O
There's nothing like it.
I've had it for a while, but like me and almost everybody who buys one, you will probably sell it after a while. If you keep it, it's because you're never short on money for gear and you don't expect it to sound amazing.
I regret selling it every time I travel, because in those cases it's a producers/songwriters coolest friend (laptop would still be better, but not as fun)
The main problem is that it just doesn't sound good. It's usable, but even the most basic synths for 200 euros probably sound way better.
It's a really inspiring tool, it's great fun while traveling, you'll probably write many songs on it, and then sell it, because you're not gonna use it on many recordings (no that artist you're thinking of that uses it on that one album you like does not use it all that much either).
Having said that, if you always wanted one, buy it! Because after having it a while it'll lose it's appeal and than you can finally move on to spending your money wisely, like buying that VST you need, or an amazing sounding soft synth.
I regret selling it every time I travel, because in those cases it's a producers/songwriters coolest friend (laptop would still be better, but not as fun)
The main problem is that it just doesn't sound good. It's usable, but even the most basic synths for 200 euros probably sound way better.
It's a really inspiring tool, it's great fun while traveling, you'll probably write many songs on it, and then sell it, because you're not gonna use it on many recordings (no that artist you're thinking of that uses it on that one album you like does not use it all that much either).
Having said that, if you always wanted one, buy it! Because after having it a while it'll lose it's appeal and than you can finally move on to spending your money wisely, like buying that VST you need, or an amazing sounding soft synth.
11
1
Report
M
If you're reading OP-1 reviews it might be for you
I firmly believe that there is an ill-consided, niche, very inspirational instrument for everybody out there. This was mine. I would not have made it over the initial hump of making beginner electronic (in the broader, non-acoustic, sense) music without it. It's a bit of a leap given the price, so knowing some things about yourself is useful: if you enjoy and are inspired by opinionated tech, if you prefer dialing in sounds by ear rather than understanding exactly what the synth engine does, if you know you will pick up this thing way more often if it's well-designed and well-built, if you need the focus of working away from the computer, these are some good reasons you might enjoy the OP-1. If just reading the above leaves you incredulous, you might not!
One thing I don't see mentioned in youtube reviews but that I think is key: the OP-1 doesn't have a reverb effect (as in, the humble room and hall reverbs that you don't notice until they're not there anymore). So coming in from a lot of genres it will sound off, especially drums. If you love everything about it, but the sounds don't quite click for you, I recommend trying it out with a simple room reverb (e.g. through your DAW).
One thing I don't see mentioned in youtube reviews but that I think is key: the OP-1 doesn't have a reverb effect (as in, the humble room and hall reverbs that you don't notice until they're not there anymore). So coming in from a lot of genres it will sound off, especially drums. If you love everything about it, but the sounds don't quite click for you, I recommend trying it out with a simple room reverb (e.g. through your DAW).
5
0
Report
r
Op1 synth/sampler
This little Synth/sampler is quite expensive and so isn't an impulse buy.
However I believe it is worth the money as it does so much and is unlike any other sampler on the market. There is real depth to the functions and it sounds great..although the onboard speaker could be a bit better as it distorts slightly at highish volumes. There is no distortion on the headphone/line out so it's not a big problem. I have used this little beauty lot and still find it inspiring.
However I believe it is worth the money as it does so much and is unlike any other sampler on the market. There is real depth to the functions and it sounds great..although the onboard speaker could be a bit better as it distorts slightly at highish volumes. There is no distortion on the headphone/line out so it's not a big problem. I have used this little beauty lot and still find it inspiring.
4
0
Report
R
Timeless
There is no other way to say it.
I have been eyeing the OP-1 for more or less 2 years, since I first got the OP-Z. I have owned many hardware synths and software throughout my life, and there were always pluses and minuses for their features. This one here is incomparable as it stands in a category of it's own. The pure workflow of it is an invention in of itself. It's also an art piece, and call me any names you want - How things I use to create look and feel affects me plenty. Op-1 inspires ideas, and as many have mentioned, the limitations here serve a purpose.
The only two things I really would add to this incredible machine are 1) The ability to route to two of the tape tracks at once to get a stereo signal recorded from the input. 2) MIDI I/O.
Be warry though, it's not for everyone. Previously I was convinced by a majority of fellow creators that the Deluge is by far a better, more fully featured product. It is the later for sure, but personally I sold it and finally got what I really felt I needed. And I was right all along.
I have been eyeing the OP-1 for more or less 2 years, since I first got the OP-Z. I have owned many hardware synths and software throughout my life, and there were always pluses and minuses for their features. This one here is incomparable as it stands in a category of it's own. The pure workflow of it is an invention in of itself. It's also an art piece, and call me any names you want - How things I use to create look and feel affects me plenty. Op-1 inspires ideas, and as many have mentioned, the limitations here serve a purpose.
The only two things I really would add to this incredible machine are 1) The ability to route to two of the tape tracks at once to get a stereo signal recorded from the input. 2) MIDI I/O.
Be warry though, it's not for everyone. Previously I was convinced by a majority of fellow creators that the Deluge is by far a better, more fully featured product. It is the later for sure, but personally I sold it and finally got what I really felt I needed. And I was right all along.
0
0
Report
HP
It's Great, But The Debate Goes On
The OP-1 is a great piece of gear whether you use it as a sketch pad, or you actually plan to make an entire song/album with it.
So, the debate which has followed it from the very beginning... Is it worth the price?
I say yes and no. Yes, because if you research it, you want it AND you have the money to spare for it, then absolutely. However, if you are on the fence or the outlay of the cost hurts in any way, I say don't do it, simply because I do believe both the OP-1 and Field are over-priced.
With that said, the OP-1 is very close to being a unique piece of music making gear, and provides absolutely fun times. For what it can do; the OP-1 is easily the most portable instrument in today's market. However if I had to choose between the OP-1 and the Deluge, I would personally get the Deluge every time. The Deluge is more expensive, but it can do what the OP-1 can do and more, with more professional results. Yes, with a higher learning curve.
UPDATE: After one month, my unit crashed so many times. After the first 2 weeks in; I completed a new update and reset. My unit worked for 2 more weeks, then suddenly crashed with no return. I didn't want to like the OP-1; I liked it! However, for such a premium price, my unit was unstable to the point of it being completely unreliable and unusable. Thank you Thomann for your understanding, but was it really just my unit? I wish I could have piece of mine when owning an OP-1, but at this point there is absolutely no way I would trust a product from Teenage Engineering.
So, the debate which has followed it from the very beginning... Is it worth the price?
I say yes and no. Yes, because if you research it, you want it AND you have the money to spare for it, then absolutely. However, if you are on the fence or the outlay of the cost hurts in any way, I say don't do it, simply because I do believe both the OP-1 and Field are over-priced.
With that said, the OP-1 is very close to being a unique piece of music making gear, and provides absolutely fun times. For what it can do; the OP-1 is easily the most portable instrument in today's market. However if I had to choose between the OP-1 and the Deluge, I would personally get the Deluge every time. The Deluge is more expensive, but it can do what the OP-1 can do and more, with more professional results. Yes, with a higher learning curve.
UPDATE: After one month, my unit crashed so many times. After the first 2 weeks in; I completed a new update and reset. My unit worked for 2 more weeks, then suddenly crashed with no return. I didn't want to like the OP-1; I liked it! However, for such a premium price, my unit was unstable to the point of it being completely unreliable and unusable. Thank you Thomann for your understanding, but was it really just my unit? I wish I could have piece of mine when owning an OP-1, but at this point there is absolutely no way I would trust a product from Teenage Engineering.
1
0
Report
HR
OP1 amazing device.
The incredible pleasure of using the OP1 is indescribable! You have to buy and feel like a millionaire. High quality workmanship and versatility. The sound may not knock you out, but in the mix it sounds very nice. When connected to external effects and mastering chain, you can get phenomenal sounds. I highly recommend OP1 everyone.
0
0
Report
l
Best music creation tool!
This magical device is any music creator's dream come true. It's super intuitive and has so many capabilities that it's really an all-in-one music creation device. On top of that the sound quality is amazing and it's built like a tank!
0
0
Report
i
The OP-1 changed my life
There's not really a lot to say here, and yet, so much.
The OP-1 completely made me reinvent the way I think about making music. Nowadays I work 90% on it, on the go, instead of being stuck on a studio... The freedom it gives you is unparalleled. This is not a sampler, a synth, a drum machine. This is the OP-1. It's on a category of it's own, and it's completely unrivalled.
Is it a lot of money? Yes it is. But it's also, by far, the best investment I've ever done in my life.
Love this thing. Teenage Engineering created a classic here.
The OP-1 completely made me reinvent the way I think about making music. Nowadays I work 90% on it, on the go, instead of being stuck on a studio... The freedom it gives you is unparalleled. This is not a sampler, a synth, a drum machine. This is the OP-1. It's on a category of it's own, and it's completely unrivalled.
Is it a lot of money? Yes it is. But it's also, by far, the best investment I've ever done in my life.
Love this thing. Teenage Engineering created a classic here.
2
0
Report
M
Don't even think about it...Buy it!
Just know what you're getting yourself into first: A fantastic little synth, well, synths, with keys, usable solo or with others, a four track recorder, an amazing sampling drum machine and f.x. All of this in a box the size of a small, portable, pc keyboard, housing a great display, a speaker and keyboard. Oh, if you want something with the made in China feel ,forget this, it's solid and feels like a piece of military technology, able to go into the field. Actually, it feels like its from another world, or at least the future! I just wish I hadn't waited..also, a great controller for a computer DAW and a great community of users out there too.
12
2
Report
b
Portable studio-in-a-box
To cram so much functionality into something this small while keeping it simple to use is rarely found. You can tell a lot of thought has gone into this unit. We really don't need a multitude of functionality to get lost in, just a good sound and a few tweakable parameters.
The Teenage Engineering OP-1 is a light house in the stormy sea of complex DAW's and software controllers. Make a few songs with it using just 4 tracks and surprise yourself at how good it can actually sound with a bit of internal sound mangling and imagination. If you are deep in the DAW rabbit hole then grab one of these and realize that making music can actually be quick a fun.
The Teenage Engineering OP-1 is a light house in the stormy sea of complex DAW's and software controllers. Make a few songs with it using just 4 tracks and surprise yourself at how good it can actually sound with a bit of internal sound mangling and imagination. If you are deep in the DAW rabbit hole then grab one of these and realize that making music can actually be quick a fun.
2
1
Report
