Synthesis

OP-1 comes with 10 unique synthesizer engines, all instantly accessible with

the sound selection keys. the synthesis palette ranges from physically modeled string synthesis to frequency modulation. the DNA synthesis is modeled on a machines individually unique ID which makes every OP-1 sound slightly different from another. the synthesis section also includes a selection of exchangeable LFO's, and effects.

instant sampler

Sampling is instant with the two built-in samplers, one for instruments like piano and one dedicated for percussion sounds and drum kits that automatically splits a recorded sound and lays it out on the 24 keys. the OP-1 also comes pre-loaded with great kits and instruments, and if you you want to create your own sample library, just sample anything using the built-in microphone or line in. It's never been easier, quicker or more creative to sample.

4-track tape

Anything you play, sequence or tweak you are able to record on the built in 4-track tape feature. match the tape speed to the sequencer clock for nice overdubbing with pitch changes, all in sync. change tapespeed while recording, or even record backwards in realtime. adding the optional crank accessory turns the tape into a hand cranked tape recorder.

mixer and effects

Add effects and texture to your sounds with the 4 channel mixer, including EQ, 7 stereo effects and a compressor. individual levels and pan controls for all four tape tracks. finalize your mix in the master out panel. in mixer mode you also have the option to solo and mute tracks with the push of a button or to add punch-in tape tricks for live performance.

Sequencers

One of OP-1's strongest features is its sequencers. instead of having one sequencer that handles everything, there's six unique sequencers doing only one task each. there's the tombola sequencer for random trig (enter notes in the tombola and every time a note hits the wall it is played. the harder a note hits the wall, the louder it plays). then there's the sketch sequencer that lets you draw notes freely with the knobs.

Built-in mic and FM radio

OP-1 has three sound inputs; the built-in mic, a 3.5 mm line in and a built-in fm radio. besides sound, all these three inputs can be used as input values in the element modulator, letting you modulate any synth or effect parameter from the sound input. the fm radio is also a great source of inspiration when you are traveling abroad and want to sample local radio stations or music. finally, there's a useful out-to-in function letting you do a mix-down when in tape mode.

controller mode

Pressing the com button turns OP-1 into a versatile midi controller with control change options, a two octave keyboard and four knobs. if selecting disk mode when in com mode, the OP-1 turns into a storage device, letting you drag and drop .aiff audio files to it or drag the complete tape with it's 4 tracks as separated individual audio files from it to your computer where you can do final tweaks in your DAW software.

instant tape editing

With cut / lift, drop and split, it's easy to edit your recorded material. the feeling of turning a knob to scrub through the tape and press split is a unique experience unmatched by mouse and keyboard or touch devices. this physical input and feedback makes using the OP-1 more intuitive and natural than more complex systems, and helps you focus on more important things like making music and being creative.

David Gillette

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