i bought an OP-1 Field // did I make a $2000 Mistake?!

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their initial struggles and eventual appreciation for the OP-1 Field synthesizer after a month of use. They candidly discuss the learning curve, the challenges of working with digital tape, and the frustrations of not having an undo function. Despite the steep price tag, they find the OP-1's portability and design compelling, and it pushes them to make better music by committing to their instincts. They also provide alternative recommendations for those considering a similar investment.

Takeaways

• 🎛️ The OP-1 Field is a portable synthesizer and workstation with a unique design and sound.
• 🤔 The user initially struggled with the OP-1 Field, finding it challenging to adapt to its workflow.
• 🎵 The OP-1 Field has a built-in battery with impressive longevity, which the user found very useful.
• 🔍 The user overcame frustrations by learning to create loops without clicks and pops and mastering the cut and paste function.
• 💡 The OP-1 Field's design is both a strength and a weakness; it's visually appealing but can be less functional than desired.
• 📈 The user found the transition between sections and making small changes in a beat to be difficult due to the audio-based nature of the device.
• 🚫 The user criticizes the OP-1 Field for feeling somewhat 'hipster' and toyish, particularly due to the synth section's interface design.
• 💸 The user suggests that the OP-1 Field may not be worth the $2,000 price tag for most people, but could be a good investment if portability is a priority.
• 🎧 The user recommends alternative portable devices like the SP-404 Mark II, SonicWare SampleTrack, and MPC Live for those seeking more budget-friendly options.
• 🎶 Despite initial challenges, the user appreciates the OP-1 Field for pushing them to make better music and commit to their creative decisions.
• 📝 The user concludes that the OP-1 Field was not a mistake for them, but advises potential buyers to consider their needs and budget carefully.

Q & A

What is the OP-1 Field and why did the speaker buy it?

The OP-1 Field is a portable synthesizer and workstation by Teenage Engineering. The speaker bought it out of curiosity, appreciation for its design and engineering, and to understand the hype surrounding it.

What were the initial challenges the speaker faced with the OP-1 Field?

The speaker initially struggled with recording loops that didn't produce clicks at the start and with the lack of a traditional undo function when recording over digital tape.

How did the speaker overcome the challenge of recording loops without clicks?

The speaker overcame this by using a workaround provided by Teenage Engineering, which involves recording into the tape with the metronome on and using the cut and paste function to avoid clicks and pops.

What is the speaker's opinion on the OP-1 Field's design and functionality?

The speaker appreciates the OP-1 Field's design and build quality but finds the graphical interface of the synth section somewhat confusing and not as functional as it could be.

How does the speaker feel about the OP-1 Field's portability?

The speaker values the portability of the OP-1 Field, as it is one of the most portable synthesizers they own, allowing them to create music on the go.

What alternatives to the OP-1 Field does the speaker suggest for those on a budget?

The speaker suggests the SP-404 Mark II for sampling, the Sonicware Sample Track and Sonicware Lo2 for budget-friendly portable options, and the MPC Live for a slightly larger but powerful alternative.

Did the speaker consider the OP-1 Field a $2,000 mistake?

The speaker does not consider it a mistake, as the OP-1 Field pushes them to make better music and they appreciate its design and functionality, despite the initial frustrations.

What is the role of DistriKid in the video?

DistriKid is the sponsor of the video, offering a service to upload music to platforms like Spotify and iTunes. They also provide a mastering service called Mixa.

How does the speaker's experience with the OP-1 Field influence their music-making process?

The speaker's experience with the OP-1 Field has taught them to commit to their recordings and trust their instincts, as the device encourages a more hands-on and less editable approach to music creation.

What advice does the speaker give to potential buyers of the OP-1 Field?

The speaker advises potential buyers to think hard before purchasing the OP-1 Field, considering their personal needs and whether the device's unique features and portability are worth the investment.

How does the speaker describe the learning curve of the OP-1 Field?

The speaker describes the learning curve as initially frustrating, with a non-intuitive interface and limited editing capabilities, but once they understood the device's workflow, they found it to be a smoother and enjoyable experience.