17 thoughts on “Teenage Engineering OP-Z Review

  1. After weeks working with this synth, I can easily say I don’t miss the display. Not for everyone sure but it doesn’t hinder as much as people think it does. The app is easy and make swapping sample packs a breeze.

    The only thing I wish it had, was the ability to assign tracks. For example, I don’t think I will ever use the DMX lighting track. Would be nice to swap out that one for another sample track.

    1. I actually decided to buy this once I saw the screen in use in demos before it came out. Ironically, I don’t use it that much. Once you get the hang of the layout and LED system, it really doesn’t need it.

    2. Totally agree, I took a day to get to grips with it and it became straight forward. Strangely enough I sold the OP-1 after a 3 weeks of getting it as I just couldn’t gel with it, I’ve played the OP-Z every day for the last couple of months, I love the fact it forces me to listen to what I am doing rather than look at a screen.

      1. Agreed on both counts. Never gelled with my OP-1. Love the OP-Z and used it for months without ever pairing a screen. It really doesn’t need it at all.

  2. I ordered one immediately and haven’t looked back. Agreed, it’s not for everybody, but I really works for me. The portability is desirable, I really don’t miss the screen (I thought I would) and I’m finding that I’m just making more music that I used to. Software is great, no doubt, and more versitle. But the OP-Z is just plain fun.

    The ability to program the sequencers, shorten the number of steps, slow them down, and start adding in step components to alter things brings this closer to the realm of generative sequencing. You give is some rules and see where it goes.

    I can also appreciate that it’s a developing platform… I expect it will grow with time in the same way that the OP-1 did.

  3. Pretty bad review, lots of things not even mentioned and others not quite right. The amount of time you have to dedicate to know your way around it is actually one afternoon, just watch cuckoos videos and you’re set. We all like gaz, but his reviews are too chaotic.

    1. I agree. Gaz is awesome but this was kind of all over the place and it made the product seem disjointed and unrefined which it’s really not like that. There is a lot to it though so if you don’t organize the presentation in a logical way it can seem goofy and esoteric rather than useful very quickly. Cuckoo did a great job of walking through everything in a way that builds and allows the user to intuitively connect the dots as they go.

  4. whilst wall papering the hall thru a letterbox might be feasible…it’s not many’s preferred option.
    looks frustrating to use…you’d need a pad of paper and a pen really…the price though…eek!

    1. After a week you’ll know how to use 90% of the functions. It’s really well thought out and intuitive, and like one of the other commenters said: it makes you listen, which is great. I won’t say it’s not limited, but within those limits you can really make great music. Check for example this album by Rephazer, made entirely with the OP-Z: https://rephazer.bandcamp.com/album/a-after-z.

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