OP-Z Review and First Impressions
Рет қаралды 6,844
Күн бұрынRecently I bought an OP-Z, as the OP-1 didn't quite scratch my itch for a portable music making device. There's a lot to say about it, so here's my first impressions and honest thoughts on this tiny gadget from Teenage Engineering. The good, the bad, and the delightful.
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@josuearesav 3 жыл бұрын
I love your honesty. I was cracking up when you mentioned portability and how expensive shit is. It's so true!
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Haha cheers Josue. No point in something being tiny if it costs more than yer house!
@HanjoSynth 3 жыл бұрын
OPZ has been my first and main music making device for about a year now. I think it takes time to wrap your head around it but the amount of features te packed is insane. When you manage get over the build a quality concerns, you see it as a truly amazing device. Nice review! Love to hear other people's thoughts on the device.
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! Agree. It's way deeper and feature packed than I expected it to be!
@Mode-7 3 жыл бұрын
I was looking forward to this review. The rumble pack sounds really cool. I like how TE has some of that retro video game vibe in all of their gear. It speaks to me.
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Same here! The Rumble Pack makes a big difference, even though on the face of it it sounds utterly ridiculous ha.
@nigelrogers8690 3 жыл бұрын
Great video 👍🏾 I was thinking about getting one of these....I'm still up in the air. Thanks for sharing, superb channel 👏🏾
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Cheers for watching Nigel! If you can find it second hand I think it's well worth the cost IMHO. Lots of fun to use. At full RRP of £500ish it's a bit steep.
@darkeye79 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks again for your time buddy, keep going, keep building the channel you make good relatable content! Any pocket operator videos?
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Cheers! Thanks for watching. And aye... got a bunch. Check out this playlist: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gNmkarmrutvLm4k.html
@ebraltazar3498 3 жыл бұрын
Subbed! Fun to watch. Love OP-Z and I want to connect it to a novation Launchcontrol XL I just ordered. I love the idea of changing envelope parameters and effects, filters and panning at the same time. There are templates to start with and tweak. Also YT video’s explaining the templates. I think the physical control of 8 faders for tracks and all those knobs for controlling parameters will make it a great studio tool. Anyway. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to the next.
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot Emile! Sorry for missing your comment before now. Hope you enjoy the LaunchControl!
@Two-Eyed_Boy 3 жыл бұрын
Congrats on 2k friends that are synths!!
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
2k maniacs!
@nitespell6429 2 жыл бұрын
Mate your OP1 portability rant was spot on word for word! That's why I'm selling mine to grab a OPZ, love the OP1 but totally agree with what you said taking it out was a whole process.
@StephenMcLeod 2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad somebody relates! For the cost... it just isn't as portable as I would like in terms of features. I prefer the OP-Z for making music on the go, or the Dirtywave M8, which kills them all.
@kabood777 3 жыл бұрын
my unit also came last week, and man I'm having fun, great honest review as always, thank you 😊👌😉✌
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching! I love how easy it is to get stuck in.
@kabood777 3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod exactly I believe its immediacy must be its strongest point, I really believe that when it comes to interface design TE is doing something very unique with their devices
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
@@kabood777 Yeah. Say what ye will about them... they're doing things that other folks aren't!
@kabood777 3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod one question, man I've been trying since the day that I bought the op-z to pair it with the microbreak through USB midi, I believe you have both units, any help is much appreciated ... I think I really warped my brain with no success over this one 🤦♂️
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
@@kabood777 are you looking to sequence the MicroFreak from the op-z?
@silvialain Жыл бұрын
Hello. Thanks 😊 I just ordered mine ( expecting to get it Friday) and wanted to make sure it is a good choice. That’s how I got here. At that price range there are so many great little devices, but I think it’s the only one that will be travelling with me the whole time. I understood everything you said although English is not my main language (I learned by watching tv and with social media and gaming stuff) so you’re doing a great job. Thank you
@StephenMcLeod Жыл бұрын
Thanks a lot for your kind words. Hope you love it!
@aki_gong6271 Жыл бұрын
Pretty interesting looking device. Looks really well design and beautyfull sounding actually.
@StephenMcLeod Жыл бұрын
It is a cool thing!
@GradyNickel 3 жыл бұрын
You're exactly right about so-called portability. These days I judge the portability factor on how easy it is to take into another room of the house. This stuff is too expensive to risk.
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Aye. The OP-Z is far better in that regard. It comes with me most places now!
@XtianApi 11 ай бұрын
Smarties is an American family owned business since 1947. We are very proud of them, and that they are still owned by the family. :)
@StephenMcLeod 11 ай бұрын
TIL!
@StephenMcLeod 11 ай бұрын
Although I think American Smarties are actually different...
@XtianApi 11 ай бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod really?! Wow, I did not know that. I'm going to go see what I can learn about that. Share if you have any info
@StephenMcLeod 11 ай бұрын
@@XtianApi Indeedy. If you search for Smarties UK you'll see what I mean. Smarties in the UK are more like M&Ms.
@malcolmbliss777 Ай бұрын
Sweet Tarts are better (Sunmark Corporation, used to be based in my hometown of St Louis).
@audiblevideo 3 жыл бұрын
I'm fascinated by the Scotts since I met a wee bonny lass years ago and her accent captivated me, so wee and zed away. (Subbed to you before this vid.) I bought a Deluge instead of an OP-Z and I don't mind the increased size w a decksaver in my messenger bag.
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Unfortunately I doubt I am as captivating as a lovely Scottish lassie, but I'll try. I want to get my hands on a Deluge...
@TL_454 3 жыл бұрын
Think the body is actually made out of some weird fiberglass/plastic combo. Definitely gives it an interesting texture and a nice feel, but I think that’s also what’s led to the warping issues. Did you experience that at all with yours? The one I bought and subsequently returned would rock from corner to corner since the body was slightly warped and the feet wouldn’t sit flat. Have also heard this causing issues with the buttons triggering.
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Think you're right there. I haven't had an issue with it sitting flat, though I did experience some stickiness with a few buttons when I first got it. Glad (I guess?!) to hear that it is a physical thing rather than a software one.
@FuZZbaLLbee 3 жыл бұрын
At least with the OP-Z you don’t have to worry about cracking the screen 😀
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
True that!
@steveedwards4495 3 жыл бұрын
But you do have to worry about it turning into a corkscrew and the encoders falling out lol.
@carlos_martinezzz 3 жыл бұрын
TE recently updated the Photomatic track. You can upload your own videos or photos from your apple or android device and warp/sync them to play along your music 👍
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Nice. Is that different from the video/photo function that I showed briefly?
@carlos_martinezzz 3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod I was referring to the Photomatic editor not motion track haha. Yes, the addition was that you can import directly from the app instead of having to drag folders on a computer. Is easy to record your screen and 'sample' a short video from anywhere or use your own footage. Nice to find your channel by the way!
@malcolmbliss777 Ай бұрын
I got mine used, as an open box model. Just like new. Especially after installing upgrades to OS, and wiping it back to being stock. Great li’l thingy, and right now TE is blowing out the extras to these…
@leewightman8619 Жыл бұрын
Iv got a remote control for the telly that looks just like the opz same size same colour and has red yellow blue and green buttons in the same place as the nob bits ...
@user-pv4uu9hu3u 3 жыл бұрын
After a while, remembering the colour coded function becomes second nature, there is not that much remembering. I can leave it to one side and not touch it for a month and the moment I pick it up my fingers automatically know what to do!
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
You must have a better memory than I haha. Hopefully I get to the same point!
@thekidwhopopstoday 3 жыл бұрын
Yass. I love your videos :)
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Thanks man!
@jaguarvssnake 2 жыл бұрын
I’ve been using an OP-Z almost every day for most of the past year. Now I’m looking at the M8, partly because of a video you made on it. I know they’re different devices, but how would you compare them in terms of factors like sample handling, finishing tracks and pure fun? These are the main things that are pushing me to get an M8, though I’m not selling my OP-Z as I love it and there’s still so much to explore.
@StephenMcLeod 2 жыл бұрын
The M8 is far more powerful than the OP-Z in every way... though a bit more complex in terms of getting started. Once you get into the tracker workflow though, it's brilliant. The best device I've used in years!
@sodiumlights 3 жыл бұрын
ace honest overview thats sadly been missing from the net so far. Imagine this machine inside a product that feels as cool/durable as a device designed for life. Its shipped in a silly foam cased cardboard box. Not a plastic shell which would cost no more than 1 buck. the one question is Would I miss it if it wasn't here? the answer is yes. But wallet says NO! THE TRUE FCKIN REVIEW. Bless you amigo xx
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Hah, I hear you. If it was a bit more solid (like the metal of the OP1) it would be a force to be reckoned with!
@Nick-yk4pq 2 жыл бұрын
video requests: monster modular walkthrough studio gear rundown
@StephenMcLeod 2 жыл бұрын
Noted!! I've got them on the list. Trying to figure out how to do them well enough to make them interesting. For the modular walkthrough, what kinda thing would be most useful to show?
@lecliche8849 3 жыл бұрын
You have the observation skills of a stand up comedian, but on synths. Cool. What I never understood about the OPZed was the on/off sticky-out nob/switch/lever thing. Why go to all the trouble of having those four ones on the front flat and then stick this on/off lever thing on the edge? Bonkers.
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Haha. At least someone appreciates my genius. And aye, I briefly mentioned that in the video, and should have spoken about it more, but it was verging on a ridiculous length as it was. The volume knob is such an utterly bizarre choice. I like it as an idea... but not on a device where everything else is flat. Mental! Truly nonsensical. I guess it would be to stop there being a way to turn the thing on in your pocket, but sure you could achieve that in a different way. I don't get it at all.
@blormpf1740 3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod seems like a slider (like a fader) along the side would have made more sense... possibly with 10 detents.
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
@@blormpf1740 Aye, the sticky out power knob thing is bonkers. Truly bonkers.
@taylorst.5131 2 жыл бұрын
For all the bad things i had to say about the OP-1 almost none of them apply to the op-z. This thing has held up to heavy use it's not failed me since i bought it. the rear cover is slightly warped but it's never really bothered me. The work flow thing still holds true but it's really been a dream and i find the price is not completely unmerited. I've had so much fun and recorded so many things from op-z. And the rumble pack as gimicky as seems once it's rumbling in your hands it feels alive! Considering the cost to manufacture I would complain about price considering the op-1 used to sell for roughly the same and the whole price gouge crap after that screen shortage i keep mentioning. LOL But you're right this thing is feature packed and i truly think this one is worth it. A joy to play and effortlessly portable. I'll say it again, bump this guy up i want to see the euro rack tour.
@StephenMcLeod 2 жыл бұрын
The rumble pack on the OP-Z is so under-rated. I was playing with it in bed the other night with headphones on and the sensation of the rumbling with the music genuinely gave me a fright, as I subconsciously thought I had plugged in a big speaker or something. It really does make it come alive, like you've said. I wish there was a way to get the stems out to record it/arrange later a bit easier, but that would kind of go against the whole improvisation thing in some ways.
@taylorst.5131 2 жыл бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod There is nothing quite like the rumble pack. Yeah i can imagine kicking back in bed for a little jam and suddenly thinking "Oh no, i've just woke up my neighbors!" LOL It quite convincingly vibrates at the frequency of the notes you're playing. It's a pretty impressive little add on. it would be incredibly convenient if perhaps via usb you could independently record all the tracks to a daw simultaneously. I tend to mute all the tracks and record them in one by one. Hey, have you fiddled with the tape track? It seems worthless at first. i'll say It's an acquired taste but once you acquire it's fantastic for fills. And once you've used conditional triggers it's something you just can't live without. Outside of the OP-Z i do not think anything offers conditional triggers short of the $800 digitakt. I haven't tried the midi expansion yet. I might never once you get used to the rumble pack you really notice it missing if it's not there. It never ceases to surprise the uninitiated with it's huge bass sounds and the charming plucky sounds that made the OP-1 such a temptation. The OP-Z is un arguably a loveable little machine with big capability.
@StephenMcLeod 2 жыл бұрын
@@taylorst.5131 Yeah, agree! The rumble pack is excellent. A bit pricey, but I got mine second hand so I'm not too bothered, especially as like you said it brings it to life. If you could record each track separately, even over usb, that would be brilliant. It could come in a future firmware upgrade, but ehhh I doubt it given TE's past form. Hopefully though. You never know. I've also had similar thoughts re the midi expansion. I'd like to try it out as a sequencer, but I think swapping the rumble pak out might be a pain in the arse, and I'd definitely miss it haha.
@HammyHavoc 3 жыл бұрын
Down here in Liverpool, you're likely to get stuck on a list if you pull out your OP-1 in public!
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
The Scousers always love when I whip it out.
@HammyHavoc 3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod In all seriousness though, this video might have tipped me over the edge on the OP-Z; nice to see some rational thoughts on it! Stay well mate. :- )
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
@@HammyHavoc Awesome! I genuinely like it a lot. If you can find one second hand in good nick it's worth the cost for the portability alone.
@indigosnow_ Жыл бұрын
Anyone know a way to fix the battery ussue?
@StephenMcLeod Жыл бұрын
What's the battery issue?
@LlewynDaviesTheThird 3 жыл бұрын
Lemonheads eh ?
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
Hate Your Friends!
@daneguitarist1 3 жыл бұрын
I feel like I'd get along with you
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
I have nae pals.
@daneguitarist1 3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod this is the first video ive seen of yours, so i dont know what you are into yet, but what is your favorite synth/synth module if you are into eurorack/ or groovebox or whatever i tend to use a lot of noise engineering, i love my strega, and qu-bit data bender
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
@@daneguitarist1 Tough question! I got into electronic music via the chip world, so my favourite synth sound is probably the SID from the C64. Anything a bit raw and aggressive like that I'm into.
@daneguitarist1 3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod haha I pretty much cut the highs on everything and make it less raw with excessive reverb Vampire bat module forever haha
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
@@daneguitarist1 Is there such a thing as excessive reverb?! Reverb forever!
@sodiumlights 3 жыл бұрын
take away that cold base plate and replace it with plastic. still worth it? why are we paying so much for ingenious design now. small company, cool, but who wants their ideas realised into a form that looks like it came from budget market off cast?
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
If the body was as sturdy as the OP1 it would be worth the dosh... probably, but it's expensive as is. Agreed!
@sodiumlights 3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod you can see their profit model. it just always guts me to have such a beautiful device that feels cheaper than my cheap telly remote. And I still feel like some leper for pointing any flaws out. but, ya know, money is cheap.
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
@@sodiumlights Ha don't worry. I tend to get dog's abuse any time I criticise things... even though I still like and use them! I think it's fair enough to point out shortcomings when you're spending your hard earned cash on something.
@sodiumlights 3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod exactly the way I feel. Healthy crit is important. I always try to imagine the product I want to buy without a manufacturer's label on it. Their radio, op-1, op-z are overpriced and experience. But you know how you reassess that value? For the price of an op-1 you can buy 66 cranks! Yes! 66 bits of plastic.😜
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
@@sodiumlights the crank costs... don't get me started.
@MadOrange644 2 жыл бұрын
All my friends are simps
@StephenMcLeod 2 жыл бұрын
I wish they were.
@wurlinnawurl 3 жыл бұрын
I don't think it is very far l fair to blame them forthe state of Bluetooth or how hard it is to create animations..if it was easy everybody would be doing it.. They let us load our own videos so that was a good answer.. Thru don't expect everybody to know unity.
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
I mean, I agree. I don't think I blamed them. I said that I don't love the way the Bluetooth connection works compared to other devices, and that's probably a failure of OSX - but it's still annoying. On animations: I gushed about how great it is to be able to control visuals with the OP-Z and what a cool idea it is, but that I wished there was an easier way to make them.
@wurlinnawurl 3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod i just mean you were listing things you don't like about the opz.. But those are limits of other things. I use the app with my ipad pro, iphone, and android and it is much easier them with the imac. I get what your saying, but to someone unfamiliar it might be confusing i mean. You can easily edit your own videos to the music, it us creating custom graphics that is hard.. I suspect there has not been an easy way to do this because it is an industry and there are entire schools dedicated to teaching these skills that would simply be not needed if it was easy. Lots of people would lose their careers.
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
@@wurlinnawurl I mean the exact same argument could be made about the ability of folks to record their own music generally. Should companies not produce tools like Logic, to make sure that people have to hire expensive studios with big reel to reel tape machines that only certain people can operate? What about tools like Final Cut Pro to let regular folks make videos at home? I'm not sure that argument makes much sense to me. :)
@wurlinnawurl 3 жыл бұрын
@@StephenMcLeod well they did..you see what it has done to the music business.. I mean you have to be a influencer like you too make any money really..unless you are a very select few. Too make a good living is very hard. That actually is a good example.. The selling of music has fallen apart because everybody can do it now. Anyway I'm not trying to argue, i actually really like your videos and think your a cool guy. I think we probably agree and are just seeing it from different angles.
@StephenMcLeod 3 жыл бұрын
@@wurlinnawurl yeah. To be fair, I don't make any money either haha. I used to be a professional photographer but couldn't make enough cash because of the way the industry changed, so I get your point!
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