Is the OP-1 Worth it in 2019?

Is the Teenage Engineering OP-1 still worth it? Or should you go for a Novation Circuit or OP-Z instead? It really depends on what you're trying to do.
Subscribe for more electronic music!

Note that the link above is an affiliate link, which gives me a little commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use it. :)

Social media:

[pprophet]

Im desparately looking for any reason not to spend 1200 dollars and get this thing

[CapFlipGaming]

It's stupid expensive for someone wanting to get into music. It's everything I want though

[gmchessplay]

Is the OP-1 Worth it in 2019?
Gabe: It depends
Me: Well then

[Hanoveur]

When I first started learning music production, I laughed at the OP-1 and it's insane price. A year later, I'm about to own one.

[starsdie]

I bought mine in 2017...sold it in 2018 because I thought it would not match to my workflow.

Well...tomorrow my new OP-1 will arrive. F***...I just love this small, big gem!!

[LiamKillen]

There was a price increase!? I didn’t even know! I just bought one today. Can’t wait to dive in.

[floatingsuburbia]

Nice overview! I own the OP-1 and OP-Z. OP-Z might seem difficult without a screen for the first few days but isn’t necessary once you learn. I never use the app anymore and find it distracting.

Personally I resonate with the OP-1 because of how enjoyable it is to create on. There’s a process due to the limitations of tape. Your final results are more meaningful than infinitely adjustable MIDI notes. The tape feels more like patching with modular in that each session is an exploration of sound. You might accidentally mess up an idea you had on the tape, but it’s OK. The risk is rewarding.

I got my OP-1 for $700 from MOMA. The price today is bananas but I would still buy it at the steep price.

[BryanRollinsTV]

I just got the OP-1 and was planning on selling the Circuit, but now i’ve been convinced to keep it. I will say the iPad is definitely a contender for budget-minded ‘groovebox’ as well.

[TOMLEWS]

Had one, sold it for a good price about 2 years ago. Price literally doubles and it's sorely missed...refuse to pay what people ask for them now...but GAS :(

[tnapolitano]

This video is great, very informative and your opinion helps a lot!

[Imetalman]

Op-1 is a song creation machine. I have a line up, korgs, Behringer, Arturia. The OP-1 is still the heart of my rig, I record my other synths on the tape. If cost is an issue for you I recommend buying korg volcas, or pocket operators. I wanted to go dawless and I havent record a single track on DAW since owning the OP-1

[OttosTheName]

Oh wow good to know about the whole tape thing. I know the Circuit has it's limitations, but it's also less than a quarter of the price, at the pricepoint of the OP-1 personally I'd want full flexibility and being able to tweak after the fact. And freaking Midi (without getting a 80 usd box which also ruins portability)

[proptosis]

I've owned one for a year. I use it all the time, it bangs.

[AdamsBrew]

I think the closest competitor would be Synthstrom Deluge. What it lacks in gamification (OP1s cute game-like UI, etc) it more than makes up for in power and versatility. Can use the built in audio looper like OP1’s tape, with or without the sequencer.. Battery lasts all day, built in I/O for sampling, multiple synths/effects engines, etc. and its $300-$400 cheaper. Not as small but still very portable.

[christopherecatalano]

I live in Canada ($ sucks) and really sweated it out after buying this thing... it is the most fun I have had with a piece of music tech ever. I keep discovering things it can open up creatively. No, it does not sound as pristine as even your average DAW setup, but for 4 part sonic experimentation/composition it is a thing of wonder.

[itsmorphinetime]

Oh man, so I just got my OP-1 this week after literally consuming a year's worth of youtube videos and tutorials on it, and I have to say, nothing rings out more true than your statement on workflow. I didn't think much of it, because I figured it wouldn't bother me, but the tape system is definitely a bit more cumbersome than I initially thought, especially for someone coming from the ease of the Circuit and its sequencer format. I'm trying to learn to love it, since I have a few days left to return it for a full refund, but right now it's tough for me to accept that I don't absolutely love it considering the cost of the thing. I am curious whether the OPZ and its sequencer focused workflow might have been a better fit for me.

[PlayEngage]

Thanks for this video, Gabe! I decided to not indulge in OP-1 and stick with my MPC Live. To those asking what is the best you can get if you have the budget for up to more that 1, 000 € of music gear, you can get an iPad + midi controller + audio interface and load it with tons of music production apps or get an Akai MPC One for half the price of the OP-1.

[yongamusic]

Bought mine in 2018 when amazon apparently made a mistake and priced it at €600, -. Sold it a year ago and moaned its loss ever since. Today I bought one 2nd hand for €750, -. Money incredibly well spent!

It seems your shirt summarizes it all, thanks shirt :)

[rogeriocrispim]

I got one years ago, around 2012 (when the price was lower than 2019) trading it for an Electribe ESX + some pedal effects. Great deal for what its worth. For the current 2019 price, there are many options around those numbers, but few are forward thinking and towards easing creativeness as the OP1.