible (LOUD) noise level (think of a HD noise in a laptop output) or clicks and pops at times. I bought it for making music and now I cant do any music because of this NOISY OUTPUT.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Great synthesizer!
I bought this for my son as a birthday gift and he was absolutely psyched! He has immediately begun composing music with his OP-1 and enjoys using it to its full potential. Great synthesizer albeit a bit expensive but it was worth the satisfaction of seeing my son enjoy using it.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Pure Heaven
I've wanted an op-1 for over a year and it has lived up to every expectation and then some. And I feel like I haven't even scratched the surface of what it can do. It's my first hardware synth and I couldn't be happier. It just begs me to design sounds and write melodies.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Sounds Grrrrrrreat!
Such an amazing tool/toy. The best engineering for the price. Looking forward to hours of fun jamming and some serious sound production. The only thing I would say is it should have more free memory, other than that its PERFECT.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Snaps tightly on and keeps dust off
It is clear hard plastic and fits perfectly on the device. Once applied it sticks, securing the device against dust. As it is only on the top, this is not securing the bottom or the side contacts.
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
Amazing gear - 21st century synth
This thing is fantastic. Gave to my boss (yes - I'm a kick-butt employee), and he loves it!
Reviewed on B&H Photo Video
