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noSkillz « A unique instrument »
Published on 08/05/11 at 04:20As for the specifications, everything has already been brilliantly detailed by Infracid, therefore I won't say more about it. Note that I just received my OP-1, so this is a fresh opinion after a sleepless messing with it. I will return to flesh out my feelings as I use this beast.
UTILIZATION
Editing sounds and effects architecture is ultra-easy, you can't imagine an easier process: each editable parameter is displayed on the screen with the color of the corresponding knob. Simply identify the color and turn the knob!
Playing a sound while modifying it can be done by playing notes on the keyboard of course, but it's even more handy to program notes in one of three available sequencers and start the loop. It is very practical because you can then focus only on the parameters.
The manual in English, only available online (https://www.teenageengineering.com/library), is very clear. I've checked it to understand how the tape works, especially tape manipulation (Lift, Drop, Split). At first, you wonder just what you're doing, but it's a good experience: after some trial and error, you soon realize how it works and get used to it.
The ergonomics of this machine is a crazy thing. I don't know how long the TEam has been working on the development, but it is truly amazing. I put very little time to get my bearings to switch between the pages of each module (synthesizer, drums, tape). The "Help" button is available at any time so you know which button you're pushing.
SOUNDS
Again, I won't come back into the synthesis and effects, my friend Infracid described them very well.
The velocity is not taken into account. You can easily work around this limitation by recording several takes, setting the appropriate recording level each time.
The factory sounds are numerous and varied, and 8 synthesis engines are more than enough to get what you want - or not, and it's even better: you grope around and edit sounds randomly, it's ultra-creative.
The tape is excellent in sound but also visually speaking. As I wrote above, it requires an adjustment period, but you eventually master it rather quickly.
The accelerometer (G-force sensor) is an additional factor of creativity. Starting from a random preset I tweaked for a few minutes, I found myself with a pad sound, to which I added a delay. I then switched the LFO, controlled by the accelerometer, assigned to the pitch. I played one note and another in the fifth, while steering slowly OP-1. Then I added another note, slowly reduced the OP-1 in the horizontal ... The result is guaranteed.
OVERALL OPINION
I'm using the OP-1 since just one day, and I love it! It's a real pocket (or rather backpack) studio, a Swiss army knife of synthesis, an upgradeable drum machine, an ultra-creative tool ... You won't explore it fully within just a few hours!
I'll quote Shamaniaq on the OhPeeWon forum: "The OP-1 uses ADDICTIVE SYNTHESIS!"
I've been making music on a computer with a master keyboard for years. The OP-1 has that extra something that adds a fun and experimental side... You start exploring without necessarily knowing where you're going; you discover, try, grope, fail, and sequence... There's a magical, unknown, random aspect. It has its limitations, but they lead you to creativity.
This is truly a unique instrument!
UTILIZATION
Editing sounds and effects architecture is ultra-easy, you can't imagine an easier process: each editable parameter is displayed on the screen with the color of the corresponding knob. Simply identify the color and turn the knob!
Playing a sound while modifying it can be done by playing notes on the keyboard of course, but it's even more handy to program notes in one of three available sequencers and start the loop. It is very practical because you can then focus only on the parameters.
The manual in English, only available online (https://www.teenageengineering.com/library), is very clear. I've checked it to understand how the tape works, especially tape manipulation (Lift, Drop, Split). At first, you wonder just what you're doing, but it's a good experience: after some trial and error, you soon realize how it works and get used to it.
The ergonomics of this machine is a crazy thing. I don't know how long the TEam has been working on the development, but it is truly amazing. I put very little time to get my bearings to switch between the pages of each module (synthesizer, drums, tape). The "Help" button is available at any time so you know which button you're pushing.
SOUNDS
Again, I won't come back into the synthesis and effects, my friend Infracid described them very well.
The velocity is not taken into account. You can easily work around this limitation by recording several takes, setting the appropriate recording level each time.
The factory sounds are numerous and varied, and 8 synthesis engines are more than enough to get what you want - or not, and it's even better: you grope around and edit sounds randomly, it's ultra-creative.
The tape is excellent in sound but also visually speaking. As I wrote above, it requires an adjustment period, but you eventually master it rather quickly.
The accelerometer (G-force sensor) is an additional factor of creativity. Starting from a random preset I tweaked for a few minutes, I found myself with a pad sound, to which I added a delay. I then switched the LFO, controlled by the accelerometer, assigned to the pitch. I played one note and another in the fifth, while steering slowly OP-1. Then I added another note, slowly reduced the OP-1 in the horizontal ... The result is guaranteed.
OVERALL OPINION
I'm using the OP-1 since just one day, and I love it! It's a real pocket (or rather backpack) studio, a Swiss army knife of synthesis, an upgradeable drum machine, an ultra-creative tool ... You won't explore it fully within just a few hours!
I'll quote Shamaniaq on the OhPeeWon forum: "The OP-1 uses ADDICTIVE SYNTHESIS!"
I've been making music on a computer with a master keyboard for years. The OP-1 has that extra something that adds a fun and experimental side... You start exploring without necessarily knowing where you're going; you discover, try, grope, fail, and sequence... There's a magical, unknown, random aspect. It has its limitations, but they lead you to creativity.
This is truly a unique instrument!